Argostoli Full-Day Traditional Boat Cruise with Lunch

Argostoli: the harbour of the Kefalonian capital

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, built along a deep inlet of the sea with Koutavos lagoon at its end. Most of the town was rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1953, so today it has wide streets, a lively central square and a long seafront where the fishing boats come in each morning. A long low stone bridge crosses the lagoon, and the harbour is famous for the loggerhead turtles that often swim close to the quay looking for scraps from the fishermen.

How to get to Argostoli: Kefalonia Airport is about fifteen minutes away by car, and ferries arrive at Poros from Kyllini on the Peloponnese in about an hour and a half, or at Sami from Ithaca. The boat leaves Argostoli harbour at 10:00, so it is easy to reach from Lassi and most nearby hotels.

The gulf of Argostoli and its sea life

Once out of the harbour, the boat crosses the gulf of Argostoli, a wide bay between the main part of the island and the Paliki peninsula to the west. The water here is calm on most summer days and very clear, and the coastline is lined with green hills, pine woods and small coves. The crew knows where to look for wildlife, and it is common to see loggerhead turtles surfacing to breathe.

With luck you may also see dolphins, and the rare Mediterranean monk seal is occasionally spotted along the remote coasts of Kefalonia. The traditional boat moves at a gentle pace, perfect for relaxing in the shade with a snack and fruit. The best time to visit Kefalonia for a boat day is from June to September, when the sea is warm.

White Rocks beach

The first stop is White Rocks, a small beach near the Lassi peninsula, just outside Argostoli. It takes its name from the pale limestone rocks that frame the bay and contrast with the deep blue and turquoise water. Pine trees come down almost to the shore, and the seabed is a mix of sand and stone, which makes it good for snorkelling.

You can swim straight from the boat, use the snorkelling gear to look for fish around the rocks, try the paddle board or float on an inflatable. For guests who are not comfortable swimming, the crew uses a dinghy to take you to the beach and back, so everyone can enjoy the stop. Plan on about an hour here.

Vardiani: Rabbit Island

Vardiani is a small, flat island off the southern tip of the Paliki peninsula, at the entrance of the gulf. It has no permanent residents, only a lighthouse and a few traces of old buildings, and locals call it Rabbit Island because of the wild rabbits that live on it. The crystal water around its rocky shore is ideal for a swim far from any crowds.

While you explore the island or swim, the crew prepares lunch on board. The meal is homemade: a traditional Kefalonian meat pie, Greek salad and tzatziki, with fruit, water and soft drinks. Vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly lunches are available on request. Halal meat is not available on Kefalonia boats, so the vegetarian option is the easy choice for guests who need it.

Xi beach and its red clay

The last stop is Xi beach, on the south coast of the Paliki peninsula. Its sand is a striking orange-red, and behind it rise soft grey-white clay cliffs. Visitors traditionally scoop up the clay, spread it on their skin and let it dry in the sun before washing it off in the sea, a natural spa treatment that leaves the skin feeling smooth.

The water at Xi stays shallow for a long way, making it one of the best family beaches on the island. Is Xi beach worth visiting? Its colours and the clay make it unlike any other beach in Kefalonia, and reaching it by boat avoids the long drive around the peninsula. In the late afternoon the boat sails back across the gulf to Argostoli.