With charming villages like Assos and Fiskardo, the famous Myrtos Beach and the fairy-tale Lake Melissani, the island of Kefalonia is no longer an insider’s secret, so it gets very busy in the summer. However, if you’re in the right place at the right time, you can still enjoy a relaxing vacation on Kefalonia (Cephalonia).
We’ve put together everything you need to know about getting there, getting around, day trips, and much more. Whether you’re coming to swim or hike, or planning to go island-hopping in the Ionian Islands: With our Kefalonia travel tips, you’ll be perfectly prepared!
#1 Getting to Kefalonia
The easiest way to reach Kefalonia is by plane. Kefalonia Airport (EFL, Anna Pollatou Airport) is located in the southwest of the island, just about nine kilometers from the capital, Argostoli. It underwent extensive renovations in 2021, so passenger processing now runs smoothly.
Kefalonia is now well-connected by flights from all over Europe. Most flights come from the UK (including Jet2.com and EasyJet), with daily departures from London and even from Cardiff, Manchester, and Newcastle to the island. Consequently, Kefalonia is dominated by British visitors.
From Germany, the options are still limited. There are direct flights to Kefalonia only from Munich and Frankfurt, operated by airlines such as Condor. The flight time from Germany is about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kefalonia via Athens with a short layover on Aegean or Sky Express. On Skyscanner*, you can find suitable flights from the airport of your choice.
➲ Find affordable flights to the island*
From Austria, there are direct flights with Austrian Airlines from Vienna; from Switzerland, there are direct flights with Edelweiss from Zurich. If you’re looking for affordable travel to Kefalonia, check out EasyJet or Wizz Air. Flights via Bucharest, Milan, or Naples require a layover but are usually unbeatably cheap.
Most flights to Kefalonia are only available seasonally, between May and September. The exception is direct flights from the UK: The first charter flights from Jet2 and EasyJet to Kefalonia depart as early as April, and the last flights from London run through the end of October. Outside of this period, your only option is to travel to Kefalonia via Athens.
It’s a good idea to book a taxi transfer before arriving in Kefalonia. A taxi ride to Argostoli or Lassi starts at 25 euros, while a ride to Sami or Skala costs around 65 euros. On the Kefaloniataxiservice.gr website, you’ll not only find the current taxi rates but also the option to book directly.
#2 Ferry Connections to Kefalonia
Kefalonia is very easy to reach by ferry, as the island has six ferry ports: Sami, Poros, Fiskardo, Pessada, Argostoli, and Lixouri. The large port in the capital, Argostoli, now serves as a dock for cruise ships and as a connection to the town of Lixouri on the Paliki Peninsula. The most important ferry port today is Sami. If you’re arriving by ferry and plan to visit several islands during your vacation in a short period of time, you should book accommodations near the ferry ports.
Overview of Kefalonia’s ferry ports:
- Argostoli – Cruise port, car ferry to Lixouri (approx. 20 min.)
- Sami – Ithaca/Pisaetos (approx. 35 min., Ionion Pelagos and Levante Ferries) and Patras (approx. 4 hrs., Levante Ferries); seasonally also to Italy/Bari (approx. 14 hrs., Superfast Ferries)
- Poros – Kyllini on the mainland (approx. 1.5 hours, Levante Ferries)
- Fiskardo – Lefkada/Vassiliki (approx. 1 hour, Westferry) and Ithaca/Frikes (45 min.)
- Pessada – Zakynthos/Agios Nikolaos (approx. 1 hr 45 min, Ionian Sea Ferries)
- Lixouri – car ferry to Argostoli (approx. 20 min.)
→ If you want to take a day trip from Kefalonia, you can take the ferry from Pessada to Agios Nikolaos on Zakynthos, from Fiskardo to Lefkada, or from Sami to Ithaca.
The large, bright yellow car ferries operated by Levante Ferries run reliably between the Ionian Islands. In addition, Ionion Pelagos (Ionion P. Lines) operates routes between Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada, Zakynthos, and Astakos (mainland), as well as Westferry, which connects Lefkada with Fiskardo, and Ionian Sea Ferries, which connects Zakynthos with Pessada. There are also several small local passenger ferries and tour boats.
Ferries also run to Kefalonia from the Greek mainland, specifically from Patras and Kyllini. The fastest route from the mainland is from Kyllini to Poros: You’ll reach Kefalonia in about 1.5 hours. This is especially convenient if you’re planning a longer road trip in Greece or island hopping in the Ionian Sea.
