Getting Here and Around

Bus

Island capital Argostoli is the main KTEL bus depot, but you're missing out if you rely solely on public transportation. Only the airport, the resort-heavy Lassi, and the main port towns (Sami, Poros) have daily services in summer; other lines, including Fiskardo, Skala, Agia Efemia, Katelios, Divarata, and Svoronata, run maybe once or twice a day, with no buses usually operating on Sundays. Tickets can be bought on board and start at €2.

Boat

Two in-island car-ferry companies operate between Argostoli and Lixouri (30 mins), on the western Paliki Peninsula. They typically depart every half-hour during summer (7 am–10:30 pm; May–Sept.) and less frequently across the rest of the year. Tickets (from €2.60 per passenger; €5.30 per car, including driver) can be purchased on board.

Contacts

Kefalonia Ferries. Kefalonia. 267/1029–514; vikentiosdamodos.gr.

Ioniansea Ferries. Kefalonia. 267/1091–280; www.ionianseaferries.gr/en.

Car and Scooter

Because of the limited bus services, it's wise to rent your own car or scooter, though be aware that scooter hire (even for a 50cc bike) in Greece requires a specialist license; a regular car driving license is insufficient. Driving here is pretty laid-back, certainly when compared with Athens. The main dangers are from other rental-car drivers, who increase a hundredfold in July and August, and the odd rock slide caused by minor earth tremors. Coastal roads, especially, can be narrow and winding, with rogue goats an occasional menace, but go slow, use your horn, and you'll be fine. Argostoli is the busiest center and is best avoided at rush hour. Cars drive on the right-hand side.

Motorcyclists and scooter drivers will be fined if caught riding without a helmet.

Contacts

Hertz. Car-rental locations are avilable at Kefalonia International Airport and Cruise Terminal Argostoli. 210/6264–000; www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/greece.

Kefalonia2Ride. Sami-based scooter rentals (50cc–300cc) for anywhere between €18–€40 a day, including GPS, helmet and insurance. A full driver's license is required. Delivery can be arranged. 29 Miaouli St. , Sami, Kefalonia. 26740/22970; www.kefalonia2ride.rentals.

Taxi

Taxis aren't cheap on the island, and with little use of taxi meters it's best to book ahead to confirm the lowest price. Fares soon mount up. A ride from Argostoli to the northern tip of Fiskardo (50 km) might cost as much as €75, while the 8 km journey to the airport is €20. Expect to pay from around €6 for a short 2 km hop.