Kefalonia Beaches
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and very close to the coasts of the Peloponnese. It is the perfect destination for a trip to Greece based on sun, a wonderful sea, traditions, history and lots of luxuriant nature. It is chosen every year above all by families with children as it is one of the Greek islands with an airport while those who do not like to fly can always reach it by sea by ship since it is also not far from Italy.
Its morphological characteristics are very particular and change suddenly from one area to another, offering exotic bays of white sand with crystalline blue waters where in some the Carett-Caretta turtles nest, up to mountains with woods and enchanted forests where the ecosystem is so varied as to give shelter to many different species of animals such as a rare breed of wild horse and also of plants such as the precious black fir.
Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful Greek islands and it is not small so when you decide to spend a holiday there, choose your base well so you can then enjoy all the beauties that this incredible island can offer to its visitors. If you are among the lucky ones to have long holidays, you can also think of a real tour of the Greek islands, also touching the other Ionian islands.
Below we give you some information on the beaches to visit absolutely so that you can also make a program and optimize the times during your holiday in Kefalonia.
Myrthos Beach
Surely the emblem of Kefalonia, the best known and the most sought after during a trip to Greece. We find it in the northwest in the Pylaros region wedged between rock walls and high hills covered with lush vegetation. With a crescent shape, it has a coastline that extends for a good kilometer, of small white stones mixed with sand which, with the intense turquoise color of its clean and crystalline waters, makes the landscape a small Eden especially when seen from above. It is well equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and a snack bar for something to drink and a quick bite to eat. Snorkelers will enjoy discovering the mysterious sea cave located on the left side of Myrthos beach. From here you can see the most beautiful sunsets of the Ionian Islands and if you want to fully enjoy so much good things it would be better to get there early in the morning or in the afternoon as it is always very crowded especially in the summer. Every year it is awarded the Blue Flag and is in the top ten of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and when you visit it you will understand why.
Antisamos Beach
We find Antisamos beach in the southwest part of the Kefalonia island not far from the lively seaside of Sami village. Enclosed in a large bay surrounded by green hills that seem to want to protect it like a tender embrace, it has a beach of white pebbles mixed with gravel, a turquoise sea with clean and clear waters so as to see the seabed in all its beauty. It is much loved by families with children as the depth descends slowly, thus allowing the little ones to play in total safety. It is well equipped (two sunbeds + umbrella € 15 per day more or less), and with all the necessary comforts for a wonderful day at the beach. You will find a delightful restaurant where you can taste Greek and local specialties or a snack bar for something quick and light. If you are a do-it-yourself lover, on the edge of Antisamos beach there are some free areas with centuries-old trees where you can find refreshment during the hottest hours.
Kimilia Beach
Kimilia beach is northeast on the Erisos peninsula near the resort of Fiskardo. A small coastline hidden like a precious pebble casket, clear and transparent waters, a sea that fades from light blue to turquoise to deep blue, all protected by thick cypress trees that eclipse it from all the rest, giving the environment a Caribbean flavor. Here everything is still untouched and in its original state so much so that until recently Kimilia beach was known only by locals who today have to share this marvel even with the visitors who have discovered it. Obviously no trace of civilization, no sunbeds or umbrellas, no kiosks or taverns, when you come here you need to have everything you need. If you desire even more privacy, climbing the rocks to the right, you will find a corner of flat rocks where you can put your towel and remain almost isolated. From Kimilia beach, a path through the woods takes you to another pearl, Emblissi beach.
