Driving in Kefalonia Greek Driving Rules That Matter on Kefalonia Insurance Terms Explained Route-by-Route Road Guide Driving from Argostoli to Fiskardo (3 Main Options) Mountain & Beach Access Roads Parking on Kefalonia Weather and Driving Seasons FAQ { return ( {" "} / Driving Tips Driving in Kefalonia Hiring a car in Kefalonia is the most practical way to reach the island's beaches and landmarks. A compact car such as a Fiat Panda or Hyundai i10 is easiest to park, while a Suzuki Vitara or MG ZS Hybrid suits higher-clearance routes near Mount Ainos. This guide covers Greek road rules, route conditions, parking, and weather. Greek Driving Rules That Matter on Kefalonia Greek traffic law is based on Law 5209/2025. Drivers use the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits from January 2026: 30 km/h in residential streets and near schools, 50 km/h on urban roads, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on expressways. In Kefalonia, the vehicle entering the roundabout has priority — opposite of UK rules. Kefalonia has no toll roads. All island roads are free. Not legally required for UK/US/Australian drivers under Greek Law 4850/2021, but an IDP costs just £5.50 (UK) or $20 (US) and simplifies any police interaction. Fine (€) Additional Penalty Speeding 50+ km/h over the limit 60-day license suspension Using a mobile phone/tablet/smartwatch 30-day license suspension Not wearing a seatbelt Drink driving 0.50–0.80‰ BAC 90-day license suspension Running a red light 60-day license suspension Ignoring a stop sign 50% discount if fine paid within 10 days. See our full FAQ for more details on fines and insurance. Insurance Terms Explained Insurance term What it usually covers Typical rental impact Collision damage with an excess/deductible Lower daily rate, higher hold Reduced CDW excess Higher daily rate, lower hold Full damage waiver, minimal or zero excess Highest daily rate, lowest stress Zero excess No driver-paid excess in most cases Often paired with a higher rate Damage or injury to third parties Usually mandatory baseline Driver and passenger injury cover Optional add-on Route-by-Route Road Guide Driving from Argostoli to Fiskardo (3 Main Options) Typical time Surface and difficulty Best for West Coast Scenic Route 50–55 km About 75 minutes Well-paved, coastal, dramatic views Scenic drivers Inland Shortcut via Dilinata 55 km About 60 minutes Wider road after Dilinata, less traffic Nervous drivers East Coast Route via Sami 65 km About 90 minutes Flattest option with fewer hairpins Avoiding steep bends The West Coast Scenic Route crosses the Harakas steel bridge near Myrtos Beach. The Chimoniko Bridge was reopened in April 2025 after a 5-year closure from Medicane Ianos. The inland route via Dilinata is the easiest choice for first-time drivers. Mountain & Beach Access Roads For detailed parking and road conditions at each beach, see our beach access guide Mount Ainos: Northern paved route climbs 8.9 km with 708m elevation gain, suitable for standard car. Southern approaches are dirt tracks — 4×4 only. Petani Beach: Fully asphalted but final descent has tight hairpins narrowing to single-car width. Assos Village: Road barely wide enough for one car. Compact vehicle strongly recommended. Xi Beach: Flat access roads, spacious free parking. Easy for any car. Antisamos Beach: Paved 4 km road from Sami, large free parking. Parking on Kefalonia Argostoli harbour: Blue-zone parking €0.50/hour via scratch cards from kiosks. Free parking near Port Office, above Lithostroto, behind fish market, far side of Drapano Bridge. Free car park above village, 2-minute walk to harbour. Cars not allowed in village. See our Fiskardo parking details in the beach guide. Myrtos Beach: ~100 free spaces at beach level. Fills by 10:00-10:30 AM in peak season. Melissani Cave: Free parking near entrance. Entry €10/adult. Small free public lot at bottom of village. "Everywhere on the island is free parking apart from the harbour-front at Argostoli." Weather and Driving Seasons Avg. Temp (°C) Avg. Rainfall (mm) Driving assessment 25 mm Excellent — quiet roads and green scenery 15 mm Excellent — warm weather, manageable traffic 5 mm Good — traffic and heat increase 5 mm Good — peak-season congestion 50 mm Very good — watch for slippery first-rain 140–190 mm Challenging — rain, fog, possible ice at altitude Kefalonia is OUTSIDE the Meltemi wind zone — calmer seas than Aegean islands but hotter summers. Best driving months: May, early June, and September.