Why rent a car in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia is the largest and most dramatic of the Ionian Islands, celebrated for its turquoise waters, rugged mountains and unspoiled villages. A rental car is the ideal way to explore the island at your own pace, with highlights including the city of Argostoli, the iconic Myrtos Beach, the underground Melissani Lake, the charming fishing village of Fiskardo and the vineyards producing the famous Robola wine.
Pick up your car directly at Kefalonia Airport and start exploring the island immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the islands, see car rental in the Ionian Islands.
Exploring Kefalonia by car
Routes and highlights across Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the most beautiful in Greece. It rewards exploration by car more than almost any other Greek island, as its size means that the most spectacular spots are spread far apart. Myrtos Beach, widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in Greece, is on the northwest coast approximately 30 km from Argostoli and reached by a winding mountain road with stunning views on the descent. The Melissani Lake cave near Sami, where daylight streams through a collapsed roof onto an underground lake, is about 25 km northeast of Argostoli via the main cross-island road. The fishing village of Assos, clinging to a narrow isthmus below a Venetian castle, is about 40 km north of Argostoli on the western coast. Fiskardo in the far north is the only village that survived the 1953 earthquake intact and retains its original Venetian architecture. For more destinations, see car rental in the Ionian Islands or car rental in Greece.
Driving conditions in Kefalonia
Main roads on Kefalonia are in reasonable condition, though the island’s mountainous terrain means many routes are winding and require patience. The road to Myrtos Beach and the road north to Assos and Fiskardo both involve steep descents with sharp bends. These are driveable with a standard car but require care, particularly when meeting coaches on narrow sections. Kefalonia Airport is located just 8 km south of Argostoli, the island’s capital, and has car rental desks in the arrivals building.
Best time to rent a car in Kefalonia
May, June and September are the ideal months for exploring Kefalonia by car. The island is popular but not overcrowded compared to the most visited Greek islands, and traffic on the mountain roads is manageable throughout the season. July and August are the busiest months, with Myrtos Beach and the road to Fiskardo seeing more traffic. The island is largely closed from November to April, with most rental companies operating only during the summer season.
Car rental price in Kefalonia
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Kefalonia, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €179 |
| Mid-size car | from €235 |
| Large car / SUV | from €317 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
