Best Things To Do In Argostoli | Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

Argostoli, the capital of the Greek island of Kefalonia, has a vibrant atmosphere and many tavernas, restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a popular place to use as a base when visiting the island. Plus, it’s pretty. Especially if you stay along the edge of the peninsula, or the Gulf of Argostoli, with views of the sea and the rolling hills in the distance. The top sites of Kefalonia are scattered around the island, and while there is public transportation, it’s limited, so you will need a car wherever you choose to stay anyway. If you do stay in Argostoli, you may find yourself wondering what there is to see and do there. Well, I asked the same question and did a little exploring. This post covers the best things to do in Argostoli and how to get there.

Where Is Argostoli?

Argostoli is on the western side of Kefalonia on a little peninsula. It’s about a 45-minute drive south of Myrtos Beach, the main attraction in Kefalonia, and about a 45-minute drive west of Melissani Cave Lake. Assos and Fiskardo, other popular places, are both north of Myrtos Beach.

Top Things To Do In Argostoli

Saint Theodore Lighthouse

Charming Saint Theodore lighthouse, which I think is the shortest lighthouse I’ve ever seen, sits on the northern end of the peninsula of Argostoli. It gets its unusual name from the cute little red-roofed church nearby, Saint Theodoroi. And yes, it’s a real functioning lighthouse.

The classic white, columned beauty of the lighthouse and its panoramic views of the bay make it a popular stop. Especially at sunset as the sky starts to turn shades of gold and red.

You can walk around the lighthouse, enjoy the panorama from the shade behind the columns, or sit on the rocks by the sea and watch the sun set.

How To Get To Saint Theodore Lighthouse

Saint Theodore Lighthouse is about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from the port area of Argostoli. You can easily walk here in about 30 minutes (depending on where you stay), drive in about 5 minutes, or rent a bike and ride here.

Some people also walk up from Lassi, following the coastline. Depending on where you start, this will take about an hour.

Fanari Beach

Fanari Beach is a quiet little beach area next to the side of the road just north of Saint Theodore’s Lighthouse. The waves are very gentle, making it a very peaceful beach, and the water is shallow, so it’s also family-friendly. The best feature of this beach is the panoramic view of island (similar to the views from Saint Theodore Lighthouse above).

This is a natural beach (not organized), so you need to bring your own chairs and umbrella. There are a few restaurants across the street when you want a drink or a bite to eat. Remember to bring your water shoes as there are pebbles here.

The Sinkholes of Argostoli

The Sinkholes of Argostino make an interesting stop if you’re coming out to Saint Theodore’s Lighthouse. There’s honestly not really much to see here, but the geological phenomenon that happens here is pretty interesting.

It’s a rare phenomenon, with an odd name, called karstification. The sinkhole here draws sea water down, under, and across the island, filtering through Melissani Cave on the eastern side, and out at Karavomilos Lake near the port of Sami. They’ve even proved this adding dye in Argostoli, which showed up two weeks later on the other side of the island.

The water moves under the island surprisingly fast. Fast enough to once generate power via a wooden wheel. The waterwheel here was damaged in the 1953 earthquake, but a new one stands in its place.

To read more about the sinkholes, and learn about the dinner club here, see my post on the Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli.

How To Get To The Sinkholes Of Argostoli

The Sinkholes of Artgsotli are on the northwestern part of the peninsula of Argostoli. It’s about a 5 to 10-minute walk from Saint Theodore Lighthouse.

Vallainou Square

The main square of Argsostoli is just a few blocks south and inland of where the ferry for Lixouri departs.

This area is full of tavernas, restaurants, and cafes, so the perfect place for lunch or dinner. I will say, however, that the Greek food here is more touristy and less like traditional Greek food, but there are many other choices as well.

You can find Italian, sushi, pizza, traditional pubs, and more. I ate in this area several times and my favorites were the pasta dishes at Pizza Al Forno, which is just up the street north of the square.

To discover more, walk down the pedestrian street of Vallainou (which heads south from the square). Here you’ll find more restaurants and cafes, as well as some shops selling local products and souvenirs.

Gentilini Winery

Gentilini Winery is a family run boutique winery about a 10-minute drive south of Argostoli, not far from the airport. They sustainably farm 10 hectares of vineyards on the island, making a range of about a dozen different wines, including whites, reds, and rosés. Make sure to try their Robola varietals, which is a Kefalonian specialty.

They offer a variety of tasting and tour options from €5 to €20. See the Gentilini website from more details and to make a reservation (reservations are required).

From May through September the vineyard is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. The rest of the year it’s open daily from 11 AM to 5:30 PM.