Petani Beach
Petani beach is in the beautiful Lixouri Peninsula north-west of Kefalonia about ten kilometers from the of Paliki Town. It looks a lot like Myrthos beach but less famous although just as beautiful. In a sickle-shaped bay surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and high rocky walls rich in undergrowth flora, it has a beach almost fifty meters wide and more than six hundred meters long of clear coarse sand, a turquoise sea with seabeds that slope slowly and extremely clear and silvery waters. It is partly equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and a nice bar-restaurant where you can find something fresh to drink and eat, while an area is completely free and you can choose where you will feel most inspired to hang out your beach towel. Petani beach is at its best at sunset when the landscape takes on orange tones as the sun goes down and the scenery becomes a fairytale. Given its beauty and one of the confirmations is the recognition of the Blue Flag every year, it is very crowded especially in summer so to enjoy it at its best it would be advisable to come early in the morning or combine business with pleasure in the late afternoon waiting for the sunset.
Pessada Beach
Pessada beach is in the Livathos region in the southwest part of Kefalonia where, among other things, ferries leave for the beautiful Zakynthos Island. It is made up of two coasts called by the locals respectively Ammos and Vrisi (ammos means sand, vrisi means tap) separated by imposing rocks. Ammos on the left is a small spit of soft sand with emerald waters and boulders protruding from the sea where you can perform acrobatic dives and where you can snorkel. A small pristine paradise where there are no amenities so you need to bring everything you need. It can be reached by a path through the vegetation with no less than one hundred steps and then finally reaching it by climbing over a stack, a real adventure. Vrisi instead is on the right side and also for her it is necessary to take a shorter but steeper and more slippery path. A beach of golden sand with transparent and crystalline waters from the seabed that descends slowly with a large boulder behind it that shelters from the sun. Just before arriving there you will find a fresh water tap and the reason for its name is revealed. Obviously, being all immersed in an original and inviolate nature, it has no equipment or comfort.
Makris Gialos Beach
Makris Gialos beach is near the capital of Kefalonia Island Argostoli in the southwest area. In a beautiful bay surrounded by rocks and rock formations, backed by lush vegetation that make the landscape exclusive. A long coastline of golden sand, clear waters that change color from blue to turquoise to emerald with shallow waters perfect for families with children. Snorkelling lovers will have plenty to enjoy due to the richness of marine fauna and flora, as well as water sports enthusiasts who will find various activities on Makris Gialos beach to try their hand at, such as jet skying. It is well equipped with lidos that offer sunbeds and umbrellas, while as far as catering is concerned, you can choose between beach bars, typical taverns, restaurants and cafes. If, on the other hand, you are of the do-it-yourself kind, a section of the beach is completely free. Even in the evening, Makris Gialos beach is active with cafes where you can hang out until dawn.
Xi Beach
Xi beach owes its particularity to the color of the sand. We find it near Lixouri in the beautiful Paliki Peninsula in the northwest of the Kefalonia island. A beach a couple of kilometers long but narrow with fine red gravel, bathed by a clear and intense blue sea with shallow waters where you can take long walks on the shore while admiring the beauty of this part of the island. Behind it a mighty white cliff which in contrast with the surrounding colors creates an incredible scenario. Well equipped, it can satisfy anyone, sunbeds, umbrellas, bars or snack bars, restaurants, typical taverns and a large choice of water activities, what more could you want? For solitary instead, a part of the beach is free and you can put yourself wherever you prefer. Its clayey rocks are an invitation for healthy muds, a free gift from Mother Nature.
Emplisi Beach
Emplisi beach also called Emblisi is located in the northeast about two kilometers from the fishing village Fiskardo. Closed in an enchanting bay, it is made of gravel mixed with small white stones with a brilliant turquoise sea with seabed rich in marine fauna and flora where snorkelers can have fun discovering the abyss. Surrounded by dense and luxuriant vegetation which in the hottest hours offers shade and refreshment, it is a small corner of paradise. The presence of flat rocks are a great opportunity to spread out your towel and let yourself be kissed by the warm sunrays. To be able to enjoy it in peace, it would be better to get there early in the morning as being very popular and known in the summer, it tends to fill up quickly and become a little rowdy. Still uncontaminated and intact, it does not offer sunbeds and umbrellas, but for a drink or to eat something there is a small kiosk and a traditional tavern where you can find fresh drinks and traditional cuisine. It is advisable to bring a mattress to lie down on as the stones are quite uncomfortable.
