Kefalonia, with its rugged landscapes and mountainous terrain, has a diverse network of roads that wind through scenic coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. The main roads of Kefalonia Island are in good condition, but there are some sections in the local road network, which are not so well.
Read what to expect on Kefalonia’s roads, from the primary highways to the smaller, winding routes that connect the island’s hidden gems!
Main Roads of Kefalonia Island
Kefalonia’s main roads are generally well-paved and offer smooth drives with spectacular views. The traffic of the main roads can be high during summer months, especially in July and August.
The island’s primary routes are as follows:
Argostoli to Sami (EO Argostoliou-Sami Road)
This main road runs east-west, connecting the island’s capital, Argostoli, to the port town of Sami. The route takes you through lush valleys, olive groves, and the village of Razata. It is offering panoramic views of the Kefalonian countryside, quick access to famous landmarks like Melissani Cave Lake and Drogarati Cave, which are impressive sights of the island.

- Distance: Approximately 25 km (15.5 miles)
- Condition: Well-paved, with sections that have been updated in recent years for a smoother drive. Due tue this route leads in mountanious area, most of the sections are winding.
Argostoli to Poros
This scenic route leads from the capital to the port village of Poros on the eastern coast, passing through the mountains of Ainos National Park. You can enjoy the north views of Mount Ainos, Kefalonia’s highest peak, with diverse flora and fauna. From this route you can visit the village of Valsamata, where the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos can be find.

- Distance: About 40 km (25 miles).
- Condition: The road is generally good but includes some winding sections and narrow parts near the mountainous areas, requiring attentive driving.
Argostoli – Fiscardo Road (North-South Coastal Road)
This road travels along the western coast, linking Argostoli to the northern port village of Fiscardo, passing through the tiny Assos village and the amazing Myrtos Beach. On this route there can be find the best panoramic lookouts to Myrtos from above, which are favourite by many travellers. The road is very winding – it leads near the sea, but high above sea level, so inner side of the road is steep due to the high mountains.

- Distance: Approximately 50 km (31 miles) from Argostoli to Fiscardo.
- Condition: Well-maintained but with tight curves and steep sections near Assos and Myrtos, requiring caution especially on rainy or windy days. On the road there are usually fallen rocks and stones, so always keep attention and distance!
Argostoli – Lixouri road
The road which leads to Paliki peninsula is quite good condition, just the travel time feels sometimes long from Argostoli. This Kefalonian road is mostly wide and easy to drive. Drivers of this road will meet the marshes of Livadi, which is important wetland of Kefalonia Island, and make the local fauna more diverse. The road leads high above sea level near Farsa and Kourouklata villages, but after arriving to Paliki peninsula it is much lower again. This section is shortened by the ferries which run between Argostoli and Lixouri often.

- Distance: Approximately 36 km from Argostoli to Lixouri.
- Condition: Well-maintained and primarily wide road, various heights during the trip
Mountainous Roads and Routes in Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s interior is dominated by Mount Ainos, and the mountain roads offer stunning landscapes but can be challenging due to the steep inclines and narrow paths. It’s worth to know despite Ainos is situated on the southern part of the island, but the other landscapes of the island are also mountanius mostly.
The main roads, which are leading in the mountans and connect the largest villages, are usually good to drive, but the inferior roads are sometimes very narrow and recommended only for 4×4 vehicles.
Road up to Mount Ainos
The road leading up to Mount Ainos, Kefalonia’s tallest peak, is a narrow, winding route that ascends through Ainos National Park.
The iconic highlights of the route are the dense forests of rare Kefalonian fir trees, wildflowers, and stunning panoramas over the island and the Ionian Sea, but there are some barren areas also.

Before reaching the summit, you may spot the local wild horses, known as the Horses of Ainos. It’s an important to know that the route to Ainos starts from the north, and from the southern villages, such as from Lourdata, Vlachata, Pesada, Katelios or Skala, travellers have to drive to north side of the mountain. From the southern areas there are only dirt roads with poor quality.
Condition: while relatively smooth, the road is extremely narrow at some places and often requires careful maneuvering, especially near the peak. It’s recommended for experienced drivers. The condition of road up to Ainos is mostly good, there are a lot of renovated and new sections.
Valsamata to Sami Mountain Route
This route connects the inland village of Valsamata (where the sacred Monastery of St. Gerasimos was built) to Sami, winding through hilly terrain and offering a more rural experience. The highlights of this road section are the lush vegetation and mountain views.