If you’re planning to travel to Greece with your own car, you can even travel from the Italian port city of Bari to Kefalonia in the summer. This saves you the detour to Patras. Ferries from Italy take at least 14 hours, stop at the mainland Greek port of Igoumenitsa as well as on the island of Corfu, and are operated by Superfast Ferries and Ventouris.
During peak season, it’s a good idea to book your ferry tickets to Kefalonia well in advance, as seats can sell out quickly. The easiest way to do this is through our partner Ferryhopper*:
➲ Book your ferry with Ferryhopper*
#3 Best Time to Visit Kefalonia
Like the other Greek islands, Kefalonia has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and fairly mild, rainy winters. As we’ve experienced ourselves, however, there’s one difference compared to the Aegean: The Ionian Islands are slightly milder throughout the year than Crete, Rhodes, and the like. During our stay in Kefalonia in June, there was a brief shower every few days. In return, everything is lush and green—not as barren as in the Cyclades.
In April and May, Kefalonia is in full bloom, and daytime temperatures ranging from a pleasant 20 to 24 degrees provide ideal conditions for hiking. At the summit of Ainos National Park (1,628 m), however, temperatures rarely exceed 15 degrees. Many taverns open as early as Orthodox Easter, and by the end of May, there are still few tourists on Kefalonia. The sea, however, is still cool, so spring on Kefalonia isn’t really ideal for a beach vacation.
In June temperatures on Kefalonia can reach up to 30 degrees on some days, and the sea gets noticeably warmer. You can already enjoy swimming very well, especially on the southern beaches. However, you should still expect a few rain showers. On the plus side, all facilities are now open. Charter flights arrive on the island daily. Due to the island’s size, however, the crowds are spread out quite well; the Paliki Peninsula, in particular, is still pleasantly quiet. For us personally, the first half of June is one of the best times to visit Kefalonia.
July in Kefalonia means crowded beaches in the south, long lines at Melissani Cave, and temperatures of 35 degrees, making it nearly impossible to engage in strenuous activities. Unfortunately, a refreshing breeze like the ones found in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese is a rare occurrence. Starting in August, large numbers of Greeks from the mainland begin arriving on the island. Popular spots like Myrtos Beach or Fiskardo are then completely overcrowded. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll find the best conditions for a pure beach vacation.
Starting in mid-September, the Greek vacation season is over, and life on Kefalonia slowly returns to normal. However, temperatures are still summery and warm, and the water reaches its peak temperature. The nights are noticeably cooler again, but even during the day, with temperatures between 25 and 27 °C, you can still plan plenty of activities. Many hotels offer really good rates, and if you can snag an affordable flight, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable fall vacation on Kefalonia without the crowds.
October on Kefalonia is quite unpredictable, as the first autumn storms begin to form—storms that brew over southern Italy and unleash heavy rainfall over the Ionian Islands. Daytime temperatures are still a pleasant 22 to 25 degrees, making them ideal for an active vacation. Unfortunately, however, many establishments have already closed, and direct flights are gradually being suspended. For those seeking peace and quiet—and who get lucky with the weather—this is a great option.
→ For more on the climate of the Ionian Islands and the weather in Kefalonia, check out our in-depth article: Best Time to Visit Greece
#4 Hotel Tips for Kefalonia
Kefalonia offers the right accommodations for every budget. In addition to many small and mid-sized hotels on Kefalonia, there are countless self-catering options. From rustic studios to spacious apartments, luxury villas with pools, or quaint cottages in the countryside—there’s something for everyone. As is the case on all islands, the closer you are to the sea, the more expensive the nightly rate. If you really want to save money, you should look for a vacation rental in Kefalonia’s inland areas.
Popular vacation spots on Kefalonia include Lassi and Lourdata in the southwest, Skala and Poros in the southeast, and Sami and Agia Efimia in the east. Depending on the season, prices here start at 80 € per night. City dwellers will feel right at home in the two largest cities, Argostoli and Lixouri. The most expensive accommodations are in Fiskardo and Assos—the most beautiful spots on Kefalonia and true postcard-perfect locations. You’ll hardly find anything here for less than 200 €.
