Getting ashore
Most cruise ships anchor or dock at Argostoli, a port town on the west coast of Kefalonia, according to CruiseMapper. The pier has one berth. When it is taken, usually by the larger ship, a second ship anchors in the bay, and its passengers are taken to the old harbour by tender boats. Smaller ships may call at Fiskardo, on the island’s northern tip. The sources do not say how far the pier is from the old harbour, so allow for a walk or a taxi, and check the ship’s notice on the day. The pier was built between 2007 and 2010, with three islets on 132 concrete piles, and a corridor about 171.5 m long links them to the shore. The terminal facilities sit on the islets. CruiseMapper’s schedule runs from 1 to 30 October 2026. It says Greece set a 500-metre maritime security zone around Crown Iris during its Argostoli call on 15 October 2026.
For walkers and architecture fans
Argostoli is the island’s main town, and CruiseMapper gives about 11,000 residents for it, undated. Wikivoyage lists an Archaeological Museum and the Korgialenio Historical and Cultural Museum, and calls the museum rather underwhelming. Wikivoyage says town traffic can be chaotic and that pavements are uneven in dimly lit streets. The sources read name no walking routes in Argostoli, and they give no shop or museum opening hours for the town. The sources read do not say how long a visit to either museum takes.
For nature and outdoor fans
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, at about 773 km², and it is Greece’s sixth-largest island by land area. CruiseMapper gives about 36,000 residents for the island, undated. Melissani Cave opens daily from 09:00 until late afternoon, according to a page update from March 2016. Makrys Gialos and Platis Gialos, in Lassi near Argostoli, are described by Wikivoyage as stunning but busy beaches, so arrive early in peak season. Mosquitoes are a minor issue inland and less so at the beaches.
For eaters and drinkers
The large bakery on the main street, opposite the harbour, sells small round cheese pies, which Wikivoyage calls fantastic. The Captain’s Table in Argostoli is the page’s top pick for Kefalonian meat pie. Frappe, an iced instant coffee, and freddo cappuccino are common cafe drinks, and Mythos is the recommended Greek lager. Wikivoyage suggests Kefalonian wild thyme honey and the local Robola wine. Oskars is listed in Argostoli and Lassi, though that entry was last updated in September 2015. Free Wi-Fi is available in many apartments and bars.
Getting around and money
The sources read give no walking time from the pier to the town centre, and no taxi fares. Wikivoyage says most of the island needs a car, bike or bus. KTEL buses link Argostoli with villages and other towns, but the service is too infrequent to be practical for most visitors. Car and bike hire is mostly in Argostoli and Lassi, with prices that vary. A 100cc scooter is described as reasonable value for experienced riders, and bikes should be checked for prior damage before hiring. A car ferry crosses the bay between Lixouri and Argostoli, and ferries from Sami connect with Bari and Brindisi in Italy, and with Zakynthos, Ithaca and Patras (undated). The sources read do not give currency, price levels or card acceptance for Argostoli. The euro is the standard currency for Greece, but no source read for this port states it, so it is unverified. Carry cash for smaller cafes and bakeries. The sources do not cover mobile signal. Crime is low, but petty theft targets tourists in busy areas.
Accessibility & mobility
The sources do not describe the gradient or surface of the 171.5 m corridor to the shore, nor any step-free route in town. Wikivoyage says pavements are uneven in dimly lit streets. Ask the cruise line about tender transfers to the old harbour and about suitable transport for the town.