ARGOSTOLI
The town of Argostoli became the capital of Kefalonia in 1757. Its current population is 8000 inhabitants and most of them are occupied with tourism. The town's current form is the result of a restoration after the earthquake, in 1953. The roads are wide and the buildings are simple, of Ionian architectural style. The most dominating buildings are the Town Hall, the building housing the Library, the Municipal Home for the Aged "Kefalos" theater and the Orphanage. The majority of these buildings were constructed by donations of the rich people of Kefalonia such as Marinos Korgialenios, Vergoti family and Likiardopoulou family. In the Archaeological Museum and in Korgialenios Library, one will find unique exhibits.
Before the town's harbour stands the Beacon of Agioi Theodori, Oveliskos and the bridge of Drepanos, which was constructed by the English in 1813, in order to join Argostoli with the opposite coast of the Lagoon of Koutavos.
From Argostoli, one can set out to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Krani to the east, the location of Katavothres with the peculiar geological phenomenon, the cave of Agios Gerasimos, or swim in the lovely beaches of Platis and Makris Yalos.
Assos is considered to be the island's most picturesque settlement. It is situated 36 km away from Argostoli. From 1593 until many years later, it was the capital of northern Kefalonia.
Assos is built on a small peninsula. The most dominating sight there, is the Castle ("Kastro") built by the Venetians in the 16th century. Next to the Castle stands the small church of Profitis Elias. The view to the sea is unique.
The 100 inhabitants are constantly occupied with fishing and tourism. In the quiet, small beach of the settlement, one can either swim in the crystal blue waters, or fish in the maritime caves.
The seaside settlement of Agia Evfimia is situated 31 km northeast of Argostoli.
It has a population of 400 inhabitants. In recent years, the area has become a significant resort
which attracts many tourists in the summer. The town's wide streets and beautiful buildings are of
unique beauty. From Agia Evfimia, one should visit the monastery of Panagia Thematon and the cave
of Melissani.
The picturesque seaside settlement of Fiskardo lies 50 km northeast of the island's capital. It took its name from the Norman leader Roberto Guiscardo who died there in 1085.
The beauty of the landscape has been praised by many travellers, including H. Muller in the 19th century. The buildings of the settlement, which have been preserved from the earthquakes of 1953 and are under a preservation order, give a special tone to the landscape. In recent years, Fiskardo has become one of the most significant tourist resorts of Kefalonia. Yachts and boats drop anchor in its calm waters bringing crowds of tourists to the island.
Near Fiskardo stand ruins of a Paleo-lithic settlement, the most ancient on the Ionians. The remains of a Byzantine church, the monastery of Platytera and the quiet small ports of the area are also worth visiting.
The beautiful, traditional settlement of Kourkoumelata is 10 km away from Argostoli.
After an earthquake in 1953, the village was reconstructed with financial assistance from the
Vergoti family. The houses are built in a neo-classical architectural style and the roads are wide
and well-maintained.
Lixouri is the second largest town on the island. It has a population of 3,000 inhabitants and lies just opposite Argostoli, at a distance of 30 km. The two towns are connected by ferry, which crosses the bay of Argostoli. On the present site of Palaiokastro,
the ancient city of Pali, named after Kephalos's son Pileus or Paleus, once stood. Later, it was renamed Lixouri, according to a letter of 1534 to the Venetians.
The town is built on a fertile plain which employs many of its inhabitants. It owes its present state to renovations made after the catastrophic earthquakes of 1867 and 1853. Donations by wealthy benefactors like Stamos Petritsis and Panagis Vallianos assisted the reconstruction of most of the public buildings. Lixourians are well known for their aptitude in music. One of the oldest Philharmonic schools in Greece is in Lixouri.
Significant sights of the town include the Mansion of Iakovati, which houses the public library and a small artistic collection, and Palaiokastro. The churches of Agios Nicholaos, Agios Haralambis, Pandocrator, Panagia Perligadon and Holy Trinity are also worth
visiting. In the town, there are statues of important persons from the island, including Andreas Laskaratos, Georgios Typaldos-Iakovatos and Ilias Miniatis.
From Lixouri, one can visit the site of "Kounopetra" at the village of Mantzavinata, and the monasteries of Panagia Kehrionos, Tafia, and Panagia Koronatou.
The harbour of Poros joins Kefalonia with Kilini. Poros is situated 41 km southeast of Argostoli and has a population of 1,100 inhabitants. The scenery is captivating, as the area has harmony in its crystal-blue sea and green trees. In the tavernas by the sea, one can taste fresh seafood.
Outside Poros, on the way to Argostoli, the road leads to a narrow path between rocks, from where, according to myth, Hercules passed, and his supernatural feet caused cavities on the rocks' sides.
From the harbour of Poros, one should visit the monastery of Atros.
The town of Sami was built after the catastrophic earthquakes of 1953 that shook the island. It lies 22 km northeast of Argostoli along the bay of the same name and has about 1,000 inhabitants. It is the island's largest harbour, and ships going to Patras and Italy set out from there. It is a lovely town with large streets and squares which attract many tourists during the summer months.
According to Homer, ancient Sami stood outside the town to the north. Its ruins still stand on the hills and next to the harbour. The inhabitants have found a place in history for their resistance during the siege of the Romans, despite the being besieging by the powerful Roman army. They paid dearly for their audacity as savage reprisals were made when the besiegers took over the town.
The surrounding areas are of great natural beauty, combining caves, beaches, and lush vegetation. From here, one can visit the noteworthy monastery of Agrilies, the spring of Karavomilos, the Melissani, Drogorati and Aggelaki caves and the notable church
of Agios Spyridon at the village of Poulata.
The beautiful seaside settlement of Skala has been developed into a significant tourist resort in recent years. It lies 31 km southeast of Argostoli, and it has a population of about 600 inhabitants. Many of its buildings were reconstructed to their present state after their destruction from the earthquakes of 1953. The village was transported to the south, near the sea. The old village lies on a hill inland.
In Skala stand the remains of a Roman villa with notable mosaics. On the outskirts of town, one can visit the ruins of a temple of Apollo.
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