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📍 Kefalonia: the largest Ionian island; the airport is roughly 9–10 km south of Argostoli.
Is a Car Worth It in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is large and spread out, with scenic coast roads and villages far from each other. Public transport is limited outside Argostoli, and organised tours are slow. A car gives access to beaches, caves and mountain villages.
Our advice: base yourself in one area, such as Argostoli, Lassi or Fiskardo, and plan day trips; do not try to cross the whole island twice in a day.
Drive Times from Argostoli
Times are approximate and depend on traffic; use live navigation for the real figure.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Kefalonia Airport | ~9–10 km | about 15–20 min |
| Sami | ~25–30 km | about 40–50 min |
| Myrtos Beach | ~30–35 km | about 50–70 min |
| Fiskardo | ~50–55 km | about 1–1.25 hours |
| Lixouri | ~30 km by road (ferry shorter) | by road about 50–60 min |
| Skala | ~35–40 km | about 45–60 min |
Myrtos, Hairpins and Viewpoints
The road to Myrtos beach has a famous viewpoint with a steep, winding descent, and there are usually no barriers in places. Park at the viewpoint in a designated area, not on the roadside. Many beach roads on the island are unpaved, and insurance is generally not valid on dirt tracks.
- Drive hairpins in low gear and give way to uphill traffic where narrow
- Park only in marked areas near viewpoints
- Avoid night driving on mountain roads
Fuel and Ferries
Fuel stations are less frequent in the north and north-east, so fill up before long drives. Some ferries link Kefalonia to Ithaca, Lixouri and the mainland, but rental cars usually cannot be taken on board without the agency's permission.
Pick-Up and Delivery
Pick-up is usually delivered to your hotel in Argostoli, Lassi or Skala, or collected at Kefalonia Airport. Use the "Specify location" option in the search to choose, and check the car card for any fee. Do not rely on a named office unless it is written on the car card. If you arrive late, give the provider your flight number.
Documents and Age
- Valid driving licence, usually held for at least a year; minimum age is typically 21 (23 or 25 for larger or premium cars)
- Valid driving licence; drivers from outside the EU/EEA are generally advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their national licence — rules differ by nationality, so ask the agency what it requires before you travel
- Passport and the booking voucher
- A payment method that matches the offer: many agencies block the deposit on a credit card; use the No deposit or No credit card filter if you need an alternative
Insurance and Deposit Explained
With basic insurance the excess — your share of any damage — can be large and the agency blocks a deposit. Full coverage brings the excess close to zero and, with many local agencies, means no deposit. Typical exclusions are tyres, glass, the underbody, interior damage and lost keys, and the cover is not valid off-road. Motorway tolls, fines, parking and ferry costs are billed separately. Photograph the car with the agent at pick-up and return and make sure all damage is in the acceptance document.
Driving in Kefalonia: Roads and Habits
Local drivers are fast on straight stretches and expect you to pull in at passing places. Rockfall after rain is possible, and animals can appear on the road.
- Traffic drives on the right; give way to traffic already on a roundabout unless signs say otherwise
- Speed limits are signed — typically 50 km/h in towns, around 90 km/h on open roads and up to 110–130 km/h on motorways; cameras and police checks exist, so follow the signs
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers and children need a suitable seat; no handheld phone while driving
- Drink-driving limits are low and penalties are heavy — the safest rule is zero alcohol before driving
- On many main roads slower drivers move onto the hard shoulder to let others pass; do not assume it is always safe to overtake or to stop there
- Parking: white lines usually mean free or allowed, blue lines paid or restricted, yellow lines no parking; fines are charged to the renter
- Do not take the car on unpaved beach tracks or dirt roads: insurance is generally not valid there
- A rental car usually cannot go on a ferry or leave the country unless the agency agrees in writing