Hire a Car in Argostoli and See All of Kefalonia
Argostoli is the capital and main port of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands. It is where most ferries arrive, where the airport shuttle drops you off and where the best range of rental cars is concentrated. At 365 Car Hire, we compare deals from local and international suppliers so you can collect your vehicle near the waterfront or airport and start exploring straight away. From here, every beach, village and mountain road on the island is within reach.
Kefalonia is not an island you experience from a bus window. The famous beaches like Myrtos, Antisamos and Petani sit at the end of winding mountain roads. The inland villages of Farsa, Valsamata and the Omala Valley are almost impossible to reach without your own transport. Even the popular northern resort of Fiscardo is a long, scenic drive from Argostoli that would be costly and inflexible by taxi. A hire car turns Kefalonia from a resort holiday into a real island adventure, letting you chase the best light, find a quiet cove or stay for sunset without watching the clock.
Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece
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Argostoli town centre and Kefalonia Airport
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Myrtos Beach, Fiscardo, Sami, Mount Ainos
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Coastal highways, mountain passes and rural lanes
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Match collection to the actual itinerary
Include transfers, parking days, opening hours and return timing when comparing the two options.
Compact Car for Narrow Lanes
Kefalonia has some tight village streets and steep, single-track roads leading to beaches. A small car is easier to park, cheaper to run and far less stressful when you meet a local truck coming the other way on a mountain bend.
SUV or Larger Car for Mountain Roads
If you are travelling with family or planning to explore the rugged interior and northern coast, a larger vehicle with more power and space makes the long climbs and rougher surfaces more comfortable. Just be aware that parking in Fiscardo and Assos can be tight.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Argostoli wakes up slowly. The fishermen bring in their catch, the cafes open their shutters and the harbour fills with the smell of coffee and diesel. By mid-morning the rental desks are busy and the first cars are heading out towards the hills.
The real Kefalonia does not begin in town. It begins where the road climbs above the bay, where the pines close in and the first glimpse of Myrtos appears far below. That view is the moment most travellers realise they made the right decision hiring a car.
From the rocky north coast to the vineyards of the Paliki, every corner of the island has a different character. You might spend the morning on a pebble beach, the afternoon in a mountain village and the evening watching the sun set over the channel from a waterfront taverna. None of that happens on a bus schedule.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
Compare the full payable amount and inclusions rather than an unsupported daily-price promise.
Deposit and payment card
Confirm the deposit, accepted card type and whose name must appear on the card.
Excess and cover
Read the renter's liability, exclusions and what any optional protection actually changes.
Fuel policy
Know the collection level, return requirement and whether a refuelling charge can apply.
Mileage and territory
Check any distance limit and where the vehicle may be driven.
Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving on Kefalonia
Greece drives on the right. The main road from Argostoli to Sami and on to Fiscardo is paved and well-maintained, but many of the best beaches require you to leave the main road and take steep, narrow lanes. Signposting is generally good in tourist areas but can be patchy inland. Go slowly, use your horn on blind corners and never assume another driver is sticking to their side of the road.
Parking and fuel
Argostoli has signed parking areas near the waterfront and central square. Most beaches have informal parking on the verge or small dirt lots. Fuel stations are clustered in Argostoli, Sami and Lixouri, with a few on the main east coast road. If you are heading north or into the mountains, fill up before you leave town.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece Kefalonia guide.
Build a realistic first journey
Argostoli to Myrtos Beach and Assos
Head north on the coast road towards Fiscardo, then turn off for the dramatic descent to Myrtos. Continue to the village of Assos for lunch by the water. This is one of the most photographed drives in Greece, so allow time for stops.
Argostoli to Sami, Antisamos and the Melissani Cave
Drive east across the island to Sami, then continue to the beach at Antisamos and the famous underground lake. This route mixes coastal scenery with a genuine geological wonder.
Argostoli to Lixouri and the Paliki Peninsula
Take the ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri and explore the quieter western peninsula. The beaches at Xi and Megas Lakos are very different from the east coast, with red sand and shallow, warm water.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Argostoli?
Yes. Kefalonia is large, mountainous and spread out. Public transport exists but is limited to main towns. A car is the only practical way to see the full island in a short visit.
What side of the road do they drive on in Kefalonia?
The right, same as mainland Greece. The steering wheel will be on the left in most rental cars.
Are the roads in Kefalonia safe?
The main roads are fine. Mountain and beach access roads can be narrow, steep and twisting. Drive carefully, especially at night or in wet weather.
Can I pick up a car at Kefalonia Airport?
Yes, most suppliers offer airport collection. Your voucher will confirm the exact desk or meet-and-greet procedure. If you are arriving late, check the out-of-hours policy before you book.
Compare Argostoli car hire
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Continue planning with Kefalonia car hire, Sami car hire, Greece car hire.