Essential information for Kefalonia

When to go

As with all of the other Ionian islands – and most of the Greek islands, too – summer temperatures can get very hot in Kefalonia. For top tanning conditions, July and August enjoy average daily temperatures of around 26°C, with peaks climbing as high as 35°C. Visiting off season, between March and October, you’ll enjoy a more temperate climate of around 20°C but still with plenty of sunshine, making walking and sightseeing very enjoyable still.

In winter, averages can fall down to 9°C and there will be more rainfall. For these reasons, a large part of the island closes down to tourism during the off season.

Health and safety

Just as you would with any holiday, taking out comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to embarking is a must. It also makes sense to get hold of a European Health Insurance Card – EHIC – before setting off on your holiday. This is free to obtain and entitles you to the same emergency medical treatment which Greek nationals receive. It should be noted that it’s only applicable to emergency treatment, however – ongoing care and medical repatriation are not covered.

If you plan to get involved in any watersports or other adrenaline-fuelled pursuits while in Kefalonia, you should ensure that your travel insurance documents clearly state they provide cover for engaging in these activities. Check out our holiday extras page for more information, and for the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health.

Passports and Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you, and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.

Getting around

The small airport on the island is served by several airlines and connects to many airports in Greece and beyond. For exciting day trips, ferries regularly depart from Argostoli, Poros and Sami for mainland Greece, other islands, as well as to Italy. Alternatively, a bus company runs a transit from Athens, with the price of the ferry transfer included in the ticket.

Once on the island, you’ll need to arrange your own transport if you plan to travel extensively, as the bus system is too infrequent to offer a reliable way of exploring. Cars can be easily rented from most towns, or hiring a motorbike can prove to be a cheaper option if you have experience operating one. Taxis are also commonplace and fairly affordable compared to prices at home.

If you’re booking All Inclusive holidays to Kefalonia, or many other kinds of cheap package holidays to Greece, you’ll find that your tour operator includes airport transfers as part of the deal. Check to see if the option you’ve gone for includes transfers, which will save you a little time and effort at either end of your trip.

Advice for travellers with children

Kefalonia is an island for nature lovers rather than party animals, so cheap holidays to Kefalonia are an ideal choice for families. The myriad beaches around the island provide the perfect place for little ones to splash about in the sea, especially at a beach that has a gradually sloping gradient, as at Xi.

The island is sufficiently well-developed for tourism that restaurants and tavernas across Kefalonia are experienced at catering for children new to Greek food. For the most to do with older children, the small capital of Argostoli is a good bet.

Electricity

Connector type: Round, two-pin plugs are widely used

Voltage info: 220 volts AC, 50Hz

Emergency services

Call 112 for all emergencies and the operator will put you through to the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. The line is operated in five languages, including in English.

British consulate

There is no British Consulate on Kefalonia. Neighbouring Zakynthos is home to an Honorary British Vice Consulate, while the nearest full Consulate is found in Athens.

Address: 28, Foskolou, Zakynthos 291 00 Email: zakynthos@fco.gov.uk Telephone (from within Kefalonia): (+30) 26950 22906

Hospital

The General Hospital of Kefalonia, located in the island’s capital of Argostoli, should be adequate to meet most demands.

General Hospital of Kefalonia Souidias, 28100 Argostoli Telephone (from within Kefalonia): (+30) 2671 038000

Useful Links

Kefalonia World – an eclectic selection of articles and photography from a New York writer, once resident of Kefalonia.

Which Greek Island – Informative guides to various Greek islands, including useful information about Kefalonia

Mysterious Greece – Guides to the Ionian islands, including Kefalonia