How much do holidays in Kefalonia cost this year?

More and more Greeks are expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation prevailing on the Greek islands this summer. Prices have risen, to the point where for many it seems impossible to holiday as they would like. Social media is filled with comments of indignation: “A day's wage for two coffees and a sunbed”, “It's cheaper to go abroad”. But is it really so?

We decided to conduct a survey based on the exact same dates for a couple and for a family of four. No exaggerations. No "opportunity packages" that only apply to Britons. We took the prices that a Greek person would find today if they tried to book their holidays in Kefalonia now, one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea.

Flights – How much does it cost to fly to Kefalonia

For those who prefer fast and relatively relaxed transport, flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Kefalonia show a quite different picture in terms of cost. Especially in July, prices increase significantly depending on the time of booking. We took the July prices and present them to you.

For a couple traveling from Athens, the total cost for two return tickets is approximately 310 euros, based on this year's July prices. The lowest prices reach 70-80 euros per person per route, provided an early booking is made. Correspondingly, from Thessaloniki, the cost for a couple rises significantly, reaching 424 euros for two return tickets.

If we now move on to the case of a family of four – i.e., two adults and two children – the costs are obviously multiplied. From Athens, the air travel and return will cost approximately 620 euros for the family in total. From Thessaloniki, the amount rises even further and reaches 848 euros.

Flights to Kefalonia

Athens – Argostoli:

• Most economical dates: July 2–10
• Return cost per person: ~155–166 €
• Couple: ~310–330 €
• Family: ~620–660 €

Thessaloniki – Argostoli:

• Most economical dates: until July 7
• Return cost per person: ~175–212 €
• Couple: ~350–424 €
• Family: ~700–850 €

After July 8, prices skyrocket (e.g., >360 €/person from Thessaloniki).

Travel by car and ferry – What you pay to reach Kefalonia by road

Instead of flying, many choose to reach Kefalonia by road, either to save money or because they want to have their car with them for getting around the island.

A couple starting from Athens will need approximately 43 euros for tolls and another 47 euros for petrol, based on average consumption and current fuel prices. To cross to Kefalonia with their car via the Patras – Sami line, they will pay 106 euros (two passenger tickets and one vehicle). In total, the round trip for a couple amounts to about 392 euros. This amount is high, especially considering that the same routes by plane from Athens may cost less.

For a family with two children, the same travel option significantly increases the cost. Ferry prices increase, as four passenger tickets and again the car ticket are required. In this case, the round trip is estimated at approximately 450 euros. If we also include petrol – which for a larger vehicle may exceed 80 euros – as well as tolls which remain at the same levels, the total cost easily reaches 500 euros.

If we are talking about a couple or family from Thessaloniki, then the cost skyrockets. The distance is much greater, tolls reach 68 euros, and petrol consumption approaches 80 euros. The ferry surcharge remains at the same levels, so a couple from Thessaloniki pays approximately 500 euros in total to reach Kefalonia and return, while a family approaches 600–650 euros. And all this, without having even set foot on the island yet.

Accommodation in Kefalonia – Argostoli, Lixouri and Sami under the microscope

The choice of accommodation is perhaps the most crucial factor for the final cost of holidays. In Kefalonia, differences in accommodation prices concern not only the quality of the accommodation, but also the place of accommodation itself: Argostoli, Lixouri and Sami show significant discrepancies, both in pricing and availability. Bookings were made for the period July 14–20, 2025.

Starting from Argostoli, which is the most touristy and cosmopolitan part of the island, prices for couples range from 80 euros for a simple room, up to 500+ euros for luxury suites or 4-star hotels. For a couple choosing a mid-range accommodation, the cost for 6 nights in Argostoli reaches 700–800 euros. Correspondingly, for a family of four, prices rise even further. A family room or apartment costs from 120 euros per night and goes up to 500+, which means that 6 nights can cost the family from 900 to 1,500 euros.

Lixouri, on the other hand, proves to be more affordable. For couples, the cheapest rooms start from 50 euros per night and go up to 300+. Thus, a couple can find decent accommodation for 6 nights for 400–500 euros. For families, the cost is similarly reduced compared to Argostoli. There are accommodations with prices starting from 80 euros and reaching up to 400 per night, with an average cost for 6 nights of approximately 800–1,000 euros.

Sami offers fewer options, but there are solutions for all budgets there too. For couples, prices start from 50–60 euros per night and reach – in some luxury accommodations – even 600 euros. An average option ranges from 100–130 euros per night, i.e., approximately 600–800 euros for 6 nights. For families, Sami is perhaps the most expensive option among the three main destinations. Limited availability and increased demand drive up prices: an apartment for 4 people ranges between 120 and 700 euros per night, with the total cost approaching 1,200–1,500 euros.

Argostoli (July 14–20):

Couple: 80–130 €/night ⇒ 480–780 €/week
Family: 120–200 €/night ⇒ 720–1,200 €

Lixouri:

Couple: from 50 €/night ⇒ 420–780 €
Family: from 80 €/night ⇒ 720–1,080 €

Sami:

Couple: 420–780 €
Family: 720–1,200 €

Car rental – Useful tool or extra burden on the budget?

Kefalonia is an island that is difficult to get around without a car. The distances are long, public transport is sparse, and the landscape is mountainous. This means that, for those who do not bring their own vehicle, rental is almost mandatory.

For a couple arriving in Kefalonia by flight and wishing to be able to move around flexibly, the smallest possible vehicle (Fiat Panda type or similar) costs from 214 euros for six days. If the couple chooses a slightly more comfortable or modern mid-range vehicle, the cost rises to 250–270 euros. These prices refer to the peak period of July and do not include fuel, zero-deductible insurance or child seats.

For a family, the cost increases significantly. A vehicle that can accommodate four people with their luggage – ideally an SUV or station wagon – starts from 340 euros and very easily reaches 500 euros for 6 days. In some cases, larger vehicles or multi-purpose vehicles with 6-7 seats are priced over 700 euros. These prices increase even more as we approach August or if the booking is made at the last minute.

Period: July 14–20
Small car: from 214 €
Medium: from 255 €
SUV: from 340 €
Luxury: from 1,503 €

Each year that passes is... better

In the summer of 2024, Kefalonia was ranked among the 10 most affordable destinations in Europe for Britons, with an average cost of 7 nights being 911 pounds/person (~1,070 € today), according to the survey by the British consumer protection organization Which?.

Specifically, according to the same survey, the most affordable cities were:

• Kalymnos: 840 pounds
• Kefalonia: 911 pounds
• Lefkada: 929 pounds
• Thessaloniki: 937 pounds

Now, even the most economical scenario for Greek travelers exceeds 1,100 € per couple, with the actual experience (flights, food, transportation) reaching 1,800–2,000 € for a family.

Kefalonia is not expensive like the Cyclades, but it is certainly not cheap. A couple will spend from 800 to 1,200 euros. A family, from 1,150 to 2,000 euros. This means that this year, more than ever, the word "holidays" requires strategic planning, choice of dates and early bookings. Kefalonia remains beautiful, but not financially carefree.