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Kefalonia is a stunning Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its exotic beaches, picturesque villages, mysterious caves and lush nature. It is the largest and most diverse island of the Ionian group, offering plenty of attractions and activities for visitors of all tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday by the sea, an adventurous exploration of the island’s natural wonders, or a cultural immersion in the local history and traditions, Kefalonia has something for you!
But how can you get around this beautiful island and make the most of your time there? In this blog post, we will give you some tips and advice on how to travel to and within Kefalonia, as well as some suggestions on what to see and do during your stay.
How to travel to Kefalonia?
There are two main ways to reach Kefalonia: by plane or by ferry.
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By plane:
Kefalonia has an international airport (EFL) that connects the island with Athens and several European destinations, especially during the summer season. You can find flights from major airlines such as Aegean, Olympic Air, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and more. The airport is located about 9 km from the capital of the island, Argostoli, and you can take a taxi or a bus to get there. -
By ferry:
Kefalonia is also well connected by ferry with the mainland and other nearby islands of the Ionian Sea. You can take a ferry from Killini or Patra in Peloponnese, or from Ithaca, Lefkada or Zakynthos. There are four main ports in Kefalonia: Sami, Poros, Argostoli and Fiscardo. You can check the schedules and prices of the ferries at
Greeka
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How to get around Kefalonia?
Once you are on the island, there are several options to get around and explore its beauty.
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By car:
The best way to get around Kefalonia is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to visit all the places you want at your own pace. You can find car rental agencies at the airport, the ports and the main towns of the island. The roads in Kefalonia are generally good, but some of them are narrow, winding and steep, so drive carefully and follow the signs. You will also need to pay attention to the wildlife, especially the wild ponies that roam around the national park of Mount Ainos. -
By bus:
Another option to get around Kefalonia is by taking the local buses (KTEL). They cover most of the island’s destinations, such as Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, Poros, Skala, Fiscardo and more. However, they are not very frequent or reliable, especially during the low season or on weekends. You can check the timetables and prices of the buses at
KTEL Kefalonias
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By taxi:
If you don’t want to drive or take the bus, you can also use taxis to get around Kefalonia. They are easy to find at the airport, the ports and the main towns of the island. They are also convenient for short trips or transfers. However, they can be quite expensive, especially if you want to travel long distances or during peak hours. You can check the fares and book a taxi at
Kefalonia Taxi
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By boat:
A fun and scenic way to get around Kefalonia is by taking a boat trip. You can join an organized tour or rent your own boat and explore the island’s coastline and hidden coves. You can also visit some of the nearby islands, such as Ithaca or Zakynthos. You can find boat tours and rentals at various locations around the island, such as Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, Fiscardo and more.
What to see and do in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is a paradise for nature lovers, beach goers, history buffs and foodies. There is so much to see and do on this island that you will never get bored. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss during your visit.
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Visit the beaches:
Kefalonia is famous for its stunning beaches, with turquoise waters, white sand or pebbles, and dramatic cliffs. Some of the most popular and beautiful beaches are Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas, Skala, Xi and Makris Gialos. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, surf or enjoy other water sports at these beaches. You can also find some secluded and unspoiled beaches, such as Emblisi, Petani, Platia Ammos and Dafnoudi. -
Explore the caves:
Kefalonia has some amazing caves that will take your breath away. The most famous one is Melissani Lake, a subterranean lake inside a cave with an opening at the top. The sunlight creates a magical effect on the water, making it sparkle in different shades of blue. You can take a boat ride inside the cave and admire its beauty. Another impressive cave is Drogarati Cave, a large cavern with stalactites and stalagmites that form natural sculptures. You can walk inside the cave and listen to its acoustics. -
Visit the villages:
Kefalonia has many charming villages that will give you a glimpse of the island’s culture and history. Some of the most picturesque ones are Fiscardo and Assos, two fishing villages with colorful houses, narrow alleys and lovely harbors. They are also surrounded by green hills and crystal clear waters. Another village worth visiting is Kourkoumelata, a village that was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1953 with a unique architectural style and a panoramic view of the sea. -
Hike up Mount Ainos:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike up Mount Ainos, the highest mountain of Kefalonia and the only national park on a Greek island. The mountain is covered with black pine trees and Greek fir, and it is home to many rare species of flora and fauna, such as wild ponies, eagles and orchids. The hike up is not very difficult, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the island and the sea. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Peloponnese, Ithaca and Zakynthos. -
Taste the local cuisine:
Kefalonia has a rich and varied cuisine that reflects its history and geography. You can taste some delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients from the land and the sea, such as kreatopita (meat pie), bourbourelia (bean soup), aliada (garlic sauce), riganada (bread with tomato and oregano), bakaliaros (cod fish), kouneli stifado (rabbit stew) and more. You can also try some local specialties, such as robola (white wine), mandoles (caramelized almonds), pastokidono (quince paste) and komfeto (quince preserve).
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration on how to get around Kefalonia and what to see and do on this amazing island. Kefalonia is a destination that will surprise you with its beauty, diversity and charm. Have a wonderful time!
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