Here’s where we stayed on Kefalonia
Lorraine’s Boutique Suites in Lourdata
Lorraine’s Boutique Suites are located directly above Lourdas Bay and offer a breathtaking view across the Ionian Sea all the way to Zakynthos. But it’s not just the view that makes this place special. What we remember most of all is the warm hospitality, the picturesque sunsets, and the heavenly quiet nights when we fell asleep to the sound of the waves.
This small boutique hotel is run by sisters Rebecca and Evangelia together with their mother, Lorraine. You’ll feel welcome here from the very first moment. The modern suites feature a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a balcony or veranda—some with a hot tub.
Lourdas Beach is just a few steps away; it took us less than three minutes to reach the sea with our daughter. Since 2026, the hotel has also had its own beach bar. Instead of loud party music, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, creative drinks, and delicious Greek dishes that Lorraine herself prepares with great care.
We especially remember the many thoughtful touches: A basket of regional specialties, such as island wine, honey, and roasted almonds, was waiting for us as a welcome gift. In the mornings, we enjoyed breakfast with a view of the sea and pleasant conversations with the British regulars; in the evenings, we watched the sunset from our balcony while our daughter splashed around in the hot tub. It’s precisely these little moments that make Lorraine’s Boutique Suites a place we’ll be happy to return to.
→ Through our partner Booking.com*, you can find more information about Lorraine’s Boutique Suites and check availability and prices right away:
➲ Book Lorraine’s Boutique Suites*
More Hotel Recommendations for Kefalonia
Below, we’ve put together a personal selection of other beautiful accommodations on Kefalonia for you (links to Booking.com*):
- Poesia Suites* – new aparthotel in the south, conveniently located near the airport
- Canale Hotel & Suites* – boutique hotel at the Argostoli harbor
- Skala Hotel* – family-run hotel near Skala Beach
- Joleni Cottage* – vacation home in a green setting near Keramies
→ You can find many more accommodations on Kefalonia via Booking.com* and check prices directly here:
#5 Car Rental in Kefalonia
We recommend renting a car on Kefalonia. The distances on Greece’s sixth-largest island (734 km²) should not be underestimated. It takes nearly two hours to drive from Skala in the south to Fiskardo in the north. There’s no island highway like the ones on Rhodes or Crete. Driving on Kefalonia is generally quite relaxed, though; outside of town, the speed limit is usually 70 km/h. In August, there are regular traffic jams in Argostoli.
From our own experience, we know that local car rental companies are usually more affordable and flexible than international providers like Hertz or Avis. We recommend Simotas Car Rental or IonianCars. It’s best to book a rental car in Kefalonia in advance, as there are shortages in July and August.
You can reserve your rental car for Kefalonia right away through our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ Book a rental car for the island*
In the southwest, between the many settlements from Vlachata through Spartia to Lassi, you should be careful. The directions provided by Google Maps were a disaster, and the roads are extremely narrow, especially near the coast. By the way, you can also take your rental car to the neighboring islands by arrangement. During our time on Kefalonia and Ithaca, we saw rental car companies from the other islands. But please be sure to clarify this with the rental car company beforehand.
✓ Comprehensive coverage & unlimited mileage—at no extra cost
✓ Stay flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
✓ Secure booking & price comparison via Discover Cars
Quads, Scooters, and eBikes in Kefalonia
If you want to explore the area around your hotel, a quad, scooter, or e-bike often gets you around faster than you might think. A quad bike is worthwhile on Kefalonia, as it lets you tackle off-road trails that are off-limits to rental cars. On the narrow roads, you can weave past oncoming traffic much more easily.
You can also explore Kefalonia by bike, though there are significant elevation changes. While the south is flat, the island’s interior is very mountainous and suitable only for experienced mountain bikers. The Omalos Plain is a true dream for bike tours. In the north, the terrain flattens out again starting from Assos. But honestly, if you like biking, it’s best to explore Kefalonia on an e-bike right away.
Our recommendations for bikes, ATVs, and scooters on Kefalonia:
- Ezy Bike Rental, Argostoli
- GSR Rentals, Spartia
- Motoround-Kefalonia, Argostoli
- Rentabike Kefalonia, Argostoli
Taking the Bus on Kefalonia
Taking the bus on Kefalonia is only practical for short distances, or for longer trips if you’re a vacationer with plenty of time to spare. While public bus service on Kefalonia has improved significantly in recent years, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. In the summer, there’s an hourly bus service from the airport via Lassi—a resort popular with tourists—to Argostoli. This is very convenient for getting from the airport to your hotel or from there to the capital.
