ARGOSTOLI

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and the island's main working port with a natural harbour. It is on the east coast of a peninsula, surrounded by wooded mountains, and an ideal base from which to explore the island. Staying in Argostoli can give you the feeling of living in the town rather than being a tourist.

There is a very attractive cobbled promenade fringed with palm trees along the harbour in Argostoli. Here, in the early morning, you can see the local fishermen bringing in their catch and in the evenings this is a favourite place to stroll. Where the promenade ends there is a permanent vegetable market of local produce and a selection of cafes and small tavernas which are ideal for an ouzou and some mezes.

Argostoli main square is lined with cafe bars and restauraunts and there are four hotels (Kastello, Ionian Plaza, Ainos and Mirabel Hotels) - one for each corner.

In the summer the square attracts children who gather here to play while their parents drink coffee in nearby cafes. The Greek children stay up very late in the summer. It's also the place for feastdays and festivals with parades and local bands. Traditionally, the town square was used for promenading but nowadays the promenading tends to centre around the area of Lithostroto.

In the corner of the square sits a statue of Panagis Vallianou, the benefactor after which the square (Platia Valianou) is named. He was a famous philanthropist having donated the money for many buildings including the hospital.

Kabanas Square is the square of the bell-tower. You can admire a panoramic view of Argostoli from the top of the bell-tower and see a photo-exhibition concerning the tower and Lithostroto (the pedestrian) street and Argostoli before the earthquake of 1953. Here you will find 'The Bells', which is a traditional cafι with a difference. The Cafe belongs to the 'ROTA' Cooperative which as part of the EU Initiative 'Employment Horizon' and employs people with mental health problems. In their shop you can buy products of the cooperative such as scented herbs and locally made sweets. Service is always friendly and there are some children's rides in the square which take 50 cents and 1 Euro coins.

There is a wide choice of shops, cafes, tavernas in Argostoli. The shops stay open late on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and in high season Argostoli gets busier by night than by day. Night-life is centred around the main square and along the pedestrian Lithostroto. During the winter months Argostoli is the centre of activity on the island and therefore has a lively atmosphere year round.

The beautiful architecture of Argostoli was severely damaged in the 1953 earthquake losing most of its Venetian architecture. The town was rebuilt soon after, following the original street layout and is still in a constant stage of expansion.

The town is continually under improvement and expansion with the addition of buildings following the traditional style as well as some more elaborate and contemporary constructions.

There are some good music bars in and around the square of Argostoli. This is a wonderful vibrant place to visit, especially in the evening. Nightclubs can be found in the roads leading off Valianou Square.

Bouzouki clubs are out of town as they stay open late at night. 'Notes' can be found on the Fanari Road and 'Enetiko' on the main road out of Argostoli towards Peratata.

The most frequent ferry boat you will see coming and going from Argostoli is the Lixouri ferry service which, in high season, departs every hour. There is a timetable which can be found at the ferry port which is situated between the port authority buildings and the small marinia opposite Diana taverna. Journey time is less than half an hour. The cruise over to Lixouri offers great views of Argostoli harbour from the backdrop of mountains, Drapano bridge along the coast to the famous waterwheel and lighthouse.

Large car ferries bound for Patras depart from the main harbour near the port authority and customs offices.

The local band is well supported and at Christmas the children wear festive gear and call from house to house for donations. They ensure that they are heard loud and clear before they knock upon doors to maximise the investment in their work!

There is a beach in Argostoli near the small Marina near the taverna Maistrato which is at the start of the Fanari Road leading to Lassi. Along this road are some small sandy covers with more impressive beaches to be found at Kalamia, Gradakia, Palio Stafida, Makris Yialos and Platis Yialos in Lassi resort.

The Drapano bridge, also known as the De Bosset Causeway, is the 900 metre long stone bridge from Argostoli to Drapano, which was constructed in 1813 during the administration of the Swiss de Bosset, who was in the service of the British army. The bridge was constructed to enable villagers to communicate more easily with the island's capital. The original structure was predominately made of wood. In 1842 the bridge was remodelled by the then Resident, Baron Everton and built with hard stone giving it the shape we see today. Since then the bridge has been partially rebuilt with arches of concrete construction.

The bridge is not only a landmark but a historical monument to the period of British rule between 1809 and 1864. The symmetrical obelisk, half way along the causeway has seen a change in inscription according to different periods of rule. Originally dedicated to the glory of the British Empire, the disappearance of its inscribed plaque coincided with the end of British rule!

The bridge has been pedestrianised since 2005 so that traffic destined for the north of the island must now take the longer route around the lagoon.

The Archaeological Museum has a collection of artefacts (vases, tools, coins, bronze weapons from the Trojan war and objects of dedication to the gods) from excavations of various areas of Kefalonia which date back to the Mycenaean, Hellenic and Roman periods. A separate room in the museum contains gold Mycenean jewellery, seals, beads and bronze swords. Open 08.30-13.00 daily except Monday. (Museums in Greece are closed on Mondays, free on Sundays).

The Kephalos Theatre is a new building which seats 500 people, and was designed to replace its Venetian ancestor which was a splendid example of the architecture of that era. The original version was badly damaged during the Second World War and finished off by the 1953 earthquake. Posters outside advertise concerts, films and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Nikos Kavvadias is a famous and much loved poet whose poems were made into songs. His parents came from Lixouri and he was a lover of the sea. A statue in his honour is situated between the main harbour of Argostoli and the small fishing boat marina. His statue was positioned looking out to sea but because of old rivalries between the towns of Lixouri and Argostoli it is jokingly said by the locals that he has turned his back on Argostoli.

The Korgialeneios Library houses books and historical documents since the 16th century.

The Korgialenios Cultural and Historical Museum is situated on the lower level of the Library to the rear of the library building and was founded in 1960 by Mrs Eleni Cosmetatou.

The museum displays the costumes, household utensils, tools and other items that illustrate life in Kefalonia during the nineteenth century. Much of the embroidery and linen on display, have had their designs copies and are available for purchase in local craft shops. Portraits of famous Kefalonians and historical figures hang on the walls, as well as exhibits of the diaries, photos, papers and other personal effects of some of the English Governors of Kefalonia. There is also an ecclesiastical area displaying icons, jewellery and other holy items as well as a section showing photos of the island before the 1953 earthquake. The museum is open Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 14.00, closed on Sundays. Small entrance fee and a request not to wear beach clothes.

Culture vultures can visit the Focas Cosmetatos Foundation's Collections which can be found opposite the municipal building near the main square of Argostoli. It opens from 09.30 to 12.45 a.m and 7.00 to 9.45 p.m. daily except Sunday. Here you may see lithographs of Ionian views and collections of coins and banknotes from the Ionian islands throughout their history. There is a small entry fee which gives free admission to the Cephalonia Botanica and a small shop. Cephalonia Botanica is the name given to the botanical gardens situated in two acres of parkland just outside the main town of Argostoli.

Recent development of the Koutavos lagoon area has made walkways around the lagoon and the inaccessible bird island has become a bird sanctury. Photos and information about the birds can be found near the lagoon.

Argostoli has a marine acadamy.