Kefallinia Airport

The airport is located just 8 kilometers from the island's capital, the city of Argostoli. This makes the transfer to the main resorts quick and convenient, allowing tourists to avoid wasting extra time on the road. Kefalonia Airport is distinguished by a special atmosphere: there is no bustle of major metropolises here, and the staff strives to make each guest's stay as pleasant as possible, reflecting the famous Greek hospitality.

One of the key features of the airport is its seasonal nature. During the summer months, from May to October, the EFL schedule is filled with flights from major European carriers. For example, British Airways from London and Wizz Air from various European cities fly here actively, ensuring excellent connectivity between the island and the outside world.

In recent years, Kefalonia Airport has undergone significant changes thanks to a large-scale modernization program. A new modern terminal was built, and the number of check-in desks and security checkpoints was increased, significantly reducing waiting times. The airport's infrastructure now fully complies with international standards, offering travelers a high level of comfort.

In addition to international destinations, the harbor serves regular domestic flights connecting Kefalonia with Athens. Local airlines, such as Sky Express and Aegean Airlines, operate flights year-round, guaranteeing access to the island even during the winter period. This makes the airport an important strategic asset for the economy and social life of the entire archipelago.

• Official airport website: www.efl-airport.gr
• Information service phone number: +30 2671 029900
• Airport address: Minies, Argostoli 281 00, Greece
• Email: info@fraport-greece.com
• Social media: Official Fraport Greece pages are available on Facebook and Instagram
• Lost and Found information: The Lost and Found service contact center is located in the arrivals area of the terminal
• Passenger support contacts: 24-hour information desk hotline in the main hall

There are several ways to get from Kefalonia Airport to the center of Argostoli or popular resort areas. The most budget-friendly option is the KTEL public buses. The bus stop is located directly in front of the terminal exit. During the peak tourist season, buses run regularly, and the fare is only a few dollars ($), making this transport an excellent choice for budget-conscious tourists.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal solution. The taxi stand is located right at the exit of the arrivals area. A trip to the island's capital takes about 15 minutes, and the average cost will be between $16 and $22. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver in advance or use the services of official transfer companies to avoid overpaying during peak hours.

Car rental is perhaps the best way to explore the island, given its size and number of hidden coves. The airport building houses offices of major international agencies such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, as well as local Greek companies. Having your own car will allow you to be independent of public transport schedules and comfortably reach any point on the island immediately after landing.

There is convenient parking at the airport for those arriving by private or rented transport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term stays. The first 20 minutes of parking are often free, which is convenient for those dropping off passengers, and daily rates are quite reasonable compared to major airports in mainland Greece.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that during the peak season (July-August), small traffic jams can occur on the roads around Argostoli. The approximate travel time from the city center usually does not exceed 20 minutes, but we recommend leaving early if your flight is scheduled for the afternoon. It is important to remember that the frequency of bus services decreases at night, so a taxi or car rental remains the only reliable option.

Kefalonia Airport (EFL) has one main passenger terminal, which was completely renovated and expanded in 2019. The new building is designed to efficiently handle the increased flow of tourists during the summer period. Thanks to a thoughtful layout, navigation inside the terminal is intuitive: all key areas, from check-in desks to boarding gates, are located within walking distance of each other.

The departure area is equipped with modern check-in desks and automated baggage drop-off points. After passing through security, passengers enter a spacious waiting hall where all conditions for relaxation are provided. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the airport separates the flows of passengers flying to Schengen and non-Schengen countries, which significantly speeds up passport control for international flights.

The arrivals area is located on the ground floor and includes several baggage carousels and a customs post. Immediately after collecting their luggage, travelers enter the main hall, where car rental desks, tourist offices, and exits to the taxi and bus stands are located. The entire process from stepping off the plane to exiting the airport building usually takes no more than 30-40 minutes, excluding peak periods when several flights arrive simultaneously.

For the convenience of passengers, the terminal features information boards in Greek and English, and an information desk is also available. We recommend arriving at Kefalonia Airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. Despite its compactness, security lines can be significant during the height of the season, so having a time cushion is always beneficial.

The history of Kefalonia Airport began in 1971 when the national government decided to establish air links with the island to develop tourism. At that time, it was a modest airstrip and a small wooden building that could barely accommodate the passengers of one small plane. The opening of the airport was a turning point for the residents of Kefalonia, allowing them to establish quick connections with Athens.

In the 1980s, with the growing popularity of the Greek islands among European travelers, the EFL infrastructure began to gradually expand. The runway was lengthened, allowing it to accommodate heavier aircraft such as the Boeing 737. It was during this period that the first charter flights from the UK began, laying the foundation for the region's modern thriving tourism sector.