How To Get To Gentilini Winery

To get to Gentilini wine it’s best to travel by car or taxi. Uber is not available on Kefalonia, but standard taxis are. Costs for taxi rides, however, are fairly pricey on the island. Many do not use meters, so make sure to negotiate your price in advance. You can ask for an estimate at your hotel if you’re not sure.

I have read that it may be possible to be let off the airport bus about a mile from the winery and walk the rest of the way, but it’s best to have this discussion with the bus driver before purchasing your ticket.

De Bosset Bridge

De Bosset Bridge is the white stone bridge you see spanning the Bay of Argostoli. An interesting fact about this unusual bridge is that it’s the largest stone bridge crossing an ocean. You don’t think of the bay here as an ocean as it’s so calm, but it is.

This 19th century project was led by Charles de Bosset. His goal was to shorten the distance between Argostoli and the north and west sides of the island. It was converted to a pedestrian only bridge in the early 21st century.

When you walk the bridge, look for the rare Caretta Caretta, or Loggerhead turtles. They’re most likely to be spotted swimming here in the early morning or late afternoon.

Ekklisia Panagia

The beautiful old Greek Orthodox Church of Ekklisia Panagia is just north of De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli. If you’re down this way, make sure to stop in as it’s incredibly ornate inside. The frescoes and guild-work are simply stunning.

Lassi

If you want to visit a soft sandy beach with tiki style umbrellas and sunbeds, visit Lassi, the town just south of Argostoli.

There are two main beaches here, Makris Beach and Platis Beach. Makris Beach is just north of Platis Beach. They’re both organized beaches, meaning there are sun beds and umbrellas for rent. There’s also a nice canteen at Makris serving a variety of beverages and Greek sandwiches and salads.

How To Get To Lassi

There’s a bus that runs from Argostoli to Lassi and back several times a day in peak season. It stops near the beaches. Ask the driver if you’re not sure where to get off. Payment is made on the bus so bring cash. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes.

Lixouri

Another interesting thing to do in Argostoli is to take the ferry over to Lixouri. It’s just across the bay, about a 30-minute ride, with ferries crossing the bay frequently.

Lixouri sits in the west side of the Bay of Argostoli, opposite Argostoli. There’s a large square here and many places to dine seaside.

I visited during the day, so had a beverage at seaside COZY, but there are several restaurants with a view that look good for dinner, like Mezzo, Akrogiáli, and Anemos Cafe.

There’s also a beach bar called Fiki Fiki Beach Bar, which is on the beach area south of the port.

Myrtos Beach

Of course you can’t miss a visit to Myrtos Beach, the main attraction of the island. It’s noted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and often on lists of the most beautiful in the world! It’s stunning from above, nestled between rocky cliffs, with a white pebbled beach and dazzling turquoise waters.

The beach itself is mesmerizing too. You can watch the wild waves crash in various shades of turquoise and blue while you lounge in tiki-style sunbeds with thatched umbrellas.

To learn more about this gorgeous beach, see my post Exploring Enchanting Myrtos Beach and It’s Stunning Viewpoint.

How To Get To Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is about 18 miles (30 km) north of Argostoli. The drive to the viewpoint takes about a 35 to 40 minutes. It’s another 5 to 10 minuted to drive down the hairpin dirt road to the beach area.

There is limited bus service to Myrtos Beach during peak season. See Kefalonia KTEL for routes and times. Note that routes are seasonal.

Assos Village

This charming little fishing village is on a tranquil bay just north of Myrtos Beach. There’s a calm, family-friendly beach, a few cafes and shops, and an old Venetian Castle on the promontory by the sea. You can walk up to the ruins of the castle for stunning, panoramic views of Assos and the sea.

To learn more about Assos, and what to see and do here, see my post Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay.

How To Get To Assos Village

Assos Village is about a 50 to 60 minute drive north of Argostoli. There is a bus, but the schedule is limited. See Kefalonia KTEL for routes. Note that routes are seasonal.

Fiskardo

Fiskardo is another interesting town to visit, located at the northern tip of Kafalonia. This charming harbor town is one of the more popular places to dock in the Ionian islands, so gets quite a bit if traffic, including mega-yachts.

Because of this, the harbor of Fiskardo is filled with great seaside dining options and some shops along its boardwalk. It’s also quite charming and the perfect place to people watch.

There are also some charming little beaches tucked in pine coves in Fiskardo and some hiking trails. See my post on the Complete Guide Of Charming Fiskardo to learn more.

