Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions I receive. If you have a question that can’t be answered here please contact me.
Travelling to, in and around the island
Kefalonia International Airport is the only airport on the island and serves many international destinations.
Passenger services
A few Duty Free shops
Snacks, cafe and restaurant.
First aid
ATM
WiFi
Car rental desk
24/7 metered taxi service is available outside the Kefalonia Airport Terminal building. The journey from the Airport to Argostoli is about 15 minutes and the fare is around 20-25€ for journeys to the centre of the island would be around 50-60euros and to Fiskardo (north) around 90-100euros. You may be charged extra if you carry many pieces of luggage. Contact us to book a taxi or a van if you are more than 4 travellers in advance so you don’t have to wait and you know the cost in advance.
A transit bus service is provided between the Airport and the city of Argostoli (only during the summer season). There is a public bus stop in front of the terminal building (departures). Tickets can be purchased by the bus driver. For more information please visit the official website of the Kefalonia bus service http://www.ktelkefalonias.gr/en
Address:
Kefalonia Airport, Kefalonia 281 00
GPS:
Airport Latitude and Longitude
38° 7’10.83″N20°30’20.13″E
or
38.119675, 20.505592
There are 3 ports to reach Kefalonia from the mainland, two of them are on the Peloponnese, Patras port provides only one service per day this season at approx 3.5h reaching the port of Sami (centre east of Kefalonia) and Kyllini offers several services per day at 1.5h reaching the port of Poros (north of Kefalonia).
Patras Port is about 2,5 hours from Athens and Killini Port is approximately 3,5 hours from Athens. If you do not have a car, you can use bus transportation (KTEL) from Athens or Patras.
Then you can also reach Kefalonia from the port of Astakos which has two services per day and takes approx 2,5-3h check the site here www.ionionpelagos.com/en
The same company offers services from Ithaka to Sami and from Lefkas Island to Fiskardo.
Last, there is a speed boat offering an island-hopping service between Kefalonia, Meganissi, Lefkas, Paxoi and Corfu islands (please check carefully the route as it is circular.
Check my post on island hopping here too.
Port Authorities:
Kefalonia +30 26740-22111, Ithaca +30 26740-32104, Zakynthos +30 26950-23984 , Lefkas +30 26450-31555, Astakos +3026460-38020
There are relatively limited bus routes island-wide provided by KTEL, and their prices are very reasonable. With thorough planning, you can tour most of the island by bus, check out their website here but be prepared that your schedule will follow their timetables which are not always convenient. To get the most out of your visit I strongly recommend hiring a car for at least most of your stay, still, you could also explore by bike, land and sea taxi services, and boat tours. Contact me to send you some quotes and options.
Good but limited bus transportation is provided by KTEL. You can find local routes, (as well as routes to and from the mainland in conjunction with ferry boats), timetables and ticket prices can be found on their website. Routes connect Argostoli with all the main villages of Kefalonia and also to all main bus stations in Argostoli, Lixouri, Sami, Ithaca and Poros with the city of Patras & Athens. Check out their tourist map to plan your route!
5 Ant. Tritsi avenue – 28100, ARGOSTOLI-KEFALONIA
Tel. No. +30 26710 22276 / 22281
Tel. No. Athens +30 210 5150785
There are several cars, motorbike and bike rental companies to choose from. Contact us to send you their contacts.
Kefalonia is a mountainous island, so there are some high coastal roads, however, the main roads are usually in good condition and the road system is easy to follow as signs are in Greek and English. Extra care should be taken if it has rained, also you have to keep a lookout for the lazy goats sunbathing on the asphalt! Parking is usually easy and free, but as the season reaches it’s peak it is sometimes difficult to find spaces near busy areas and beaches.
If you don’t want to rent a car and use public transportation, the next option is to use a combination of land and water taxi services to explore the island, though this will be an expensive option. Contact me with your location and route and number of guests to send you an offer.
