Flying to Kefalonia, one of the most stunning islands in the Ionian Sea, offers a quick and convenient way to reach this paradise known for its beaches, lush landscapes, and charming villages. Kefalonia’s international airport, Kefalonia Airport Anna Pollatou (EFL), is located near Argostoli, the island’s capital, and serves as the main entry point for visitors arriving by air.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to flights to Kefalonia, including flight options, airlines, seasonal availability, and helpful tips for planning your journey.
Overview of Kefalonia Airport (EFL)
Location: Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), also known as Anna Pollatou Airport, is situated about 8 km south of Argostoli, the island’s capital. It’s close to popular tourist areas such as Lassi, making it a convenient arrival point for most travelers.
Facilities: The airport has recently undergone renovations, offering a range of facilities for travelers, including duty-free shops, cafes, car rental services, and ATMs. Although smaller than mainland airports, it has a comfortable setup for arriving and departing passengers.
Runway and Layout: Kefalonia’s airport has a single runway that accommodates domestic and international flights. During peak summer months, it becomes quite busy due to the seasonal influx of tourists.
Direct International Flights to Kefalonia
During the high season (May to October), Kefalonia receives direct flights from numerous cities across Europe, particularly from the UK, Italy, Germany, and other popular travel hubs.
Popular Routes and Airlines
United Kingdom
London: Direct flights from London are available through airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet. Flights depart from both Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) and typically take about 3.5 hours.
Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol: Direct flights from major UK cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol are also available with airlines like Jet2, TUI, and easyJet.
Duration: UK flights take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the departure city.
Italy
Milan and Rome: Seasonal direct flights operate from Milan (Malpensa) and Rome (Fiumicino) to Kefalonia with Ryanair and other airlines. The journey is relatively short, taking about 2 hours.
Other Italian Cities: Additional flights from cities like Naples and Verona may also be available during peak season with carriers like Volotea.
Germany
Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin: Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin are available with airlines such as Condor, Eurowings, and Lufthansa. The flight duration is around 2.5-3 hours.
Düsseldorf and Stuttgart: Some seasonal flights are also available from smaller German cities, catering to the high demand from German tourists.
Other European Destinations
Amsterdam: KLM and TUI offer direct flights from Amsterdam to Kefalonia, with flight times around 3 hours.
Vienna, Zurich, and Geneva: Seasonal flights from Vienna (Austrian Airlines) and Zurich and Geneva (Edelweiss and SWISS) bring travelers from Central Europe, making Kefalonia more accessible to Swiss and Austrian tourists.
Availability
Direct international flights to Kefalonia typically operate from May to October, with the highest frequency in July and August. Flights become less frequent in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October), and most international routes are suspended during the winter months.
Domestic Flights from Athens to Kefalonia
For travelers within Greece or for those with connecting flights through Athens, Kefalonia is easily accessible via domestic flights.
Flight Details and Airlines
Airlines: Both Aegean Airlines (Olympic Air) and Sky Express operate regular flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Kefalonia.
Flight Duration: The flight from Athens to Kefalonia is short, taking about 50 minutes to 1 hour, making it the quickest option for reaching the island from the mainland.
Frequency: Daily flights operate year-round, with several flights per day during peak summer months. In the winter season, the frequency is slightly reduced, but at least one daily flight is available.
Connecting Through Athens
International Connections: For travelers coming from regions outside Europe, Athens often serves as the main entry point to Greece. From Athens, it’s easy to transfer to Kefalonia via a domestic flight.
Baggage and Transfers: Both Aegean Airlines and Sky Express allow for baggage transfers when connecting from international flights with the same airline. It’s advisable to check if your luggage is transferred automatically or if you need to retrieve it and check it in again.
Seasonal Charter Flights
Kefalonia also welcomes numerous seasonal charter flights, especially during the summer, operated by tour operators and travel companies. These flights often package airfare with accommodations and activities, providing a convenient and sometimes cost-effective option.
Popular Charter Flight Operators
TUI: TUI operates charter flights to Kefalonia from various European countries, especially the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Jet2holidays: A major UK-based tour operator, Jet2holidays offers charter flights combined with package deals to Kefalonia from the UK.
Sundair and Corendon: These operators offer charter flights from Germany and the Netherlands, making it easy for tourists to book an all-inclusive package.
Charter flights are particularly popular among travelers seeking package holidays, as they often include flights, accommodations, airport transfers, and sometimes excursions or meal plans.
Booking Flights to Kefalonia
When to Book
Early Booking (January-March): Booking early is advised for the best prices, especially for peak summer travel dates (July and August). Flights tend to fill up quickly due to Kefalonia’s popularity.
Last-Minute Deals (May-June): Some airlines and tour operators offer last-minute deals in late spring if seats are available. While this can lead to savings, it’s riskier if your travel dates aren’t flexible.
Flight Comparison Tools
Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights: These tools help compare flight prices from different airlines and allow you to set price alerts to track changes, which can be particularly helpful when booking well in advance.
Airline Websites: It’s often worth checking airline websites directly, as some airlines offer exclusive deals or perks for booking through their site.
Tips for Flying to Kefalonia
Choosing the Best Arrival Time
Morning Flights: Arriving early in the day allows for a smooth start to your holiday and lets you enjoy the island’s attractions or beaches the same day.
Evening Flights: Evening flights can be ideal for avoiding crowds at the airport but may limit your transportation options upon arrival.
Baggage and Carry-On Policies
Low-Cost Airlines: Many budget airlines, like Ryanair and easyJet, have strict baggage policies, so be sure to check the baggage allowance before booking.
Charter Flights: Charter airlines often include checked baggage in their package deals, but it’s still wise to confirm before departure.
Airport Transfers Upon Arrival
Taxis: Taxis are available outside Kefalonia Airport and can take you to nearby towns like Argostoli, Lassi, and Skala. It’s a convenient option for those without pre-arranged transport.
Car Rentals: Kefalonia is best explored by car, so many travelers rent vehicles directly from the airport. Several international and local car rental agencies operate at Kefalonia Airport.
Hotel Transfers: Many hotels in Kefalonia offer transfer services for their guests, which can be arranged in advance.
Transportation for Late Arrivals
For travelers arriving on late flights, especially during peak season, pre-booking a taxi or rental car is recommended, as transport options can become limited in the evening.
Alternative Flight Options with Ferry Connections
If direct flights to Kefalonia are unavailable or not convenient, you can fly into nearby airports and then take a ferry to Kefalonia.
Fly to Zakynthos (ZTH): Zakynthos is another Ionian island with frequent flights from Europe. From Zakynthos, you can take a ferry to Kefalonia (Pessada port).
Fly to Athens (ATH): If you can’t find a direct flight to Kefalonia, flying into Athens and taking a domestic flight or ferry from Kyllini is another popular option.
Fly to Patras (GPA): Although less common, Patras has limited flights and is close to the Kyllini port, where you can catch a ferry to Kefalonia.
Summary
Flying to Kefalonia is one of the most convenient ways to reach the island, especially with the abundance of direct flights available during the summer months. Whether you’re coming from Europe or connecting via Athens, Kefalonia International Airport serves as a welcoming gateway to this stunning island. Booking flights in advance, comparing options, and arranging airport transfers will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to this Ionian paradise.