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The Best Beaches on Kefalonia

Greece › Kefalonia › Beaches
By Santorini Dave

View across a golden sand beach to soaring limestone cliffs

Breathtaking and pristine Myrtos Beach, on Kefalonia’s northwest coast, offers no shade and only one small snack bar, so plan ahead before you go.

See Also
• Where to Stay in Kefalonia

Kefalonia Beach Basics

Kefalonia has a wonderful variety of gorgeous beaches – boasting sheer limestone cliffs and brilliant blue waters (Myrtos), cosmopolitan style and an abundance of amenities (Mikris Gialos), a peaceful and secluded oasis (Emplisi), and even plane-spotting (watch the planes right overhead as they land and take off at Ammes Beach). There is something for everyone on this clean and beautiful island.

Generally, the west coast beaches in and around Lassi are known for their golden sand, those on the north coast are mostly pebbly, and south coast beaches have a mix of sand and pebble.

A fun way to explore the island is by renting your own boat or taking a boat tour to secluded coves for swim stops at pristine beaches.

  • The best family beach is Platis Gialos Beach / Makris Gialos Beach (these two beaches are side-by-side).
  • The most famous beach is Myrtos Beach.
  • The best beaches for watersports are Makris Gialos Beach and Skala Beach.
  • The best beach for snorkeling is Emplisis Beach.
  • The best remote and secluded beach is Fteri Beach.
  • Currently, no beaches on Kefalonia have Seatrac equipment, which provides unassisted sea access for people with mobility issues.
White hotel perched among pine trees above Platis Gialos Beach in Kefalonia.

Luxurious White Rocks Hotel is perched in the pine trees above scenic Platis Gialos Beach. The hotel also maintains a small private beach for its guests.

9 BEST BEACHES OF KEFALONIA

1. Myrtos Beach

White sandy beach set within tree-covered sandstone cliffs

Kefalonia’s most famous beach is truly spectacular, with its bright white pebbly sand stretching between azure waters and dramatically steep limestone cliffs. This Blue Flag beach is massively wide and long, with waters that are often wavy due to strong winds. The sand slopes steeply into the water, so this beach is best suited for older children to adults.

There are limited amenities here: just one snack bar with indoor washrooms, change cabins, and showers (a wooden track to beach and handicap washrooms available for those with limited mobility). Limited sunbed and umbrellas too — so you’ll want to bring your own as there’s no shade. One section of beach has a volleyball net. The 2 km paved road into the beach (narrow in spots with hair-pin turns) has breathtaking views of the beach from high above. There is a bus stop at beach, and plenty of parking; Myrtos Beach is 30 km north of Argostoli.

2. Platis Gialos Beach

Thatched sun umbrellas line a golden sand beach in a rocky cove.

Platis Gialos offers an exotic setting with turqoise waters that lap soft golden sand, and is smaller, quieter, and more beautiful than its neighboring Makris Gialos Beach. The snorkeling is great here, offering a chance to swim with the turtles.

Amenities include a beach bar with changing room cubicles and modern toilets. Sun beds, umbrellas, and beach volley are all available onsite. There is a parking lot at the beach but space is limited, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Hotel building surrounded by pine trees and overlooking the sea.

White Rocks Hotel on Platis Gialos Beach offers 160 guest rooms, many with sea views, including luxurious bungalows with king size beds.

3. Lourdata Beach

Two people walk along a golden sand beach past white sun umbrellas.

An alluring stretch of roadside beach in a idyllic setting with a mix of small pebbles and imported sand, Lourdata is overlooked by quaint tavernas. Located on the south coast, Lourdata’s waters can be a little warmer than at other beaches. They are remarkably clear, too, with a soft seabed and gradual incline that make this a good beach for swimming.

Available amenities include sun cots, toilets, and showers. Also some watersports: inflatable rides, water skiing, SUPs, canoes, pedalo, and a few jet skis. There is a bus stop right at the beach.

View to the sea from a hotel infinity pool lined with sun beds and tropical foliage

Several suites and lush tropical landscaping surround one of the outdoor pools at the adults-only F Zeen Kefalonia Hotel above Lourdata Beach.