General Island Information
During the tourist season, generally April-October, the weather is usually sunny with temperatures rising to their peak in July and August. In the low season months, it can be sometimes rainy so be prepared to bring your raincoats with you. The temperatures can vary from 20-38 degrees C between the season months.
You can find out more details about average hours of sunshine, average amounts of rainfall, and average daily temperatures here
You can also see a forecast of the weather in Kefalonia for the next few days here.
Direct international flights to the island start from April until the end of October/early November. The high season occurs from mid-July to the end of August, during this period the island is very busy and beaches, tavernas and other places get very crowded. I would suggest coming before, or after the high season to make the most of the island, it’s more relaxed and peaceful, and sometimes you can have a beach to yourself! Though at that period it can be rainy at times. The prices as well for tickets and accommodation can be 1/3 of the high season prices if you come during the low season April, May, and October.
The accommodation that I have on my website is personally visited and the owner’s carefully selected so I can feel confident in recommending them to you – contact me with a short description of the number of guests, dates and what you are wishing to find as a property so I can send you choices according to your needs.
Generally, the beaches on the south coast of the island are sandy, many with shallow waters. From the centre to the north the beaches become pebbly with extremely clear waters, I would suggest buying some sea shoes if you have sensitive feet as it is worth exploring them too.
I am not a sand lover so I prefer the beaches of the centre and north of the island but is you travel with kids or have mobility problems you will definately appreciate the sandy beaches more, some of my favourites include, Ai Helis, Xi beach and St. Thomas
Take a look at our regional Travel Guides, they contain lots of information about attractions and things to do whilst you are here!
Travel Guide to Kefalonia
Travel Guide to Argostoli Region (central)
Travel Guide to Paliki (west)
Travel Guide to Livathos (south)
Travel Guide to Pylaros (north-central)
Travel Guide to Sami (east)
Travel Guide to Ainos & Omala (central)
Travel Guide to Elios-Pronnoi (south-east)
Travel Guide to Erissos (north)
Keep checking my website for added tours, unique local experiences and new guides or just send me your hobbies and needs to create for you a personal itinerary!
Kefalonia has a very safe and friendly environment, children especially are welcomed everywhere! We still leave our cars and houses unlocked and I have never heard of any bad incidents during my stay here. Normal precautions should be taken, particularly in reference to swimming and hitchhiking. Have a look at how Emily found it, travelling solo on her scooter.
Most of the islanders speak fluent English, especially those who work in tourist areas. Some of the older residents may not speak English very well but will try to talk to you anyway! Feel free to ask questions and there will be always someone available to answer, and if you can learn some simple greetings in Greek before you arrived it is always welcome. Other languages wildly spoken here include Italian.
Have you ever wondered why Kefalonia has so many modern buildings? Well, Greece is amongst the most earthquake prone countries in Europe, and since Kefalonia lies just to the east of a major tectonic fault (European and Aegean plates) it experiences many of them.
Any visitor to our beautiful island has no doubt heard about the devastating earthquake that rocked Kefalonia in 1953. The majority of the island suffered irreparable damage to its buildings, and whole areas were destroyed affecting home and work life. For example, the sea mills at Katovothres became redundant as the ground was raised by approximately 60cm at the southern tip of the island.
The phrase “pre-earthquake” is frequently used to describe areas that retain the Venetian style traditional stone buildings, such as the village of Fiskardo and Assos. You can also see many ghosts of pre-earthquake architecture around the island – in some areas substantial remains exist giving the visitor a glimpse into the past.
Earthquakes occur frequently on the island but most are over before you’ve even noticed them. There have been several notable earthquakes since 1953 but because of strict regulations on buildings the damage caused by them has had less impact and with no serious injuries reported.
You can be assured that all modern building work carried out is legally bound to adhere to strict guidelines to withstand major seismic activity – all buildings must have concrete foundations and be reinforced with steelwork in their structures.
