Cheap island holiday Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island: turquoise Myrtos, the underground Melissani cave, colourful Fiskardo and the castle village of Assos. Direct flights from Amsterdam with Transavia (seasonal), also accessible by ferry from the Greek mainland. 8 days from €540 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Kefalonia →How to visit Kefalonia cheaply: costs at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flight AMS-EFL (Transavia, seasonal) | direct, approx. 3 hrs, from approx. €89 one-way |
| Flight EIN or RTM to Kefalonia | no direct flight; via Amsterdam or via Athens |
| Ferry Patras-Sami (Kefalonia) | approx. 3 hrs, foot passenger from approx. €15.40 |
| Ferry Kyllini-Poros (Kefalonia) | approx. 1.5 hrs, foot passenger approx. €14 |
| KTEL bus Argostoli to Lassi | approx. €1.80 |
| Melissani Cave + Drogarati (combo ticket) | approx. €13 per adult |
| Cheapest travel month | September (hotels 20-40% cheaper than August) |
| Hotel Argostoli (mid-range) | from approx. €55 per night |
Book your trip to Kefalonia
Compare hotels in KefaloniaPackage holiday to KefaloniaCar hire in KefaloniaWhen is the best time to go?
May, June, September and early October are ideal: 24 to 29 degrees, swimmable sea and fewer crowds than in July and August, when the island is hot and busy. Out of season (roughly November to March) tourism all but stops and many tavernas and hotels close.
The best areas on Kefalonia
- Argostoli The lively capital on the bay, with the Lithostroto shopping street and loggerhead turtles in the harbour.
- Lassi Close to the airport, with the Makris Gialos and Platys Gialos beaches within walking distance.
- Sami On the east coast, near the Melissani and Drogarati caves and the ferry to Ithaca.
- Fiskardo A chic fishing village in the north that survived the 1953 earthquake, with pastel houses around the marina.
- Assos & Skala The Assos peninsula with its Venetian fort, and the long southern beach of Skala.
Top 5 things to do
- Myrtos beach The famous turquoise pebble cove between white cliffs, free, with a spectacular viewpoint along the road.
- Melissani cave Take a small boat across the underground lake (around €7), and combine it with the Drogarati stalactite cave (around €5).
- Fiskardo Stroll the pastel harbour and dine by the water in the island's prettiest village.
- Assos & Venetian castle Walk up the peninsula to the free fort, with views over the bay.
- Zervati Cave: free Melissani alternative Local secret near Sami: the same electric-blue water as Melissani but no ticket, no queue. Bring a torch and enter for free. Antisamos beach is a five-minute drive away.
Flights, ferry and transport to Kefalonia
In the summer season (roughly April to October) Transavia flies direct from Amsterdam (AMS) to Kefalonia (EFL) in approximately 3 hours, from approximately €89 one-way.
Outside the summer season there is no direct flight; fly via Athens (KLM/easyJet/Aegean, Athens to Kefalonia connection approximately 50 min). There is no direct flight from Eindhoven or Rotterdam; the cheapest route is via Amsterdam.
By ferry as an alternative or combination: from Patras (Greece) Ionian Ferries and Levante Ferries sail to Sami (Kefalonia) in approximately 3 hours, foot passenger from approximately €15.40. From Kyllini (Peloponnese) a connection sails to Poros (southeast Kefalonia) in approximately 1.5 hours, foot passenger approximately €14. Useful if combining Kefalonia with a Greek mainland road trip.
The airport is approximately 9 km from Argostoli; a taxi costs approximately €15. KTEL bus Argostoli to Lassi costs approximately €1.80. For Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo and the caves a rental car is strongly recommended: the island is large (780 sq km) and KTEL has limited or no service to some destinations. Rental cars are 20 to 30 percent cheaper in September than in August. Kefalonia uses the euro.
What does a week on Kefalonia cost?
Studios and guesthouses from €30, mid-range hotels €60 to 110, apartments around €80 per night. Food is reasonable: a gyros around €4, a taverna dinner with wine €15 to 20. For 8 days, budget from €540 per person including a direct flight from Amsterdam.
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Frequently asked questions about Kefalonia
When is the best time to visit Kefalonia?
May, June, September and early October: 24 to 29 degrees and swimmable sea without the summer crowds.
How much does the Melissani Cave cost in 2026?
The Melissani Cave costs €10 for adults and €5 for children. The Drogarati stalactite cave costs €6 for adults and €3 for children. The free Zervati Cave nearby has the same blue water but no queues.
How do I get to Kefalonia from the Netherlands?
In the summer season (roughly April to October) Transavia flies direct from Amsterdam to Kefalonia (EFL) in approximately 3 hours, from approximately €89 one-way. Outside the season, fly via Athens. There is no direct flight from Eindhoven or Rotterdam. By ferry from Patras to Sami (approximately 3 hours, from approximately €15.40 pp) or from Kyllini to Poros (approximately 1.5 hours, approximately €14 pp).
Do I need a rental car on Kefalonia?
For the spread-out highlights (Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo, the Melissani cave) a rental car is strongly recommended. KTEL runs on the Argostoli to Lassi route (approximately €1.80) and to Sami, but to Myrtos, Fiskardo and Assos only 1 to 2 times per day or not at all. Rental cars are cheaper in September than in August.
What does a week on Kefalonia cost?
From €540 per person for 8 days including a direct flight; studios from €30 and mid-range hotels €60 to 110 per night.