More and more Greeks are expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation on the Greek islands this summer. Prices have gone up, to the point that for many people it seems impossible to spend their holidays as they would like. Social media is filled with comments of indignation. But is that really the case?
We decided to do a survey based on the exact same dates for a couple and a family of four. Without exaggeration. No "bargain packages" that only apply to Brits. We took the prices a Greek would get today if they were trying to book a holiday now in Kefalonia, one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea.
Airline Tickets - How much does it cost to fly to Kefalonia
For those who prefer fast and relatively relaxing transportation, flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Kefalonia present a quite different picture in terms of cost. Especially in July, prices increase significantly depending on the time of booking. We. have taken the July prices and present them to you.
For a couple travelling from Athens, the total cost for two return tickets is around 310 euros, based on this July's prices. The lowest prices reach and 70-80 euros per person per route, subject to early booking. Similarly, from Thessaloniki, the cost for a couple rises significantly, reaching 424 euros for two return tickets.
If we now pass to the case of a family of four - i.e. two adults and two children - the costs are obviously multiple. From Athens, the return flight will cost about EUR 620 for the family in total. From Thessaloniki, the amount rises even more and reaches the EUR 848.
Flights to Kefalonia
Athens - Argostoli:
- Most economical dates: 2-10 July
- Return cost per person: ~155-166 €
- Couple: ~310-330 €
- Family: ~620-660 €
Thessaloniki - Argostoli:
- More economic dates: until 7 July
- Return cost per person: ~175-212 €
- Couple: ~350-424 €
- Family: ~700-850 €
After July 8, prices take off (e.g. >360 €/person from Thessaloniki).
Travel by car and ferry - What you pay to get to Kefalonia by road
Instead of flying, many people choose to arrive in Kefalonia by road, either to save money or because they wish to have their car with them for traveling around the island.
A couple starting from Athens will need about 43 euros for tolls and another 47 euros for petrol, based on average consumption and current fuel prices. To cross to Kefalonia by car via the Patras - Sami line, they will pay 106 euros (two passenger tickets and one vehicle). In total, the cost for a couple is close to 392 euros. This is a high amount, especially when you consider that the same air travel from Athens may cost less.
For a family with two children, the same travel option increases the cost significantly. The price of the ferry increases, as four passenger tickets are required, and again the car ticket. In this case, the outward and return journey is estimated at around 450 euros. If we also take into account the petrol - which for a larger vehicle may exceed 80 euros - and the tolls, which remain at the same level, the total cost easily reaches 500 euros.
If we are now talking about a couple or a family from Thessaloniki, then the cost skyrockets. The distance is much longer, the toll reaches 68 euros and the petrol consumption approaches 80 euros. The charge for the ferry remains at the same level, so a couple from Thessaloniki pays about 500 euros in total to get to Kefalonia and back, while a family approaches 600-650 euros. And all this without having set foot on the island yet.
Accommodation in Kefalonia - Argostoli, Lixouri and Sami under the microscope
The choice of accommodation is perhaps the most decisive factor in the final cost of the holiday. In Kefalonia, the differences in accommodation prices are not only related to the quality of the accommodation, but also to the place of accommodation itself: Argostoli, Lixouri and Sami show significant divergences, both in pricing and availability. Bookings were made for the period 14-20 July 2025.
Starting from the Argostoli, which is the most touristic and cosmopolitan part of the island, prices for couples range from 80 euros for a single room, up to 500+ euros for luxury suites or 4-star hotels. For a couple choosing a medium accommodation category, the cost for 6 nights in Argostoli is reaches 700-800 euros. Similarly, for family of four, prices go up even more. A family room or apartment costs from 120 euros per night up to 500+, which means that 6 nights can cost the family from 900 to 1,500 euros.
The Lixouri, on the other hand, proves more affordable. For couples, the cheapest rooms start from 50 euros a night and go up to 300+. So a couple can find decent accommodation for 6 nights for 400-500 euros. For families, the cost is correspondingly reduced compared to Argostoli. There are accommodations with prices starting from from 80 euros up to 400 per night, with an average cost for 6 nights of around 800-1,000 euros.
Η Sami offers fewer options, but there are solutions for all budgets. For couples, prices start from 50-60 euros a night and go up to - in some luxury accommodation - even 600 euros. An average option ranges from 100-130 euros a night, which is about 600-800 euros for 6 nights. For families, Sami is probably the most expensive option among the three main destinations. Limited availability and increased demand push prices up: an apartment for 4 people ranges between 120 and 700 euros per night, with the total cost approaching 1,200-1,500 euros.
Argostoli (14-20 July):
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 hard 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 don't carry their own vehicle, renting is almost mandatory.
For a couple arriving in Kefalonia by flight and wishing to have the ability to move around flexibly, the smallest possible vehicle (Fiat Panda or similar) costs from 214 euros for six days. If the couple chooses a slightly more comfortable or modern mid-range vehicle, the cost goes up to 250-270 euros. These prices are for the peak season in July and do not include fuel, insurance with zero excess or child seats.
For a family, the cost goes up significantly. A vehicle that fits four people with their luggage - ideally an SUV or station wagon - starts at 340 euros and easily reaches 500 euros for 6 days. In some cases, larger vehicles or multi-passenger vehicles with 6-7 seats are priced at over 700 euros. These prices increase even more as we get closer to August or if the booking is made at the last minute.
Space: 14-20 July
Small IX: from 214 €
Medium: from 255 €
SUV: from 340 €
Luxury: from 1.503 €
Every year and... better
In the summer of 2024, Kefalonia was ranked among the 10 most economical destinations in Europe for British visitors, with an average cost of 7 nights of 911 pounds/person (~1,070 € today), according to the research by the British consumer protection organisation Which?.
In particular, according to the same survey, the most economic cities were:
- Kalymnos: 840 pounds
- Kefalonia: GBP 911
- Lefkada: 929 pounds
- Thessaloniki: 937 pounds
Nowadays, even the most economical scenario for Greek travellers exceeds €1,100 per couple, with the actual experience (flights, food, transport) 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 "holiday" requires strategic planning, date selection and early booking. Kefalonia remains beautiful, but not carefree financially.
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