Argostoli Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do in Kefalonia
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Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island known for its gorgeous beaches, villages, and dramatic landscapes.
The town has about 24,000 residents and serves as the island’s main port. Cruise ships dock right in the Old Town, so you can step straight into the cafés, shops, and promenade.
It’s also the best base for exploring the rest of Kefalonia, from caves and beaches to mountain villages.
I spent a vacation here and had the chance to explore both the town and the island, and I can say it’s one of the most beautiful Greek islands I’ve visited.
In this article, I’ll share what you can do around the port on foot, and the top places to see across the island if you have more time.
Argostoli Cruise Port Overview
Argostoli Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the town center, within a 10-minute walk from the main shopping street and the central square.
Only one ship can dock at a time. At the end of the pier, you’ll find a Tourist Information Office where you can get maps and brochures. Taxis and a bus stop are available across the street.
Supermarkets, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, and shops are available within a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Argostoli itself doesn’t have a nice beach. The closest and (in my opinion) most beautiful beach is located in Lassi, Argostoli’s suburb and a tourist resort located around 4 km from the cruise port.
Getting Around Argostoli and Kefalonia
🚶 Walking Around Argostoli
The town center is flat and easy to navigate.
From the cruise terminal, turn left, walk along the seafront until the “I Love Kefalonia” sign, cross the street, and you’ll reach the central square and main shopping street.
🚌 Local Bus to Lassi
A local bus connects Argostoli with the resort town of Lassi every 30 minutes, and the bus stop is across the street from the terminal.
Lassi is only a 10-minute drive from Argostoli and is home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
You can get off at the “Makris Gialos” or “Platis Gialos” stops, both close to the sand. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way. Always check the updated Kefalonia bus timetables
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are available right in front of the cruise terminal. The fare to Lassi is around €9–10 per vehicle each way (2024 price).
🚗 Exploring the Island
To visit places beyond Argostoli and Lassi, the best option is renting a car or booking a guided tour. Local transportation to other parts of the island is limited and departures are infrequent.
👉 Explore the best tours on Viator and GetYourGuide
🚂 Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Train
A tourist train departs within a 5-minute walk from the pier, near the ferry terminal. The full loop lasts 40 minutes, including a 20-minute stop at the historic De Bosset Bridge.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
- Safety – Argostoli and Kefalonia are very safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings.
- Currency – The official currency is the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and most attractions.
- Getting Around – For exploring beyond Argostoli, especially if you’re limited with time, renting a car or joining a guided tour is the best choice.
- Where to Stay – If you plan to spend extra time in Kefalonia before or after your cruise, you’ll find a range of hotels near Argostoli and along Lassi’s beaches. 👉 Compare the best hotel deals here.
🎥 Watch my YouTube video about Argostoli Cruise Port & the best things to do in Kefalonia!
Top Things to Do in Argostoli and Kefalonia
Kefalonia has it all, from dramatic cliffs, turquoise beaches, mountain villages and delicious food and wine to unique natural wonders like caves and underground lakes.
If you’re staying close to the port, Argostoli is easy to explore on foot, while a guided tour or rental car is the best way to see the island.
Below you’ll find the top things to do both within walking distance of the ship and across Kefalonia.
🏛️ Things to Do in Argostoli (Walking Distance from the Cruise Ship)
Argostoli has been Kefalonia’s main town since the 18th century, and it’s small enough to explore on foot right from the port. These are the highlights I recommend from my own visit:
Argostoli Promenade & Harbour
Just a 5-minute walk from the ship, the palm-lined promenade is perfect for a stroll. You’ll see fishing boats, yachts, and sometimes sea turtles right by the shore.
It’s also the place to find island boat trips or enjoy a meal with views of the bay near De Bosset Bridge.
Caretta Caretta Turtles
Loggerhead sea turtles often swim close to the harbor, especially in the mornings near the fishing boats.
I even spotted one at sunset — so keep your eyes open, they’re incredible to see!
🗺️ Explore Argostoli with a Local Guide
If you’d like to go beyond a self-guided walk, you can also join a local guide who’ll show you the highlights of Argostoli, share history, and help you spot sea turtles.