How To Get To Fiskardo

Fiskardo is about a 70 to 80 minute drive north of Argostoli. There is a bus, but the schedule is limited. See Kefalonia KTEL for routes. Note that routes are seasonal.

Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave is a cool little site, located near the port of Sami on the east side of the island. This fascinating cave was discovered after its roof collapsed during the 1953 earthquake that devastated much of the Ionian Islands.

Now, sunbeams streak dramatically through the hole in the roof of the cave, illuminating the crystal-clear blue waters of Melissani Lake. They offer short boat rides on the lake around the cave, which is pretty enough, and unique enough, to make it worthwhile…but it is very brief.

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To learn more about visiting this cave, see my post on How To Get To Melissani Cave Lake And What To Expect.

How To Get To Melissani Cave Lake

Melissani Cave Lake is about a 40-minute drive east of Argostoli. There is limited bus service from Argostoli to the port area of Sami, but Melissani is about a 40-minute walk from there. Each way.

Take A Day Trip To Ithaka

Ithaka is the island just east of Kefalonia and a short ferry ride away. This is the legendary island of Odysseus, as mentioned by Homer, and steeped in mythology. Here you can discover beautiful landscapes, beaches, charming old towns, and museums.

As you walk Argostoli, you’ll find several agencies offering tours to Ithaka. I wanted to do this, but, unfortunately, because the sea was choppy the day I planned to go, the ferry rides were canceled. It’s best to book in advance. I recommend one of these two.

• From Kefalonia: Ithaca Island Full Day Bus Tour leaves Sami port, but picks up at various places on Kefalonia. You’ll visit Kathara Monestery, which is at the highest point of the island, the idyllic town of Stavros, and have lunch in the harbor side town of Kioni.
• From Kefalonia: Day Trip to Ithaki Island with a Swim Stop leaves from the port of Poros. You start in the old town of Vathi, where you can visit museums or shop, swim at Gidaki Beach, which can only be reached by boat, and then visit the seaside harbor town of Kioni.

Where To Stay In Argostoli

Staying in Argostoli is a great choice, especially if you stay on the waterway of the Gulf of Argostoli. It’s great to wake up with a view of the sea and hills across the bay. Plus there are plenty of tavernas and cafes located within walking distance and the list of things to do noted above.

• King A is where I stayed. It’s centrally located with beautiful views of the bay. It’s privately owned and run by family. The owner’s name is Argamemnon, which is how it gets the name “King A” (from Greek mythology). He was born on the island in 1953, when the big earthquake hit here. Now he’s an architect and has many stories to tell. You’ll find him here often with his family that runs most of the day-to-day business. The rooms, most with sea views, are charming and well-kept. A delicious Greek-style breakfast is offered on the patio by the sea. I highly recommend it.
• Tourist Boutique Hotel is also nearby. It looks similar to King A, and also offers rooms with sea views.
• Elite Luxury Apartments are set back from the bay a few blocks, but close to Vallainou Square. They offer kitchenettes and balconies with mountain and city views.

Want More Of Greece?

Greece is such a spectacular destination. On top of the ancient ruins and history on the mainland, there are over 200 inhabited islands to discover.

I’ve listed my favorite places below, along with some stories from along the way.

Mainland Greece

• Top 20 Things To Do In Amazing Athens | A Complete Guide
• Visiting The Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora
• Teaching Yoga At A Refugee Camp In Serres Greece

Corfu Island

• Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town
• Things To Do In Sidari: Must-See Canal d’ Amour and More
• Enchanting Cape Drastis, How To Get There And What To Expect
• Top Things To Do In Pretty Paleokastrista Top 12 Things To Do In Captivating Corfu

Crete Island

• Top Things To Do In Crete Balos Bay Beach And Gramvousa Island,
• Crete Day Trip To Elafonisi Island, Crete
• Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete

Ios Island

• Top 15 Things To Do On Ios Island 

Kefalonia Island

• Exploring Enchanting Myrtos Beach & It’s Stunning Viewpoints
• Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo
• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
• Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay
• The Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia

Milos Island

• What To Do On The Cool Island Of Milos

Naxos Island

• Top 20 Things To Do In Naxos  

Paros Island

• 15 Fun Things To Do On Enchanting Paros 

Santorini Island

• Hiking From Fira To Oia On Santorini

Zakynthos Island

• How To Get To Stunning Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
• Myzithres Viewpoint & Beach | Hidden Gem of Zakynthos
• Visiting Zakynthos | What To Do & Where To Stay

Other

• Philotimo, The Highest Greek Virtue
• Gorgeous Old Doors Of Greece

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.