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Car hire in Kefalonia

Hiring a car in Kefalonia

One of Greece’s 227 inhabited islands, Kefalonia is a popular destination for those who enjoy beautiful scenery, crystal clear seas and a delicious array of traditional Greek dishes. Famous for appearing in Hollywood movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Kefalonia boasts a number of famous beaches including Myrtos, Antisamos and Lourdas.

The island is the biggest of the Ionian Sea which means that there are many opportunities to explore its towns and villages. Due to the island's mountainous nature, car journeys are mostly located along the coastline, high above sea level, which provides a stunning outlook over the Mediterranean.

What you need to know

Car hire when visiting Kefalonia is fully recommended, as the combination of summer temperatures and the island's rocky terrain makes it difficult to discover by foot. Car hire with Holiday Autos will give you the freedom to explore as well as providing you peace of mind when it comes to finding the best deals by using our booking tool. There are a number of car hire options available to those wishing to rent, from a variety leading and trustworthy car brands. Holiday Autos offers free cancellation, no credit card fees as well as a contact centre which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should you need our assistance.

Where to pick up your car

As soon as you arrive at Cephalonia International Airport (EFL), once you have collected your baggage, you will be greeted by many car hire desks in arrivals. Here, you will be able to collect your keys and relevant documents and start your holiday adventure straight away. There are also car rental points dotted around the island, should you wish to rent a car for a couple of days during your stay.

Best Car Hire Companies Kefalonia

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thrifty

Car Hire Reviews Kefalonia

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

Having sorted out car hire, the next step is to work out where in Kefalonia is best to visit. This depends completely on what appeals to you. If you want to head straight to the beach, a drive to the cove surrounding Myrtos beach will provide you with a scenic route on your descent to the sea. A road trip to Mount Einos, the highest mountain in this area of Greece, standing at over 1,600m, will offer far-reaching views of neighbouring islands Corfu, Zante and Ithaca. If you fancy soaking up a bit of culture, head to the island's capital Argostoli and see the town's charming architecture and European character.

Nearby Kefalonia

Sami and Lassi are the two most popular resorts on the island, only a short distance from the airport with many bars and restaurant to relax in. Here you will be able to experience Greek hospitality first-hand, with both resorts kept unspoilt and full of locals. Sami is located 20 km from the island's capital, with a port and wide bay, dotted with palm trees and a lovely view of nearby island Ithaca. If you fancy tasting the local cuisine, then Sami can provide you freshly-caught fish dishes and other traditional meals.

Only a short drive away from Sami (3km) is one of the island's most unique attractions, the Melissani Cave which features a lake within it, with trees and forests also surrounding it. Travel another 2km up the coast and you will be able to explore the Drogarati Caves which are estimated to be 150 million years old and 150 feet below ground level.

Longer drives

Car hire allows you to explore towns and villages further afield which are less commercialised and thrive with Greek characteristics. North of the island is Fiscardo, a quaint harbour village which has many old buildings, a bustling market and a relaxed vibe surrounding the restaurants along the harbour.

Located 32 km away from the capital, Agia Efimia village is a coastal picturesque village which provides a lovely place to relax. After a scenic drive along winding roads down the coast of Kefalonia, Agia Efimia is home to a little port where you will be able hire a small boat to visit nearby pebble beaches.

If you’re looking to soak up the sun on one of the island's many beaches, Antisamos beach is favourable destination for swimming and sunbathing, and can be reached easily by car. It’s natural beauty and turquoise beaches are surrounded by the island's many hills and mountains, which provide the perfect backdrop for a day lazing by the sea.

Top attractions to visit in Kefalonia

A trip to Kefalonia would not be complete without visiting the islands top attractions, and with the freedom of having your own car, nowhere is out of bounds.

History

For those who fancy experiencing the history of the island, the lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi is located on a man-made peninsula close to Argostoli village. The lighthouse was originally built in 1828 by the British administrator Charles Napier, who ruled the island at that time. After a devastating earthquake in 1953, the lighthouse was destroyed and then rebuilt by a local architect in 1960. The Venetian Castle of Saint George is also worth a visit, and is positioned only a 7km drive from the capital. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle is now mainly ruins but once featured public buildings, churches and hospitals.

Greek dishes

Kefalonia is home to some of the finest ingredients in the world and its cuisine is definitely something you should embrace whilst visiting the island. Olives often come as a starter or snack with every meal and are usually soaked in delicious spices, brine and oils. Restaurants and tavernas all over the island will serve the traditional moussaka, kebab dishes and, by the coast, fresh fish from swordfish to octopus.

The Assos Fortress

Located a 36 km drive from Argostoli, the Assos Fortress is the biggest castle on the island and one of the largest in Greece. The castle takes the form of an irregular rectangle and virtually runs around the whole circumference of the Assos peninsula. Construction of the castle dates as far back as 1593, built under the supervision of Ambrosius Cornelius.

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