Is Kefalonia Safe in September 2026?

Motorbike and ATV rental operators in Argostoli and Fiskardo photograph vehicles before rental and claim pre-existing scratches and mechanical wear as new damage on return, demanding cash payments of 100-350 EUR. The island mountain and coastal roads generate normal wear that operators use as justification for these claims.

How to avoid: Photograph every surface of the vehicle before accepting it and send timestamped photos to yourself immediately. Never leave your passport as a deposit. Pay by card where possible for recourse to dispute. Use operators with recent positive TripAdvisor reviews.

Taxis from Kefalonia Airport to Argostoli and other resort areas quote flat rates to foreign tourists significantly above the metered fare. The airport-to-Argostoli run should cost approximately 15-20 EUR by meter but is frequently quoted at 30-45 EUR.

How to avoid: Pre-book a transfer through your accommodation. If using a taxi, insist on the meter being used under Greek law. Ask your accommodation for the current going rate before accepting any vehicle at the airport.

Car rental operators at Kefalonia Airport and in Argostoli use very low headline prices and recover margin through damage excess claims on return. Pre-existing damage documented under specific airport lighting on return is presented as new.

How to avoid: Photograph every panel and wheel of the rental car before leaving the lot. Send photos to yourself immediately. Read the damage excess policy carefully and consider purchasing third-party excess waiver insurance before travelling.

Fiskardo is the most upmarket harbour village in Kefalonia, attracting yacht visitors and well-heeled tourists. Harbour-front restaurants exploit the captive audience to serve menus without prices, add service charges and cover charges not disclosed upfront, and charge for items on the table without being ordered. Overcharging in Fiskardo is often more in absolute terms than in other parts of the island due to higher baseline prices.

How to avoid: Ask for a priced menu before sitting at any Fiskardo waterfront restaurant. Confirm whether any item placed on the table carries a charge. Consider eating one street back from the harbour where prices are more competitive.

Mobile vendors on Myrtos Beach and other accessible beaches sell refreshments and accessories at prices significantly above those at kiosks. Prices are quoted verbally and once a product is accepted the amount stated is sometimes higher than initially implied.

How to avoid: Buy from beach kiosks with posted prices rather than from circulating vendors. Confirm the price before accepting any product from a vendor.