What to Know Before You Arrive
Kefalonia rewards visitors who arrive prepared. A few practical points make the difference between a smooth holiday and unnecessary frustration.
Getting Around: Hire a Car
Kefalonia has no public transport network connecting the major tourist areas. A hire car is not optional if you want to visit more than one beach or village — it is effectively mandatory.
Book ahead: car rental availability in July and August is tight. Waiting until you land leaves you with the oldest vehicles at the highest prices. Book at least 2–3 months ahead for peak season.
Driving notes: Greeks drive on the right. Roads in the north (Fiskardo area) and the mountain interior can be narrow, winding, and steep. Do not attempt unfamiliar mountain roads after dark. Petrol stations are found in Argostoli, Sami, Skala, and Lixouri — plan ahead before heading into the mountains.
Money
Greece uses the euro. ATMs are available in all major towns: Argostoli, Lassi, Sami, Skala, Lixouri. In smaller villages (Katelios, Assos, Agia Efimia) the nearest ATM may be 10–20km away. Carry cash when leaving town.
Most tourist restaurants and shops accept cards. Village kafeneions, small markets, and some tavernas are cash-only.
SIM Cards and Mobile Data
Greek SIM cards (Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Nova) are available at the airport and in Argostoli. EU citizens can use their home plan without roaming surcharge. UK visitors post-Brexit should check their carrier's roaming policy before travelling — charges vary significantly by provider.
Mobile signal is generally good in resort areas and towns; coverage is limited on mountain trails and remote coastline.
Restaurants: What to Expect
Service in Greek tavernas is intentionally unhurried. Dishes arrive when they are ready, not necessarily all at once. The bill does not arrive unless you ask for it — say "To logariasmo, parakalo" (Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ) to close.
Greek meal times are later than northern Europe: lunch from 14:00–16:00, dinner from 20:00 (kitchens rarely close before midnight in summer). Tipping is not obligatory — rounding up or leaving 5–10% is the norm.
Dress Code at Religious Sites
Monasteries and churches require covered shoulders and no shorts. The Monastery of Agios Gerasimos near Valsamata provides wraps at the entrance. Beach casual is appropriate everywhere else.
Tap Water
Tap water in Kefalonia is safe to drink but has a noticeable chlorine taste. Most visitors use bottled water for drinking, which is inexpensive and widely available. Tap water is fine for brushing teeth and cooking.
Useful Greek Phrases
Γεια σας Ya sas Hello (formal) Γεια σου Ya sou Hello (informal) Ευχαριστώ Efharistó Thank you Παρακαλώ Parakaló Please / You're welcome Συγγνώμη Sighómi Excuse me / Sorry Τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ Ton logariasmó parakaló The bill, please Μιλάτε αγγλικά; Miláte angliká? Do you speak English?Most people working in tourism in Kefalonia speak good English. Learning a few words of Greek is nonetheless appreciated.
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