Kefalonia Argostoli

More info about Argostoli

History

Historically, the Venetians occupied Kefalonia for many centuries (Enetocracy), like the rest of Eptanisa Islands (the administrative region Kefalonia belongs to).
The Eptanisa were later occupied also by the French and the British.
All these foreign cultures and influences impacted heavily the Kefalonians in all aspects of their lives.
The town was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquakes of 1953, and the British helped rebuild much of its infrastructure.
Before the earthquake, many beautiful mansions decorated the city. They were indicative of Venetian Architecture, with Renaissance, Rococo, and Baroque elements.
There are many buildings and ruins, rich in history and cultural significance. From the 6th-century Cyclopean Walls of Ancient Krani, to the renovated buildings after the earthquake of 1953, you can watch history unfold right in front of your eyes.

Some sights in the area

• Bridge De Bosse or "Devosetos Bridge", is around 700 meters long, and is the longest stone bridge over the sea in the world! It is a pedestrian bridge that connects Argostoli to the opposite side of Argostoli Bay. There lies the Drepano village, where you can find the Municipal and the English Cemetery.
Additionally, the bridge separates the Koutavos lagoon from the bay. It was built in 1813, by the Swiss engineer and English governor of Kefalonia at the time, Charles de Bosset, who supervised a lot of infrastructure projects on the island.
After the earthquakes of 1953, it suffered many damages which are still visible today.
Close to it, there is a small artificial island, with the monument of Obelisk in the middle. It has the shape of a four-sided pyramid, and if you look closer, you can see an inscription placed at the front, in honor of its creators.

• Another landmark you can't miss, both figuratively and literally, is the renowned Lithostroto/Cobble Street.
The Kampana (Bell) square is the place from where Lithostroto starts, and a place worth visiting as well.

• The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore (or Fanari), is a unique building, 3kms outside of Argostoli. It is built on an artificial peninsula, and besides the value of the building itself, the view is great from there. And, of course, an ideal spot for taking photographs. It has a circular form, extending 8 meters in height, with twenty white pillars supporting it, in the fashion of a doric architectural rhythm.
It was built in 1928, during the rule of the British administrator, Charles Napier. It was destroyed by the earthquake, but it was rebuilt in 1964, according to its original design.
A very interesting piece of information is the reasoning behind the formulation of its shape. In fear of the frequent earthquakes, the British built an interior circular staircase, to support it, thus granting it a unique shape and form. It is close to the Katavothres and the wider Lassi area.

• Korgialeneios Library and The Korgialeneios History and Folklore Museum are places of high intellectual and educational interest.

• The Kefalos Theater is the Municipal Theater of Kefalonia and one of international prestige and recognition. It lies on Georgiou Vergoti Street and is one of the largest and oldest theaters in Greece.
It is at the central square of Vallianos, at the end of Cobble Street. It opened in 1858, under British rule and the first performance it hosted was La Traviata by Verdi and Mari di Rohan by Donizetti, in November of 1858. It has an amphitheater of 450 seats, making it the biggest theater in all of Kefalonia. Since 1994, when it was rebuilt, it has hosted many theater performances, dancing shows, scientific conferences, and art exhibiions. Furthermore, it has hosted shows of the State Orchestra, the Lyrical Scene, international theater productions, and concerts of very famous musicians.

• What sets Kefalonia apart in terms of geological phenomena, is definitely the one of Katavothres. You can reach it pretty easily, since it is 3kms away from Argostoli, along the Fanardi road.
What is the phenomenon of Katavothres? It's the disappearance of seawater in the cracks of the soil! It then runs through the Katavothres, a fact that has baffled scientists for years. The explanation finally, was that the Katavothres are made of limestone, and the water rain melts a chemical element of it. Then the cracks dilate, forming underground caves, tunnels, and holes. The katavothres run through the entire southern part of the island, ending in the Melissani Cave.

• 5 kms from Argostoli, lie the ancient Cyclopean Walls of Razata. They are walls of massive stones, dated from the 7-6th century B.C., and functioned as a formidable fortification of the city. Razata was the main area of the city in the Mycenaean era. The southern side of the hill (Riza) was the Necropolis of Kranis, 1 of the 4 city-states of Kefalonia, called Kefalianiki Tetrapolis. There are also the Doric Temple Ruins of Demeter.

At the end of your walk on the beautiful Argostoli coastline, there is the statue of the naval, Nikos Kavvadias, who is one of the most beloved Greek poets.

Where to swim?

Very close to Argostoli, at a 2kms distance, there is the Lassi Holiday Resort, with its 2 beautiful beaches of Platis and Makris Gialos. Both beaches have crystal clear water to enjoy your swimming and grained sand for endless sunbathing. The resort provides places to eat, drink and shop. There are also beach bars, restaurants, a lifeguard, and water sports.In fact, the Kefalonia Water Sports Center is in Makris Yialos!

Next to Makris and Platis Gialos, there is the more family-friendly beach of Gradakia.

Where to eat?

Kefalonia is famous for its local cuisine, whose ingredients include pies, goat meat, and seafood. There are many restaurants in the town.
If you want a cozy, friendly choice for your meal, with a great view of the sea, you can find the Ampelaki restaurant, at the end of the Argostoli harbor. The staff is very efficient, the quality of food is great, and it also provides facilities for people with disabilities.

Another quality choice for dishes of the local cuisine is the Premier restaurant, at the Argostoli harbor. The great thing about its ingredients is that all vegetables are produced on Premier's farm, by the organic farming method. The bread is also produced in its workshop and is baked daily.

A family restaurant (taverna) that has a great view of the sea and the mountains, is the taverna Kiani Akti. Its menu includes many traditional dishes, the most renowned being the delicious Kefalonian meat pie.

Activities

Kefalonia is a place that will provide you with strong sensations and great adventures. You have plenty of options for exploration of the many treasures of the island.

If cave exploration and diving are what you are looking for, you can participate in the Underground Blue Lake Caving Excursion to St. Theodore's Cave, which stars from Argostoli. It is a great trip of 5-6 hours, where you can do diving at 25 or 42 meters. It will be a memorable experience.

If you crave a little physical activity and you are a fan of hikes and climbing, you can book a place in the Canyoning Excursion in Zoodochos Pigi Canyon! It is a 5-hour hiking trip to the mountain of Ainos, where there is a National Park with beautiful and rare endemic plant species. Remember to bring comfortable clothes with you, sunscreen and a hat!

The Kefalonia Jeep Safari Tour, is a great 4X4 experience, for those who want to discover all Kefalonia has to offer, without any physical discomfort.

Also, Argostoli is a place where there are a lot of boat tour choices and also you can rent your own boat. An option we recommend is the Full Day Boat Cruise if you want to roam around the beaches and wildlife of the area. The trip lasts 7 hours. You will visit many places which are accessible only by sea, you will swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters. And who knows, maybe you will come across some dolphins and Caretta-Caretta turtles!

A delicious, local variety of wine is the Robola wine. If you are a lover of wine and want to participate in a wine-tasting experience, you can book a place on the Full Day Island Tour with a Winery Visit. You will swim in the turquoise water of Antisamos and Myrtos beach, and you will visit the 150.000.000-year-old Drogarati Cave. The wine cooperative of Robola winery in Fiscardo will wait for you to expand your tasty calyxes.