De Bosset Bridge
Built in 1813, this stone bridge stretches across the lagoon and is one of Argostoli’s landmarks.
The walk gives you great views of the bay and surrounding mountains, with an obelisk standing in the center.
Lithostroto Shopping Street
About 10 minutes from the port, Lithostroto is the town’s main pedestrian street.
It’s lined with shops, cafés, and local boutiques, plus two historic churches worth a quick stop: the Catholic Church of St. Nicholas and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Spiridon.
Vallianos Central Square
This lively square is the heart of town, surrounded by cafés and shops.
It’s a nice place to sit, people-watch, and check out the nearby Archaeological and Folklore Museums if you’re into history.
Fanari Road & Saint Theodore Lighthouse
Turn right from the terminal and follow the coastal path to reach Fanari Lighthouse, a neoclassical gem built in 1828.
The walk takes about 25–30 minutes each way along a safe, scenic route with sea views, pine woods, and a couple of small beaches.
It’s one of the best spots for sunset photos.
🏝️ Best Things to Do in Kefalonia (Beyond Argostoli)
Kefalonia has so much to offer beyond Argostoli. From famous beaches and caves to mountain villages and small harbors, the island is full of places worth seeing if you have the time to explore.
Makris Gialos & Platis Gialos Beach
Just 10 minutes from Argostoli in the resort town of Lassi, these two beaches sit side by side and are among the island’s most popular.
You can reach them easily by local bus from the port or the town center.
Makris Gialos is the larger beach, with soft golden sand, clear water, and plenty of facilities.
You’ll find water sports here, from jet skis and paddleboards to banana boat rides.
The main beach club, Costa Costa, is lively but pricey, with sunbeds ranging from €35–60 (2024). It does have a full restaurant and bar if you want a sit-down meal or cocktails right on the sand.
Platis Gialos, just next door, is smaller and quieter but just as beautiful.
Here, a sunbed set costs about €15 (2024), and there’s only a simple café for drinks and snacks. No water sports, but a more relaxed vibe.
Both beaches have showers, changing cabins, and nearby parking, making them convenient whether you’re coming by bus, taxi, or rental car.
Myrtos Beach
Myrtos is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, with its white pebbles, turquoise water, and sheer cliffs dropping straight to the sea.
It’s about a 45-minute drive from Argostoli, and the views from the road above are just as impressive as the beach itself.
The beach has a wild feel — waves can be strong, and access is sometimes closed in bad weather. That actually happened when I visited, so I only saw it from the viewpoint, which was still unforgettable.
On good days, you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, and a small beach bar.
👉 Explore Myrtos Beach tours and activities
Assos Village
About an hour’s drive north of Argostoli and not far from Myrtos Beach, Assos is one of Kefalonia’s most picturesque villages.
It’s a small harbor surrounded by colorful houses, quiet streets, and a handful of tavernas right by the water.
Above the village sits the Venetian Castle of Assos, built in the 16th century. The walk up takes about 20–30 minutes each way from Assos Beach, and the views over the coastline are well worth it.
👉 Explore Assos tours and activities
Antisamos Beach
Near Sami, about 50 minutes from Argostoli, Antisamos is one of Kefalonia’s most beautiful beaches.
Surrounded by green hills, it has white pebbles, turquoise water, and great visibility for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach was featured in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and is well set up with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and options for kayaking or paddleboarding.
It’s easily one of my favorites on the island, and I highly recommend it.
👉 Explore Antisamos Beach tours and activities
Melissani Lake Cave
Near the town of Sami, about 45 minutes from Argostoli, Melissani is one of Kefalonia’s most famous sights.
The cave opens to the sky, and when the sunlight hits the water, it glows an incredible shade of blue.
You can take a short boat ride inside the cave, drifting past stalactites and clear waters that look almost unreal.
The mix of light and reflections makes it a highlight for both visitors and photographers.
👉 Explore Melissani Lake tours and activities
Drogarati Cave
Close to Sami and Melissani Lake, Drogarati is an impressive underground cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Its huge chambers even have such good acoustics that concerts were once held here.
A visit takes around 30 minutes, but be ready for a lot of steps. I’ve seen people with limited mobility manage it, though it can be challenging.
