Kefalonia, Greece’s largest Ionian island, is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, known for their crystal-clear waters, unique rock formations, and breathtaking views. Each beach on Kefalonia has its distinct character, offering everything from secluded coves and rugged cliffs to sandy stretches and family-friendly shores. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best beaches on Kefalonia, highlighting what makes each one special and why they are worth a visit.
Myrtos Beach
Description: Myrtos Beach is Kefalonia’s most famous beach and one of the most iconic in all of Greece. Located on the island’s northwest coast, Myrtos is known for its brilliant white pebbles, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs that encase the beach on either side.
Why It’s Special: The contrast between the white pebbles and vibrant blue water creates a surreal color that is breathtaking, especially from above. Myrtos Beach has been featured in countless postcards and travel magazines, and it’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Kefalonia.
Best For: Photography, sunbathing, and swimming. The water gets deep quickly, so it’s ideal for confident swimmers.
Tips: There are limited facilities, so bring your own supplies, including water and snacks. The beach can get crowded in the high season, so arriving early or visiting during the evening provides a quieter experience.
Antisamos Beach
Description: Located near the town of Sami, Antisamos Beach is a beautiful pebbled beach backed by lush green hills and forested mountains, creating a striking natural setting. The waters are a deep blue and are known for their clarity.
Why It’s Special: Antisamos Beach gained international fame as one of the filming locations for the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The beach offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, as the rocky seabed attracts colorful fish and marine life.
Best For: Snorkeling, swimming, and watersports. It’s well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars.
Tips: Antisamos Beach has good facilities and watersports rentals, including paddleboards and kayaks. Arrive early to secure a sunbed and enjoy a quieter morning on the beach.
Fteri Beach
Description: Fteri Beach, located on the island’s west coast near Zola, is a hidden gem known for its serene beauty. This beach is primarily accessible by boat, which adds to its secluded and untouched charm. Fteri has fine white pebbles and mesmerizingly clear, turquoise water.
Why It’s Special: Fteri Beach feels like a private paradise, offering solitude and scenic beauty. The crystal-clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling, and the surrounding cliffs provide shelter and privacy.
Best For: Seclusion, relaxation, and snorkeling.
Tips: You can rent a small boat from Zola to reach Fteri Beach, or take a guided boat tour that includes a stop at this beach. Bring supplies, as there are no facilities on the beach.
Xi Beach
Description: Xi Beach, located near Lixouri on the Paliki Peninsula, is known for its unusual reddish-orange sand and shallow, calm waters. The sand here is rich in minerals, giving it a unique color that contrasts beautifully with the blue Ionian Sea.
Why It’s Special: The mineral-rich clay in the sand is believed to have healing properties, and visitors often use it as a natural spa treatment. Xi Beach’s shallow water and soft sand make it popular with families.
Best For: Families, swimming, and a unique “mud bath” experience.
Tips: The beach is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. Try applying the natural clay from the cliffs as a mud mask—it’s a fun and therapeutic activity.
Petani Beach
Description: Often compared to Myrtos Beach, Petani Beach is a beautiful bay on the western coast of the Paliki Peninsula. It features white pebbles, soft sand, and incredibly clear turquoise water, surrounded by steep cliffs.
Why It’s Special: Petani Beach offers similar beauty to Myrtos but is generally less crowded, giving visitors more space to enjoy the views and the crystal-clear water. The sunsets at Petani are spectacular, as the sun sets directly over the bay.
Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views.
Tips: There are a few tavernas near the beach offering traditional Greek food and drinks. The beach has a mix of pebbles and sand, so water shoes can be helpful.
Lourdas Beach
Description: Located on the southern coast of Kefalonia near the village of Lourdata, Lourdas Beach is a long, sandy beach with views of Mount Ainos in the background. The beach stretches for over a kilometer, offering plenty of space to relax.
Why It’s Special: Lourdas Beach combines mountain and sea views, creating a unique landscape that feels both tropical and mountainous. It’s well-organized and has a laid-back, friendly vibe.
Best For: Families, relaxation, and those looking for a spacious beach with nearby amenities.
Tips: Lourdas Beach is lined with tavernas, cafes, and shops, making it easy to spend the whole day here. The water is generally calm, making it a safe spot for children and families.
Emblisi Beach
Description: Emblisi Beach, located near Fiskardo in the north, is a small, pebbly beach with emerald-green water surrounded by lush greenery and olive trees.
Why It’s Special: Emblisi is a quiet and scenic beach that offers natural shade from surrounding trees. The rocky areas around the beach make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling, as the water is clear and the seabed is teeming with fish.
Best For: Snorkeling, swimming, and a quieter beach experience.
Tips: Emblisi is a relatively small beach, so it can get crowded during peak times. Arriving early or later in the afternoon can help you secure a good spot.
Dafnoudi Beach
Description: Dafnoudi Beach, located near Fiskardo, is a hidden cove accessed by a 15-minute walk through a forest trail. The beach has white pebbles and incredibly clear water, and it’s surrounded by dense vegetation, creating a secluded atmosphere.
Why It’s Special: Dafnoudi Beach is often described as a “secret beach,” as it’s not visible from the road. The forest trail leading to it adds a sense of adventure, and the beach’s secluded location makes it perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Best For: Seclusion, adventure, and nature lovers.
Tips: Since Dafnoudi Beach is remote, there are no facilities. Bring water, snacks, and everything you’ll need for a day at the beach.
Alaties Beach
Description: Alaties Beach, near the village of Maganos, is a small, rocky cove with clear waters and natural rock pools. The name “Alaties” means “salt,” referring to the natural salt deposits left in the rock pools by the sea.
Why It’s Special: Alaties Beach is unique for its natural pools, where visitors can relax and enjoy the warm seawater. It’s an intimate and lesser-known spot that feels far removed from the busier beaches on the island.
Best For: Swimming, rock-pool exploration, and relaxation.
Tips: A small taverna overlooking the beach offers delicious Greek dishes and sunset views. The beach itself is small, so it’s best visited during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the peaceful setting.
Skala Beach
Description: Skala Beach is a long, sandy beach on the southeastern coast of Kefalonia near the village of Skala. With over 3 kilometers of sand, it’s one of the largest and most popular beaches on the island.
Why It’s Special: Skala Beach is family-friendly and well-organized, with plenty of sunbeds, water sports, and restaurants nearby. Its size means it rarely feels overcrowded, even in peak season, and the surrounding pine trees provide natural shade.
Best For: Families, beach activities, and water sports.
Tips: Skala Beach has several amenities, including water sports rentals, sunbeds, and nearby tavernas. It’s ideal for a full day of beach fun and relaxation.
Agia Kyriaki Beach
Description: Agia Kyriaki Beach, located near Agonas village on Kefalonia’s west coast, is a quiet, pebbly beach with clear water and scenic views.
Why It’s Special: This beach remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, offering a serene environment where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The water is crystal clear, making it a great place for snorkeling.
Best For: Peaceful beach days, swimming, and snorkeling.
Tips: There is a small taverna near the beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood. It’s a lovely beach for those seeking a quiet, more authentic experience.
Summary
Kefalonia’s beaches are diverse and spectacular, offering everything from vibrant turquoise waters and hidden coves to bustling family-friendly shores and serene nature spots. Each beach has its own unique charm, whether it’s the iconic beauty of Myrtos, the peaceful seclusion of Fteri, or the unusual red sands of Xi. For those visiting Kefalonia, a day (or more) exploring these stunning beaches is an absolute must, providing a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty on one of Greece’s most beautiful islands.