Driving in Kefalonia (2026): Road rules, parking and driving tips

For any Brits looking to go on holiday, getting behind the wheel on Kefalonia can help you explore all the Greek island has to offer.

The rugged cliffs, winding coastal roads, and picturesque mountain villages are great places to visit.

This European road trip guide will explain everything you need to know about driving in Kefalonia.

Where is Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea – to the west of mainland Greece.

It sits between Lefkada in the north and Zakynthos in the south to form the Ionian Islands.

The island is easily reached by ferry or a short flight from Athens (and several other European airports).

Driving to Kefalonia from the UK

Driving from the UK to Kefalonia is a long but exciting journey that takes travellers into Europe through the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) or via the ferry ports.

Once in France, drivers will need to head to Switzerland and then into Austria and Italy. Other routes may not involve heading through Austria.

There are several Italian ports that take you to the Greek mainland.

From there, ferries connect Kefalonia with several Greek passenger ports.

It is important to remember all the relevant documents and stick to the road rules of all the countries that you travel through.

Here is the route to take from London to reach the Greek island of Kefalonia:

Renting a car

If you are looking to rent a vehicle when in Kefalonia, then it is a relatively straightforward process – and a great way to explore the island.

You will need your UK driving licence, your valid UK passport, and a credit or debit card to make a deposit.

Car hire companies are located at the airport and in the larger towns.

All major companies are available, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget – as well as many Greek operators.

Booking in advance is essential – for both price and availability – but make sure that you thoroughly check the vehicle for any signs of damage before you take it onto the roads.

A rented vehicle is a great option for holidaymakers, as it gives you more opportunities to explore and see all that the island has to offer.

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What do I need to drive in Kefalonia?

In order to drive in Kefalonia, you’ll need your passport, driving licence, and proof of insurance. It is also advisable to have European breakdown cover.

Driving in Kefalonia

Offering a mix of beautiful scenery and winding roads, driving in Kefalonia is something that all drivers heading to the island should be prepared for.

Roads range from smooth and well-maintained coastal streets to narrow mountain passes with sharp bends and steep drop-offs.

Many rural roads are effectively single-track, where you will need to pull over for others to pass.

The smaller villages often have roads in poor condition, with many potholes and loose gravel – so be careful and drive at slower speeds if necessary.

It is common to see locals on scooters and farm vehicles – as well as wildlife and livestock on the roads.

One of the biggest benefits for British holidaymakers is that the road signage is both in Greek and English – but using a sat-nav is also a good idea.

Do I need a car when visiting Kefalonia?

Although you do not strictly need a car to travel across the Greek island of Kefalonia, it does make exploring it a lot more accessible and fun.

Public transport does connect the major towns, but these are infrequent, and do not always head to the main tourist attractions and beaches.

Taxis are available but can be expensive for holidaymakers.

With either your own or a rented car, you can reach these landmarks and travel at your own pace.

Popular tourist attractions in Kefalonia

Here are some of the best locations to visit on the Greek island of Kefalonia.

1. Myrtos Beach
2. Melissani Cave
3. Fiskardo Village
4. Assos Village
5. Argostoli
6. Antisamos Beach
7. Skala Beach
8. Gentilini Winery and Vineyards
9. Argostoli Harbour
10. Monastery of Agios Gerasimos

This just a snapshot of the amazing places to visit on Kefalonia!

Driving times in Kefalonia

Although Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, most journeys can be completed in under an hour. Here are the average drive times between major destinations:

How long does it take to drive around Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, but it is still possible to reach most destinations within an hour or so by car. However, drivers should not rely solely on distance when planning journeys. The island's mountainous terrain and winding coastal roads can make trips take longer than expected.

Driving from Fiskardo in the far north to Skala in the south-east typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

A journey between the island's two most distant points generally takes less than two and a half hours, making Kefalonia a relatively easy destination to explore by car during a holiday.

A full circuit of Kefalonia covering the island's main coastal roads and tourist attractions usually takes around 4 to 5 hours of driving time without extended stops.

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Speed limits

The speed limits in Kefalonia are the same as the Greek mainland.

This means that on motorways, the speed limit has a maximum of 130kmh, and 110kmh on dual carriageways.

On rural roads, the limit is set to 90kmh, and on urban roads around the island, the speed limit is 50kmh.

Many of the limits in the towns is set to 30kmh.

Despite these rules, it is important to check the local signage as some roads may have different limits.

Greek police strictly enforce speed limits and there are frequent roadside checks and speed cameras.

Road rules

Like most of Europe, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and all passengers.

Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free system.

Drivers must use headlights in low visibility conditions and at night.

Road conditions

Kefalonia's roads range from well-maintained coastal routes to narrow mountain roads with steep gradients and sharp bends.

While most major tourist destinations are easily accessible by car, journeys can take longer than expected due to winding roads, particularly around Mount Ainos, Assos and Myrtos Beach.

Drivers should be prepared for hairpin bends, limited street lighting on rural roads and occasional narrow sections where vehicles may need to pull over to pass.

Although driving is generally straightforward, extra caution is advised at night and when travelling through mountainous or remote parts of the island.

Parking

Parking in Kefalonia is challenging as there are different rules across the island.

However, generally, white lines indicate free parking, and blue lines mean there is a fee and a time limit.

Yellow lines are strictly for residents and taxis.

Cars can be parked on pavements, unless local rules state otherwise, but beware that they do not block pedestrians or driveways.

There are fines and towing in place in many of the major tourist attractions – so check the signage wherever you go.

Argostoli

The island's capital has a mixture of on-street parking and public car parks. Spaces closest to the harbour and main shopping streets can fill quickly, particularly during the evening. Arriving earlier in the day usually offers the best chance of finding a convenient space.

Fiskardo

As one of Kefalonia's most popular destinations, parking in Fiskardo can be challenging in peak season. Visitors are often required to use parking areas on the edge of the village before walking into the harbour area.

Assos

Parking is available near the entrance to the village, but the number of spaces is limited. During July and August, it is advisable to arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest periods.

Tolls

On the Greek island of Kefalonia, there are no toll roads – so you can travel on the roads free of charge.

Alcohol limits

In Kefalonia, there are strict rules regarding drink driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (50mg per 100ml blood) for drivers – and 0.02% for drivers with less than two years of driving experience.

Fuel stations in Kefalonia

Petrol stations are easy to find around Argostoli, Lassi, Sami, Skala and Fiskardo, with many opening from early morning until late evening.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, it is advisable to fill up beforehand. This is because fuel stations can be less frequent away from the main towns, and some may have reduced opening hours outside the peak tourist season.

What to do in case of an emergency or breakdown?

Do you need European breakdown cover when driving abroad? It’s a common question for anyone planning a road trip in Europe.

Without the right European breakdown cover, what starts as a relaxing getaway could quickly become a stressful and expensive ordeal. If you're planning to drive to Kefalonia, it's essential to ensure you have the appropriate level of breakdown protection.

Don’t assume your UK breakdown policy automatically provides the same coverage when you're abroad. That’s why it's crucial to review your policy carefully before your trip.

Make sure it includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and repatriation, whether you experience a mechanical failure or are involved in an accident.