- Condition: paved very well but with some narrow sections and some hairpin turns.
Coastal Roads
Kefalonia’s coastal roads are among the most scenic, offering breathtaking views of turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, but they are often narrow with sharp turns.
Road to Lixouri Peninsula
Lixouri, Kefalonia’s second-largest town, is accessible via ferry from Argostoli or by road around the peninsula. The roads here are less trafficked and offer access to stunning beaches like the interesting Xi Beach and Petani Beach. The road leads next to Livadi marshes, and it is quite good condition.

- Condition: Generally good and wide.
Assos Coastal Road
The road to Assos, a picturesque village built on a small peninsula, winds along the coast and is known for its dramatic scenery. It’s famous for views of Assos Castle, and charming pastel-colored houses in Assos. This road is wide enough, but extreme winding also, so it is recommended primarily for experienced drivers.

- Condition: Well-paved but narrow with a lot of hairpin turns. The road can be busy in the summer, making it challenging to navigate when approaching Assos.
Agia Efimia To Fiskardo (in the east)
One of the best mountain route and also a coastal road leads on the northeast side of Kefalonia, starting in Agia Efimia. This road is situated high above sea level, and from this road there are some hidden gem beaches which can be accessed, such as Horgota beach or Agia Sofia. This main road is in good condition and generally wide, but if you want to turn off this road, there are some very narrow and bad quality side roads.

- Condition: Well-paved, wide enough, but winding and be aware of falling rocks on the road.
Agia Efimia to Karavomylos
This road runs along the coast, connecting the coastal village of Agia Efimia to Karavomylos, offering picturesque views of small bays and fishing boats. From this road you have access to hidden coves, tranquil bays, and the famous Melissani Cave Lake.

- Condition: Narrow and winding with some unpaved stretches, particularly as you approach secluded coves.
Village Roads and Rural Routes
Kefalonia’s villages are connected by narrow, often winding roads that offer an authentic experience of the island’s countryside but require careful driving.
Road to Kourkoumelata and Nearby Villages
This route takes you to Kourkoumelata, a village known for its beautiful gardens and Neoclassical architecture, as well as nearby traditional villages like Karavados and Svoronata. On this route you can drive through charming villages, olive groves, and rural scenery.

- Condition: Well-paved but often narrow and without markings. The roads can feel like a maze, but locals are typically friendly and helpful.
Kefalonia Road Quality, Driving Tips and Safety
- Road Quality: Most primary roads are in good condition, well-paved, and regularly maintained. However, secondary roads, especially in mountainous and rural areas, can be narrow and may lack guardrails.
- Driving Style: Greek driving culture may feel fast-paced for some. Be cautious at intersections and around sharp bends, as locals may be accustomed to the roads and drive with confidence.
- Road Signage: Road signs are in both Greek and English on main routes, but in rural areas, signage may be limited.
- Cars on the roads: On the Kefalonian roads there are many slighly slower driving tourists, and a lot of local pickup cars. Be patient of tourists and slower vehicles!

- Rental Car Tips: A smaller car is often more practical for navigating narrow village roads and parking in tight spaces. For exploring mountainous regions, consider a vehicle with more power or a 4×4.
Seasonal Considerations and Weather
- Summer (June–August): The roads are busiest in summer, especially routes to popular beaches like Myrtos beach, Petani beach or the beaches of Lassi. Early morning trips can help avoid traffic, and parking is much easier in the morning.
- Winter (November–March): Kefalonia’s weather can be unpredictable in winter, with rain and potential fog in the mountains, making some roads slippery and challenging.
- Spring and Fall: Ideal for road trips, as the weather is mild, and the roads are much less crowded.
Final Thoughts for Kefalonian Roads
Driving in Kefalonia is an adventure in itself, with roads that lead to some of Greece’s most stunning views and secluded spots. While the island’s roads can be narrow and winding, they offer rewarding landscapes at every turn. Whether you’re navigating coastal routes with sea views or exploring hidden mountain roads, the journey through Kefalonia’s roads is as memorable as the destinations themselves.