Argostoli
Quick facts
- Airport – 8.3 km/14 mins
- Melissani Lake – 28.2 km/39 mins
- Myrtos beach – 29 km/45 mins
- Antisamos beach – 30.6 km/ 45 mins
- St Gerasimos Monestary – 15 km/22 mins



Argostoli is the capital and most populated part of Kefalonia with about one third of the islands population calling it home.
There is plenty to see and do here all year round. In the summer, it really comes to life and gets very busy so if you arrive by car, it is wise to park at the side of the lagoon road just after the running track or in the quite well hidden, car park just before the bus station.
The first thing you will probably notice as you walk towards Argostoli from the bus station is the bridge across the lagoon, which can go by different names depending on who you speak to: it is sometimes called Drapano Bridge whilst some people know it better as the De Bosset Bridge. Although once open to road traffic, for structural reasons it is now strictly pedestrians and bicycles only. About half way across the bridge is an obelisk made of stone, built onto a man-made island, this obelisk is a monument to the British patronage.
The quayside at Argostoli is a great place to try and spot the endangered Loggerhead sea turtles. They tend to hang around when the fishing boats come in, usually late morning, hoping for a few scraps from the fishermen’s catch of the day. Along the quayside you will also find a good selection of café bars and eateries.
The main pedestrian shopping street in Argostoli is called Lithostroto. Along Lithostroto, you can visit the Catholic church of St Nicholas, the earthquake museum which is staffed entirely by volunteers, and many different shops and café bars. The main square is called Platia Vallianou and is at the the north end of Lithostroto; it is a popular location for local events, there are also many hotels and tavernas which overlook the square. In the spring of 2019, the pedestrian area around the square was refurbished and extended.
Brenda ”We stayed in Lassi so best of both worlds as not far from Argostoli. Enjoyed a couple of lovely days there shopping, coffees and people watching”
Sue C ”We usually go to Argostoli a couple of times each visit to wander round the streets and watch the turtles, then enjoy a nice meal usually by the walkway”
Les ”We love visiting Argostoli for a walk round the shops and fruit market and seeing the turtles. We like catching the ferry to Lixouri and then drive to various beaches before heading back to Lourdas.
Out & about
Lighthouse of Saint Theodora
On the coastal road between Argostoli and Lassi you cannot miss the Lighthouse of Saint Theodora. It stands proudly at the end of a walkway which extends into the sea.
Palia Valsamata (Old Valsamata)
Near to the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos are what remains of the original village of Valsamata, now known as Palia Valsamata. It was the main…
Makris Gialos beach
Makris Gialos beach is one of the busiest and most popular in the whole of Kefalonia.
It is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach with calm, crystal clear water and a shallow incline out to sea.
Catholic Church of St Nicholas
The Catholic church of St. Nicholas in Argostoli is the only catholic church on the island of Kefalonia.The present day church is built on the…
Katavothres Mill
Round the northern end of the Argostoli peninsula is the mill wheel and sink holes. There is nothing spectacular about the wheel itself, it’s a…
Paliostafida Beach
Paliostafida beach is a small stretch of sandy beach near to several of the large Lassi hotels. It is an organised beach with sunbeds available…
Robola Wine Cooperative – Omala Valley
The winery and vineyards are set amongst the rolling hills in the picturesque Omala Valley in the Robola Zone.
The Cave Hermitage Saint Gerasimos
The hermitage has been built onto the front of a hillside so be prepared for an uphill walk to see this beautiful piece of Kefalonian…
Platis Gialos beach
Awarded Blue Flag status for 2021 Platis Gialos beach is the smaller, quieter neighbour of Makris Gialos beach in the popular resort of Lassi and…
de Bosset bridge
The de Bosset bridge (formerly Drapano Bridge) connects Argostoli with settlements on the north side of the Koutavos Lagoon. It gets it name from the…
Argostoli by Christos Ballas A bird’s eye view of the city De Bosset Bridge by Christos Ballas Central square by Kefalonia Taxi Christos Argostoli view by Christos Ballas Fanari by Tina Kappatou Argostoli lagoon by Tina Kappatou
Currency and ATMs
The local currency in Greece is the Euro and has been since 2002.
By law, both cash and cards are accepted at all establishments.
Driving in Kefalonia
Hiring a car is a very good way to get out of resort and see all that Kefalonia has to offer, but driving in Greece is always an adventure and Kefalonia is no different.
Wildlife of Kefalonia
There is a diverse range of wildlife living on, above and around Kefalonia. If you are lovers of wildlife, you will enjoy watching out for some of the islands most weird and wonderful creatures.
Healthcare
The thought of becoming ill on holiday can be an unnerving prospect. You should relax and enjoy your holiday though, knowing that there are many healthcare professionals on the island should you get sick.
Smoking laws in Kefalonia
Kefalonia, like the rest of Greece has had a smoking ban in enclosed public spaces since 1st September 2010