Getting from Santorini to Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the most varied islands in Greece. It has the drama of a volcanic landscape without actually being volcanic, with the limestone peaks of Mount Ainos rising above pine forests in the centre of the island, dramatic sea caves at Melissani and Drogarati, and a coastline that includes Myrtos beach, one of the most photographed stretches of sand in the country. It is bigger than it looks on a map and rewards a longer stay than most people give it. Argostoli is the capital, Fiskardo in the north is the most beautiful village, and the beaches on the west coast are where you will want to spend most of your afternoons.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Kefalonia. The two islands sit on opposite sides of Greece, with Santorini in the Cyclades in the Aegean and Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea to the west. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Santorini to Piraeus and then travelling by road across the Peloponnese to either Kylini or Patras on the west coast, where ferries cross to Kefalonia. The total journey by this route takes the better part of a day and involves a road crossing of around 3 to 4 hours from Athens. Flying is the obvious choice on this route.

What about flying?

Both Santorini and Kefalonia have airports, which makes this a straightforward connection by air. There are no direct flights between the two islands. The journey goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Kefalonia, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both serve the Athens to Kefalonia route. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly. The geography makes it the only sensible option and the connection via Athens is easy. Once you arrive in Kefalonia, rent a car. The island is large and the distances between the main beaches, villages and attractions are significant. You will not get the most out of Kefalonia on foot or by bus.