Lepeda Beach
Lepeda beach like Xi beach is in the Paliki Peninsula south of the bustling town of Lixouri in northwest Kefalonia. A couple of kilometers long, it is made of soft reddish sand bathed by transparent and crystalline waters with a turquoise sea from the depths that slowly descend a natural playground for families with children. A scenic rock that emerges as if by magic from the sea and a sort of lake that is created by the shape of the rocks are the peculiarity of this much loved and sought after beach especially in the high season which tends to fill up. It is well organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar and a tavern that offers excellent fish and seafood dishes that are always extremely fresh. A part of the beach, on the other hand, is completely free so you can choose your spot, spread out your towel and enjoy a wonderful day at the beach. Lepda beach is a special place for the two most beautiful natural events of the day, sunrise and sunset. From here you can enjoy these shows to the fullest of their expression which, by changing the landscape according to the light, offer unforgettable moments.
Fteri Beach
Fteri beach is another little gem of Kefalonia. Close to the Zola village in the northwest part of the Paliki Peninsula, it has a beach of small white stones (if you have delicate feet, bring some bathing shoes), transparent and turquoise waters with a seabed that descends quickly if you have children, have an eye for more. A paradise on a par with exotic and noble places where white cliffs and a fragrant Mediterranean scrub together with the sea and the beach give the landscape that something extra. It is not equipped at all so remember to bring everything. It is never super full because reaching it is not so easy, either by sea or on foot, the choice is yours.
Assos Beach
We find Assos beach in the north east between the wonderful Myrthos beach and the Fiskardo Town. In addition to the beach, Assos offers a small village that seems to have come out of an impressionist painting where the passage of time is a utopia and above all where there is not the slightest will to change things but rather to leave them as they were and as they still are today. Stuck in a small bay, there are actually two beaches on Assos. The first is really a town, while the other is along the road that leads to the castle. Let's go in order then, the one that is right in the center of the village has a small coast of stones of different sizes, bathed by emerald-colored, clear, always calm waters with a seabed that slopes down flat, excellent for children. It is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas while for eating or drinking something behind there are a couple of typical taverns where you can taste the local delicacies. The other beach is even smaller, always made of stones with a wonderful sea but with a much deeper seabed so be careful. Completely free, you can put yourself where you like best or where you will find space due to its small size.
Megali Ammos Beach
Megali Ammos beach is located southwest near the capital Argostoli. Let's also say that the whole Argostoli Bay is a continuum of splendid beaches but for now let's focus on Megali Ammos. A beach of almost a kilometer and a half made of soft golden sand, a turquoise sea, clear waters with a seabed that slopes down flat, excellent for families with children and those who like to swim. Fully equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, games and water sports, and a wide choice of traditional tavernas, cafes, shops and mini markets for those who love to do it themselves. Megali Ammos beach is surrounded by a wonderful landscape full of thick woods which in contrast with the colors of the sea make the environment calm and relaxing. Given its particularities, it is the favorite destination of the cute Caretta-Caretta turtles who every year arrive to lay their eggs for the continuation of the species and if you are guests in the Ionian Islands between late August and mid-September, you will be able to witness this magical miracle.
Diafnoudi Beach
Diafnoudi beach is a hidden treasure of Kefalonia as it is little known and consequently uncrowded. In the northwest part is in a nutshell the city beach of the Antypata village which is located about five kilometers from Fiskardo. In the region of Erisos the most wooded area of Kefalonia, the Diafnoudi beach is an uncontaminated natural pool where modernity and man have not yet put their claws thus remaining wildly intact. A coast of small white pebbles with waters that fade from turquoise to sparkling blue, a clean and transparent sea with a stony bottom that immediately becomes deep. On the right rock formations and small caves to be explored with fins and snorkel where in one in particular inside it houses a further small beach. Obviously it is not equipped yet being able to reach it is a real adventure and even less you will find shade so if during your holiday in Greece you decide to go as far as here, remember to bring everything and more' which never hurts. Getting there is challenging but it can be done, but you must like walking among very ancient trees that do not allow sunlight to pass through for at least a quarter of an hour to then find a corner of paradise in front of you at the end.
