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Argostoli is the vibrant capital of Kefalonia, where we stayed during our visit to the island.
This coastal town has a lovely, balanced blend of history, nature, and local culture.
Located along a scenic harbour with a charming waterfront, it’s known most for its iconic De Bosset Bridge and being a haven for endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
You’ll find plenty of other things to do in Argostoli, and we’ll come to them shortly.
And as with most Greek towns, you’ll find an excellent range of places to eat and drink, especially along the waterfront.
There’s also a lively square surrounded by tavernas, all of which ooze that friendly Greek atmosphere late into the evening.
Things to Do in Argostoli
Argostoli features on our list of things to do in Kefalonia because it has plenty to offer, making it worth visiting.
So here are the very best things to do in Argostoli, Kefalonia.
1 | Find the Caretta Caretta Turtles
The Caretta caretta, also known as the loggerhead sea turtle, can be found in Argostoli Harbour and Koutavos Lagoon.
The De Bosset Bridge splits the two areas, making it one of the best places to find them.
If you arrive early in the morning, you have a better chance of seeing them when the fishermen are out.
One morning, we found the restaurant on the lagoon side of the bridge emptying its leftover fish, which brought a couple of the turtles in.
Sadly, loggerhead turtles are considered endangered, but they are thankfully protected by Greek and European laws.
There are also active research and conservation programmes in place.
You might even spot some people wearing blue t-shirts who are part of the Wildlife Sense organisation.
📍 Epar.Od. Argostoliou, Kefalonia 281 00, Greece
2 | Cross De Bosset Bridge
Built in 1813 by Swiss engineer Charles Philippe De Bosset, the De Bosset Bridge spans the Koutavos Lagoon, connecting Argostoli to the Drapano area.
Originally wooden, it was later reconstructed with stone for durability. At approximately 690 meters, it is one of Europe’s longest (if not the longest) stone bridges.
Halfway along, you’ll find an obelisk commemorating its construction.
It’s a lovely walk across to the other side, and you might be fortunate enough to spot loggerhead turtles while you’re at it.
📍 Epar.Od. Argostoliou – Pessadon, 281 00, Greece
3 | Take the Ferry to Lixouri
The ferry from Argostoli to Lixouri only costs a few Euros and takes approximately 20 minutes.
The ferries run roughly 30 minutes apart, so you will only have a short wait for one.
Head straight to the National Resistance Lixouri Central Square when you get to Lixouri.
That’s where the main action is and comes complete with a lovely atmosphere as the evening continues.
One or two streets run from the main square, where you can find some food and drink options, including a nice stretch just south of the port (which is a left turn when you get off the ferry).
You can pay by card or cash on board, too!
💷 Paid
4 | Head to Saint Theodore Lighthouse
Saint Theodore Lighthouse is an iconic landmark of Argostoli and the island.
However, the lighthouse that exists today isn’t the original.
A local architect rebuilt it in 1964 after the original was destroyed by a huge earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1953.
You’ll find lots of visitors later in the day, especially around sunset.
It’s a great place to head for your next Instagram pic or to chill out and enjoy the peace of the Mediterranean for a while.
💷 Free
5 | Find the Sinkholes of Argostoli
The sinkholes of Argostoli, known locally as the “Katavothres,” are an unusual geological phenomenon of Kefalonia.
You’ll find them to the north of Argostoli, and although they don’t look like much, they were enough to intrigue scientists.
The sinkholes were intriguing because the seawater entered natural cavities in the rock, but it was unknown where the water went.
A dye experiment was carried out in the 1960s, confirming the water’s path.
It turns out that the water travels through a network of tunnels and reappears over nine miles away on the island’s east side in Mellisani Lake and Karavomilos Lake.
Today, you’ll find the remnants of a mill with the waterwheel still in place.
The waterwheel was powered by the water entering the sinkholes.
💷 Free
6 | Hit the Beach
Although Argostoli isn’t regarded as a top beach destination on the island, it offers some good beach options.
You’ll find trees straddling the shoreline to the north of the town (past the cruise liner terminal).
There, you’ll find the locals making camp for the day to swim.
Carry on past there, and you’ll discover Fanari Beach.
It doesn’t look all that impressive, but it’s a sandy beach with shallow waters and a peaceful place to spend a few hours.
If you carry on around the peninsula, you’ll find Kormoranan Bay Beach.
It’s a lovely, sheltered little beach with white pebbles.
Here, you might find the odd coasteering group jumping into the sea and the odd seal (as we did!).
7 | Hire a Boat in Koutavos Lagoon
On the far side of De Bosset Bridge from the town centre, you’ll find Koutavos Lagoon.
Here, you can hire an electric boat or pedalo.
In the lagoon, you’ll find all sorts of birds and fish, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Caretta Caretta turtles.
8 | Pump Some Iron
Go and pump some iron at the outdoor gym in Argostoli.
We’re kidding – who is crazy enough to smash a workout while on holiday?
Even if it’s not your thing, it’s worth a look because it’s quite a feast for the eyes, not because of the muscle bosuns around but because of the sheer amount of kit in there, all mustered by the community – very impressive.
It’s called the Street Workout Park and is open 24 hours a day, should you want to conduct a weights session, after all!
📍 Ellinikou Erithrou Stavrou, Argostoli 281 00, Greece
💷 Free
Things to Do in Argostoli Map
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