Information about Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands,its area being 350 mi2 and with a population of 36.404. Like the other Ionian islands, Kefalonia was also occupied by the Venetians during the Middle Ages. The island is near a major teutonic fault and in 1953 it suffered four severe earthquakes which destroyed most of the buildings and ancient castles. Capital of the island is Argostoli, which is on the western side and opposite it is the second largest town of Lixouri, with the wonderful beaches of Lepeda, Petani, Vatsa and Xi, which has reddish sand. Further south are the beaches of Katelios and Skala as well as the port of Poros. On the eastern part is the major port of Sami and close by is the village of Karavomylos with the lake-cave of the nymphs, Melissani and the village of Chaliotata with the stalactite and stalagmite cave of Drogarati. Heading north is the breathtaking and most famous beach, Myrtos and further up is the village of Assos which is set below a 15th century castle that was built to protect the inhabitants from pirates. On the northern tip of the island is Fiskardo, a small picturesque port and the only part of the island that was not harmed by the 1953 earthquake.
Interesting information about Kefalonia can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) and Wikipedia.The island has five ports:
- Sami, which is situated on the eastern side of the island.
- Fiskardo, which is situated on the northern side of the island.
- Lixouri, which is situated on the western side of the island.
- Argostoli, which is situated on the western side of the island.
- Poros, which is situated on the southern side of the island.
There are busses very close to the ports of Sami, Fiskardo Lixouri and Poros that connect them with the rest of the island.
In Argostoli the bus terminal is approximately 1 kilometer Southeast from the docks, along the main coastal road.
Useful info: Kefalonia port authority tel.: +30 26710 22224, Greek Tourist Police: +30 26610 29167 (In Corfu)
Travel times
Ferry from Achaia to Kefalonia
- Conventional ferries: approximately 2 ½ hours
Kefalonia ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.
Achaia to Kefalonia ferry schedule frequency during summer
From Patra:
- Morning: Daily 1 conventional ferry
Ilia to Kefalonia ferry schedule frequency during summer
From Kyllini:
- Morning – daily 2 conventional ferries
- Afternoon – daily 5 conventional ferries
Kefalonia ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry types operating routes to Kefalonia
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Ferry connections to & from Kefalonia
- Achaia - Patra
- Etoloakarnania - Astakos
- Ilia - Kyllini
- Ionian Islands – Ithaki, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos
Ferry to Kefalonia prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Achaia – Kefalonia ferries | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Patra – Kefalonia ferry | Approx. 18 €/adult | -- |
| Ilia – Kefalonia ferries | ||
| Kyllini –Kefalonia ferry | Approx. 10 €/adult | -- |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
