West of Greece in the Ionian Sea lies the beloved island of Kefalonia. This glowing paradise is made up of pristine beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, as well as sandy coves, rugged cliffs, and lush vineyards. To experience the best of Kefalonia’s beaches, which are praised and famed around the world, look no further than the ones below:
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The Best Beaches on Kefalonia Island
1. Myrtos Beach
Lying between the mountains of Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, Myrtos Beach is one of the most important and beautiful attractions on the island. The white pebbles and crystal waters juxtaposed against green cliffs make it naturally stunning and incredibly photogenic. It is easily accessible and well-organized with umbrellas, sundecks, and a snack bar.
2. Antisamos Beach
For swimming and sunbathing, Antisamos Beach is a favorable choice. Situated almost 30km east of Argostoli and close to the port of Sami, it is easy to access and provides sundecks and umbrellas for visitors. Its white sand beach, turquoise waters, and green surrounding hills make this beach captivating, and this is probably why it was featured in the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
3. Petani Beach
In the spectacular peninsula of Paliki, 20km west of Argostoli, lies a beach of clear-cut waters with big waves and towering cliffs. This striking beach is made up mostly of sand, with some pebbles along the shore, and is semi-organized with sundecks, umbrellas, shower and toilet facilities, and a couple of taverns. It is also near to some beautiful monasteries and villages worth exploring.
You might also be interested in:
Caves in Kefalonia
Picturesque Villages and Towns in Kefalonia
A Guide to Assos, Kefalonia.
4. Xi Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia is Xi, characterized by its reddish-brown sandy beach and white cliffs. It is located 40km from the capital of Argostoli and 10km from Lixouri and can be reached by car or bus. It is family-friendly due to its shallow waters and is well-equipped with sundecks, straw umbrellas, a beach bar, and a water sports center ideal for adventurous spirits.
5. Skala Beach
This long, sandy beach is known for its cleanliness and organization and is located in the fishing village of Skala, at the southern tip of Kefalonia. Green hills and rocky outcrops surround a captivating blend of golden white and deep blue. It is a great place to go snorkeling, and on the main street nearby are restaurants, cafes, and markets, making it a popular attraction during the summer.
6. Makris Gialos Beach
This beach is one of the most visited due to its close proximity to the capital – only 4km away – and is loved for its golden sands and azure waters. It is surrounded by towering pine trees and rock formations. It is very organized with a beach bar and water sports center and is easily accessed, making it a famed meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
7. Platia Ammos Beach
Unspoiled and secluded, this spectacularly beautiful beach is situated 30km from Argostoli and never fails to stun visitors with its white sand and green-blue waters. Because it is off the beaten path, it offers no sunbeds, umbrellas, or food and drink facilities and is only accessible by boat. If you are looking for peace away from all the crowds, look no further than Platia Ammos Beach.
8. Lagadakia Beach
This remote beach located 40km west of the capital is known for its grey pebbles and rocky formations. It is an ideal getaway with friends and family, offering clean and deep waters perfect for practicing snorkeling. While there are no sunbeds and umbrellas, it is naturally shaded and is perfect for those wanting a relaxing and quiet haven away from tourist-swarmed spots.
9. Koroni Beach
The sandy cove of Koroni lies around 20km east of Argostoli and is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Its natural bay and lovely waters used to be a haven for sea turtles. Sunbeds and umbrellas are provided, and it is reachable by a track from Skala or Mavratas; the nearby village of Thiromnas offers food. Make sure you don’t miss the sunset as the cove offers a stunning panoramic view of the cape and horizon.
10. Lourdas Beach
Lourdas Beach in Kefalonia is a white sand, organized beach with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, and water sports to keep everyone entertained. The warm, turquoise waters are clean and safe and the surrounding landscape and views of Mount Aenos make this a wonderful destination. Lourdas Beach is easy to reach by car or bus.
11. Foki Beach
Foki Beach in the north of Kefalonia is a spectacularly beautiful bay with verdant trees offering natural shade. The cove is a favorite among yachties but is also fairly easily accessed by car from the nearby village of Fiscardo. From Foki Beach visitors can follow the path to the right side of the beach which takes you to additional caves and coves to explore.
12. Emblisi Beach
Just further north still than Foki Beach is Emblisi, a white pebble beach known for its natural beauty. Again, the bay is surrounded by rocky outcrops and lush green trees and the water is impeccably clean. Emblisi can also be reached by car and there is parking nearby.