A major milestone in recent history was the airport's inclusion in the Fraport Greece consortium in 2017. The new owners initiated a large-scale reconstruction project costing tens of millions of dollars (USD). As part of this project, the old terminal building was demolished and a completely new one was erected, meeting all 21st-century safety and comfort requirements. The navigation systems and runway lighting were also fully modernized.

In 2019, the grand opening of the renovated airport took place, and it was named after Anna Pollatou, a local native and famous Greek gymnast who tragically died in a car accident. Today, Kefalonia Airport is not just a transport facility but a symbol of the island's revival and modernization, setting new records every year for passenger traffic and the number of flights received from all over Europe.

For the comfort of travelers, Kefalonia Airport offers a wide range of services that turn waiting for a flight into a pleasant part of the holiday. Free Wi-Fi with good connection speed is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch or handle work matters. There are also a sufficient number of charging stations for mobile devices located near the seats in the waiting halls.

A Duty Free shop operates in the departure area, where you can purchase traditional Greek specialties: olive oil, local honey, Metaxa brandy, and cosmetics based on natural components. Additionally, the terminal has newsstands and small souvenir shops. To handle financial matters, ATMs from major Greek banks and currency exchange points are installed in the main hall.

Special attention is given to passengers with children and people with disabilities. The terminal is equipped with special mother and child rooms where you can comfortably change and feed your baby. For passengers with limited mobility, there are ramps, specialized restrooms, and an assistance service, which is recommended to be requested in advance through the airline.

If your flight is delayed or you need medical assistance, a first aid station is available at the airport. For passengers who prefer an increased level of comfort, there is a business lounge offering refreshments, snacks, and a quiet area for relaxation. The service is available both for holders of relevant cards and for a separate fee at the entrance.

Although there is no hotel directly in the airport building, there are many hotels and apartments within a 1–2 kilometer radius, such as the Hotel Mediterranee. Most of them offer a free shuttle service for their guests. This is very convenient for those with an early departure or late arrival, allowing them to rest immediately after their journey.

The gastronomic map of Kefalonia Airport is focused on introducing tourists to Greek flavors from the very first minutes of their stay on the island. The main establishments are concentrated in the departure area (airside), where passengers can enjoy a quiet snack before boarding. Both chain coffee shops and local bistros are represented here, offering fresh pastries and classic Greek coffee.

For a full meal, look for the Ontas cafe, known for its hearty sandwiches and traditional pies—spanakopita (with spinach) and tyropita (with cheese). The average bill for a light snack with a drink will be approximately $11–$16. The menu also always includes fresh salads and fruit cuts, which are ideal for the hot Greek climate.

Travelers with special dietary preferences will also find something to eat. Most establishments offer vegetarian options and gluten-free snacks. If you are looking for something more refined, it is worth visiting the wine bar, where you can taste the local Robola wine, for which Kefalonia is so famous, accompanied by a selection of Greek cheeses.

If you have time before check-in, you can visit establishments located near the airport in the Minies village area. For example, the cozy Tsivras Restaurant, serving authentic home-cooked dishes, is located nearby. Inside the terminal, establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening two hours before the first departure and closing after the last flight of the day.

When planning your departure from Kefalonia Airport, always consider the seasonality. In July and August, the airport operates at the limit of its capacity, so security lines can be longer than usual. We recommend arriving 2.5–3 hours before your flight to go through all formalities without rushing and leave time for souvenir shopping at Duty Free.

When packing, remember the strict rules for carrying liquids in carry-on baggage: containers must not exceed 100 ml, and the total volume must be no more than 1 liter per person. Kefalonia is famous for its honey and oil, but these products are better checked in as luggage, carefully packed, as they may be confiscated at security due to their consistency. A small life hack: if you bought olive oil in the duty-free shop after security control, you can safely take it into the cabin.

If your journey takes you to Argostoli or other towns on the island, download offline maps in advance or save your hotel address in Greek. This will significantly simplify communication with taxi drivers. It is also worth having a small amount of cash in Euros with you, as terminals may temporarily not work in some small airport shops or when paying for bus fare.

For those traveling with a transfer in Athens, make sure your luggage is checked through to the final destination. If you need to collect it at EFL, follow the "Baggage Claim" signs—navigation in the renovated terminal is very simple. In case of a flight delay, don't hesitate to contact the Fraport information desk: staff usually provide vouchers for food and water according to air travel regulations.

Finally, don't forget to take a farewell photo by the "I Love Kefalonia" sign or just enjoy the view of the runway that runs right into the sea. Kefalonia Airport is a place where parting with the island happens easily and on a positive note, leaving a desire to return here at the first opportunity.