Car Hire in Kefalonia

About Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia or Cephalonia, also known in the past as Kefallinia or Kephallenia. It is the largest Ionian Islands in western Greece and the 6th largest island in Greece after Crete, Euboea, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Chios. Together with the island of Ithaca and smaller neighbouring islands, it forms the district of Kefallinía. The landscape on the island is quite mountainous, with the highest peak, the 1628-meter-high Mount Aenos, often covered by snow in the winter months. The capital is located on the eastern side of the island and is called Argostólion.

Kefalonia has a rich history, as the island was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic Age. In the past, many different nations and religions ruled the island. All this had a significant influence on the image of the island today. Moreover, the great earthquake in 1953 destroyed almost all the buildings on the island. Still, with a lot of hard work and dedication, the locals, with the government's help, managed to rebuild and reconstruct the island so that today you can visit this amazing place and enjoy your vacation here.

The island is one of the most popular destinations among Greeks and tourists from all over the world. This beautiful island offers an incredible landscape contrasting green mountains and blue sea with beautiful beaches. Also, there are some interesting historical, cultural, and religious sites on the island worth visiting. Another important aspect of this island is that the locals are very hospitable and cheerful and always ready for jokes and laughter. It adds to the spirit of Kefalonia and makes the island an even better vacation destination.

Basic info and car hire in Kefalonia Island

• Location: Ionian Sea, Greece
• Population: 35,801
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Kefalonia has hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads on Kefalonia Island are in good condition.
• Car hire in Kefalonia Island: The most common pick-up point for vehicles on Kefalonia Island is at Kefalonia airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire on Kefalonia Island!

 Driving in Kefalonia Island

Renting a car in Kefalonia is the best solution if you want to explore the island properly. From one side of the island to the other (from Skala to Fiskardo), it is 80 kilometres and about 2 hours drive. The roads on the island are in good condition, but you need to be aware that there are some narrower spots and some sections near cliffs where you should be extra careful and reduce your speed.

Generally, traffic on the island is relatively light, and you will not have much difficulty getting around. In the summer months, the traffic is higher as many people from Greece come to the island by car, so be prepared for traffic jams in July and August. However, traffic is often heavier near tourist attractions and resorts, while the other island parts are still quite relaxing for a drive.

Kefalonia is a great place for a bit of a road trip. All you need to do is make a good plan and follow the traffic rules. Buckle up and drive safely!

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs in the US: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for cars from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every car), first aid kit (mandatory in every car), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must fit or children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is not allowed in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. EU disability cards should be recognized in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see in Kefalonia Island

When in Kefalonia, rent a car and explore the island at your own pace. There are so many great destinations to visit here that it's hard to decide where to go first. In the town of Kefalonia, you should take a walk through the old city. In addition to many historical monuments and beautiful squares and streets that you should check out, some museums are worth visiting, for example, the Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum. Another great place to visit is the Corgialenios Library.

If you prefer a more active vacation, you should visit the highest peak in Kefalonia, Mount Enos. It is truly a special place with some species that can only be found here. The black pine is one of them and also some species of wildflowers and wild herbs. And there is also a special breed of pony, Equus cabalus.

Kefalonia is also known for its magnificent beaches. Some of the beaches you should not miss are Myrtos, Xi, Petani, Skala, Poros, Makri Gialos.