It is indeed impossible to predict earthquakes but planning for them is key. As all new buildings have these strict regulations you can be sure that you are in safe hands on the island. Remember that the new guidelines suggest that it is safer to stay inside if you experience one during your trip!
In a word, No! The average age of the tourist used to be very relatively high but slowly the last years has dropped significantly meaning there are more businesses opening slowly offering fun and activities for younger people. Still, Kefalonia is mainly a family and quiet destination.
There are a few nightclubs on the island usually situated in the capital of Argostoli around Lassi and Skala area and a lot of beach bars on the most popular beaches. Most of the towns and villages have cafes and bars that stay open late with low key atmosphere. It is as easy to find non-alcoholic drinks as it is to find alcoholic ones.
Greek nightlife tends to centre on eating out, having a coffee or a beer, ouzo or tsipouro and meze with friends. Very often though families join the local music and dance festivals that take place around the island all year round but mainly in the summer season (Robola wine, moustalevria, gastronomic, music and many art festivals). Don’t miss the chance to participate in one of them and mingle and dance with the locals (check our events page to find one during your stay).
The majority of the accommodation offered in Kefalonia will provide free WiFi access with your stay. Cafes, bars, restaurants and tavernas usually offer free access but make sure to buy something from them. Some areas have poor access due to mountainous terrain and you should expect a slower connection than what you are used to! Still the last few years the networks have been updated and the speeds have raised but we cannot say that it is always stable and can be expected everywhere. A cellular network is always a good alternative and there is coverage in most areas but not everywhere so when hiking or driving through the mountains be prepared to lose the signal from time to time.
Shopping & Services
Most of the shops are open 7 days a week between 09.00am to 22.00pm (some even longer). Very few shops may close on a Sunday during the season. General opening hours are between 9am and 10pm , some more traditional shops may close for siesta between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. Many shop keepers speak English and you will find that they are all friendly and very helpful. Food stores, bakeries and tavernas tend to have longer opening hours.
In Argostoli and Lixouri, and in one or two smaller locations, you will find major Greek bank branches offering over-the-counter bank services. There are many cash machines and foreign money exchanges dotted around, particularly in tourist areas and larger villages. Post Offices generally have cash machines, there is also one at the airport. Credit Cards can be used almost everywhere so you can pay without withdrawing money, just double-check before you get to the cashier.
National Tourism Organization of Greece (EOT): +30 26710 22248
Municipalities
Municipality of Argostoli: +30 26713 60100
Municipality of Lixouri: +30 26713 60950
Municipality of Sami: +30 26743 60500
Municipality of Fiscardo: +30 26743 60300
Municipality of Ithaca: +30 26740 32795
Police Stations
Argostoli Police Station: +30 26710 27821
Tourist Police in Argostoli: +30 26710 22815
Lixouri Police Station: +30 26710 91207
Sami Police Station: +30 26740 22100
Fiscardo Police Station: +30 26740 41460
Ithaca Police Station: +30 26740 32205
Port Authorities
Patras Port Authority: +30 2613 615400
Killini Port Authority: +30 2623 092000
Argostoli Port Authority: +30 26710 22224
Lixouri Port Authority: +30 26710 94100
Sami Port Authority: +30 26740 22031
Poros Port Authority: +30 26740 72460
Ithaca Port Authority: +30 26743 60640
Fiscardo Port Authority: +30 26740 41400
Post Office in Argostoli: +30 26710 22312
Post Office in Lixouri: +30 26710 91206
Post Offices
Post Office in Sami: +30 26740 22012
Post Office in Ithaca: +30 26740 32386
Bus Terminals
Bus Terminal for Kefalonia in Athens: +30 210 5150785
Bus Terminal in Kefalonia: +30 26710 22276 / 22281
Health & Emergency Information
There are many pharmacies throughout the island and for minor problems, the pharmacist can usually help. The staff is usually able to administer injections and help with most problems. They sell a wide variety of medicines and products.
The Argostoli General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility on the island, providing both inpatient and outpatient care.