The main bus routes on Kefalonia
- Argostoli – Lassi – Airport – Svoronata: the most frequently used route, running nearly hourly between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- Argostoli – Sami: 2–3 times daily Mon–Sat, once on Sundays; convenient for the ferry connection to Ithaca or Patras
- Argostoli – Fiskardo: once daily; departure times vary slightly depending on the day of the week
- Argostoli – Myrtos or Argostoli – Assos: one round trip daily
- Argostoli – Skala / Poros / Kateleios (southeast): 1–2 times daily, depending on the day of the week
- Sami – Karavomilos – Agia Efimia – Divarata – continuing on to Fiskardo, Assos, or Myrtos: 1–2 times daily during the season
- Lixouri – Xi Beach / Kounopetra: several times a day, with good connections to the Paliki Peninsula
The remaining villages on Kefalonia are usually served only 1–2 times a week and often only on specific weekdays. There are no buses to small hamlets or remote beaches. A rental car is therefore essential for spontaneous exploration trips away from the main towns.
You can view the current bus schedule on the website of the municipal bus company KTEL Kefalonias: KTEL Kefalonias
#6 Things to See on Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and, as such, incredibly diverse. In the island’s interior rises the Ainos mountain range, which is over 1,600 meters high. Kefalonian firs (Abies cephalonica) grow all the way to the summit. In the south, there are countless sandy beaches surrounded by lush greenery that left us speechless. For us personally, encountering sea turtles on Kefalonia was a special highlight. You can observe them up close at the harbor in Argostoli and also in Lixouri.
In the north, a rugged beauty awaits you, featuring a spectacular coastline and the picture-perfect villages of Assos and Fiskardo, with their colorful houses right by the sea. A must-see on Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, which, to be honest, we liked better from above. And then there’s the Melissani Cave, which is well worth the long wait in line, as this place is truly one-of-a-kind in all of Greece. The Paliki Peninsula is also a real gem for anyone who loves unspoiled, authentic scenery.
→ In this post, we’ll give you a detailed overview of the most beautiful sights on Kefalonia and the places you shouldn’t miss: Kefalonia Highlights
Below you’ll find a summary of the most important sights in Kefalonia:
- Argostoli with the De Bosset Bridge and Koutavos Lagoon
- Kastro Agios Georgios
- Melissani Cave Lake and Drogarati Cave
- Myrtos Beach and the northern cliffs
- Assos with its Venetian fortress
- The picture-perfect village of Fiskardo
- Agios Gerasimos Monastery and the Omala Valley
- National Park around Mount Ainos (highest peak in the Ionian Islands)
- The Paliki Peninsula and the coastal town of Lixouri
- Ithaca, the island of Odysseus
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#7 Kefalonia Excursions and Tours
If you’re planning a vacation in Kefalonia, you should set aside at least one or two days to explore the island. You can do this on your own or, for those who prefer a hassle-free experience, as part of a guided tour. Although many of Kefalonia’s top sights are spread out, with good time management you can see most of them in a single day.
Combined tours to Lake Melissani, Drogarati Cave, and Myrtos Beach are particularly popular, often supplemented by stops in Fiskardo and Assos or a wine tasting at the Robola Winery. Kefalonia island tours start at €35, depending on duration and stops. Through our partner GetYourGuide*, you can view suitable Kefalonia excursions and check availability and prices:
➲ To the Assos and Fiskardo Day Tour*
➲ To the Melissani Lake and Myrtos Beach Tour*
➲ To the Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner*
If you prefer a more authentic experience, set out from the port of Argostoli on a boat trip along the west coast. You can choose from yachts and catamarans that offer excursions with swimming stops and a sumptuous barbecue, where the fresh catch is prepared right on board. Such a tour is especially recommended at sunset. Prices start at €65, and it’s a better alternative to the crowded, traditional tourist boats.
#8 Kefalonia Restaurants: Our Recommendations
Kefalonia has been popular among British travelers since the 1990s, and while many places still feature Greek dishes on their menus, international cuisine such as pizza, burgers, or pasta is also available on almost every corner. Classic dishes featuring rice, vegetables, and meat are also widely available on the island. On top of that, prices at taverns in Kefalonia are generally quite high: tzatziki for €7, Greek salad for €12, and moussaka for €16—and that’s for standard quality!
