Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Ionian Islands / Kefalonia
 |  | Fact File : Kefalonia |
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| | | Kefalonia | | Did you know?
Captain Corelli's Mandolin - the film and book - is set here.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for EU residents.
Getting there
Direct charter flights from UK. Regular air service to Athens. Ferry links to other islands in the Ionian group and the Greek mainland.
Flying time from London
About four hours
Getting around
Bus services from Argostoli to Platys Gialos, Sami, Poros, Skala and Fiskardo are infrequent. Car hire is reasonable and worth it to really explore the island. Local ferries go to Patras and Ithaca.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; moderately priced restaurant meal for two with wine £20; 24-exposure camera film £2.50; bottle of beer £1; four-mile taxi ride about £3 (if you can find one!). All prices are approximate.
Weather
Kefalonia does not experience the cooling winds of the meltemi so July and August are extremely hot, with most days reaching at least 30C (high 80Fs). The climate in spring and autumn is more comfortable. Expect high rainfall between October and February. Winter temperatures range from 9-19C (48-66F).
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 for Greece, followed by island code.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz - you'll need an adaptor for the standard continental two-pin plug.
Opening hours
Banks open 8am-2pm Mon-Thur and 8.30am-1.30pm Fri, but in Athens some will also open between 3.30 and 6.30pm. It varies from bank to bank. Post offices open 7.30am to 8pm and till 2pm on Sats. Shops vary - some open seven days a week, some close for very long lunches. Department stores usually open from 8am to 8pm but close Sundays.
Health - Before you go
UK citizens are covered for health care on production of form EHIC (available from UK post offices). Emergency treatment is free in hospital (though relatives must take food in for patients). However, the health service in Greece is very underfunded and one of the poorest in Europe so if you'd prefer private treatment, decent travel insurance is essential.
Health - When you are there
Sunburn is the biggest danger - especially in summer. Slap on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Warnings
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Be wary of the sun, and pack an insect repellent.
Emergency
Tel 166. British Embassy Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel: 723 6211.
Customs
Cats are everywhere and feeding them is a popular pastime.
Pets
You may take them under the PETS travel scheme. Rabies vaccinations and blood tests are needed for the documentation and the process is lengthy - start at least seven months before travel.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a small tip.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Kefalonia |
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| |  | | Villa Olive Grove
3 bedroom property suitable for 6+ guests
Full kitchen, open & airy living space, modern romantic decor
4 patio & balcony areas with fantastic sea a
|  | | Villa Brio complex, Kefalonia, Greece, Villa 1
Four
seafront villas, in Kefalonia, Greece, with private beach and pools, for those who opt for finesse & affordable luxury during their holiday.
|  | | Villa Brio complex, Kefalonia, Greece, Villa 2
Four seafront villas, in Kefalonia, Greece, with private beach and pools, for those who opt for finesse & affordable luxury during their holidays.
|  | | Villa Brio complex, Kefalonia, Greece, Villa 3
Four seafront villas,in Kefalonia, Greece, with private beach and pools, for those who opt for finesse & affordable luxury during their holidays.
|  | | The Summer House
The Summer House offers you a chance to experience an exquisite taste of luxury on a hillside above the elegant town of Fiscardo.
| | Click here for more properties... |
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