Are you thinking of taking a beach vacation to Kefalonia? If so, you’ve picked the right place. Kefalonia has some of the best beaches in Greece, if not the whole of Europe.
With beautiful white sands, impossibly turquoise waters, and lush greenery, you are sure to find many beach oases on the island of Kefalonia. After spending a week in Kefalonia exploring the island, I can say that relaxing on its beaches is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia.
With this guide, you’ll discover the best beaches in Kefalonia. Whether you choose to lounge on the sandy shores, dive into the refreshing waters, or simply admire the stunning coastal landscapes, Kefalonia has a beach for you.
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How to Get to Kefalonia Beaches
Kefalonia is the second largest Ionian island, which means that in most places you will have to either drive or use public transport to reach it.
The most convenient way of travelling around Kefalonia is by renting a car. By renting a car, you have the freedom to travel to all the beaches in Kefalonia and can make your own timetable.
You can easily rent a car for as little as €25 a day. You can pre-book your tickets here, ready to collect them at the airport or there are car rental services available in most large towns on the island.
If you do not want to rent a car, there are ways to get to some of the beaches in Kefalonia. For each beach, I have included the best way to get to the beach without a car.
Whilst you can only reach some beaches by taxi or private transfer, a lot of the beaches have nearby bus stops for you to take advantage of. Buses are a lot slower and more unreliable than taxis, but for the price, you can’t really complain.
Discover the 11 Best Kefalonia Beaches
With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which beaches to visit on your vacation to Kefalonia. With this guide, you can make the most of your time in Kefalonia and find the perfect beach to suit your vacation.
Explore Kefalonia’s hidden gems, and let the magic of its beaches captivate your senses. It’s time to experience the beauty, tranquillity, and pure bliss that Kefalonia’s beaches have to offer.
Avithos Beach, Kefalonia
As one of Kefalonia’s sandy beaches, Avithos Beach is known for its lush greenery and mountainous backdrop.
Avithos is one of the best beaches in Kefalonia for families, with shallow waters and a small taverna on the beachfront. You can easily spend an entire day here indulging in the blue waters and soft sand.
There are loungers and parasols available to rent for €10 a day for two loungers. However, if you’re more of a towel kind of sunbather, there are sections of beach on either side of the loungers for you to enjoy.
Whilst the majority of this beach is sandy, there is a stretch of pebbles at the water’s edge. Once you’re past that stretch, you’re back on soft sand so it isn’t too much of an inconvenience.
How to Get to Avithos Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Avithos Beach is near the villages of Kaligata and Svorontata in the south of Kefalonia. It is just a 20-minute drive from Argostoli, making it a convenient destination for anyone who has rented a car.
However, here are some alternative methods for reaching Avithos Beach:
- Bus: There is a bus stop right outside Avithos Beach. However, it is a much longer journey and takes 55 minutes from Argostolii.
- Taxi: The most convenient way to get to Avithos Beach if you do not have a car is by taxi. They can drop you off directly at the beach, and you can always arrange a pick-up for a few hours later.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is the turquoise gem of the Ionian Sea. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and unbelievably blue seas.
It sits nestled between two cliffs, which gives you a great vantage point to get an unforgettable view of the bay below. As you drive towards the beach, make sure to stop at the Myrtos Vantage Point to take in the incredible view of the white pebbles, blue sea and sloping cliff edge.
At the beach, you’ll find plenty of amenities to get you through the day. Myrtos’ beach bar serves snacks and drinks, and there are showers and changing areas should you need them. If you fancy a heartier meal, head back up along the main road and you’ll find plenty of tavernas to suit your needs.
There are of course sunbeds available for you to rent for €10 a day which will give you two sun loungers and a parasol. If you’re not one for sunbeds, free space is abundant so you won’t be struggling for space.
As one of the best beaches in Kefalonia, you can imagine that it gets very busy during the high season. Many group tours stop here for a couple of hours so it gets very busy during the middle of the day. It’s best to come early to secure the best spot.
How to Get to Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Myrtos Beach sits on the North-West coast of Kefalonia. It is about 35 minutes by car from Argostoli and a 40-minute drive from Lassi.
The best way to explore is by renting a car, however, this isn’t always an option. In that case, there are a few options available to you:
- Taxi: you can get a taxi which will cost you €60 each way. Whilst expensive, by booking a taxi, you can have more freedom over how long you get to spend at Myrtos Beach.
- Bus: A cheaper way of visiting the beach is by bus. It takes just over an hour from Argostilo and will stop at Divarata, which is the village above the beach.
