Myrtos · Assos · Melissani cave · the largest Ionian island
Enter your ports, date and passengers to see live sailings and fares.
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, with high mountains, vineyards and some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, above all Myrtos, a white crescent under steep cliffs. The pastel village of Assos sits on a narrow isthmus, Fiskardo kept its Venetian houses, and the underground lake of Melissani glows blue when the sun shines through its open roof.
Ferries do not leave from Athens. From Kyllini in the Peloponnese, Levante Ferries sails to Poros on Kefalonia four times a day, all year, in about 1 h 30 m, from €14.50. From Patras there are ferries to Sami (about 3 h 30 m, from €15.40) on some days, continuing to Ithaca.
The capital, on a large bay in the west, with shops, restaurants and the island’s airport nearby.
Fiskardo and Assos for pretty harbours and clear water; Sami for the east coast and Ithaca.
The quickest way from Athens is to drive or take the bus to Kyllini and sail to Poros, on the south-east coast. Ferries from Patras sail to Sami on the east coast and continue to Ithaca. All of them are car ferries.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyllini → Poros | Levante Ferries | 1 h 30 m | €14.50 | All year, 4 a day |
| Patras → Sami | Levante Ferries | 3 h 30 m | €15.40 | Some days |
| Sami → Ithaca (Pisaetos) | Levante Ferries | 20 min | €4.50 | All year |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Ionian islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
Ithaca is 20 minutes from Sami (October 2026 fare). For Zakynthos, sail back to Kyllini and take the Zakynthos ferry from the same port.
Ferries from Kyllini arrive at Poros, a small resort on the south-east coast, about 40 km from Argostoli. Ferries from Patras arrive at Sami, on the east coast, about 25 km from Argostoli.
A small port in the western Peloponnese, about 290 km from Athens (3½–4 hours by car). Ferries to Poros (Kefalonia) and Zakynthos leave all day.
The big port of western Greece, about 2½ hours from Athens by car or bus. Ferries to Sami (Kefalonia) and Ithaca leave from the south port.
Be at the quay 30 minutes before departure, or an hour with a vehicle, especially in August.
Poros and Sami are small: have a car or arrange a transfer, as buses to Argostoli are few, especially outside the summer.
Kefalonia is big and mountainous, and the best beaches and villages are far apart: a car is the best way to explore.
Kefalonia airport is near Argostoli, with flights from Athens and, in summer, from all over Europe.
A small car ferry crosses the bay between Argostoli and Lixouri every hour or so, in about 20 minutes.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Kefalonia? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
White pebbles and blue water under high cliffs, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.
A pastel village and a Venetian castle on a green peninsula.
An underground lake visited by small boat near Sami.
A harbour village with Venetian houses and yachts.
A long sandy beach near Poros, and a green bay near Sami.
Evenings on Kefalonia are about dinner by the water: the harbours of Fiskardo and Assos, and the squares of Argostoli, which has the most bars. Lassi and Skala are livelier in summer.
Drive or take the bus to Kyllini (3½–4 hours) and sail to Poros in 1 h 30 m, or go to Patras (2½ hours) and sail to Sami in about 3 h 30 m. You can also fly to Kefalonia.
From €14.50 one way for 1 adult on Kyllini–Poros and €15.40 on Patras–Sami (October 2026).
Four times a day, all year, from morning to late evening.
No. Ferries to Kefalonia leave from Kyllini and Patras on the west coast of the mainland.
Yes, all ferries to Kefalonia carry cars, campers and vans. Get a vehicle quote.
