Argostoli Greece Tours & Ionian Islands Excursions

Argostoli Greece Tours & Ionian Islands Excursions

Argostoli is a town on the island of Kefalonia, one of several Ionian Islands in the Ionian Sea near Greece. Argostoli is also the capital of Kefalonia. As a result of a 1953 earthquake that destroyed nearly all structures built on Kefalonia, Argostoli's rebuilt streets feel very new. And though it might lack much architectural gravitas, it has a lively buzz about it, with Lithostroto, a long pedestrian-only shopping street, running through a gauntlet of stylish shops, boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. Other popular stops on Lithostroto are the Catholic Church of St. Nicholas and a tiny museum dedicated to the Italian Acqui Division - who fought against the Germans in World War II.

The main focus of the activity in Argostoli is in charming Plateia Valianou, where locals come to chat and eat at the many restaurants. Greek food, such as the famous traditional Kefalonian meat pie, is easy to find here, so try to visit if you can. In the summer, kantadoroi (serenaders) wander the streets singing kantades, traditional Greek songs accompanied by guitar and mandolin.

If a day on the waters is what you're looking for, take a trip to Myrtos Beach or Melissani Lake. Myrtos Beach is famous for its mile-and-a-half arc, deep blue waters, and white pebbles. You can soak in the sun, enjoy a drink, or go for a swim. Melissani Lake, an underground lake hidden in a cave, is also a popular tourist destination. The waters from the lake of Melissani Cave lead to the sea in Karavomylos. Take a tour through this beautiful lake of crystal clear waters while rays of sunlight beam through the top of the cavern.

Only a short distance from Melissani Lake is the Drogarati Cave in Sami, Greece. This is a wondrous cave full of beautiful stalagmites rising from the ground and stalactites dropping from the ceiling and is believed to be around 150 million years old. This limestone cave was discovered only 300 years ago after an earthquake created an entrance and revealed its existence. It has a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) which feels great in the hot summer months. Drogarati Cave also has an event space where concerts and events are sometimes held due to the fantastic natural acoustics.

You can also enjoy nature by visiting the Koutavos Lagoon's nature preserve, where you can spot endangered Loggerhead sea turtles swimming out into the seawater.