Cruise port · Greece · Greek Isles
Argostoli, Kefalonia cruise port guide
Argostoli is the relaxed capital of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, and ships dock right on its waterfront, a short walk from the main square. The town itself is pleasant rather than spectacular; the real draws are a short drive away: the underground lake of Melissani Cave, the famous white curve of Myrtos Beach and the hillside village of Assos.
- Caves
- Beaches
- Sea turtles
- Island scenery
- Wine
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Christos Vittoratos assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Greek Isles
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Greek. English is widely spoken, and many locals know some Italian.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for small cafés and cave entry.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 58–86°F through the year
About Argostoli, Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a big, mountainous, green island, and Argostoli sits on a sheltered bay on its southwestern side. Almost everything you see in town was rebuilt after a massive earthquake in 1953, so expect a tidy grid of streets, a palm-lined main square and a long harbor promenade rather than an old Venetian quarter. What the town lacks in history it makes up for in ease and calm.
Many visitors spot their first loggerhead sea turtles right on the waterfront, where they surface by the fishing boats. Most cruisers then head out on a half-day loop: the shimmering blue grotto of Melissani, the stalactites of Drogarati, and the clifftop view over Myrtos Beach, often named one of Greece’s finest.
Argostoli suits nature lovers, beach seekers and travelers who enjoy a slower Greek island day. It’s not a big-sights or nightlife port, and seeing the island’s best scenery means time on winding mountain roads, which can unsettle anyone prone to car sickness.
Where cruise ships dock in Argostoli, Kefalonia
Ships dock alongside the harbor in Argostoli, close to the town center; from most berths the main square, Plateia Vallianou, is a 5- to 15-minute walk along the waterfront. Larger ships occasionally anchor and tender when berths are taken. Taxis and tour coaches gather near the port. Melissani and Drogarati caves are about 40 minutes away near Sami, and Myrtos Beach is about 45 minutes north. Allow a full half day for any island tour, while the town itself needs only two hours.
Best things to do in Argostoli, Kefalonia on a cruise
- 1
Melissani Cave
nature
A cave whose roof collapsed long ago, leaving an underground lake open to the sky. Rowboats glide across water so clear it looks luminous turquoise, especially around midday when sunlight pours through the opening. The boat ride is short, so pair it with nearby Drogarati and Sami.
- 2
Myrtos Beach
beach
A long arc of brilliant white pebbles under steep cliffs on the northwest coast, with water that turns from turquoise to deep blue. The viewpoint above is one of the most photographed spots in the Ionian. Note that the road down is steep and swimming suits strong swimmers best, as the shore drops off quickly.
- 3
Assos village
scenery
A tiny pastel village on a narrow isthmus beneath a ruined Venetian fortress, Assos is one of the prettiest spots on Kefalonia. Many tours stop at the viewpoint above, and some go down to the harbor for a coffee on the water.
- 4
Drogarati Cave
nature
Near Melissani, this cave descends into a vast chamber hung with stalactites and stalagmites. The acoustics are so good that concerts have been held inside. Steps lead down and can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
- 5
Lighthouse of Agioi Theodoroi and the Katavothres
scenery
A walk or short taxi ride along the peninsula north of town leads to a round, columned lighthouse and the Katavothres, sinkholes where seawater flows underground and resurfaces across the island near Melissani. The coastal path is flat and pleasant.
- 6
Robola wine tasting
food
The Omala valley below Mount Ainos produces Robola, a crisp, lemony white wine grown on high limestone slopes. Wineries and the local cooperative offer tastings, often paired with a visit to the nearby Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint.
Argostoli, Kefalonia weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 5814 | 5915 | 6016 | 6518 | 7122 | 7926 | 8530 | 8630 | 8127 | 7424 | 6820 | 6116 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5412 | 5412 | 5513 | 5915 | 6518 | 7323 | 7825 | 8026 | 7524 | 6921 | 6418 | 5814 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.7120 | 2.564 | 2.871 | 1.129 | 1.025 | 1.025 | 0.411 | 0.923 | 2.872 | 3.282 | 5.3134 | 4.6116 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Argostoli, Kefalonia
Kefalonian meat pie, packed with several kinds of meat, rice and spices in a flaky crust, is the island’s signature dish. Try aliada, a pungent garlic and potato dip, and buy mandoles, red caramelized almonds, as a sweet souvenir. Robola is the white wine to order. Waterfront tavernas in Argostoli serve fresh fish at reasonable prices compared with busier islands.
Tips for your port day
- Look for loggerhead turtles along the harbor wall near the fish stalls in the morning. Watch quietly and never feed or touch them.
- Combine Melissani and Drogarati with a stop at Myrtos or Assos for a good half-day loop; doing all of Fiskardo too is a rush.
- Visit Melissani around midday if you can, when the sun shines straight through the roof and the water glows.
- Bring water shoes for Myrtos and nearby beaches; the pebbles are smooth but hard on bare feet.
- Roads are mountainous and twisty. Take motion-sickness precautions if you’re prone to it.
Cruise lines that visit Argostoli, Kefalonia
Often on the same itinerary
Argostoli, Kefalonia cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Argostoli cruise port to town?
Yes. Ships dock on the harbor front, and the main square is a 5- to 15-minute walk along the promenade. No shuttle is needed.
Is Myrtos Beach worth it on a cruise stop?
Yes, if you love dramatic scenery. Myrtos is roughly a 45-minute drive from the pier. Many tours stop only at the viewpoint above; if you want to swim, plan more time and bring water shoes.
Is Melissani Cave worth visiting?
Yes. The boat ride across the sunlit underground lake is short but memorable, and it’s about 40 minutes from Argostoli. Combine it with Drogarati Cave and Sami village.
Can you see sea turtles in Argostoli?
Often, yes. Loggerhead turtles frequently surface near the fishing boats along the harbor, especially in the morning. Watch from the quay and keep a respectful distance.
Why does Argostoli look so modern?
A powerful earthquake in 1953 destroyed most of Kefalonia’s buildings, and Argostoli was rebuilt afterward. Fiskardo in the far north is one of the few villages that survived largely intact.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.