Kefalonia Airport is 5 miles from Argostoli. There is no public bus service from the airport so you will need to hail a taxi, which costs about 15€.

As with most Greek islands, traveling to Kefalonia in the summer is easier than in the off-season, when weather prohibits the smaller boats from making the journey. Ferries to Kefalonia are operated by several lines; and if you don't make arrangements with a travel agent ahead of time, then you can buy tickets dockside. During the months of July and August, there are also ships to and from Corfu, Ithaka, Levkas, Brindisi (Italy), or other ports; however, they don't always keep the same schedules from year to year. Again, you will need to hail a taxi to your hotel.

Boat travel in Greece is common and relatively inexpensive. Timetables change according to seasonal demand and boats may be delayed by weather conditions, so your plans should be flexible. That being said, ferries and hydrofoils for the Greek Islands only operate between May and September due to annual weather changes including rough seas and high winds. For travel beyond these months, your itinerary will include transportation by flight between the islands.

Note: The Athens airport authority advises you to allow a minimum of 45 minutes to make a flight connection; which should be adequate if you arrive and depart from the main terminal and do not have to clear Customs. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes if you have to clear Customs or if you arrive or depart from the satellite terminal. At present, many charter flights use the satellite terminal.

There are several options for getting around Kefalonia, including public buses, taxis, rental cars and mopeds. KTEL buses (tel. 26710/22-276 in Argostoli) can get you to almost any point on Kefalonia, even remote beaches, villages and monasteries. However, schedules are restrictive and may not coincide with your preferred arrival or desired length of stay at any given destination.

One of the most popular means of getting around the island is by moped or motorcycle. The roads on Kefalonia are paved and in decent condition, but are often narrow, without shoulders, and twist around mountain ravines or wind along the edges of sheer drops down to the sea. Two-seater mopeds and motorcycles rent for about 30€ to 40€ per day. It's a good idea to check the brakes and steering before you ride off. Greek law now requires wearing a helmet, but not all agents supply one. Also, be sure to get full insurance and get a phone number, in case of breakdown.

Warning: Beware of the heat (sunstroke) and take plenty of water with you!

If you don't enjoy driving on twisting mountain roads, taxis are the best alternative. In Argostoli, go to Vallianou (Central) Square and work out an acceptable fare. Although drivers are supposed to use their meters, many don't, so settle the fare before you head off.

Hiring a car is an option to get around Kefalonia as it will provide the most freedom and comfort for travel. As the largest and most mountainous of the Ionian Islands, distances between Kefalonian resorts are sometimes long and bus service so restrictive that a rental car is a must in order to see the island. There are dozens of car rental firms, from the well-known international companies to small local outfits. In high season, rental cars are scarce, so don't expect to bargain. A compact will come to at least 75€ per day (gas extra); better rates are usually offered for rentals of 3 or more days.

Please Note: If you park in a no-parking area, the police will remove your license plates, and you, not the car rental office, will have to pay a hefty fine to get them back!

Warning: Drive with caution, especially at night, when you will undoubtedly be sharing the roads with motorists returning from an evening of drinking.

The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. There are several banks with ATMs in the center of Argostoli. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Greece by clicking here.

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. Greeks do have great regard for those that try to speak Greek so it is a good idea to learn a few phrases. We suggest you get a good English-Greek guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Greek food comes in many shapes, forms and varieties to keep even the most demanding traveler satisfied! Kefalonia has its own culinary specilaties and food products. Don't be afraid to sample the best each island has to offer.

A service charge of 15 percent is usually included in the bill, but if service is good, then it is customary to leave 10 percent.

Most villages have small markets where you can buy water and food and other household items. Greek pharmacies are usually excellent with a qualified doctor or medic on staff (who usually speaks some English), but medicines can be more expensive than at home.

Like its Ionian neighbors, the weather on Kefalonia sizzles from June to August. Surrounded by amazing coasts, most of Kefalonia's beaches have been awarded with the 'Blue Flag' for their cleanliness. The most famous beach is Myrtos, considered one of the most impressive coasts in the Mediterranean Sea. Other beautiful beaches are Antisamos, Lourdas, Skala, Xi and Makris Gialos. Beaches on the island can either be organized with amenities such as resorts, taverns, bars and water sports or totally secluded. Please visit our dedicated page on Kefalonia's beaches for more information.

Please note: It is common for women to go topless on beaches. And while public nudity is illegal in Greece, every island has at least one beach where nudity is allowed.

Kefalonia is the ideal island for a quiet holiday by the sea, and, therefore not known for its nightlife. That being said, there are some bars and clubs for those who want to have a fun night (without great expectations and remembering that this is not Mykonos nightlife)! Most of the nightlife is concentrated in Argostoli, the capital, with modern clubs and big discos with dance music and cocktails. In other places on the island (Sami, Skala, Fiscardo, Lixouri and Poros) there are also bars and disco clubs open late into the night.

There is more to Kefalonia than its history (Odysseus, anyone?) and beaches! Because the island was all but demolished by the earthquake of 1953, most structures on Kefalonia are fairly new; however there are a few historical buildings and archaeological sites along with its natural wonders. Additionally, its traditional villages and interesting attractions offer plenty to keep you busy! You will also find a wide variety of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and windsurfing as well as other activities.

Argostoli is the best place on Kefalonia to begin your shopping experience. Within Argostoli, check out the shops around Valianou Square, and also those along Lithostrotou Street, which is widely considered to be Kefalonia`s main shopping avenue. It's closed to vehicles and offers a wide variety of shops on a long stretch of cobbled street parallel to the port, between the cruise port and the Drapano Bridge.

For a taste of the local cuisine, consider Kefalonia's prized Golden Honey, tart quince preserve, or almond pralines. Another possibility is a bottle of one of Kefalonia's highly praised wines. You can visit Calliga Vineyard (selling white Robola and red Calliga Cava) or Gentilini Vineyard (with more expensive wines), both near Argostoli; or Metaxas Wine Estate, south of Argostoli. The tourist office on the waterfront will tell you how to arrange a tour.