Myrtos, Kefalonia’s most famous beach, may be high on the list of the world’s best beaches, but it is certainly not the only beautiful beach that’s well worth visiting on the island. It takes around a week and several kilometres to explore all of the island’s fabulous beaches and stunning waters. Whether you’re a fan of milky blue seas or calm crystal clear waters, Kefalonia is the place to be. For many, the best beach on the island is not Myrtos, but Antisamos with its stunning waters reflecting unbelievable shades of green and blue.
Others prefer Emblisi, a small bay near Fiskardo known for its crystal clear, turquoise waters and impressive seabed, or Xi for its stunning grey rock formations against reddish sand. Many locals opt for Makris Gialos, a large, crystalline bay near Argostoli, while others still absolutely adore Petani. From the countless beautiful beaches of Kefalonia, we have selected the ones you should definitely not miss.
Myrtos
Myrtos is a postcard-perfect beach with azure waters and white sand, surrounded by dramatic towering cliffs. The island’s number one attraction, it is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. You’ll find it in the northern part of Kefalonia, 3 kilometres after the village of Divarata. Going down to the beach, admire the magic of the coast from above and take lots of pictures. Unfortunately, the beach offers no natural shade, but a part of it is serviced with sunbeds and umbrellas. Make sure you arrive early in the morning to avoid big crowds.
Kimilia
Less well-known is Kimilia beach, located to the north of Fiskardo. To reach it you’ll need to drive for 3 kilometres before taking a short 5-minute walk. This small, secluded beach is embraced by trees and at its edges you’ll find large, flat rocks that are perfect for sunbathing on.
Emblisi
In a beautiful, closed bay on the northeastern side of Kefalonia near Fiskardo, Emblisi is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with stark white pebbles and a golden, sandy seabed. The large, smooth, slab-like rocks on the left side of the beach make for a comfortable sunbathing area and the beach’s pristine waters are wonderful to go snorkelling in. There are no umbrellas and sunbeds, but there is a canteen where you can get the essential refreshments and snacks.
Antisamos
On the western side of Kefalonia, near Sami, and facing Ithaca, Antisamos’s waters are renowned for their wide colour gamut, which runs from ultramarine blue to cyan green. Located in a closed bay and surrounded by a lush green landscape, the beach has coarse pebbles, so we recommend that you bring water shoes.
Foki
In the south of Kefalonia, this beach is ideal for families, as it is easily reachable by car, has shallow waters, and is sheltered from the wind. This picturesque beach is covered with smooth pebbles and is surrounded by olive and cypress trees. To the right of the beach, swimming enthusiasts can explore the interesting rocks and a small hidden cave.
Xi
On the southwestern side of the island, just after Lixouri, Xi is Kefalonia’s most distinctive beach. Easily accessible, with crystal clear shallow waters, Xi has water sports facilities, numerous beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas, but what makes it stand out is its dark brownish-red sand, which is attributed to its clay composition. Take the opportunity to relish a natural spa experience – smear your whole body with the damp clay sand before plunging into the sea. Clay helps to cleanse, detoxify and tighten the skin, and here you have an entire beach full of clay sand at your disposal.
Dafnoudi
Reachable after a short walk from the parking area, this beach has large white pebbles, natural tree shade and crystal-clear waters. Like Foki, it is a protected sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus).
Petani
The name comes from the Homeric word “Epipetani”, which means an area that’s rich in water all year round. White pebbles, limestone walls, crystal clear waters and a lush green landscape all combine to create a work of art. The springs that flow from the mountain pour into the sea creating cool, fresh undercurrents that dye the waters in all shades of blue. Legend has it that in ancient times, fairies washed their clothes in the springs here while enjoying the view.
Makris Gialos
Lengthy and cosmopolitan, Makris Gialos is the beach closest to Argostoli. Along its golden sandy beach, you will find bars renting umbrellas and sunbeds, some of which may require reservations, especially in August. There are also water sports facilities.
Skala
One of the island’s most comfortable, well-organised and bustling beaches, Skala, with its azure waters, is located 35 kilometres from Argostoli and is renowned for its vast golden sands and the delightful pine forest that extends all the way down to the shore. Expect to find quite a crowd here, especially in July and August, which is why it’s best to try to arrive at the beach early in the morning. Water sports enthusiasts will find a terrestrial paradise in Skala, as there is no better place in Kefalonia to enjoy aquatic activities. The beach is home to water sports schools and equipment rental services, where both young and old can venture into the open Ionian waters, whether for an unforgettable diving experience (with the assistance or supervision of trained instructors) or simply for a zippy jetski ride or on gigantic inflatable doughnuts towed by speedboats.
Explore the Nearby Ionian Islands by Boat!
Kefalonia is the ideal starting point for exploring the nearby popular Ionian islands. To the north of the island lies Lefkada, while to the south, you’ll find Zakynthos and enchanting Ithaca, which is directly opposite the beach of Agia Efimia. You can rent an inflatable boat (“fouskoto”) at an affordable price from organised agencies in Fiskardo and, accompanied by a professional guide, unlock the seafaring secrets of the Ionian Islands and discover gorgeous hidden beaches. And who knows? If you’re lucky, you may get to enjoy the beautiful sight of leaping dolphins or charming loggerhead turtles swimming in the open sea.
Many agencies also offer organised full-day excursions for enjoyable island-hopping experiences. Among these, a brief trip to Zakynthos’ most famous beach, the iconic Shipwreck Beach, is extremely popular among both Greek and foreign visitors. From Agia Kyriaki, you can board a small boat to Fteri Beach, one of the loveliest beaches in Greece, which makes you feel as though you’re in the Caribbean and which isn’t reachable by car. From the port of Ithaca, boats also depart to the equally stunning Koutsoupia Beach, a hidden gem of the Ionian Sea nestled among cypress, oak, and, of course, koutsoupia (Judas) trees. The beach is only reachable by sea, as the dense forest stretches down to the point where the white pebbles begin.
Read also:
Platia Ammos, Kefalonia: A virgin paradise beach
8 experiences you must have on the blue-green island of Kefalonia
