Argostoli, Greece

Description — Argostoli, Greece

Argostolion, Argostoli - a city in Greece, the capital of the island of Kefalonia. This island is the largest of the Ionian islands, located in the west of Greece, the so-called “Western Chain” of Greece. The island’s area - 781 km². The island of Kefalonia is the largest in the ring of the archipelago. It is here, on the coast of the picturesque bay of Argostoli, formed by a small peninsula adjacent to the mountain range, that the cozy resort town of Argostoli is spread out. The city has a rich history. It was ruled by both the Romans and the Byzantines, and the Normans; the Turks, Venetians, and French dominated. The Russian-Turkish fleet entered Argostoli in October 1798.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Kefalonia became part of the United States of the Ionian Islands under the protection of England. The mid-19th century was marked by its joining Greece. From the mid-18th century, the city has been the capital of the district of Kefalonia and Ithaca. According to one version, the name came from the surname of the Argostolis family - the owners of the area. According to another - from the port, which in translation means: “the fleet is delayed.”

The earthquake of 1953 destroyed the city to its foundations. In place of the old, a new one was reborn… with elements of a distinctive architecture in the style of neoclassical “red roofs and large balconies”. Now Argostoli is the largest administrative center and the city of the same-named province in Kefalonia with a population of about 9,000 residents. It is located “amphitheatrically” on the shore of the Gulf of Kuvatosa, whose shores are connected by the Drapanos bridge.

Climate

The geographical location of Argostoli provides here mildness typical of a Mediterranean climate, without sharp fluctuations in temperature. In winter, the mountains of mainland Greece make it difficult for cold air to “break through” to the island of Kefalonia. That is why winters in Argostoli are “rainy-mild”. Average daytime temperatures are +12, nighttime +5. A humid and “raw” December. Spring Argostoli is awash in greenery and fragrances. In April, the rains stop, and the air temperature rises to comfortable levels. Late spring - early summer - is not very hot yet, and the sea pleasantly refreshes. This period can probably be considered the most favorable time for rest. Hot, sunny summer is softened only a little by the action of the trade winds and sea breezes. The average temperatures in July-August in Argostoli reach +29, with the highest readings up to +35-40. Water temperature in August is +26. Calm and clear, practically with no rain.

Argostoli, Kefalonia Island, Greece
Archaeological Museum
Cabanas Square
Drapano Bridge
City waterfront promenade
Central Street Litostrόto
Myrtos Beach
Enos National Park
Melissani Cave
Argostoli City Promenade
Main attraction - giant turtles
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus
St. Fedor Lighthouse

Location on the map

Sights

Archaeological Museum

The museum presents antiquities found on the island of Kefalonia, dating back to prehistoric times and later periods. Here you will find an extensive collection of Mycenaean artifacts, ceramics and jewelry from excavations around Lake Melissani, tomb slabs from the 3rd century BC, a mosaic from the Temple of Poseidon from the 2nd century BC, and archival photographs of the 1899 excavations.

Kabanas Square

On Kabanas Square you’ll find small restaurants and cafés, as well as a bell tower from whose top you can enjoy a panoramic view of Argostoli and view a photo exhibition about the tower. In the evenings, this is a favorite place for strolls.

Drapano Bridge

Drapano Bridge is an important historical landmark of Argostolion. Built during the British rule, it was erected in 1813 by the Swiss engineer Charles de Bosse. The original structure was made of wood, but in 1842 the bridge was completely rebuilt in stone. About halfway along-parallel to the bridge-an obelisk rises from a stone pedestal in the water. Since its foundation, a commemorative plaque with the inscription “To the Glory of the British Empire!” had been mounted on it. But in 1865, a year after the end of British rule, the plaque mysteriously disappeared. Even today, the obelisk remains an important symbol of the island.

City waterfront promenade

The waterfront is the jewel of the city of Argostoli. Stretching along the Kuvatós Bay, adorned with a neat row of palms, and paved with pebbles. The landscapes of the bay and the inner lagoon are enchanting. Their shores are connected by a stone pedestrian bridge, the Drapana. The air is filled with the scent of eucalyptus; there are places to rest, and swans swim.

What to see

Shopping

Litostrotto is a pedestrian street and the city’s shopping destination. Modern stores of leading global brands, traditional souvenir and confectionery shops. In summer, the shops close during the day because of the heat, and “life comes back” only closer to evening. Fresh fruit can be bought at the city market located by the waterfront.

Spend the day at the beach

Myrtos Beach is a source of pride not only for islanders, but for all Greeks as well. The blue UNESCO flag is well-deserved recognition of its uniqueness. On one side of the beach there is a small grotto. At Myrtos, the acoustics are special. It feels as though the sea is speaking to a person. The pebbles on the beach seem to have been selected like by a jeweler, and the color of the water is difficult to put into words. Better to see it for yourself. In the area of the town of Lassi, located near Argostoli, there are wonderful beaches-Platis Yalos and Mikris Yalos. The beaches are sandy; there are bars there, and you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas.

Enos National Park

The height of Mount Enos, the largest not only on the island but also across the entire archipelago, exceeds 1600 meters, and its flora and fauna are both interesting and often endemic. It is here that the specific dark turquoise fir trees unique to Greece grow. According to the epic, it was from these trees that Odysseus built his ships. Thanks to these firs that cover the mountain almost entirely, the slopes of Enos look almost black from a distance. In addition to the fir trees, you can see many wildflowers in Enos: violets and even orchids. Among the representatives of the animal world is a specific species of wild ponies, though they are not so easy to spot. In Enos, several hiking routes of different difficulty levels have been developed, taking from an hour and a half to nearly a full day to complete.

Melissani Cave

From Argostoli you can get to Melissani, which is also called the “Cave of the Nymphs,” in about twenty minutes. This is a karst cave-over tens of thousands of years, water has carved it out of limestone rock. The cave’s uniqueness lies in its remarkably clear underground lake. At the midpoint, its depth reaches 39 meters, yet the water is so transparent that you can see the bottom. A breathtaking sight unfolds gradually for tourists as they descend through the underground corridor leading to the cave. The vault of Melissani was partially collapsed by an earthquake several thousand years ago, forming a peculiar well of irregular shape in the center of the cave. From below, you can see trees clinging to it with roots gripping its uneven edges, while from above, falling rays of sunlight illuminate the water with different shades of azure depending on the time of day.

Recommended excursions

City sightseeing tour

You will see the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, where the relics of the island’s patron saint are interred, the ruins of the Castle of Saint George-where the island’s former capital used to be- the Aquin Division Memorial, created in memory of the Italian soldiers prisoners of war who were executed during World War II. Next, you will visit the central square of Argostoli, where the Folklore Museum is located. Here you can see historical artifacts and everyday items that give an idea of what life on the island was like previously. Cost of the sightseeing tour: 43 euros (per person).

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.