Car hire - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.