Kaminia Beach
Kaminia beach is in the south near the Skala Town and one kilometer from the Ratzakli village. It is considered one of the most beautiful of the Ionian Islands although determining which is ugly is really a challenge. It has a beach of soft light sand with shades of gold, calm, warm and transparent waters, an intense blue sea with shallow waters up to about fifty meters from the shore. It is partly equipped with a snack bar for something cool to drink or quick to eat as well as sunbeds and umbrellas. Its name derives from the ancient furnaces that in the past were in the area and where the tiles of the houses of the Cefaloti were built. Hills dotted with Mediterranean scrub and fairy woods surround it where you can take wonderful walks and discover the beauty of its nature. Given its size, even in the high season it is quite comfortable and if you want to get away from the crowds, move to a free and less crowded beach. Here too the Caretta-Caretta turtles come to nest so pay close attention to where you put your feet. If you are a naturist, move to Munda beach just after Kaminia.
Jerusalem Beach
Jerusalem beach is to the northwest near the Chalikieri village. Inserted in a small inlet, it is actually divided in two by an imposing rock and both sides are made of pebbles with transparent waters and a sea of a thousand shades of blue. It is partly equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds as well as a traditional tavern for eating or drinking something. In the free part you can put yourself wherever you want and spend a wonderful day at the beach. Jerusalem beach is excellent for snorkelling and diving lovers due to the generosity of the fish flora and fauna. In fact, it won't be difficult to have a nice encounter with a seahorse since the area is full of them. There is also a small pier where fishermen dock their boats as it is much more peaceful and secluded than the port of Fiscardo. From Jerusalem beach you can enjoy dreamy sunsets, woe to you if you miss it!
Spartia Beach
Spartia beach is southwest of Kefalonia in the part of Livathos near Agios Thomas beach, Pessada beach and Makris Gialos beach. It owes its name to a special type of weed that grows freely in the area and has very ancient origins. A small coast of soft golden sand, clean and almost always calm waters, shallow waters and excellent for families with children and swimming lovers. The rocky part of Spartia beach, on the other hand, is a natural playground for snorkelers who, equipped with fins, snorkel and mask, will be able to make interesting encounters. Zero comfort, everything is pristine and in its natural state so you can settle wherever you like. To eat or drink on the promontory above the beach a couple of excellent taverns where you can admire the view and taste the local delicacies. On the slopes of the homonymous village, the famous Robola wine is grown, ideal with fish dishes.
Lagadakia Beach
Lagadakia beach is in the south of the Paliki Peninsula in the northwest of Kefalonia Island precisely between the village of Havriata village and the Chavdata village. A small cove surrounded by rock formations which, in addition to protecting it from the winds, are the refuge for many species of marine fauna and flora, thus becoming the perfect place for snorkelling and diving lovers. Hidden caves and tunnels to be explored, but always being very careful. A beach made up of pebbles of various sizes, very clean waters and among the coldest of the whole Ionian Sea, a turquoise sea that immediately becomes deep. If you are a discovery soul, behind the hill on the right you will find a path that will take you to a small bay with an exclusive beach where, if you arrive first, only you can stay there. Lagadakia beach is wild, no comforts, just untouched nature and your thoughts.
Agios Thomas Beach
Agios Thomas beach is located southwest a couple of kilometers from the Karavados village. If we really have to be precise, there are two, one larger and one small, all within a beautiful bay surrounded by rigorous vegetation and rocks that protect it from the winds. They are separated from each other by formations of rocks and stone slabs. The most limited is a thin strip of yellowish sand with a blue sea and clear waters and not equipped at all. The largest, which can be reached by a path, is also made of sand with some rocks thrown here and there, transparent waters and a seabed that slopes down flat. Here there are sunbeds, umbrellas and a tavern for drinking and eating. Agios Thomas beach is excellent for snorkelling and diving due to its numerous underwater caves as well as a fervent marine fauna and flora.
