The capital of Kefalonia, Argostoli is a lively port town rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake with a beautiful central square, waterfront promenade, and the famous Drapano Bridge — a long causeway built by the British in 1813 that crosses the lagoon. Loggerhead sea turtles are often spotted from the bridge.
Argostoli serves as the capital and largest town of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands of Greece, situated at the head of a deep coastal lagoon on the western side of the island. Like most of Kefalonia, the town was almost entirely destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and rebuilt over the following decades, resulting in a modern grid of streets with neoclassical and contemporary facades organized around a central plaza and waterfront promenade. Despite its rebuilt character, Argostoli functions as a genuine and animated Greek town rather than a tourist resort, with a busy covered market, traditional kafeneions alongside modern cafés, and local commerce concentrated on Lithostroto, the main pedestrian shopping street.
The Drapano Bridge is the town's most recognizable landmark: a 690-metre stone causeway built by the British in 1813 stretching across the lagoon and connecting Argostoli to the road network on the eastern side of the bay. The bridge remains in use today, primarily by pedestrians and cyclists. Walking its length takes around 15 minutes and is notable for the proximity to the water — the bridge sits barely a metre above the lagoon surface — and for the frequency with which loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) can be observed swimming directly below or resting at the surface. Early morning, before motorboat traffic begins, is the best time for turtle observation.
The town's waterfront promenade connects the Drapano Bridge at its northern end to the main ferry dock at the southern end and is the social spine of Argostoli. The De Bosset column, a stone obelisk erected by the first British Lord Resident, stands at the bridge entrance. Vallianos Square, near the center of the promenade, is the principal public square.
Two museums in the town center merit visits: the Korgialenios Historical and Folk Museum, which documents the pre-1953 town through photographs, furniture, and costumes; and the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli, which houses Mycenaean and Hellenistic finds from across the island.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- culture lovers, families, foodies
Location
Argostoli, Kefalonia, 28100
38.1708, 20.4878 View on map
Highlights
- Drapano Bridge — a 690-metre stone causeway built by the British in 1813 crossing the lagoon barely above water level
- Loggerhead sea turtles frequently visible from the bridge and lagoon shore, particularly in the early morning
- Lively authentic Greek town center with the covered market, Lithostroto pedestrian street, and Vallianos Square
- Korgialenios Historical and Folk Museum preserving photographs and objects from pre-earthquake Kefalonia
- Archaeological Museum displaying Mycenaean and Hellenistic finds from across the island
Tips for visiting
- Walk the Drapano Bridge early morning to spot turtles
- Saturday morning market is excellent for local produce
- The Korgialenios Historical and Folk Museum is worth a visit
When to visit
Early morning is the best time to walk the Drapano Bridge for turtle sightings before boat traffic increases. The Saturday morning covered market, operating from approximately 7 AM to 1 PM, is worth timing a visit around.
Accessibility
The Drapano Bridge pedestrian walkway is flat and accessible for wheelchair users. The town center streets are generally flat with some uneven paving in older sections. The main museums have ground-floor entrances, though internal accessibility varies; visitors with specific requirements should contact museums in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Argostoli take?
A walk across the Drapano Bridge, a stroll along the promenade, and a visit to one of the two main museums takes around three hours. Combining both museums and a market visit fills a comfortable half-day.
Can visitors reliably see sea turtles from the Drapano Bridge?
Loggerhead turtles are regularly seen in the lagoon from the bridge and surrounding shore, particularly in the morning before boat traffic increases. Sightings are common enough to be considered one of the highlights of the Argostoli visit, though they are not guaranteed.
Is Argostoli a good base for exploring Kefalonia?
Argostoli is the island's main transport hub with the widest range of accommodation, restaurants, and services. It is well-placed for visiting Myrtos Beach to the north, the caves near Sami, and the Katavothres sea mills a few kilometres away.