Making the most of Argostoli Kefalonia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships visiting Cephalonia may berth at the new pier in Argostoli, the capital. The town centre and tender pier are a 10 to 15-minute stroll away. As there is only one berth, some ships may tender instead, using the old harbour in the town centre.
Where several ships call on the same day, the largest normally takes the berth.
Kefallinia, Kefalonia or Cephallonia: whatever the spelling, locals pronounce it “sefalonia”.
The 1953 earthquake devastated Kefallonia, leaving much of its architecture modern. There is nevertheless plenty to discover, including attractive harbours, walking trails and local cuisine.
Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital on a peninsula, is a busy working port with ferries, private yachts and freight ships throughout the year. Its cosmopolitan pedestrian shopping streets, supermarkets and specialist shops are the place to buy what is needed. This is where the main year-round business happens, particularly in winter when the island nearly hibernates; Argostoli remains alive.
Cephalonia, known from the Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz film Captain Corellis Mandolin, is a beautiful island. Its main town, Argostoli, lies in a southern-coast inlet protected from rough seas, with a delightful central square and surrounding cafés.
Getting around
The town is easy to cover on foot. Turn left from the tender pier and follow the boulevard to the “floating fish marker”, where boats sell fish. Go one or two blocks uphill to pleasant pedestrian shopping streets, then make a leisurely route back to the start.
A little mini train waits at the dock for 7 Euro, but its 20-minute trip is easily walked.
St. George Castle is a must-see near Argostoli. Built more than 1,600 years ago, it still dominates the scenic Livatho Valley. About 22 miles north, Assos Castle is a European Heritage Site and Kefalonia’s largest castle, with huge walls, stone tunnels and bastions.
Drogarati Cave, found by chance after the 1953 earthquake, is thought to be more than 100 million years old. Its naturally formed, colourful stalagmites and stalactites are a remarkable sight. Nearby Melissani Cave is better known for its subterranean lake; brackish Lake Melissani combines fresh and salt water, and a boat ride lets tourists explore the cave itself.
Hiring a car is probably the best choice, or share a taxi tour. Anywhere on the island is within an hour’s drive.
All taxis charge 35 Euro or less per hour, and many will be waiting in port on arrival.
A typical four-hour taxi tour visits St. Gerasimos Monastery, Drogarati Cave and Myrtos Beach.
Nearby places
Car ferries run hourly, more often in high season, between Argostoli and Lixouri on the western peninsula from 7.30am to 10.30pm. The crossing takes 30 minutes and costs €2.60 per person.
Myrtos, the island’s best-known beach, lies north of Argostoli on the island’s southern side. Framed by dramatic vertical cliffs, it is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Food and shopping
Like many waterfront towns, Argostoli’s edge is busy with tavernas, restaurants, shops and an excellent daily fresh fruit and vegetable market. Earthquakes flattened the town in 1953, after which it was rebuilt to its original street plan, creating a charming capital. Whether browsing, shopping or drinking a cold beer by the harbour, Argostoli is lively and vibrant.
Money
The Euro.
Staying connected
Greek is spoken.
Free WiFi is available at the pier close to the tourist office.
Many cafés provide free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Most public services work Monday to Friday, 8.00am–2.00pm. Retail and specialist shops trade Monday to Friday from 9am–1.30pm and 5pm–9pm, plus Saturday, 9am–2pm. Supermarkets open Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm, and Saturday, 9am–6pm. During summer, tourist shops and convenience stores generally have no official hours and usually open from dawn until well after midnight.