Is Kefalonia expensive to visit?
In Kefalonia, budget travelers spend $151 (€129) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $345 (€294) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $658 (€562) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Kefalonia.
Kefalonia is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Kefalonia can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Kefalonia is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Menorca or Saint Andrews.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kefalonia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kefalonia?
The average Kefalonia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kefalonia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kefalonia cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Kefalonia on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $151 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Kefalonia. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $345 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Kefalonia. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Anastazia is a great choice for kids, and Ideales Resort is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Kefalonia hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $658. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget.
Accommodation Budget in Kefalonia
Kefalonia offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $107, but during peak season, they can average $200. Prices range from $52 to $476, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kefalonia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $282 (€240). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $141 (€120) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kefalonia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kefalonia include:
- Petani Bay Hotel - Adults Only starting at $279
- Kefalonia Grand Hotel starting at $107
- Avithos Resort Hotel starting at $144
- Leivatho Hotel starting at $129
- Mediterranee Cephalonia starting at $116
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Kefalonia
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $62 (€53) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kefalonia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kefalonia is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$62
€53
There are direct flights to Kefalonia from several European hubs as well as ferries from mainland Greece and nearby islands like Zakynthos and Lefkada. Renting a car is advised to explore Kefalonia's remote beaches and inland areas, but there are also good local buses serving the main towns and attractions. Tours are also an option, as they can take you around the island to various attractions and beautiful spots in a convenient way.
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
How much does it cost to go to Kefalonia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kefalonia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kefalonia
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kefalonia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kefalonia is $164 (€140) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$164
€140
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kefalonia is around $163 (€140) per person, with previous travelers spending from $72 to $312. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kefalonia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $16 to $49
- Lunch: $25 to $65
- Dinner: $49 to $114
- Coffee: $13
- Fast Food or Street Food: $25
Like the rest of Greece, Kefalonia's cuisine celebrates fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with olive oil, tomatoes, feta, fish and meat playing star roles. Must-try dishes include kreatopita (meat pie), salted cod, and the island's unique meat and rice mixtavili. Kefalonia is also known for its peppery krasi wine and pasteli sesame snacks. For an authentic experience, seek out family-run tavernas in villages like Fiskardo.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kefalonia
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kefalonia typically cost an average of $39 (€33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
€33
Kefalonia's top sights showcase its natural splendor and cultural roots. The jaw-dropping Melissani Cave with its underground lake is a must-see, as are the Drogarati Caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. In Argostoli, the lively capital, you'll find the Archaeological Museum with fascinating exhibits on Kefalonia's ancient history. Beach lovers will be in paradise exploring coves like Myrtos, Antisamos, and Horgota. For a taste of village life, spend a day wandering Fiscardo with its Venetian architecture and waterfront tavernas.
With both rugged mountains and turquoise waters, Kefalonia is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. Explore the underground Mellisani Lake by boat or venture below ground on a tour of the Drogarati Caves. Take a scenic hike on trails with views of the beaches, coves, and cypress forests. Sea kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling provide even more ways to enjoy Kefalonia's stunning coastline and marine life. Guided boat trips to nearby islands are also a popular activity.
Kefalonia, Greece
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.