Car Hire Kefalonia Airport

Kefalonia Airport Mini Guide

I’ve Read Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and want to visit Kefalonia, what else is there to do on Kefalonia?
Obviously you can visit the parts of the island where the film was shot but there’s much more. The towns are not worth visiting as they are of little historical interest. Most of them were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake and were rebuilt to be functional and proof against further tremors. The result is that most are now fairly soulless. Still, the charm of Kefalonia is in its landscape which is very dramatic and varied. High mountains in the centre sweep down to beautiful beaches or plunge off dizzyingly high cliffs. Lush forests cover the slopes giving a heady scent to the air. In the middle of the island are two caves, one flooded with the deepest blue water you’ll have seen, supposedly flowing right under the island.

How do I get to Kefalonia?
The island has its own airport near Argostoli which mainly accepts charter flights from the UK with some European charters and domestic flights. Almost all are seasonal. The resorts are never more than an hour from the airport and you can pick up car rental at the airport easily and be on your way with the minimum of fuss.

What is the airport Like?
It’s very ‘seventies’ looking from the outside but is modern and functional inside. The operation varies depending on the day and the number of flights and when the charters arrive on Tuesdays and Sundays, it’s chaotic. There are limited facilities at the airport and at busy times, some of them are too crowded to be bothered with.

What can I xxpect when I arrive?
It depends on your flight. Coming in by charter from the UK you are likely to see the airport at its worst with hordes of people stood around looking confused, huge queues at the understaffed passport control and chaos on the baggage reclaim. The staff will be too busy to help with any problems you may have so be prepared to be assertive and self-sufficient. Adding to the chaos is that no buses operate from the airport so unless you have a transfer booked, your only hope is one of the airport taxis whose rates reflect their near monopoly or to hire a car. Again, because of the mass of humanity you must pre-book your car and send a member of your party through to queue whilst you sort out the luggage otherwise you’ll spend hours there.

What about upon Departure?
The stress that has melted away during your holiday will be back as long queues plague check in and security. There is a small restaurant/café which sells indifferent food catering for the masses and which is often crowded. Your best bet for food is to bring some with you or buy pre-packaged snacks in the airport kiosk. There is a duty free facility selling Greek spirits and wine plus tobacco and perfumes. The stocks often run low with the numbers of passengers using the shop.

Prior to the release of the film of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia was a sleepy island relying on the annual harvest of olives. After 2001, the island’s popularity exploded and now today, many tourists hire a car to find the locations in the film.

Other highlights are the beautiful beaches, the pretty capital, Argostoli and the fishing port of Fiscardo. For the adventurous – and fit, head inland to climb to the top of Mount Ainos which, at nearly 5,500 feet gives a great view over the island. Finally, the eerie Drogarati Caves are worth a visit.