Kounopetra Beach
Kounopetra beach is also on the Paliki Peninsula in the northwest about ten kilometers from Lixouri. A beautiful cove with an extensive coastline of soft golden sand with shades that tend towards red, a calm sea and transparent waters with shallow waters ideal for families with children. An imposing white cliff protects it from the winds making it perfect for a quiet day at the beach. It goes without saying that during sunset the whole landscape becomes almost magical due to the light that spreads, contrasting with the colors of the environment. Equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas for drinks and food, there is a small kiosk that will never leave you without anything. Given its conformation, Kounopetra beach is a natural amusement playground for snorkelers and a plus point in its favor is the fact that its cliffs are made of clay so you can enjoy free mud therapy. But its main peculiarity is given by the large flat rock that emerges from the sea which before the terrible earthquake of 1953 due to a phenomenon still unknown today used to move from east to west every twenty minutes and its oscillation could also be seen from the coast .
Koroni Beach
Koroni beach is one of the most beautiful in Kefalonia and is located in the Mounda Bay in the southwest of the island about twenty kilometers from the capital Argostoli. A stupendous inlet in the middle of nowhere with steep cliffs rich in thick vegetation, a beach of soft sand, crystal clear and clear waters, a blue and always calm sea with a gently sloping seabed. A feature of Koroni beach is also the small river which, arriving directly from Mount Enos, flows right into this point of Kefalonia. In the past it was the favorite habitat of the Caretta-Caretta turtles but unfortunately the clay of the cliffs reaches the beach when it rains, making it too humid for nesting. Given its nature, Koroni beach is perfect for snorkelers and those who like to take long swims. There are some comforts, some sunbeds and umbrellas while for the restaurant, you will necessarily have to take care of it yourself, bringing everything you need with you. As always, Greece remedies its shortcomings if we can call them that way, along the road that leads to the beach is the prestigious Melissinos Winery where you can stop and try its precious wine-based products. Finally, from Koroni beach it is possible to witness a majestic sunset both from a chromatic and panoramic point of view, absolutely not to be missed. The only difficulty is how to get there, definitely challenging but not impossible. The road is all dirt and winding better then having a 4x4.
Katelios Beach
Katelios beach has a crescent shape, a hundred meters long coastline with soft sand mixed with some small pebbles on the shore, a blue sea with clean shallow water. We find it in the southernmost area of Kefalonia to the west near the village of the same name and not far from the Lourdata Town. Every year it is awarded the Blue Flag for the beauty of its waters and for the wonderful environment that surrounds it with unspoiled nature. It is mostly equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds while one area is totally free. For something to drink and to eat you are spoiled for choice as the village behind it offers many typical taverns offering very fresh fish dishes given that one of the major sources of livelihood is fishing. From this part of Kefalonia when the sky is clear, it is possible to clearly see the Zakynthos island.
Platis Gialos Beach
Platis Gialos beach is close to the capital Argostoli in the southwest direction of the Kefalonia island and also to the picturesque Lassi village. Just after the famous Makris Gialos beach which is larger, it is made up of soft golden sand, transparent waters with a gently sloping seabed perfect for families with children. It too is awarded the Blue Flag every year for the quality of the environment that surrounds it. At the ends there are rocky walls that shelter it from the winds and gentle hills covered with lush vegetation that offer an ideal landscape for a beautiful day at the beach. Everyone can have fun at Platis Gialos beach, children playing safely in the water, snorkelers discovering the underwater world, adults relaxing and recharging their batteries. It is partly served with sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar where you can find fresh drinks and something quick to eat. One area, on the other hand, is free but be careful, there is no shade, so take the necessary precautions and bring at least a hat to protect yourself during the hottest hours.