If you prefer to wait outside, there are cafés and small shops on site.
👉 Browse Drogarati Cave tours and activities
Monastery of Saint Gerasimos
About 25 minutes from Argostoli in the Omala Valley, this monastery is dedicated to Kefalonia’s patron saint, Saint Gerasimos.
It’s the island’s most important religious site and a place many locals visit to honor the saint, who is believed to have performed miracles.
The complex includes the Old Church, a small underground chapel where the saint once lived, and the New Church with frescoes, icons, and a silver casket holding his relics.
The valley around the monastery is also known for its vineyards and Robola wine.
👉 Explore the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos tours
Wine-Tasting in the Omala Valley
The Omala Valley is the center of Kefalonia’s wine production, and several family-run wineries here open their doors to visitors.
A tour usually includes a walk through the vineyards, a look at the winemaking process, and tastings of local varieties.
The highlight is Robola, a crisp white wine made from a native grape grown here for centuries. If you enjoy wine, this is one of the best local experiences to try.
Fiscardo Village
At the northern tip of Kefalonia, about 50 km from Argostoli, Fiscardo is one of the island’s prettiest villages.
Unlike most of Kefalonia, it survived the 1953 earthquake, so its colorful Venetian-style houses and old architecture are still intact.
The harbor is full of fishing boats and yachts, with tavernas, seafood restaurants, and small shops right along the water.
It’s also a great place for gelato — I tried it here and highly recommend it.
From the village, you can see across the sea to Ithaca.
👉 Explore Fiscardo tours and activities
Cruise to Ithaca
Ithaca, famous as the home of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, is a small island with rugged scenery, clear waters, and a strong sense of history.
Most boat tours from Kefalonia stop in Vathy, the capital, where you can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Cathedral of the Dormition with its striking bell tower.
Cruises usually also include the villages of Kioni and Frikes, plus swimming stops in hidden bays.
It’s a relaxed way to combine sightseeing, a bit of history, and a traditional Greek lunch by the sea.
FAQ: Visiting Argostoli (Kefalonia) on a Cruise
❓ Can you walk from the cruise port to Argostoli town?
Yes, the cruise terminal is right in the Old Town. The central square, shops, and promenade are all within a 10-minute walk.
❓ Are there taxis at the Argostoli cruise terminal?
Yes, taxis wait outside the terminal. A ride to nearby Lassi and its beaches costs around €9–10 per car each way (2024 prices).
❓ What is the best beach near Argostoli port?
Lassi’s beaches, especially Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos, are the most popular and only a 10-minute drive from the port.
❓ How far is Myrtos Beach from Argostoli?
Myrtos Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port. Many tours include a stop at its famous viewpoint.
❓ What can I do in Argostoli without a tour?
You can walk the promenade, spot sea turtles in the harbor, cross the De Bosset Bridge, shop along Lithostroto Street, and relax at the central square — all within walking distance.
❓ Is Argostoli safe for cruise passengers?
Yes, Argostoli and Kefalonia are very safe. Just take the usual precautions and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas.
❓ What currency is used in Kefalonia?
The euro (€) is the official currency. Cards are widely accepted, though it’s good to carry some cash for small cafés or shops.
Helpful Resources for Kefalonia Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find the Port of Kefalonia (Argostoli) on Google Maps
- Argostoli Cruise Ship Schedule
- Kefalonia Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
🛳️ Ports Included in Argostoli Cruise Itineraries
- Venice (Ravenna) – iconic canals and historic landmarks
- Pula – home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters
- Dubrovnik – medieval Old Town with city walls and sea views
- Kotor – a dramatic fjord-like bay and old stone streets
- Corfu – sandy beaches and the Old Fortress
- Katakolon – gateway to Ancient Olympia
- Chania (Crete) – Venetian harbor and vibrant old town
- Santorini – whitewashed villages and caldera views
- Piraeus (Athens) – access to the Acropolis and city highlights
- Malta (Valletta) – fortified capital and UNESCO heritage sites
- Florence (Livorno) – base for exploring Florence, Pisa, and Tuscany
- Naples – gateway to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – main port for visiting the Eternal City
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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