Kefalonia Car Rental: The Ultimate Expert Guide
15 essential tips you must read before you book, from choosing the right car to decoding the insurance maze.
To truly unlock the secrets of Kefalonia—to discover its secluded coves, navigate to its dramatic viewpoints, and explore its charming mountain villages—a rental car isn’t just an option; it’s an absolute necessity. This is a large and wonderfully diverse island.
Relying on public transport means missing out on the very freedom that makes a Greek island holiday so magical. However, the process of renting a car in Kefalonia can be filled with questions about insurance, road conditions, and choosing the right vehicle.
This expert guide removes all the guesswork. We have distilled years of experience into 15 essential, actionable tips that will save you money, prevent stress, and ensure your Kefalonian road trip is perfect from the moment you land.
1. Why You Absolutely Need a Car in Kefalonia
First, let’s be clear: Kefalonia is not a small island where you can simply walk from one beach to the next. Its greatest treasures are spread out, often connected by scenic but winding roads.
To have the freedom to visit Myrtos Beach for sunrise, drive to a remote taverna in the Paliki peninsula for lunch, and explore the charming streets of Fiskardo in the evening, you need your own set of wheels. Renting a car transforms your holiday from a fixed itinerary into a true adventure. It allows you to discover the island on your own terms and at your own pace.
2. Choosing the Right Car: The “Small is Beautiful” Rule
This is our single most important piece of advice: rent the smallest car that comfortably fits your needs. While a large SUV might seem appealing, it is impractical for Kefalonia.
The roads in picturesque villages like Assos and Fiskardo are extremely narrow, and parking spaces are often designed for compact vehicles. A 4WD is generally unnecessary, as almost all roads to major sights and beaches are paved.
- For Couples or Solo Travelers: A small city car like a Fiat Panda, Peugeot 108, or Toyota Aygo is the perfect choice. They are fuel-efficient, easy to navigate through tight village streets, and simple to park.
- For Families or Small Groups: A slightly larger family-friendly hatchback like a Peugeot 208 or Renault Clio offers more space for luggage and beach gear while remaining economical and maneuverable.
- For a Touch of Style: A convertible like the Fiat 500 Cabrio is perfect for couples who want to feel the breeze on the stunning coastal roads.
The Booking Process: 5 Steps to a Smart Rental
3. Book Well in Advance
To secure the best prices and have a good selection of vehicles, especially if you need an automatic, it is crucial to book your rental car well in advance of your trip. Leaving it until the last minute during the busy summer months will result in higher prices and limited availability.
4. Decode the Insurance Maze (This is Crucial)
Car rental insurance in Greece can be confusing, but understanding it is vital.
- Basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): This is the mandatory minimum insurance included in your rental. However, it comes with a high “excess”—an amount (often several hundred to over a thousand euros) that you are liable to pay in case of damage.
- Full/Super CDW (FCDW): We highly recommend purchasing the additional full coverage. This reduces your excess to zero, or a very small amount. It provides complete peace of mind. It also often makes the pickup and drop-off process much faster, as the agents don’t need to perform a detailed damage inspection.
- What’s Not Covered: Be aware that even with full insurance, damage to the underside of the car, the wheels, and the tires is rarely covered. This is why driving on unpaved roads is strictly prohibited by rental agencies.
5. Check the Fuel Policy
The best and most transparent fuel policies are “Full-to-Full” or “Return-as-Taken.” This means you either pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, or you return it with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup.
Avoid policies that charge you for a full tank upfront, as you may not be refunded for unused fuel. A petrol station is conveniently located just 200 meters from the airport for easy refueling before you return the car.
6. Vet the Company’s Reputation
Before you book, do a quick Google search for reviews of the rental company. Focus on the average rating (a score of 4 out of 5 or higher is a good sign). Ignore the extreme 1-star reviews, as these can be unreliable. Look for the general trend in reviews from experienced travelers.
7. Compare Local vs. International Agencies
Kefalonia has both large international rental companies and excellent local agencies. Local companies can sometimes offer more flexible policies, such as not requiring a credit card for the deposit, but always check their terms and conditions carefully.
The Pickup Process: Your Pre-Drive Checklist
8. Essential Documents to Bring
When you pick up your car, you will need the following:
- A valid driving license held for at least one year.
- For non-EU residents: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal requirement in addition to your national license.
- Your passport or ID card for verification.
- A credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit (unless you have confirmed otherwise with a local agency).
9. Inspect the Car Like a Pro
Do not rush this step. Walk around the car with the rental agent. Ensure every single existing scratch, dent, or scuff is noted on the rental agreement. To be completely safe, take a video or multiple photos of all sides of the car on your smartphone before you drive away. This is your ultimate proof against any potential damage disputes later.
Driving in Kefalonia: Tips for the Road
10. Understand the Roads
Most main roads in Kefalonia are paved and of good quality. However, as you venture towards villages and beaches, roads become narrow, steep, and winding. Drive slowly, be prepared for hairpin turns, and don’t be afraid to use your horn on blind corners to alert oncoming traffic.
11. Navigation and Travel Times
Google Maps works very well across the island. However, be aware that its estimated driving times are often optimistic. As a rule of thumb, add 10-20% to any journey time that Google Maps suggests to account for the winding roads and potential traffic.
12. Parking in Popular Villages
In popular spots like Assos and Fiskardo, parking is extremely limited. The best strategy is always to arrive early in the morning (before 10 AM) to secure a spot in the designated public car parks at the entrance to the villages.
13. Child Seat Rules
If you are traveling with children, be aware of the rules. Children under 135cm and aged between 3 and 11 must use an appropriate child restraint. Children under 3 must be in a suitable child seat.
14. Fuel Stations
Fuel stations are common, but many do not accept credit cards, especially in more rural areas. It is always a good idea to have enough cash with you to fill up your tank. If possible, request a diesel car, as diesel is often considerably cheaper than petrol in Greece.
15. Drive on the Right
Finally, a simple but crucial reminder: in Greece, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
By following these essential tips, you can navigate the car rental process in Kefalonia with confidence.
The freedom of having your own car is the key to unlocking the island’s true, breathtaking beauty, turning a simple holiday into an unforgettable journey of discovery.