Kefalonia (Argostoli) Cruise Port Guide

On your Argostoli cruise, you might be surprised by how minimal this Greek island city is. Most travelers think of white-washed homes in Santorini, glamorous ruins in Athens, and some of the freshest food in the Mediterranean, and they’re not wrong. Greece is certainly all these things and more, but Argostoli? It’s a slower life here, especially since the town had to rebuild itself from the ground up following a 1953 earthquake that devastated the area. 

When you arrive on the island of Kefalonia, which the locals pronounce as “Cephalonia,” from an Adriatic cruise, you’ll be struck by how charming the town is despite the sadness of its earthquake-ridden past. There’s beauty here in spades, particularly when you stop in at the Kefalonia Botanic Garden or the Korgialenio History and Folklore Museum. Greek beaches are fully worth the taxi ride, and even though there aren’t too many distractions here, you’ll find plenty of tavernas, eateries, and local shops to keep you entertained during your afternoon in Argostoli.

Please Note: While we don't currently sail to Argostoli, you can still discover the beauty of the country on one of our Greek Island Cruises. Browse our luxury cruises to Greece below.

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Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to Kefalonia (Argostoli)

Kefalonia Botanic Garden

Open Tuesday to Saturday each week, the Kefalonia Botanic Garden is completely dedicated to the preservation of local flora and fauna. Walk the grounds for a bit, enjoying the relaxing time in nature, before heading on a museum tour or to the local beaches.

Korgialenio History and Folklore Museum

For just a three-euro entrance fee, it’s hard to pass up a trip to the delightful history and folklore museum. Here, you’ll learn about the mythology and mysticism of ancient Kefalonian art and artifacts.

De Bosset Bridge

One of the reasons why Greece endures in our memory is because it features marvels of human achievement, like the De Bosset Bridge, the longest stone bridge in the world built over the sea. Head out on the bridge, which dates back to 1813, and catch the sunset over Argostoli.

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Top Things to Do in Kefalonia (Argostoli)

Swim at Platys Gialos

Take a swim at Platys Gialos, an unassuming Greek beach with plenty of local eateries nearby. Pack a beach towel and a good book.

Shop along Platia Valianou

Most shopping in Argostoli and the surrounding areas is centered around Platia Valianou, the main square in town. Tavernas, restaurants, and boutiques are all easy to find here.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Kefalonia (Argostoli) Cruise Port

Arhontiko

Address: Rizospastis, Argostoli 281 00, Greece

Looking for a classic Greek taverna experience? Look no further than Arhontiko, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to deliver traditional Greek delicacies to the people of Argostoli. It’s a local, friendly spot where the seafood is the highlight.

 

Ladokolla

Address: Kalipso Vergoti 2, Argostolion 281 00, Greece

This is the spot for date night in Argostoli, where the cozy interior and garden seating make for an ambient evening. Casa Grec is known for its salmon, juicy steaks, local wines, and friendly customer service.

 

Casa Grec

Address: Metaxa Stavrou 10, Argostolion 281 00, Greece

This is the spot for date night in Argostoli, where the cozy interior and garden seating make for an ambient evening. Casa Grec is known for its salmon, juicy steaks, local wines, and friendly customer service.

Culture & History of Kefalonia (Argostoli) Cruise Port

Argostoli is the capital of the island of Kefalonia and has a modest population of less than 10,000 residents. Because of the 1953 earthquake that devastated the town, much of Argostoli has been slowly rebuilt. As a result, the town has an entirely different, perhaps even more resilient, spirit than other Greek towns. Kefalonia and Argostoli have a rich history of human contact and life on the island dating back hundreds of years, and most of these records can be found at local museums.

Kefalonia (Argostoli) Port Facilities & Location

Luckily for cruise passengers, this Grecian paradise is pretty walkable and not as hilly as destinations like Santorini. Taxis are all over the area where cruises to Argostoli dock, and many taxi services can arrange a three- to four-hour taxi tour of the city if you want to visit multiple destinations. Car rentals are also available, as is a convenient train to take you to the city center, but most opt to walk.

Transportation in Kefalonia (Argostoli)

Luckily for cruise passengers, this Grecian paradise is pretty walkable and not as hilly as destinations like Santorini. Taxis are all over the area where cruises to Argostoli dock, and many taxi services can arrange a three- to four-hour taxi tour of the city if you want to visit multiple destinations. Car rentals are also available, as is a convenient train to take you to the city center, but most opt to walk.

Shopping Near the Kefalonia (Argostoli) Cruise Port

Because the action in Argostoli is so close and walkable from the port, most of the shopping in the area is located in town. The best local shopping happens to be the weekly farmer’s market at the main harbor, where residents sell their fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish in a bustling market.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency you’ll use during your Argostoli cruise is the euro. Credit cards are accepted in many places, particularly Visa and Mastercard, but it’s recommended that you carry some cash as well. There are ATMs throughout Argostoli. When it comes to tipping, leave behind a 10% tip for good restaurant service. Tipping isn’t mandatory in Greece, but it is polite to tip your taxi driver, bellhop, or tour guide when they provide a service.

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