Car Hire Kefalonia Airport — Explore the Island Properly
Kefalonia Airport, officially Anna Pollatou International, sits a short drive from Argostoli on the island's south-west coast. It is a small airport serving seasonal flights from across Europe, and for most visitors it is the first and last point of contact with Kefalonia. That makes it the obvious place to collect a rental car — and on an island where public transport is limited and attractions are scattered, having your own vehicle is not a luxury but a necessity.
Kefalonia rewards drivers. The island's most famous sights — Myrtos Beach, the Drogarati Caves, the underground lake at Melissani, the pine-forested peninsula of Assos — are spread across a landscape of steep hills and winding coastal roads. Buses exist but run infrequently and rarely reach the places you actually want to see. A rental car lets you visit Myrtos at 8am before the coaches arrive, stop at a village bakery for spinach pie, and spend the evening in a harbour taverna in Fiskardo without watching the clock.
EFL (Anna Pollatou)
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Airport arrivals hall
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Compact or small SUV
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EU accepted; non-EU needs IDP
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Airport Pickup and Collection
Kefalonia Airport has a single terminal with rental desks located in the arrivals hall. The airport's compact size means you will find your supplier quickly, though queues can back up during peak arrival banks. Most companies store vehicles in on-site parking within walking distance. Some budget operators use off-site lots reached by a short shuttle ride. Confirm the collection procedure when booking, particularly if you are travelling with young children or heavy luggage. The airport operates seasonally, so off-season availability is limited and may require collection from Argostoli instead.
Driving on Kefalonia
The island's roads vary from smooth coastal highways to narrow mountain tracks. The main routes connecting Argostoli, Sami, and Skala are paved and well-maintained. Secondary roads to remote beaches and mountain villages can be steep, narrow, and occasionally unpaved. A compact car handles most situations comfortably, though a small SUV provides extra clearance on rough tracks. Automatic transmission is worth considering if you are not confident with manual on steep inclines. Goats, sheep, and locals on scooters are common hazards — drive cautiously, especially around bends.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and one of the most dramatically beautiful. Earthquakes in 1953 destroyed most of the island's older architecture, leaving a landscape of low-rise villages, pine forests, and beaches that range from white pebble to red sand. The island's interior is mountainous and largely undeveloped, making a rental car essential for anyone who wants to see more than their hotel pool.
The airport's location near the south-west coast puts you within easy reach of Argostoli, the island's capital, and within an hour's drive of most major attractions. From here you can head north to the iconic Myrtos Beach, east to the cave lake at Melissani, or south to the resorts of Skala and Lourdas. Each direction offers completely different scenery — cliffs and coves to the north, caves and harbours to the east, gentle beaches and vineyards to the south.
The driving is part of the appeal. The roads wind through olive groves and vineyards, past village squares where old men play backgammon, and over mountain passes with views of the turquoise sea below. Stop wherever you like — there are no tour schedules to keep. That freedom is what makes Kefalonia special, and why picking up a rental car at the airport is the right way to start.
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
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Deposit and payment card
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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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
Documents you need
Bring your original driving licence, passport or ID, and a credit card in the main driver's name. EU licence holders do not need an International Driving Permit. Non-EU visitors should obtain an IDP before travel to avoid rental desk complications.
Fuel and mileage
Most rentals include unlimited mileage. Fuel stations are concentrated in Argostoli, Sami, and Skala — fill up before heading to remote areas, particularly the north-west peninsula around Assos.
Parking and access
Parking in Argostoli is straightforward with designated lots near the centre. Beach parking is generally free but fills early at popular spots like Myrtos and Antisamos. Some remote beaches require a short walk from the nearest parking area.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece.
Build a realistic first journey
North to Myrtos and Assos
Drive north from Argostoli through the mountain village of Divarata to reach Myrtos Beach, one of Greece's most photographed stretches of coastline. Continue to the village of Assos, a fortified settlement on a narrow peninsula with excellent tavernas and views.
East to Melissani and Sami
The cave lake at Melissani is best visited mid-morning when sunlight penetrates the collapsed roof. Nearby Sami has a working harbour and good seafood restaurants. The drive from Argostoli takes you through interior valleys and past the Drogarati Caves.
South to Skala and Mount Ainos
Skala offers a long sandy beach and archaeological ruins. For a change of pace, drive up Mount Ainos, Kefalonia's highest peak, through a national park of endemic fir trees. The summit provides views across the island and to neighbouring Ithaca.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car on Kefalonia?
Yes. The island has no train network and buses are infrequent. Taxis are expensive for multiple trips. A rental car is the only practical way to see the island properly.
Is Kefalonia Airport busy?
During July and August the airport sees heavy traffic and rental queues can be long. Book in advance and consider adding the Fast Track or similar priority collection options if available.
Can I drive to remote beaches?
Most beaches are accessible by paved road. A few, such as some on the Palliki peninsula, require dirt tracks. Check your rental agreement for off-road restrictions before venturing onto unpaved surfaces.
What about island hopping?
Kefalonia has ferry connections to Ithaca, Zakynthos, and the mainland. Most rental companies prohibit taking vehicles on ferries. Day trips by passenger ferry are a better option.
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