Myths and miracles abound on this island, and Argostoli is a great starting place to explore the natural and ancient wonders this place offers… Argostoli is a large vibrant village in the island of Kefalonia (or Cephalonia), and it is the capital and main port of the island with a natural harbor.
It is located at the far end of the sheltered Argostoli Bay, and is surrounded by wooded mountains and forests.
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea and boasts the highest mountain peak, Megas Soros, on Mount Ainos towers.
It is a fascinating, majestic and green island with many… how can we say… miracles…
Argostoli Town, Kefalonia, Greece
For example:
Gerasimos, the patron saint -his well preserved body is sometimes said to have seaweed on his feet; it is believed that he visits his friends St. Spyridon and Nectarios on the nearby islands of Zakynthos and Corfu…
The sea water disappears underground at Katavothres, and pours out on the other side of the island…
On the mountainside there are wild horses, goats and rabbits with golden teeth because of the mineral deposits in the ground…
On 15th August, the day of the Virgin Mary, snakes come into the village of Markopoulo, blessing the Church of Our Lady with their presence…
Assos Coast near Argostoli, Kefalonia
There is a unique flower on this island that blooms only on this day, 15th August…
You really can feel that the ancient myths are very much alive in this place!
A Little Bit Of History
The city was built in 1757, when it took the role of the capital of the island. Until then the Castle of Saint George was the capital.
In 1810, the Ionian Islands came under British rule and Kefalonia had its own British Governors. De Bosset, one of the governors, did a lot of engineering works in Kefalonia.
The entire Argostoli and almost all the towns and villages of the island were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake.
However, the town was rebuilt soon after the incident, and the streets have been built in the original layout.
However, the old town was more picturesque than it is today, as the ancient architecture was greatly influenced by the Italians.
Argostoli developed rapidly. It was the second town in Greece to get electricity and a sewage system, and it quickly developed squares, museums, mansions, theatres, sports facilities and institutes.
Nikos Kavvadias is a popular poet from Argostoli. Many of his poems were made into songs. He is honored by a statue placed between the main harbor and the marina.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
The Feast of Virgin Mary, Feast of Agios Gerassimos, International Music Festival, Theatrical Festival and Union of the Ionian Islands are some of the popular festivals and celebrations of Argostoli.
Where is Argostoli?
- 21.1 miles/ 34 km from Sami, Greece
- 149.7 miles/ 241 km from Kalamata, Greece
- 23.6 miles/ 38 km from Skala, Greece
- 236.7 miles/ 381 km from Athens, Greece
- 5.2 miles/ 8.4 km from Kefalonia Airport, Greece
- 246.6 miles/ 397 km from Athens International Airport, Greece
Things to See
- Plateia Valianou
- The Promenade
- De Bosset Bridge
- Lithostroto Street
- Archeological Museum
- Korgialenios History and Folklore Museum
- Kefalos Theater
- The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore
- Katavothres
- Kabanas Square
- Korgialeneios Library
- Argostoli Bird Sanctuary
Beaches
- Makris – Platis Yialos
- Agia Kiriaki
- Gradakia
- Minies Beaches
- Sami Beach
Excursions
- Kayaking
- Melissani Lake
- The Ainos National Park
Argostoli is the paradise of nature lovers with hidden coves and beaches that are yet to be explored.
It’s a perfect combination of ancient myths and stories and the unspoilt nature which provides an authentic Med experience.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
