In the western part of Kefalonia, on the coastline that “looks” towards the tip of the Italian boot, in a stunning location on the open Ionian Sea, a strand lies quietly under the shadow of the much more prominent, hyper-famous now beach, Myrtos, making it a truly untouched paradise worth discovering.
Platia Ammos may not be one of the most famous beaches of the island, although in recent years it has been gradually gaining more and more enthusiastic visitors, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Ionian Sea. With its deep blue, crystal clear waters that bring in mind distant, exotic destinations and the calm, narrow coastline, covered with teeny-weeny white pebbles, Platia Ammos is a paradise-on-earth for lovers of seclusion and tranquillity.
Starting from Paliki and heading to Platia Ammos, follow the signs on the road until you reach the bypass that leads to the lighthouse of Gero-Gompos. This is essentially a small dirt road that connects the villages of Chavriata and Chavdata. Immediately afterwards you will see an incredible landscape stretching out before you that at first seems inaccessible, a steep cliff that descends to stunning waters at the edge of this lush green island. But in fact there is actually a way down, as long as you have stamina, patience and all the necessary supplies to spend the day there, as there is no canteen or snack bar on the beach to stock up on the essentials.
Leave your car somewhere at the end of the dirt road and start the descent down about 400 steps leading to a secluded beach of pebbles so small that they look like white sand. You’re bound to sweat to get to the shore, but it’s just as certain that once you dive in those pristine waters you’ll feel it was worth it. Don’t forget to bring a diving mask to gawk at the magnificent seabed visible beneath your feet even without attempting a dive – that’s how transparent the water is.
The beach may not be suitable for families with young children, as the descent is quite demanding and the ascent even more difficult, but it is the ideal destination for those who want to retreat from every aspect of the island’s tourist development, to spend time next to as few people as possible in a true wonder of nature waiting to be discovered. In fact, the isolation at Platia Ammos is so literal that suffice it to say that mobile phones often do not have service here.
If all of the above deter you, then there is an alternative way to get to the beach: by sea. Whether you have an inflatable boat or hire a boat to take you there, Platia Ammos is one of the most beautiful spots you’ll see in Kefalonia. It is essential to bring an umbrella or beach tent, as there are no trees and the towering cliffs that rise imposingly above the emerald bay offer little shade and only early in the morning.
For those who love sightseeing and want to combine swimming with a special sight of the island, very close by you will find the Monastery of Kipouraion, an impressive monastery in an idyllic spot with stunning sea views.
The earthquake that caused serious damage to Kefalonia in 2014 played its own role in keeping Platia Ammos relatively “unknown” for even longer, despite the fact that Kefalonia continues to become an increasingly popular destination. The earthquake destroyed a large section of the steps leading to the coast, resulting in access being completely disrupted. Thus, only boats and cruisers could reach the beach for several years, but now, the restoration of the steps leading to this pristine, earthly paradise has brought back one of the most charming beaches in the Ionian Sea.
Read also:
The top 6 beaches on Kefalonia
8 experiences you must have on the blue-green island of Kefalonia
Haritatos Vineyard: A glass of wine in the most charming courtyard of Kefalonia