- Tour Transfer: As I said before, many day tours stop off at the beach, and it might be a good option for you. You can choose whether you want a transfer only to Myrtos Beach (they will collect you from Argostoli, drop you at Myrtos Beach, and collect you 4 hours later), or enjoy the beach as part of a larger day trip such as this one to the Melissani Cave and Antisamos Beach, another one of Kefalonia’s best beaches.
Also Read: Assos, Kefalonia: Complete Guide to an Enchanting Greek Village
Antisamos Beach, Kefalonia
Antismost Beach is unlike any other in Kefalonia. You might be already familiar with it, as it became famous after starring in the 2000 film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. As you can imagine, it is a top location for many people visiting Kefalonia.
Antisamos Beach is an incredibly picturesque spot on the island, with bright turquoise waters and white pebbles. It is surrounded by a deep green forest backdrop that seems to separate you from the rest of the world.
Antisamos beach is long and sits in a bay, giving it a very calm environment. Do note that whilst the water is very calm and clear, it is still very deep.
It gets very busy in the high season. But, as it is a large beach with lots of loungers available, you should be able to find somewhere comfortable to spend your day. I’d still advise you to get there early to get the best spot before the main crowds arrive.
How to Get to Antisamos Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Antisamos Beach sits on the east side of Kefalonia near the town of Sami. It is a 45-minute drive from Argostoli, and there is free parking available at the beach.
If you do not drive, here are some other ways you can enjoy Antimos Beach:
- Bus: You can get a bus from Argostoli to Antismos for a few euros, and it will take you just over an hour. If you’re staying in Sami, it takes just 10 minutes to get to the beach.
- Taxi: Taxis will take you from anywhere on the island to Antismos Beach. Do note that this is the most convenient way of getting across the island without a car, but also the most expensive.
- Tour Transfer: Just like for Myrtos Beach, there are organised tours to Antismos Beach. They will cost you around £35 to take you from your pickup location of choice, drop you at the beach and collect you around 4 hours later.
Not sure where to stay in Kefalonia? Check out the Best Places to Stay In Kefalonia in 2023 here!
Lourdas Beach, Kefalonia
Lourdas Beach is a mainly sandy beach with a few pebbles here and there. It sits just 16km south of Argostoli. The village of Lourdata is a favourite place to stay for beach vacations in Kefalonia. You’ll find incredible views here as Lourdata sits on the hillside overlooking the beautiful coastline below.
Lourdas Beach is one of the largest beaches on Kefalonia’s southern coast. This makes it easier to find a spot along the beautiful sand.
It is surrounded by Mount Ainos, which is Kefalonia’s only National Park. Green vegetation creates a beautiful backdrop for the beach and a sense of privacy from the rest of the island.
On Lourdas Beach, you’ll find watersport activities such as jet skis, rental boats, and wakeboarding. If you’re thinking of visiting Kefalonia, you should definitely spend a day having fun in the water at Lourdas Beach.
How to Get to Loudras Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Loudras is just a 25-minute drive away from Argostoli. However, it is pretty easy to reach if you don’t have a car available to you:
- Bus: There are buses from Argostli to the village of Lourdata. It takes about tt 20 minutes on the bus to reach the stop Vlachata, and then a 20-minute walk down to the beachfront.
- Taxi: Book a private taxi transfer to the beach. This will give you the most flexibility with when you go to Loudras Beach and how long you want to stay.
Skala Beach, Kefalonia
Skala Beach is one of the biggest beaches in Kefalonia. Its wide and sandy shore makes it a favourite amongst many visitors.
It can get very busy during the high seasons, so if you want a sunbed you might want to get there early. However, as Skala is so large, you’re more than likely to find a place to sunbathe away from other people if you don’t mind using a towel.
There are water sports available from many different vendors along the beach. Get yourself a banana boat, rent a jet ski, or go snorkelling to your heart’s content.
There are also a few tavernas and beach bars at Skala Beach, some of which play music all day long. This might not be to some people’s taste but can make for a fun and lively atmosphere. There is a quieter side of the beach away from the music.
How to Get to Skala Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Skala is about a 40-minute drive from Argostoli, so it is an easy location to get to if you rent a car. However, the best way to get there without a car is by bus. The buses run from Argostoli directly to Skala, and take about an hour and 40 minutes.
Makris Gialos Beach, Kefalonia
Makris Gialos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia. This beach is Lassi has a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with beach bars serving meals, snacks, drinks, and playing music, and watersports available.
There are two places on the beach where you can rent sunbeds. At Gialos Beach Bar, the larger of the two places, you can rent sunbeds for €15 per day for two sunbeds under a reed umbrella. You can also get table service from the beach bar, delivering drinks and food directly to you.
