Some of the more frequently asked questions about Kefalonia:
- Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
- What Is Driving Like In Kefalonia?
- How Long Does It Take To Get To Kefalonia?
- Is The Water Safe To Drink In Kefalonia?
- I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Kefalonia?
- How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Kefalonia?
- Will My Mobile Phone Work In Kefalonia?
- Where Can I Access The Internet In Kefalonia?
- What Is The Currency In Kefalonia?
- Do I Need To Learn Greek?
Are There ATMs (Cash Machines) On The Island?
Yes. Cash machines are available in most of the major towns/villages in Kefalonia.
What Is Driving Like In Kefalonia?
As with elsewhere in Greece, vehicles in Kefalonia drive on the right. Most of the island's roads are metalled, however the roads high up in the mountains are mostly gravel. Most roads within the major towns are streetlit, however there are few, if any, roads outside of these areas that are lit at night. Many of the roads are quite twisty, so care needs to be taken. The centre of Argostoli can become congested at peak times, though most of the roads in Kefalonia are usually fairly quiet.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Kefalonia?
Flight time from the UK is typically 3¼ hours.
Is The Water Safe To Drink In Kefalonia?
The water is safe to drink, however it has a very high mineral content and so is not very nice to the taste and will fur up a kettle very quickly. You may prefer to use bottled water for drinking, which is widely available and relatively cheap.
I'm Vegetarian, What Food Can I Expect In Kefalonia?
Most main dishes in Kefalonia include meat or fish though there are often a range of very good vegetable dishes on the starters menu.
Recommended dishes include: Yigantes (giant butter beans); Kolo-ki-thakia (fried courgettes), Melit-zana (fried aubergines) or Melit-zana-salata (aubergine salad); Saga-naki (fried cheese); Horta (wild 'greens') as well as many more.
The easiest way to ask for vegetarian food is by saying 'horas kreas' which literally means 'without meat' or 'horto-fagos' which translates as 'vegetable-eater'.
How Much Can I Expect To Pay For A Restaurant Meal In Kefalonia?
Restaurant and Taverna meal prices in Kefalonia vary, just as they do anywhere else in the world. Typically, menu prices are a similar amount in Euros that you would expect to pay in UK Pounds.
Fish dishes can seem expensive, though keep in mind the fact that many places price fish per kilo, not per portion. Local wines are good value, whilst imported labels can be expensive.
Will My Mobile Phone Work In Kefalonia?
Most, if not all, of the UK mobile phone networks have arrangements with one or more of the Greek networks, so your mobile should work OK. Keep in mind, however, that the cost of making and receiving a call with a British mobile whilst abroad can be ridiculously expensive. Reception in the more remote parts of the island may be patchy at best, though in the main resorts, reception should be OK.
Most supermarkets and mini-markets sell phone cards for use with the public pay phones. These can work out a lot cheaper that using your mobile. There are payphones located all over the island. Typically there are several in each resort, with most of them being open air.
Where Can I Access The Internet In Kefalonia?
There are several internet cafes in Kefalonia. Argostoli has a handful of places wher you can access the internet. The resorts of Fiskardo and Skala each also have at least one internet cafe.
Many of the hotels on the island have internet facilities available to guests.
Kefalonia has 3G access for use with your mobile phone, though depending on the network costs may be prohibitive.
What Is The Currency In Kefalonia?
Kefalonia, as does the rest of Greece, uses the Euro €. Check with www.xe.com for the latest currency conversion rates.
Do I Need To Learn Greek?
No, though if you make the effort to at least attempt to speak some Greek, it will be greatly appreciated. Most restaurants, tavernas, shops, banks and post offices will have staff that speak English - usually very well.