Although a rented car undoubtedly has its advantages, Argostoli also offers a bicycle rental service. Rent a bike (there are also children’s models) and tour the region to enjoy its natural beauty up close. You can explore the lagoon more fully by renting a pedal boat or a water cycle.
From the port, you can take a ferry to Lixouri, the second largest city located on the opposite side of the island, on the Paliki peninsula. You can also take a trip on one of the boats that depart from the city port. There are a variety of day trips on offer, including naturist cruises, intimate day trips, and sunset cruises. Local food and refreshments are served on the ships, and the atmosphere is exceptional! Recent years saw the development of the so-called “fishing tourism”, where guests are invited to join fishing expeditions. Guests are served lunch from the catch and can swim on isolated beaches. Enjoyment for all the senses is guaranteed! This trip is ideal fun for the whole family. For more information visit: https://kefaloniafishing.com/.
At the very entrance to the city lies the Koutavos lagoon, a protected nature park. What used to be a swamp is now a bird sanctuary and feeding ground for Caretta Caretta turtles, which are increasingly becoming a symbol of the city. The lagoon is host to many species of waterfowl and migrant birds, as well as exceptional species of fish. There is also a small “island”, which serves as a refuge for birds in the lagoon. Some of its most important inhabitants are the Caretta Caretta turtles. If you want to explore the lagoon more fully, you can rent a pedal boat or a water cycle from Argostoli Lagoon Activities.
Argostoli Bay and its lagoon are separated from the rest of the island by the beautiful De Bosset (Drapano) stone bridge. It is the longest above-sea stone bridge in the world (680 m) and was built in 1813 by Colonel Charles Philip de Bosset (a Swiss engineer in the British army), at the time when General Sir Charles James Napier was the governor of Cephalonia. Walk along it to admire its architecture, views of the surrounding area, and the stone Obelisk, erected by the British to commemorate their stay on the island. The bridge is an exceptional place for walking and taking photos, both during the day and in the evening.
Katavothres is the mystery of Argostoli. Namely, the Katavothres sinkhole is a geological phenomenon, so rare that you can’t see it anywhere else in the world. Seawater sinks below sea level and, collecting rainwater and groundwater along the way, springs up on the opposite side of the island, creating Lake Melissani.
If you continue along the same path, you will see the Saint Theodore lighthouse, named after the nearby church. Today, the entire region is known as “Fanari”. Designed by J.P. Kennedy as a circular building with Doric columns, it was built in 1829. when the island was ruled by the British. It is an ideal place for watching the sunset and taking photos. A circular path that passes through the pine forest will take you further to Lassi, where you can visit the chapel and the cave of Saint Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint.
