Car Hire Kefalonia — No Deposit Required

How to Rent a Car in Kefalonia

Booking car hire Kefalonia through Speed Rent a Car is straightforward. Our platform compares offers from multiple local companies so you can find the best vehicle at the best price — whether you need a city runabout for Argostoli or a larger vehicle for family trips to Skala Kefalonia and Lixouri.

Documents Required for Car Rental Kefalonia Greece

When you collect your Kefalonia hire car, you'll need to present the following documents at the rental desk. These requirements apply across all Greek islands and are enforced by every car hire company operating in Kefalonia.

Driving in Kefalonia — Practical Information

Kefalonia's road network connects all major resorts and attractions, though mountain routes can be narrow and winding. The main coastal road links Argostoli with popular destinations like Skala in the southeast and Lixouri via the ferry crossing. Here's what you need to know for safe driving on the island.

Kefalonia Road Conditions

The main highways around Argostoli and to Kefalonia Airport are in good condition with clear signage. Secondary routes to mountain villages and remote beaches may be narrower with hairpin bends — take your time and use passing points. If you're driving to Assos or Fiskardo in the north, expect scenic but challenging coastal roads.

Speed Limits and Traffic Rules

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (Argostoli, Lixouri, Skala)
• Secondary roads: 90 km/h
• Main highways: 110 km/h
• Driving side: Right-hand side
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only
• Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC (0.02% for drivers under 2 years' experience)

Fuel Stations in Kefalonia

Petrol stations are plentiful in Argostoli and Lixouri but scarce in mountain areas. Fill up before heading to remote beaches or northern villages like Fiskardo. Most stations accept card payments, though cash is useful for smaller locations. Fuel types are marked as βενζίνη (petrol) and πετρέλαιο (diesel).

Parking in Kefalonia

Argostoli town centre has paid parking zones — look for blue lines and pay-and-display meters. Free parking is available on the outskirts and at most beaches. In Skala Kefalonia and Lixouri, street parking is generally free except in high season when spaces fill quickly. Always check signage and avoid blocking narrow village streets.

Toll Roads

There are no toll roads on Kefalonia island. However, if you're planning to drive to mainland Greece via the ferry from Poros or Argostoli, be aware that the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (Egnatia Odos) does have toll booths.

Best Places to Visit by Car in Kefalonia

Kefalonia's dramatic landscapes reward those who venture beyond the main resorts. With your own car hire Kefalonia vehicle, you can reach spectacular viewpoints, hidden beaches and traditional mountain villages that make this island so special.

Myrtos Beach

Consistently ranked among Greece's most beautiful beaches, Myrtos captivates with its white pebbles and intense turquoise water. The viewpoint above the beach offers one of Kefalonia's most photographed panoramas. Access requires a steep descent — take your time on the hairpin bends. From Argostoli, the drive takes about 30 minutes via the northwest coastal route.

Melissani Cave

This underground lake near Sami glows with ethereal blue light when the sun shines through the collapsed cave roof. Book a boat tour inside the cave (tickets sold on-site). Parking is available at the entrance, and the site combines well with nearby Drogarati Cave. From Argostoli, allow 25 minutes driving via the cross-island route.

Assos Village

A tiny coastal settlement dominated by a Venetian fortress on a pine-covered peninsula. The village itself is postcard-perfect with pastel-coloured houses and waterfront tavernas. Park at the entrance and walk down to the harbour. The drive from Argostoli via Myrtos takes about 45 minutes on winding mountain roads — stunning views all the way.

Fiskardo

Kefalonia's most picturesque harbour town, untouched by the 1953 earthquake that devastated the island. Venetian architecture, yacht-filled harbour and excellent seafood restaurants make it a must-visit. The drive from Argostoli takes 1 hour 15 minutes through spectacular mountain scenery. Parking can be challenging in summer — arrive early or park on the outskirts.

Mount Ainos National Park

The island's highest peak (1,628m) offers hiking trails through unique Kefalonian fir forests and panoramic views across the Ionian Sea. The mountain road from Argostoli is paved to the summit area but steep in sections — a 4x4 isn't essential but adds confidence. Allow 45 minutes from Argostoli to the park entrance, plus hiking time.

Xi Beach (Lixouri)

Famous for its dramatic red sand and clay cliffs, Xi Beach on the Paliki Peninsula offers something different from Kefalonia's typical white-pebble shores. Shallow water makes it family-friendly. Reach it by driving around the bay (1 hour from Argostoli) or take the quick ferry crossing to Lixouri then drive 10 minutes south.

Kefalonia Coastal Circuit

A full-day drive circling the island rewards you with diverse landscapes — start in Argostoli, head north via Myrtos and Assos to Fiskardo, return via the east coast through Sami and Skala, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way. Total distance approximately 160km, allowing time for stops and lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Hire Kefalonia