Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Sami, Kefalonia, is a stunning Greek destination brimming with natural beauty and historical sites. While local transport is available, renting a car unlocks the island's hidden gems and provides unparalleled freedom. Here's why a rental car is essential for your Sami adventure.
Explore Hidden Beaches. Kefalonia boasts numerous secluded beaches inaccessible by public transport. A rental car allows you to discover these tranquil spots at your leisure.
Visit Melissani Cave and Lake. This breathtaking natural wonder is a must-see. With a car, you can easily reach the cave and enjoy its ethereal beauty without relying on tour schedules.
Discover Assos and Fiscardo. These picturesque villages offer charming harbours, Venetian architecture, and delicious local cuisine. Driving between them allows you to soak in the stunning coastal scenery.
Convenience and Flexibility. A rental car provides the flexibility to explore Sami and the rest of Kefalonia at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you desire.
Before renting a car in Sami, Kefalonia, understanding the terms and conditions is crucial for a smooth experience. Here's what you need to know.
Area
Approximately 22.5 square kilometres
Population
Approximately 1,000 residents
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Ideal for
Exploring Kefalonia
Rush Hours
Limited traffic, mainly during ferry arrivals/departures
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Sami require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU license holders can use their license. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with the same fuel level as when collected is standard.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, child seats, or GPS. One-way rentals might also incur extra charges.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Sami is from £20 / $25 / €24 per day. Prices can vary based on the season and vehicle type.
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €53 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £18 / $23 / €21 per day
Executive:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €60 per day
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
SUV:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
Peak season (July to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (October to April): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Sami, Kefalonia, is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and passenger capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental.
Sami is a charming port town on the east coast of Kefalonia, known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Exploring the region by car requires awareness of local driving conditions and parking availability.
As a key port of Kefalonia, Sami provides easy access to numerous attractions and surrounding areas. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, though driving within the town requires care due to narrow streets and occasional congestion. Before you start, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Melissani Cave
A stunning underground lake with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Antisamos Beach
A beautiful beach with crystal clear water, featured in Captain Corelli's Mandolin film.
Drogarati Cave
A fascinating cave known for its stalactites and stalagmites.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in Sami, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Available, but often limited, especially during peak season.
Free Parking
Some free parking areas are located on the outskirts of town.
Gas Stations in Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Limited Availability
Fuel stations are available but not abundant in the immediate town centre.
Major Brands
Look for Shell and BP along the main roads.
Plan Ahead
Refuel before heading to remote areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Sami (Kefalonia Island)
Drive on the Right
Remember to drive on the right side of the road.
Watch for Scooters
Be aware of scooters and motorcycles, especially during summer.
Allow Extra Time
Plan for potential traffic delays during peak season.
Use GPS
A GPS can be useful for navigating the island's winding roads.
Ports
Port of Sami
The main port connecting Kefalonia with mainland Greece and other Ionian islands.
Airports
Kefalonia International Airport (EFL)
Located approximately 30 kilometres from Sami, serving domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
Sami Bus Station
Provides local bus services to various destinations on Kefalonia.
Renting a car in Sami, Kefalonia, requires a few essential documents and considerations. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver’s license is required. EU licenses are accepted. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Sami (Kefalonia Island) as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Lovely Sami! Easy to get around, saw friends, perfect getaway.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Stunning coastal views; relaxing Sami escape.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Exploring Kefalonia from Sami was a dream! So much freedom with a car.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Sami was lovely; having a car made exploring so easy. The beaches were stunning, although the tavern food near the harbor was a bit underwhelming.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Kefalonia was amazing! Sami was a perfect base for our family; exploring the island by car was effortless.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Peaceful Sami! Coastal drives were breathtaking. Relaxing days, perfect escape.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
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Sami was a fantastic base for my quick business trip. Getting around was effortless, thanks to a car. Beautiful scenery!
David Lee
Reviewed: 25.09.2024