4. Emplisi Beach

White sand beach in a secluded, shady cove.

Set in a rocky and secluded bay, this is a hidden jewel with stunning natural beauty. Large slabs of rock flank the hill on the north side of the beach, providing a great spot for sunbathing away from the sand. The bay itself is protected from the wind, and the waters are gin clear — it’s a fun place to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a drink at their one and only beachside bar. Note: snorkeling is best on the rocky side, while on the opposite side there’s cliff jumping.

There are no sun cots or umbrellas here, but there is a change room and a couple of porta-potties.

Narrow infinity pool overlooking pine trees and the sea.

The adults-only infinity pool at sophisticated Emelisse Nature Resort, a great spot for couples that’s also family-friendly. Located within walking distance of the wonderful seaside village of Fiskardo and the white pebble Emplisi Beach.

5. Skala Beach

View up a beach boardwalk to rows of canopied sun beds.

Located on the southeastern tip of the island, Skala is Kefalonia’s longest beach, stretching to 5 km with water that deepens fairly quickly in certain areas. It is a popular spot for watersports, offering both equipment rentals and lessons; water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and inflatable rides are available.

Above Skala Beach at the west end, you will find the tiny and delightful Skala Village. Trendy seaside tavernas and an assortment of hotels can be found along its vast stretch of golden shoreline. Bus stop at the beach.

View from above a hotel pool deck and the Ionian Sea

The infinity pool at adults-only Tesoro Blu overlooks Skala Beach and the Ionian Sea.

6. Spithi Beach

Golden sand beach with scrubby beach plants and sun umbrellas.

At the very end of Skala Beach, this little gem of a beach has a rugged landscape and shingle/sand mix, and is more scenic and natural than Skala. It’s also a quieter option, and boasts an excellent beachside taverna — Calanga Beach Bar.

Sun beds with canopies are available at the beach. Change rooms, showers, and washrooms are at the taverna. The beach is walkable to Skala’s town center, 200 m away.

7. Antisamos Beach

Red sun loungers line a golden sandy beach

Renowned as a filming location of the Hollywood film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Antisamos Beach boasts a beautiful setting, with lush green hills rising up from behind. It’s a Blue Flag beach with pebbly sand and clear blue water that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. Several beach bars and tavernas offer an abundance of sun loungers; there are washrooms, changing rooms, and showers here too. Watersports rentals are at one end of the beach: pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, water skis, and inflatable rides.

Antisamos Beach is easy to access as it’s a short drive (5 km) from Sami on a paved road, with a huge parking lot. A bus stop is at the beach.

  • Recommended Antisamos Beach Hotel
    No hotels at this beach.

8. Ammes Beach

A rocky cove beach backed by green hills

This is the island’s plane-spotting beach, with a rugged landscape that is mostly sandy, gradually sloping into the clear water. It also makes a good spot for sunbathing. There are limited amenities here but they do have basic toilet and showers. One small beach bar offers sun cots and parasols. Car parking is limited.

Hotel infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Electra Kefalonia Hotel is only 5 minutes to airport, and 400 meters to Ammes Beach.

9. Foki Beach

Sandy beach in a shady, sandy cove.
A few kms south of Fiskardo, this quiet and cozy shingle beach has beautiful emerald waters in a protected tree-covered cove. The seabed here is rocky, and the tree border provides some natural shade. There is one lone taverna, but no additional amenities.

  • Recommended Foki Beach Hotel
    No hotels at this beach.

Summary: My Favorite Beach Hotels in Kefalonia

Best Kefalonia Beach Hotels

• Emplisi Beach: Emelisse Nature Resort
• Lourdata Beach: F Zeen (adults only)
• Platis Gialos Beach: White Rocks
• Skala Beach: Tesoro Blu (adults only)
• Spithi Beach: Kalamies
• Ammes Beach: Electra
• For Couples: Emelisse Nature Resort
• For Families: Makis

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as favorite places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.