We’re fans of good, traditional home-style cooking, and that’s exactly what we struggled to find on Kefalonia. We tried countless restaurants and taverns, but the island’s cuisine rarely really won us over. We had our most traditional meals on the Paliki Peninsula around Lixouri, while we had to dig deepest into our pockets in the south and, of course, in Fiskardo.
Here’s a small selection of cafés and restaurants on Kefalonia that we particularly enjoyed:
- Chrysafis Restaurant, Konidarata – top-notch cuisine, very friendly host family, and a playground for kids
- Lily’s Café Bar, Peratata/Kastro – the coziest café on the island, with the best view ever
- Mezedopholia, Monopolata – for us, the most traditional spot on the island with warm and welcoming hosts
- Palazzo Al Mare, Agia Efimia – incredibly delicious Greek food, beautifully presented, and fair prices
- Palia Plaka, Argostoli – the best taverna in town, perhaps even on the whole island, right next to the cruise terminal
- O Tzivas, Proso – Owner Alain (from France) is the island’s hidden gem, serving authentic and delicious dishes
Our tip for really good food on Kefalonia: Skip the tourist spots along the crowded beaches and look for a taverna in the countryside or right on the Paliki Peninsula. Where pizza and burgers aren’t on the menu—or where the menu is even available only in Greek—that’s where you’ll find the best food on Kefalonia. We’ve saved all our favorite taverns on our Kefalonia Google Maps map.
→ You can find more posts about Kefalonia and plenty of tips for the Ionian Islands at:
- Ionian Islands Blog – An Overview of the Archipelago
Kefalonia FAQ: The Most Important Questions
Who is a vacation in Kefalonia best suited for?
Kefalonia is ideal for beachgoers, hikers, and nature lovers alike: The north is characterized by rugged cliffs, while the south features wide sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the Ionian Islands. The island is also ideal for families. However, anyone expecting short distances and an “island highway” like those on Crete or Rhodes will be disappointed, as the distances on Greece’s sixth-largest island should not be underestimated.
How many days should you plan for Kefalonia?
As the largest Ionian island, you should plan on spending at least 7 to 10 days to really get to know the whole island. If you’re planning an island-hopping trip that includes Ithaca, Lefkada, and Zakynthos and only have two weeks, you should spend most of your time on Kefalonia (at least five days); otherwise, you’ll miss out on many highlights.
What are the must-see sights on Kefalonia?
Highlights include the De Bosset Bridge and the Koutavos Lagoon in Argostoli, the Fortress of St. George, the Melissani Cave Lake and Drogarati Cave, the famous Myrtos Beach, the Venetian town of Assos, and Fiskardo—the only village that wasn’t destroyed in the great earthquake of 1953. A side trip to the neighboring island of Ithaca, the home of Odysseus, is also well worth it.
Which beaches on Kefalonia are the most beautiful?
The best-known and arguably most beautiful beach is Myrtos Beach, with its spectacular cliffs in the north. You’ll find other beautiful spots around Lourdas and Skala in the south of the island. Personally, we really liked the coastline around Xi, Paralia Petani, Fteri Beach, and Agios Thomas Beach.
When is the best time to visit Kefalonia?
You’ll get the most sunshine and the warmest water temperatures between June and September. For us personally, the first half of June is one of the best times to visit because almost everything is already open and it’s not too crowded yet. September, with its warm sea and the onset of tranquility, is also one of our favorites.
Do I need a rental car on Kefalonia?
Yes, we definitely recommend renting a car on Kefalonia. There’s no island highway like on Rhodes or Crete; it takes almost two hours to drive from Skala in the south to Fiskardo in the north. Although public bus service has improved, there’s still room for improvement.
How much does a vacation on Kefalonia cost?
Basic accommodations start at €80 per night, depending on the season. In Fiskardo and Assos—the most expensive towns on the island—you’ll quickly pay €200 or more for good accommodations. You can rent a car starting at around €189 per week.
Which towns on Kefalonia are good places to stay?
Popular vacation spots include Lassi and Lourdata in the southwest, Skala and Poros in the southeast, and Sami and Agia Efimia in the east. If you prefer a more urban atmosphere, Argostoli or Lixouri are good choices. The most beautiful—but also the most expensive—places to stay are Fiskardo and Assos in the north.
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