Driving in Kefalonia, the largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands, is a fantastic way to explore its stunning natural landscapes, pristine beaches, picturesque villages, and historical sites. With a car, visitors have the freedom to experience the island’s secluded coves, rugged mountain roads, and charming coastal towns at their own pace.
This guide tells what to expect when driving in Kefalonia, covering road conditions, driving tips, car rental options, and advice for navigating some of the island’s most scenic routes.
Overview of Driving in Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a mountainous island with a mix of well-maintained highways, narrow village streets, and winding coastal roads. Although the island is relatively large, it’s easy to get around by car, with most destinations reachable within an hour or two. Driving is highly recommended for visitors who want to fully experience Kefalonia’s diverse landscapes, from its iconic beaches to its elevated mountain areas.
Why Drive in Kefalonia?
Flexibility and Freedom: Driving allows you to explore hidden beaches, secluded villages, and natural attractions that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Scenic Routes: Many of Kefalonia’s roads offer breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, cliffs, and lush green valleys, making driving itself a memorable experience.
Access to Remote Areas: Kefalonia has many off-the-beaten-path spots, such as Fteri Beach, Dafnoudi Beach, and Mount Ainos National Park, which are best accessed by car.
Road Conditions in Kefalonia
Main Roads
Kefalonia has a network of primary roads that connect the main towns and coastal areas. These roads are generally well-paved and maintained, making for smooth and scenic drives. Key routes include:
Argostoli to Lixouri: A 35-minute drive that can be shortened by taking a ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri.
Argostoli to Sami: This 45-minute drive takes you through lush landscapes and past the famous Mount Ainos.
Poros to Argostoli: From the main ferry port of Poros to the capital of Argostoli, this scenic drive takes around 40 minutes.
Mountain Roads
Many of Kefalonia’s mountain roads, especially in the central and northern parts of the island, are narrow, winding, and have sharp bends. These roads are often steep, but they offer stunning views and lead to attractions like Mount Ainos National Park and the northern village of Fiskardo.
Driving Tips for Mountain Roads: Drive cautiously, especially around blind corners. Keep to the right as much as possible and allow room for oncoming traffic, as some areas may not have guardrails.
Village and Coastal Roads
The roads in smaller villages and along the coast can be quite narrow, often just wide enough for one car. Be prepared to pull over to let other cars pass, especially in more remote areas. Coastal roads offer beautiful sea views but can be challenging, especially for drivers unfamiliar with narrow roads.
Driving Tips and Rules for Kefalonia
General Road Rules
Drive on the Right: As in the rest of Greece, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Speed Limits: The speed limits on the island vary but are generally set at 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and 80 km/h (50 mph) on highways. In remote and mountainous areas, speed limits may be lower for safety.
Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, both in the front and back seats.
Alcohol Limit: Greece has strict drink-driving laws, with a blood alcohol limit of 0.05%. For novice drivers (under two years of experience), the limit is 0.02%.
Navigating Kefalonia’s Roads
Sharp Turns and Blind Corners: Take extra care on narrow roads with blind corners, particularly in mountain areas. Slow down, stay to the right, and be prepared to yield.
Animals on the Road: In rural areas, it’s common to encounter goats or sheep on the road. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop if animals are blocking the road.
Road Signage: Most road signs are in both Greek and English, but some rural areas may only have Greek signage. Using a GPS or a detailed map can be helpful.
Parking Tips
Towns and Villages: Parking is generally available on the street or in designated parking lots, especially in larger towns like Argostoli. Be aware that spaces can fill up quickly in peak season, so plan accordingly.
Beaches: Most popular beaches have parking areas nearby. During the summer, parking fills up early, so arriving in the morning is recommended for beachgoers.
Respect No-Parking Zones: In some villages and along narrow roads, parking restrictions are marked to avoid traffic blockages. Avoid parking in unauthorized areas, as fines can apply.
Scenic Drives and Must-See Routes in Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s varied landscape offers some of the most scenic driving routes in Greece. Here are a few must-see routes:
Argostoli to Myrtos Beach
Distance: About 30 km, approximately 40 minutes
Route Highlights: This route takes you along a scenic drive to Myrtos Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Greece, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. The viewpoint above Myrtos is a must-stop for photos.
Sami to Fiskardo
Distance: About 35 km, approximately 50 minutes
Route Highlights: Starting from the port town of Sami, this drive takes you along the east coast, passing through the picturesque village of Agia Efimia and leading to Fiskardo, a charming harbor village with Venetian architecture. The route offers panoramic views of Ithaca and the sea.
Lourdas to Mount Ainos National Park
Distance: About 15 km, approximately 30 minutes
Route Highlights: From the coastal village of Lourdas, drive up to Mount Ainos, Kefalonia’s highest peak. The mountain is home to Kefalonian fir trees and offers hiking trails and breathtaking views across the Ionian Sea. On a clear day, you can see neighboring islands like Zakynthos.
Poros to Skala and Katelios
Distance: About 20 km, approximately 30 minutes
Route Highlights: From the port town of Poros, drive along the scenic coast to the beach village of Skala, known for its sandy beaches. Continue to Katelios, a small fishing village with some of the best seafood tavernas on the island.
Safety Tips for Driving in Kefalonia
Drive Cautiously in Rain: Kefalonia’s roads can become slippery when it rains, especially on mountain roads. Slow down and avoid sudden braking.
Be Mindful of Tour Buses: During peak season, popular routes to beaches and villages can have frequent tour buses. Allow extra space when passing buses on narrow roads.
Fuel Up in Towns: Gas stations are more common in larger towns like Argostoli and Lixouri, but they can be sparse in rural areas. It’s advisable to fill up whenever you’re near a major town.
Avoid Night Driving: While it’s generally safe to drive at night, some remote areas and mountain roads lack street lighting. If you’re unfamiliar with the roads, it’s best to avoid driving after dark.
Exploring Kefalonia by Car: What to See and Do
With a car, you’ll have easy access to some of Kefalonia’s most iconic attractions:
Beaches: Myrtos, Antisamos, Xi, Petani, and Fteri are among the island’s top beaches, many of which are best accessed by car.
Natural Wonders: Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave are close to Sami and are easily reachable by car.
Traditional Villages: Fiskardo, Assos, and Kourkoumelata offer beautiful architecture, Venetian influences, and charming atmospheres.
Historical Sites: The Venetian Castle of Assos, the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, and Mycenaean tombs near Tzanata are all accessible by car and offer a glimpse into the island’s history.
Summary
Driving in Kefalonia is an excellent way to experience the island’s rugged beauty, pristine beaches, and charming villages. While the roads vary in condition, from well-maintained highways to narrow mountain paths, they all offer unique views and access to some of Greece’s most picturesque spots. With careful planning, attention to local driving rules, and a bit of adventurous spirit, driving on Kefalonia will allow you to unlock the island’s many hidden treasures, creating unforgettable memories of your Greek island escape.