Below, you will find information about how to get to Kefalonia by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its ports, the best things to do there, and many photos.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and boasts a unique natural landscape. It welcomes many visitors every year, especially during high season, and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Ionian.
POPULAR FERRY ITINERARIES
Kefalonia features an international airport that receives flights from Athens as well as many European cities, including Italy, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, and others.
An alternative and cheaper way to get to Kefalonia is by ferry. Note: To reach Kefalonia from other islands, the only available transportation method is the ferry.
Ferry Connections
While the port of Piraeus does not offer direct ferries to Kefalonia, the mainland ports of Kilini, Patra and Astakos, all located in Western Greece, do. Kefalonia is also connected to the nearby island of Ithaca, while routes from Lefkada and Zakynthos are often available during high season. Seasonal routes from the port of Bari in Italy may also be an option during the summer. To avoid spending too much time underway, one can also fly to the international airport of Zakynthos and take the ferry from there.
Kilini to Kefalonia is one of the most popular routes, as you can reach the port of Kilini from the International Airport of Athens by car or public bus in about 3 hours, with the ferry ride to Kefalonia taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route from Patra to Kefalonia is another popular choice, as Patra is similarly close to Athens. However, the ferry ride to Kefalonia takes about 3 hours. Finally, those traveling from Ithaca to Kefalonia can use the opportunity to explore the gorgeous natural beauty present on the island of Ithaca, before embarking on the 30-minute ferry ride to Kefalonia.
The only type of ferry that travels to Kefalonia is the conventional ferry. The main ferry company that serves itineraries to Kefalonia is the Levante Ferries Company, with some routes being provided by the Ionion Pelagos Company.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR FERRY TICKETS
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Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the largest islands in the country. Its landscape is characterized by mountainous terrain and lush, green environments, setting it apart from the rest of the islands in the Ionian. Its natural wonders, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages and many traditional restaurants and cafes afford Kefalonia a unique identity that has made it a popular destination amongst travelers.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kefalonia is undoubtedly during the summer, when the island sees most of its visitors and temperatures exceed 31 Celcius, providing the perfect conditions for a relaxing day at the beach. For those looking for a quieter time or perhaps a more breezy atmosphere, late spring and early autumn are also good periods for visiting.
Best things to do
When in Kefalonia, you should not miss out on visiting some of the island’s beaches, renowned for their unparalleled scenic beauty. Myrtos Beach is perhaps the most popular, boasting crystal blue waters and surrounded by stunning cliffs with lush vegetation, while Antisamos and Petani Beach possess a unique charm as well. The natural beauty of Kefalonia does not stop at its beaches, however. The caves of Melissani and Drogarati are the island’s top attractions, characterized by impressive rock formations and atmospheric lighting. You can also explore the island’s picturesque villages, such as the village of Fiscardo, with its colorful seafront houses, or the remote Assos. Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, is equally worth a visit, housing many major landmarks such as the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Theatre, as well as many traditional cafes and restaurants serving authentic Greek dishes.
Is Kefalonia for you?
Kefalonia is the perfect destination for those wanting to explore rustic beauty and nature. Its exotic beaches, quaint villages and enchanting underground caves make it ideal for the nature-loving crowd. It is also a good choice for those looking for a more lively experience, with the capital, Argostoli, hosting a bustling nightlife in its various clubs.
Facts
Know what you don’t know about Kefalonia!
Kefalonia has around 36.000 inhabitants.
Kefalonia was the shooting location for the 2001 John Madden-directed film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.
The highest peak of the island is Mount Ainos, which has been declared a National Natural Park.
Kefalonia is the 6th largest island in Greece after Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and Chios.
The island owes its name to Kephalos, the first king of the area.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Kefalonia is a good starting point for island-hopping to the Ionian islands. With direct ferry crossings to Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada those visiting can embark on a journey through the Ionion and take in the natural beauty and serene atmosphere present in each of its islands. It should be noted that routes to Zakynthos and Lefkada are seasonal, being available only during the high seasons of May to October.
Sami is the second main port of Kefalonia, located north of Poros, 26 km away from Argostoli. It is connected to the ports of Patra (Peloponnese), Astakos (Aetolia-Acarnania) and Pisaetos (Ithaca). It also connects Kefalonia to the port of Bari in Italy.
The surrounding region is covered in lush greenery, while the port itself is relatively close to Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave.
Besides a public restroom and a vending machine, no other facilities are available at the port. However, there are many hotels and other accommodation facilities in the area.
Due to its small size, the port of Sami gets crowded in the high season months.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to have your tickets in hand before going to the port, as the local travel agencies can be very busy.
In addition, because the port might be serving more than one ferry at the same time, traffic may be increased on the small road of the port and it will require extra time to arrive there.
There are several options on how to leave/get to the Sami Port.
Car rental agencies are found at Sami. A rental vehicle is the most convenient way of traveling around Kefalonia. By booking your rental car online, you can set Sami Port as your pickup location and receive your vehicle upon arrival.
Taxis are also found in the area of Sami Port. You can also book a taxi via phone call or mobile app depending on the company. However, traveling by taxi is not recommended, especially for long distances, since it can be quite expensive.
public buses (KTEL) can also take you from Sami Port to the capital of Argostoli, with routes scheduled from one to three times a day, depending on the day and season. You can purchase a ticket by visiting the port's ticket offices.
Photos of the port
Port on Map
ABOUT POROS (KEFALONIA) PORT
Port description
Poros is located on the southeastern side of the island 40 km away from Argostoli. It is connected to Kilini Port (Peloponnese) and Pisaetos Port (Ithaca).
