Kefalonia Beaches: Where to Swim, Snooze and Snorkel

Kefalonia has over 60 beaches, from fine pebbles to long ribbons of sand. The famous names, Myrtos and Antisamos, live up to their reputations, the small coves around Fiskardo are a joy, and boat-access beaches like Fteri have some of the brightest water on the island. Plan on a rental car, and aim for May, June, September or October.

Which Kefalonia beaches are worth the trip?

Start with the big names, then work your way to the small ones.

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos is the island's most famous beach, and it deserves the hype. Towering white cliffs drop to bright white pebbles and deep turquoise water. On the road toward Assos or Fiskardo, pull over at the overlook high above the cove for your first look. The view from up there makes a superb photo, even if you decide to stay at the top. The best road down starts at Divarata village, with views the whole way.

The pebbles are tiny at the waterline and bigger farther back, so wear water shoes. The seabed drops steeply, the rip current can run strong, and some days the waves are big, so Myrtos suits confident swimmers. There's no shade, so bring an umbrella or rent one, which isn't cheap. The few caves at the back look inviting, but locals warn of rockfalls.

Facilities depend on the season. In August you'll find a beach bar, toilets, changing rooms, and sunbeds and parasols for rent. In June the beach can be completely bare, with no bar, no umbrellas and no food service. The snack kiosk keeps unpredictable hours, so pack your own water and food. Parking is free at the top and near the beach, and it's easiest early in the day.

Antisamos Beach

Antisamos fills a green bay on the east coast, about 3 miles (5 km) east of Sami, and scenes from Captain Corelli's Mandolin were filmed here. Take in the view from the overlook before you drive down. The beach is pebbly and the water is calm, clear and bright turquoise. Loungers and umbrellas at the beach bars come free when you order a drink, and with food on hand and watersports at the right end of the beach, it's easy to stay all day.

Makris Gialos

Makris Gialos, at Lassi just outside Argostoli, has soft golden sand, a rarity on this island of pebbles. The catch is crowds: in August it can feel overcrowded.

Skala and Kaminia

Skala, on the south coast, is about 2 miles (3 km) of sand and shingle with clear blue water and plenty of sunbeds for hire. The stretch farther along, in the direction of Poros, tends to be calmer. Nearby Kaminia joins Mounda beach to form one long stretch of sand, with good facilities and the Tartarooga beach bar for lunch. Kaminia is famous for sea turtles, and their nesting areas are marked, so keep out of them.

Fiskardo area: Foki, Emplisi and Dafnoudi

The beaches around Fiskardo are smaller, with pebbles, clear water and lush Mediterranean greenery. Foki, about a mile (2 km) south of town, is a small cove of large stones framed by cypresses and old olive trees. There's some shade on the beach and a restaurant on the approach, but no other facilities. A walk through the woods beside it opens onto a view across the bay. Emplisi, about a mile (2 km) north of Fiskardo, is the biggest of the group and probably the most visited, with smooth white pebbles and large rocks for sunning or jumping off. It gets packed in summer and the main lot fills fast, so you may end up parking along the road. Dafnoudi is the calm one, a very small wild bay about 3 miles (5 km) north of Fiskardo plus a 10 minute walk, and few people make the trip.

Fteri and White Rocks

Fteri sits at the foot of massive cliffs, and its water may be the brightest on Kefalonia. Access is by boat, water taxi or hike. The water taxi from Zola Harbour takes about 10 minutes, and you book your return time slot when you buy your ticket, so choose it carefully. The beach is small and popular and feels crowded by the middle of the day, even in early June. If hauling a cooler and snorkel gear down to Fteri sounds like work, a private boat tour can combine Fteri, Myrtos and Melissani Cave in one day.

White Rocks lies beneath tall white limestone cliffs and is usually reached by boat, which keeps it quieter and more secluded than the famous names. It also earns a very high Google rating from visitors. Add it whenever you book a boat day.

Xi and Petani

Xi and Petani share a stretch of coast on the Paliki Peninsula. Xi has red sand, closer to red clay, and it's great fun to play in. Petani has dramatic cliffs and bright blue water much like Myrtos, but it feels more relaxed and less crowded, with plenty of space on a wide beach. A few beach bars and tavernas sit nearby, and many visitors come here to watch the sunset.

Which beach is best for families?

Look for shallow, calm water and good facilities. The south coast has plenty of sandy beaches that fit the bill. Makris Gialos and Skala are family favorites for their sand and services, and Kaminia's sea is shallow and calm. The water at Xi is shallow, which is a change from most of the island's beaches and makes it a fun spot for little ones to splash around. Agia Thomas is popular with families too, with shallow water and a small sandy beach split in two by rocks that kids can climb over. With small children, choose Antisamos over Myrtos.

Where can you go for a quiet swim?

Kako Lagadi, between Skala and Poros, is a secluded pebble cove with caves and crystal-clear water. Boats go there, or you can scramble down from the roadside on a narrow path through the rocks, and there are no facilities. The path is reportedly unmarked, so skip it if you're traveling alone. Avithos, near Argostoli, is a small, secluded beach, long and narrow, with calm water, sand, great facilities and parking. It's perfect for paddleboarding, and Avithos Preview above the beach serves excellent wine and calamari. Koroni, between Lourdas and Katelios, sits at the end of a dirt track and a steep, winding road. Expect a peaceful sandy beach with calm water, a handful of loungers, a fun beach bar with no toilets, free parking and a fine sunset view. Koutsoupia, on the east side, is a secluded beach that visitors usually reach by boat. It has bright white pebbles, a shack selling drinks and snacks, and little shade, so pack an umbrella.

Which Kefalonia beaches have beach bars and a party scene?

At Antisamos, lounge and cocktail bars serve food and offer wi-fi. Makris Gialos has beach bars, restaurants and watersports. At Skala, bars line the beach and take food and drink orders right at your lounger. Ammos Beach Bar, at the quieter far end, has excellent food and a great vibe. For late nights, head to the main resort towns, and to Argostoli, which buzzes day and night.

Which beaches are best for snorkeling?

Emplisi is the classic pick, with clear water around its rocks. Antisamos and Skala are both excellent, and Foki's clear blue water is lovely for a snorkel. Kako Lagadi rewards the scramble down. Karavomylos, a lake near Sami a few minutes from Melissani Cave, has a long, narrow pebble shore that's peaceful for swimming and snorkeling, with a taverna at the far end. At Agia Thomas, a lagoon with steps leading into the water is perfect for snorkeling, and the Tratamento bar above it looks across to Zakynthos.

When is the best time to visit Kefalonia's beaches?

May, June, September and October bring warm weather, a sea perfect for swimming and a more relaxed atmosphere. May is especially lovely, with few tourists and the island still green from the winter rains. July and August are busy, especially at Myrtos, and accommodation costs more. Fiskardo is also at its best outside those two months.

Can you get to Kefalonia's beaches without a car?

Not easily. Kefalonia is big and mountainous, and a rental car gives you the freedom to reach its quieter coves. Book it before you arrive for better rates. Without a car, you can use taxis and sea buses, and local buses connect the major towns and beaches, though service may be limited outside summer. Kefalonia Buses (KTEL Kefalonias) links Argostoli with the island's villages and the ports of Sami and Poros.

A daily bus links Argostoli, Lassi and the airport, with a few departures each day, though the timetable can change after the summer season. Departures from Argostoli are at 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 and 16:00, and from the airport at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 16:30. At the airport, the stop is on the left side of the main entrance to the departures building. For other routes and timetables, call Kefalonia Buses at +30 26710 22281 or visit the office at Antoni Tritsi 5 in Argostoli.