Nestled in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is Kefalonia, an island famed for its steep limestone cliffs, sleepy coastal villages, and secluded beaches.
Although not as famous as other Greek islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, Kefalonia has just been crowned by Which? as the best Greek island 2023. After being blown away by the beauty of Kefalonia on my visit, I find it easy to see why.
One of the main attractions on Kefalonia is the island’s plethora of beaches, each one guaranteed to charm you, whether that’s because of the crystal-clear azure waters or the spectacular cliffs which surround them.
In this article, I want to share some of my favourite beaches in Kefalonia!
1. Myrtos Beach
Without a doubt, the most famous beach in Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach. I’d seen so many fabulous Instagram pictures of this beach before my visit that I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype, as is often the case with well-known attractions.
But as I wandered down this pebble beach and swam in the crystal-clear waters, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Myrtos Beach. In my opinion, I think it’s worth the praise it gets and is one of the most stunning beaches on the island.
Due to its popularity, Myrtos can get pretty crowded. As a result, if you want a prime position on the beach, it’s advisable to get there early. Sun loungers are available to rent, or you can bring a towel and lie on the rocks.
Behind the beach is a Beach Cafe serving drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
Myrtos Beach is at the bottom of a steep cliff which sweeps around the beach. Access to the beach requires ascending down a road filled with sharp hairpin bends until you finally reach the car pack just behind the beach.
2. Foki Beach
To the very north of Kefalonia is the village of Fiskardo, a historic fishing village which is surrounded by lush pine forests. Fiskardo is often touted as one of the most beautiful villages in Kefalonia.
There are several beaches near Fiskardo but perhaps the most scenic is Foki Beach, a small swathe of sand within a gorgeous cove. The beach is surrounded by forests on all sides and is sheltered by rocky outcrops.
Some of the flat rocks which surround the beach are also suitable for bathing if the beach itself is too busy.
Due to the sheltered nature of the beach, the waters here are beautifully calm and therefore ideal for swimming.
There is a tavern across the road from the beach if you want a quick snack. Otherwise, it’s only a 20-minute walk to Fiskardo village where there are even more choices for a meal.
3. Antisamos Beach
Just outside the vibrant town of Sami is this scenic beach, fringed by fervent forests. This pebble beach sits upon a shallow expanse of clear water and is protected by hills on three sides.
There are sun loungers with parasols available to rent. As there’s no natural shade on the beach it’s advisable to make use of these or to bring your own.
Perched on the east coast of Kefalonia, you will be gifted with beautiful views of the nearby island of Ithaka on a clear day.
There are two beach bars behind Antisamos beach which serve drinks and snacks.
There are also water sports available to rent for this beach, making this the ideal beach for those looking to get their adrenaline pumping.
4. Xi Beach
Xi Beach is a very unique beach in Kefalonia due to the fact that it’s made up of vibrant orange sand. Most beaches in Kefalonia are pebble beach’s so having a sandy beach is unique in itself. However, the rich reddish-orange colour of the sand makes it even more special.
Just 7 kilometres south of the second largest city on the island, Lixouri, on the Paliki peninsula, this beach is popular with families as the water is quite shallow.
There are numerous amenities at Xi Beach including several bars and restaurants as well as sun loungers available for rent.
Another special feature of this beach is the clay which sits at the base of the tall cliffs which encompass the beach. It’s said that the clay has healing properties and so visitors enjoy rubbing it on their skin.
The beach is divided into two sections, one where you can find the amenities (the more crowded side of the beach) and the other which is more casual, ideal for those who love to be surrounded by nature.
Xi Beach is one of the longest beaches in Kefalonia so there’s a good chance that you’ll find a beautiful empty spot to relax.
5. Petani Beach
Also, on the Paliki peninsula, on the west coast of the island, is this gorgeous beach, nestled in a scenic bay overlooked by forest-coated cliffs.
This beach shares a lot of similar features with Myrtos Beach but isn’t anywhere near as well known, meaning you’re more likely to have a relaxing experience here, surrounded by far fewer people.
To reach Petani Beach, you will need to navigate down a steep road with numerous sharp bends. On the way, you will encounter a viewpoint which yields stunning panoramic views of the beach. It’s well worth pulling up in the layby here to admire the views.