Surrounded by mountains, the port and the seaside town of Poros maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Facilities such as cafes, restaurants, and shops are found in the area, as are hotels and car rental offices.
Due to its small size, Poros Port gets crowded in the high season months.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to have your tickets in hand before going to the port, as the local travel agencies can be very busy.
In addition, because the port might be serving more than one ferry at the same time, traffic may be increased on the small road of the port and it will require extra time to arrive there.
There are several options on how to leave/get to the port of Poros in Kefalonia.
Car rental agencies are found at Poros Port. Rental vehicles are the most relaxing way to move around the island. If you book your vehicle online, you will be able to arrange a pickup at the port of Poros, meaning you can have it right after arriving at Kefalonia.
A taxi is also easy to find near the port of Poros. You can also book a taxi via phone. It is not recommended that you take taxis to move around the island very often, given that it gets more expensive regarding the traveling distance.
There are public (KTEL) buses that link Poros Port and Argostoli, with its routes being as often as three times per day (during the high season). You can buy your ticket from a ticket office.
Photos of the port
Port on Map
ABOUT PESSADA PORT
Port description
Pessada is a small harbor in southern Kefalonia, around 12 kilometers from Argostoli, the island’s capital town. During the summer season (May to October), it is connected with Agios Nikolaos Port in Zakynthos.
The port is divided into two small coves, one reserved for fishing boats and the other for the ferries that connect Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Pessada village offers access to a few shops and restaurants, as well as some accommodation options.
Connected ports to Pessada
No information available yet
Directions
There are several ways to leave/get to Pessada Port.
Public Buses (KTEL) connecting Pessada to Argostoli are the most affordable option if traveling on a budget. However, itineraries are available only 3 times a week.
Taxis are another good option for traveling between Argostoli and Pessada Port, as the distance between them is only about 12 kilometers. However, the distance to other central spots around the island is far greater, which will accordingly affect the price. For greater convenience, it is recommended that you pre-arrange your taxi transfer.
Finally, a couple of car rental agencies are available in Pessada village. Having your own car is one of the best ways to move around the island and explore the beaches and the sights.
Port on Map
ABOUT FISCARDO PORT
Port description
Located in a sheltered cove in northeastern Kefalonia, Fiscardo is one of the most popular seaside areas in the Ionian for pleasure crafts. During summer, it is connected to Vassiliki Port in Lefkada and Frikes in Ithaca via local ferries.
Along the quayside of Fiscardo, there are plenty of facilities, including shops, restaurants, cafes and accommodations.
Port Authorities
Address: 28084 Fiscardo, Kefalonia
Telephone: 0030 26740 41400
Connected ports to Fiscardo
No information available yet
Directions
Fiscardo is easily accessible by public transport, with a bus connecting Fiscardo to Argostoli and Sami at least once a day during the high season. As Kefalonia is a large island and distances are great, this is by far the most budget-friendly option for getting to or away from Fiscardo.
However, for greater flexibility in terms of routes and timetables, you can also choose to get a taxi. In this case, it is recommended to arrange a pre-booked private transfer instead of counting on being able to hail a cab on the spot.
Car rental agencies are also available in the vicinity of Fiscardo Port. Having your own vehicle is probably the most convenient way of moving around the island without being limited by fixed routes and timetables.
Port on Map
ABOUT ARGOSTOLI PORT
Port description
Located right in the island’s capital town, Argostoli Port is a natural harbor serving the small local ferries that run between Argostoli and Lixouri. Cruise ships arriving in Kefalonia also berth along its jetty.
Within walking distance from the port, visitors will find a plethora of tourist facilities, including shops, taverns, cafes, accommodations and car rental agencies.
Connected ports to Argostoli
No information available yet
Directions
Thanks to its central location, the port of Argostoli is easily accessible by various means of transport.
Public buses (KTEL) are the most affordable way of traveling to/from Argostoli, as there are itinineraries connecting the capital town of Kefalonia to several points of interest including the airport, Fiscardo, Myrtos, Assos, Sami and Poros among others.
Taxis are a faster and more flexible alternative, with several cabs being available near the port. However, it is good to keep in mind that Kefalonia is a large island and distances are long, which will accordingly affect the price. For greater convenience, it is recommended to arrange a pre-booked private transfer instead of hailing a taxi on the spot.
Several car rental agencies are also available around the town of Argostoli. Having your own vehicle is one of the best ways to move around the island with greater freedom, without having to depend on buses or taxis.
Photos of the port
Port on Map
ABOUT LIXURI PORT
Port description
Lixouri Port lies in the homonymous town of Lixouri, the second biggest town in Kefalonia after Argostoli. It is a small picturesque port, only connected with Argostoli via local ferries.
Around the quiet Lixouri port, there are a number of taverns, cafes and shops, as well as several hotels, studios and rental apartments.
Connected ports to Lixuri
No information available yet
Directions
There are several options on how to leave/get to Lixouri Port.
Public buses (KTEL) connecting Lixouri to Xi, Kounopetra, Atheras, Havdata, Vovikes and other nearby villages of the Paliki peninsula are the most affordable option if traveling on a budget. However, there are no itineraries between Lixouri and the rest of the island.
An alternative way to approach Lixouri Port would be to take the taxi, but it is important to bear in mind that the distance from the airport and the other ports is great, which will accordingly affect the price. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can also arrange for a pre-booked private transfer and have the driver wait for you at the location of your choice.
Finally, a few car rental agencies are also available in Lixouri. Having your own vehicle is one of the most convenient ways of reaching your destination and exploring the island after arriving at Lixouri Port.
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