Kefalonia is a gem in the Ionian Sea and one of the largest islands of the Ionian group. It’s a hotspot for tourists, drawing crowds with its vibrant tourist scene.
The island boasts an extensive coastline dotted with unique beaches, scenic bays, and quaint ports. Inland, you’ll find sprawling landscapes rich with vineyards, olive groves, pine trees, and oak forests.
Kefalonia offers a versatile vacation experience, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a partner. It has something for everyone.
Getting to the Ionian Islands can be a bit tricky as each has its own access route. I’ve tackled this topic in an article dedicated to navigating your way to Kefalonia, hoping to clear up any confusion and make your travel planning a breeze.
How to get to Kefalonia by ferry
The primary way to get to Kefalonia is by catching a ferry from Kyllini, although sailing from Patras is also a popular option.
From Kyllini to Kefalonia
Kyllini is roughly a 3-hour and 20-minute drive from Athens. Ferries depart daily from Kyllini to Poros port in Kefalonia. Poros is about a 30-minute drive from Sami and an hour from Argostoli.
Levante Ferries operates at least five daily trips from Kyllini to Poros, Kefalonia. The journey takes just 1.5 hours and costs €14.50. If you’re bringing a car, it’ll set you back about €45, and a motorcycle costs €17.50.
👉 Check out the Kyllini to Kefalonia ferry schedule and book your tickets now!
From Patras to Kefalonia
Patras is just a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. From there, you can hop on a ferry at Patras port, which will take you straight to the port of Sami in Kefalonia.
Levante Ferries runs a daily service from Patras to Sami, Kefalonia. The fare is €15.40 per person, and the journey lasts about 3 hours. If you’re taking your car, it’ll cost you around €53, and for motorcycles, the fee is €21.
👉 Check out the ferry schedule from Patras to Kefalonia and secure your tickets today!
How to get to Kefalonia from Athens
If you’re planning to bring your own vehicle, the journey is straightforward. You can drive from Athens to either Kyllini, which takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, or to Patras, which is slightly shorter at about 2.5 hours.
What if you don’t have a car?
No worries! You can take a KTEL bus from Athens to Kyllini, and once you reach Poros in Kefalonia, another bus will take you to Argostoli. Alternatively, you could catch a bus to Patras and then continue from Sami to Argostoli or Lixouri. It’s like driving the Athens to Kefalonia route, but without the hassle of steering the wheel yourself. Check out the bus schedules here.
How to get to Kefalonia from Thessaloniki
If you’re starting your journey in Thessaloniki and heading to Kefalonia, you’ve got a couple of options. You can drive to Patras or Kyllini and catch a ferry from either port to the island. Alternatively, you could take a bus to Athens and from there hop on another bus that will take you directly to Kefalonia via Kyllini or Patras. Unfortunately, there’s no direct KTEL bus from Thessaloniki to Kefalonia.
Another route you might consider is driving from Thessaloniki to Lefkada, which takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Once you reach the town of Vasiliki in Lefkada, a 50-minute drive from the city, you can take a ferry to Fiskardo in Kefalonia, which is about an hour’s journey across the water. This scenic route could be a delightful alternative if you’re up for a bit more of an adventurous road trip.
How to get to Kefalonia by plane
Kefalonia is home to the Anna Pollatou Airport, conveniently located less than 10 kilometers from Argostoli, the island’s capital. The airport welcomes daily direct flights from Athens, which means you can easily catch one of these flights or connect through Athens from virtually any location.
Where to stay in Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a vast island sprinkled with numerous seaside towns, each offering unique accommodation options perfect for a summer getaway. Choosing the best place to stay on the island depends on the kind of vacation you’re looking for, whether you’re traveling with family or friends, and of course, your budget.
For instance, Argostoli, the island’s capital, has a lot to offer with its vibrant life and amenities. Sami is an excellent base for exploring the island, while Poros is particularly family-friendly. Lassi, Fiskardo, Lixouri, and Assos are also fantastic areas to stay, each with their unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re after bustling streets or serene retreats, Kefalonia has a spot just for you.
