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 from Amsterdam, best explored by car. 8 days from €540 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Kefalonia →When 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.
- Aenos & the beaches Drive to Antisamos and the black pines of Aenos National Park, the highest mountain in the Ionian islands.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
In the summer season (roughly April to October) Transavia and TUI fly fly direct from Amsterdam to Kefalonia (EFL) in around 3 hours, about three times a week. There is no direct flight from Eindhoven; fly via Amsterdam instead. The airport is only about 9 km from Argostoli and a taxi costs around €15.
The bus network (KTEL) is limited and the best spots are spread across the island. For Myrtos, Assos, Fiskardo and the Melissani cave, a rental car via DiscoverCars is by far the easiest way to explore the island at your own pace. Kefalonia uses the euro, so there is no currency to convert.
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 do I get to Kefalonia from the Netherlands?
In the summer season Transavia and TUI fly fly direct from Amsterdam to Kefalonia (EFL) in around 3 hours, about three times a week. There is no direct flight from Eindhoven; fly via Amsterdam instead.
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, as the KTEL bus network is limited.
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.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay on Kefalonia?
Hotels, studios and apartments on Kefalonia on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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