Souidias st., Argostoli
Tel: +30 2671 361100
The Health Centre of Sami provides primary care and prevention services.
Tel: +30 26740 22222
Mantzavinateio Hospital in Lixouri
Tel: +26713 60308
In an emergency call
First Aid: 166
For Covid related travel information please check this link.
Because of the varied terrains between towns and villages it is a good idea to check with the accommodation that you are considering whether there might be an issue. Some properties are located in town, some off the beaten track, either way they could have steps and steep inclines.
I am currently researching accessibility to beaches, services etc.
Mobility Kefalonia are an island based company offering daily, weekly or longer rentals of mobility equipment.
There are mosquitos and other biting/stinging insects on the island. Pharmacies, grocery stores, and kiosks stock a number of repellents, both natural and chemical, as well as bite relief creams and other remedies. You can purchase plug in repellents and light coils. Wasps can be a problem on some beaches, it is best to avoid sitting near to trash cans.
Unfortunately paper products (toilet paper, sanitary items and so on) can not be flushed down the majority of toilets on the island due to the restricted sewerage system. Flushing these items can cause serious blockages so bins are provided next to the toilet for them and are emptied regularly. Please check before flushing!
First Aid: 166
Fire Brigade: 199
Police Emergency : 100
Police Stations
Argostoli Police Station: 26710 27821
Tourist Police in Argostoli: 26710 22815
Lixouri Police Station: 26710 91207
Sami Police Station: 26740 22100
Fiscardo Police Station: 26740 41460
Ithaca Police Station: 26740 32205
Eating out & Food
Many restaurants add a service fee – check on their menu, it should be displayed. Tips are not obligatory but wages in Greece are low compared to many European countries and many locals only gain employment during the tourist season, so tipping is always welcomed, especially if you have received good service. Leave the tip on the table so that it is clear it is for the staff.
During the 2023 season, you could expect to spend on average approx. €15-25 p.p. for a starter, main and drinks. Of course if you choose fresh fish, or steak the prices will vary! Local wine is a good option and is much cheaper than bottled wine.
Greek food is an excellent choice for those with special dietary requirements, as it is rich in vegetables and fruits, and usually, the dishes are simply and freshly prepared to contain only what is in the description. If you are in any doubt ask directly if the dish contains the specific thing you can’t have. Most kitchens welcome you to take a look or ask about the dishes, many can be cooked to your liking, for example without salt. Many restaurants state on their menus if there are gluten-free dishes and what is fresh and what is frozen.
Volunteer & Environmental Organisations
There are several groups on the island that are involved in environmental protection and education, some of which are organised and run by volunteers. There are also groups that you can volunteer to help!
Environmental Centre of Mountain Ainos The Environmental Center Of Mount Ainos is responsible for the protection and conservation of the National Park.
The Katelios Group for the Research and Protection of Marine and Terrestrial Life is concerned with researching and protecting the dramatically declining physical environment and aims through its activities to find solutions to local environmental problems and to promote sustainable development, by working with interested organisations and individuals.
Wildlife Sense is a sea turtle research & conservation organization with a mission to protect endangered sea turtles and their natural habitats, offer a unique learning experience to the volunteers who join our efforts, and promote public awareness.
Kefalonia Botanica was established in 1998 at the initiative of the Focas-Cosmetatos Foundation. Its original aims were the preservation and display of the wild and endemic plants of Kefalonia and the promotion of environmental issues.
Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK) was founded on October 2011, by a team of animal loving people that live in Argostoli with the collaboration and help of the municipality of Kefalonia who provided the land for the shelter.
Traverso – Social Workshop & Festival Traverso aims to provide an opportunity for people to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas, skills, experiences and feelings. They believe that communication and coiling is the best way to solve problems and enjoy life at the same time. Therefore, they are open to cooperation with individuals and communities, provided that they share our vision and pursue similar goals. They call all like-minded people to join them, the more the better!
If you are interested in taking action on any of the above contact them direct.