Kefallinia Airport

Kefalonia Airport "Anna Pollatou" sits on the island's eastern coast, 8 kilometres south of Argostoli near the village of Svoronata. It opened in 1971 and was renamed in 2014 to honour the Greek rhythmic gymnast Anna Pollatou, who died in a car accident that year. The airport operates as a seasonal hub, with most flights arriving between May and October. In winter, only a handful of weekly domestic flights connect the island to Athens. Despite its modest size, the airport handles over a million passengers annually, mostly on charter flights from across Europe. The single terminal building is compact but functional, designed to process the summer crowds efficiently.

Getting There

The airport is located 8 kilometres south of Argostoli, the island's capital and main town. The drive takes about 15 minutes via the main road (Argostoli–Svoronata). Taxis are readily available outside the terminal; the fare to Argostoli is around €20-25. There is no public bus service directly to the airport, but local KTEL buses run between Argostoli and the nearby village of Svoronata, a 20-minute walk from the terminal. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall – companies include Avis, Hertz, and local agencies. If you're staying in one of the southern resorts (Lassi, Skala, Lourdas), the airport is even closer, often a 10-minute drive. For departures, allow extra time in summer as the road to the airport can get congested with tourist traffic.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single two-storey building. Arrivals are on the ground floor, departures upstairs. The design is open and airy, with large windows letting in natural light. The floors are tiled and easy to navigate. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking spaces, and toilets are available, along with wheelchair-accessible seating in the waiting areas. There is a baby changing table in the restroom. Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal – look for the network "ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT" (it's a shared network with Fraport's other Greek airports). Baggage storage is available near the check-in area for a fee (around €5 per bag per day). The departures area has a small café-bar serving coffee, sandwiches, and snacks. There is no duty-free shop, but a newsagent sells toiletries, magazines, and souvenirs. Security checks are quick, though during peak hours (Monday noon, Tuesday 1pm, Wednesday noon, Thursday 2pm) queues can build up. The boarding gates are on the first floor with a large waiting lounge and views of the apron. Note that the airport is not open 24 hours – it operates around flight schedules, so if you have a very early or late flight, it may be locked. Check with your airline for access times.

Kefalonia Airport and Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, known for its dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters, and the famous Myrtos Beach. The island was devastated by a massive earthquake in 1953 that destroyed many of its traditional villages, but it was rebuilt in a distinctive style that blends Venetian and neoclassical influences. The capital Argostoli is a lively town with a scenic waterfront, the De Bosset Bridge, and the Korgialeneios Library. Just south of the airport is the village of Svoronata, with its quiet beaches and the 13th-century church of Agios Georgios. To the east, the peninsula of Paliki offers secluded coves and the historic town of Lixouri, accessible by a short ferry from Argostoli. The island's interior is mountainous, with Mount Ainos National Park home to the rare Kefalonian fir tree. Visitors come for hiking, wine tasting (the Robola grape is local), and exploring caves like the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake. The airport serves as the main entry point for most tourists, handling direct charter flights from the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and other European countries. In peak season, the terminal can be hectic, but the convenience of landing close to the best beaches and resorts outweighs the crowds. The airport's seasonal nature means that outside summer, it feels almost deserted – a calm contrast to the summer rush.

Practical Information

The airport's operating hours vary seasonally; it is not open all day every day. During the summer season (May–October), the terminal opens approximately 2 hours before the first scheduled flight and closes after the last arrival. In winter, it may only open for specific flights. The official website is https://www.efl-airport.gr/en – check for real-time flight information and any updates. There is no ATM inside the terminal, but there is a currency exchange counter that also offers cash advances (with fees). The nearest bank with an ATM is in Svoronata village, a 5-minute drive. Phone charging points are available near the gates. Smoking is not permitted inside, but there is a designated outdoor area near the departures entrance. If you have a long wait or a delay, consider that there are limited seating and dining options – the café is fine for a quick bite but not a full meal. The best advice: bring a book, download a movie on your phone, and if you're travelling in summer, arrive exactly 2 hours before departure – any earlier and you'll be stuck, any later and you risk missing your flight in the queues.