Just behind the beach is a carpark and a handful of eateries.
There are sun loungers available to rent on the main part of the beach. But if, like me, you prefer to unwind in a more natural setting, the western side of the beach is ideal. Here there are some large boulders jutting out to sea which not only provide a peaceful area to swim, but on the other side of them there’s a quiet expanse of sand where you can lay down your towel.
6. Assos Beach
Not far from Myrtos Beach, near the north of Kefalonia, is, in my opinion, the most beautiful village on the island – Assos. Perched on the edge of a horseshoe-shaped bay, facing a peninsular which houses an ancient Venetian castle, is this charming collection of colourful buildings.
Resting in front of the village is a small stretch of shingle known as Assos Beach. The beach is perched in the most beautiful of settings, with panoramic views of not only Assos itself but the forested peninsula which houses the castle.
In terms of amenities, there are a handful of sun loungers on the beach as well as a couple of restaurants in Assos, just a short walk away from the beach.
As Assos Beach is in a bay, the waters here are beautifully calm, ideal for a gentle swim.
7. Fteri Beach
On the north coast of the Paliki peninsula, you will find one of the most jaw-dropping beaches on the entire island – Fteri Beach. This secluded white-pebble beach hugged by some of the clearest waters on the island is challenging to reach. It’s only accessible via hiking trails or boats.
Due to its remote setting, there are no amenities here. This is what makes Fteri Beach so special, its natural beauty hasn’t been spoiled by building work. Behind the beach, you will find towering white cliffs and cypress forests.
Perhaps the easiest way to reach Fteri Beach and the nearby Blue Lagoon is by water taxi from Zola Harbor, just a few minutes up the coastline.
Alternatively, for the more adventurous traveller, you can embark on a 4.7km (there and back) hike through picturesque forests to reach the beach.
8. Emplisi Beach
In a quiet cove, surrounded by forests, Emplisi Beach lies just north of Fiskardo fishing village, in the very north of Kefalonia.
The beach is a combination of a short stretch of pebbles as well as flat rocks on which you can lie. There are no sun loungers here to rent but there is a kiosk where you can get snacks just behind the beach, next to the car park.
The clear waters which surround the beach are great for snorkelling but do be aware that the water gets deep quite quickly.
A short walk away from the beach you can find a number of eateries including the highly-rated Votsalo restaurant and Mirella’s restaurant. Both have stunning views of the coastline.
9. Makris Gialos Beach
Just a stone-throw away from the island’s capital of Argostoli is one of the few sandy beaches on the island. Makris Gialos Beach is incredibly popular and lively due to both its close proximity to the capital and the smooth sandy shores.
There’s a plethora of things to do at this beach including wakeboarding, paddle boarding, jet-ski and more. Water sports are available to hire from a number of vendors.
Sun Loungers and parasols are available to hire and there are a range of cafes and taverns just behind the beach.
The water is fairly shallow, perfect for families with young children.
10. Agia Kyriaki Beach
Near Zola on the northern tip of the Paliki peninsula is Agia Kyriaki Beach, a peaceful pebble beach surrounded by cyan waters. It’s a great spot to go snorkelling due to the unbelievable clarity of the water!
Upon this slice of paradise are sun loungers and parasols to rent as well as a beach bar, tavern, and water sports hire. There’s ample parking behind the beach.
The beach is sheltered by cliffs so driving to Agia Kyriaki Beach involves navigating down narrow, bendy roads. There’s a beautiful viewpoint that you can stop at on the way which yields a stunning vista over the beach.
Agia Kyriaki Beach is a gentle stroll away from Zola Harbour, where you can rent water taxis to visit other nearby secluded beaches such as Fteri Beach.
Summary - Best Beaches in Kefalonia
There really are countless gorgeous beaches in Kefalonia, just waiting to be explored. With a range of secluded beaches with minimal amenities to grand swathes of beach backed by restaurants, there really is something for every type of beachgoer.
Which beach is your favourite?
Written by Ella McKendrick of ellamckendrick.com
Where to next in Greece
Have you visited the Dodecanese Island of Kos? Greece has so many amazing islands to visit and Kos has something for everyone.
Read about the Best Things to do in Kos here