In a nutshell
- Argostoli is the capital of the Greek island of Kefalonia and should definitely be on your list when planning your Kefalonia vacation.
- The Saint Theodore Lighthouse, the sinkholes, and the iconic De Bosset Bridge are among the top highlights on Kefalonia — but the absolute must-see is the sea turtles swimming right in the harbor basin.
- In this guide, we walk you through the best things to do in Argostoli and share honest, personal tips for restaurants, hotels, beaches, and getting around. Let’s go!
Orientation: Map of Argostoli with Sights
To give you a better overview of Argostoli and its highlights, we’ve created a map of the city and marked the most important must-sees.
The Best Things to Do in Argostoli
Argostoli has some truly amazing highlights. You can easily explore them all in one day on your own. Here are our top picks.
Watching Turtles at the Harbor
They’re a must when visiting Argostoli: the sea turtles!
You can spot them year-round in the harbor basin — no need to jump into the water. Usually, a stroll along the promenade is all it takes to find them.
The only turtle species here is the loggerhead sea turtle. Before you get confused — these are real animals. “Loggerhead” is just the name.
Our tip: The fishermen selling their catch at the harbor regularly feed the turtles. It’s really cool to watch.
Saint Theodore Lighthouse
The Saint Theodore Lighthouse stands about three kilometers from the center of Argostoli — at the tip of the peninsula. With its 20 columns and wide structure, it looks totally different from a typical lighthouse.
From here you get a lovely panorama of Lixouri, the surrounding mountains, and the bay in front of Argostoli. The vista is especially stunning at sunset.
Visiting Saint Theodore is free. You can’t go inside the structure, though — you can only walk around it.
De Bosset Bridge
The De Bosset Bridge is the longest sea bridge in the world built entirely of stone — a feat that earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
It stretches 689.9 meters and connects Argostoli to the other side of the bay. It’s a pedestrian bridge, though cyclists are welcome too.
The De Bosset Bridge is perfect for a leisurely walk. With a bit of luck, you might also spot turtles from here. The view of Argostoli from the bridge is seriously great.
Sinkholes of Argostoli
The sinkholes in Argostoli are a truly unique phenomenon — here, the sea flows into underground lakes that lead all the way to the cave system near Sami. Amazing!
Honestly, you can’t see a huge amount of this in Argostoli itself — just the water wheel and the point where the water disappears underground.
Right next to the sinkholes there’s a large café with an outdoor seating area right by the sea. It’s a great spot to sit back and soak up the view.
Argostoli Town Center with Vallianou Square
Argostoli no longer has a historic old quarter, as it was destroyed in a powerful earthquake in 1953. The center was rebuilt afterward, and today you’ll find a solid mix of shops and restaurants here.
Vallianou is the main square in the center of Argostoli. It sits in a pedestrian zone and is a great spot to stop for a coffee.
From Vallianou Square, the main shopping street begins — also pedestrian-only. Perfect for a leisurely stroll!
Beaches near Argostoli
Argostoli itself doesn’t have any beaches, as the town sits on the harbor. However, the beaches of Lassi, on the other side of the hill, are super easy to reach.
Two beaches close to Argostoli are Kalamia (Lassi) and Fanari (near the Saint Theodore Lighthouse). From Vallianou Square, it’s about 2.5 kilometers to either beach.
A few kilometers further are the beaches of Makris Gialos, Platis Gialos, and Paliostafida. For us, they rank among the most beautiful beaches on Kefalonia and are a fantastic option for a beach day near Argostoli.
Our Hotel Tips for Argostoli
There are so many great places to stay in Argostoli. Most of them have a stunning view of the harbor.
King A: A nice, affordable hotel in the center of Argostoli with a delicious breakfast.
Kefalonia Grand: A charming boutique hotel in a prime location at a great price-to-value ratio.
Canale Hotel & Suites: A luxurious hotel with stylish, modern rooms. The service is top-notch!
More accommodation tips for Kefalonia and Argostoli can be found in our hotel articles.
To our hotel tips for Kefalonia
Our Restaurant Tips for Argostoli
In Argostoli you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants, bakeries, and tavernas. Here are our top picks:
- Palia Plaka: A lunch restaurant with a view of the harbor.
- Ampelaki: A typical Greek restaurant.
- Aristofanis: A restaurant at the De Bosset Bridge serving delicious fish dishes.
- Tsilikos: A fast food spot with tasty souvlaki and gyros pita.
- Grillhouse Spyros: Also serving delicious souvlaki and gyros pita to go.
- Manentis Bakery: A bakery with typical Greek treats.
Practical Tips for Visiting Argostoli
Here are a few more useful things to know before your trip to Argostoli.
Getting to Argostoli
Argostoli is about eight kilometers from Kefalonia Airport. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle bus into town.
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Alternatively, you can reach Kefalonia by ferry. This makes sense if you’re traveling from the Greek mainland or other islands. Keep in mind that the ferry terminals on Kefalonia are located in other towns on the island.
Read our tips on getting to Kefalonia too
Stopping in Argostoli on a Cruise Ship
If your cruise docks in Argostoli, the center is about 15 minutes on foot. You can also book excursions directly at the terminal or take a taxi to the nearby beaches, the lighthouse, and more.
Bus and Ferry Terminal in Argostoli
The central bus terminal is located just south of the center, not far from the De Bosset Bridge. All buses depart from here, heading to the sights on Kefalonia or to other towns on the island. Buses from the mainland, such as from Athens, also arrive here.
In addition, ferries to Lixouri — the second-largest town on Kefalonia — run regularly from Argostoli. The ferry terminal is located near Vallianou Square. The crossing to Lixouri takes about 20 minutes.
Renting Bikes and Cars in Argostoli
We really recommend exploring the island by rental car. It’s best to book before your trip. There are a few providers in Argostoli, but most options are available at Kefalonia Airport.
If you prefer to be more spontaneous, you can easily rent a scooter in Argostoli — it’s also a great way to get around. We recommend Ainos Bikes in the center, where you can get scooters and bicycles at a good price.
A bicycle is also a solid choice for getting around Argostoli. You can reach all the points of interest in town as well as the beaches in Lassi — and you might even discover some off-the-beaten-path spots on Kefalonia along the way.
