Koutavos Lagoon, Argostoli, Kefalonia Island

Koutavos Lagoon lies at the head of Argostoli Bay and is an attractive nature reserve for wildlife that includes the Caretta Caretta turtle and various waterfowl. From the harbour front one can walk or cycle along the wide path around the lagoon to a shady forest of eucalyptus and pine trees that constitute the town’s largest park. The lagoon was once an almost impassable swamp rife with mosquitoes and malaria, until the Drepano Bridge was constructed in 1813 to improve access to Argostoli from the villages across the bay. A small islet stands in the centre of the lagoon but is out of bounds for visitors as it serves as a nesting and feeding ground for waterfowl.