Find your perfect hire car at Kefalonia Airport
Book an Avis hire car and enjoy exploring the idyllic Greek island of Kefalonia at your own pace.
Green and mountainous Kefalonia – also known as Cephalonia - lies in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece. It’s known for its sparkling clear waters and golden sandy beaches (and as the setting for the 2001 film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin).
With a rental station right at Kefalonia Airport, our friendly, efficient Avis team is ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip so you can get on the road as soon as you land.
Kefalonia is less developed than neighbouring Corfu or Zakynthos but a good road network with light traffic makes it the perfect destination for a Greek island road trip.
Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles, speedy collection to get your holiday underway, and we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
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Where to find us
You’ll find our Avis counter at Kefalonia Airport in the arrivals hall immediately after the baggage claim area. The Avis rental car park is easy to find just a short walk from the terminal building.
About Kefalonia International Airport
Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) first opened in the 1970s and has developed over the past decade with a new terminal building and upgraded facilities for passengers completed in 2019. It's located on the southwest of Kefalonia, a short distance from the island’s capital Argostoli, and is known locally as Anna Pollatou, named after the Olympic medal winning gymnast who grew up on the island.
Close to 1 million passengers pass through the airport each year and in the summer months there are flights from more than 40 European cities including a number of regional airports in the UK.
There are several services each week to Athens with flight times of just 1hr to the Greek capital plus local connections to the nearby Ionian islands of Corfu and Zakynthos.
Tips for driving in Kefalonia
Hiring a car is a great way to explore the peaceful island of Kefalonia. You’ll find a mix of roads on the island from sections of dual carriageway around the coast to winding routes through the mountains. We’d recommend using GPS to navigate the island’s road network. Links are excellent between the main towns on the island and the capital, Argostoli, but you’ll find some mountain roads and beach routes can be narrow. As in mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you set off from Kefalonia Airport. If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Greece before you set off.
Kefalonia car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for renting a car in Kefalonia
To rent a car in Kefalonia, Greece, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and you must have held your licence for at least 1 year.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Kefalonia?
To hire a car in Kefalonia, you just need to bring your:
- Driving licence
- Credit card (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
- Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred
- Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence)
Is it worth hiring a car in Kefalonia?
While a local bus service, KTEL Kefalonias, serves the main towns and villages on Kefalonia, you’ll find the best way to explore this green and tranquil island is by hire car. Exploring Kefalonia with a rental car means you can get off the beaten track and discover hidden gems. The Avis team at Kefalonia International Airport are experts on the island and ready to advise you on the best places to go and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.
What is parking like in Kefalonia?
Parking on the island of Kefalonia is on-street and in most places it’s meter-free. However, if you are heading to the capital Argostoli, you’ll need to pay at the kiosk in the popular harbour area. In the peak summer months car parks are operated in some of the larger resorts but in the spirit of this laid-back island, you’ll find parking plentiful and hassle-free.
How to get from Kefalonia Airport to Argostoli
From the Avis car park at Kefalonia Airport, the island’s capital, Argostoli is just a 13min drive of 8.1km. Head north from the airport and turn left at the first roundabout to join the coast road following this open, winding road right into the heart of Argostoli via Paisiou Chοida St.
Things to do in Argostoli
First stop in Argostoli is the Venetian style waterfront complete with its attractive promenade lined with palm trees.
From here, sample a taste of local life at the bustling fish market. Local restaurants source their catch of the day from here every morning, so fresh seafood is always on the menu.
Lithostroto, Argostoli’s pedestrianised main shopping street, is the place to head for some retail therapy and to learn more about the island’s history, a visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum is not to be missed.
Recommended day trips from Kefalonia Airport
Kefalonia Airport is conveniently located on the island’s southwest coast and is well connected to the main towns with many beautiful beaches and ancient landmarks also within easy reach.
Lassi
The resort of Lassi is just 5min drive away from Argostoli centre. The largest resort in Kefalonia, Lassi is home to some of the most stunning beaches on the island. Makris Gialos is popular for its pristine white sand, crystal clear waters and relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
Kastro Agios Georgios
Located in the hills between Argostoli and Lassi, the Venetian castle of St George is known for its 17th century frescoes and is open through the summer months. The remains of ancient houses and a church are nearby and there is a vantage point where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island.
Fiskardo
Drive to the north of the island along peaceful roads and in just over an hour (53km) you’ll reach the picture-perfect fishing village of Fiskardo. Known as the St Tropez of Greece for its A-list following it’s the perfect spot for some people-watching in a harbourside café.