At the second place further down the beach, they offer free sunbeds but you must purchase food and drink from their bar.
In between the two bars, there is a large open area free of sunbeds where you can enjoy the sand and bring your own parasol.
How to Get to Makris Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Makris Gialos is located in Lassi, which is a small village near Argostoli, which is where I stayed in Kefalonia. There is a large free car park just in front of the beach. You can easily drive to the beach, or walk if you are staying in Argostoli.
If you do not drive, here are a few ways you can get to Mikris Gialos Beach:
- Taxi: you can get a taxi from Argostoli for around €6.
- Bus: if you’re coming from further than Argostoli, I’d recommend getting a bus. Either get a bus to the main bus terminal in Argostoli and walk/take a taxi to the beach. Alternatively, you can get a bus to Lassi itself.
Paralia Petani Beach, Kefalonia
Petani Beach is located on the west coast of the Paliki peninsula in Kefalonia and is a true gem of Kefalonia’s beaches. This stunning sandy beach is a place of peace, with bright blue waters and a mixture of soft white sand and pebbles.
It is surrounded by rugged cliffs that create a sense of seclusion, making it the ideal spot to escape the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re lounging on a sunbed, taking a refreshing swim, or simply enjoying the breathtaking sunset views, Petani Beach promises a memorable experience as a piece of Kefalonian paradise.
How to Get to Paralia Petani Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Petani Beach is on the Paliki peninsula, just 13 kilometres from Lixouri. There is free parking available at the beach and takes about 35 minutes from Argostoli.
If you do not have a rental car, you’re the best way to visit the beach is by taxi. This will cost you about €50 each way.
If you’d like to stay near the area, check out the best beach resorts below, including the Petani Beach Resort.
Xi Beach, Kefalonia
Xi Beach is one of the best and most unique beaches in Kefalonia. It is known for its soft red sand. Against the white clay cliffs, Xi Beach looks like something from another planet.
There are plenty of sunbeds available to hire, and beach bars for you to enjoy a cold cocktail whilst you sunbathe. It is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation, and you can enjoy the lapping waters.
Xi Beach has quite shallow waters making it a safe destination for children. And, there are plenty of water sports available for you to enjoy such as windsurfing and jet skis.
With its natural beauty, Xi Beach is a must-visit spot for those seeking tranquillity on Kefalonia’s beaches.
How to Get to Xi Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Xi Beach is located on the southern tip of Kefalonia’s peninsula. Because it is slightly more out of the way, it takes a lot longer to reach here than most other beaches on the island.
It is an hour’s drive from Argostoli, and an hour and a half from Skala. Due to the remote location of Xi Beach, there are only a few options available to you if you do not have a car:
- Taxi: You can get a taxi to and from Xi Beach. This will cost you around €65 from Argostoli each way.
- Group Tour: One of the best ways to see the beach as well as other areas of the island is to go on a tour. For example, this Sunset Dinner Cruise will take you on a sightseeing cruise from Argostili, down to White Rockes Beach, Nisída Vardiánoi island, and Xi Beach.
Please note that the itinerary can change depending on the day.
Foki Beach, Kefalonia
Foki Beach is a picturesque inlet located just a short drive or 20-minute walk from Fiskardo in Kefalonia. It is a beautiful destination, surrounded by an olive tree forest and made of white pebbles.
The beach is named after the seals that often visit the bay. Foki offers a safe and sheltered area for swimming, and the surrounding forest provides a lot of natural shelter, making it a popular choice for families.
One of the highlights of Foki Beach is the interesting cave located on the right-hand side of the bay. While it is possible to swim or take a boat to explore the cave, it is important to note that swimming to it can be tiring and exploring the tunnels is not recommended for safety reasons.
How to Get to Foki Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Whilst renting a car gives you the most freedom for travelling to the beaches in Kefalonia, you can easily reach Foki Beach without one.
The easiest way to get to Foki Beach is to travel to Fiscardo, and then walk or get a taxi to Foki Beach. You can get buses to Fiscardo from most major towns in Kefalonia.
Assos Beach, Kefalonia
Nestled on a peninsula in Kefalonia is the charming fishing village of Assos. Assos is a quaint village that should be a destination for anyone visiting Kefalonia, made of homes sitting almost directly on the water.
There are in fact two beaches in Assos: one directly in front of the village, and a smaller one tucked just around the corner. Whilst both are relatively small, these beaches are renowned for their beauty and calm atmosphere. They tend to be quite quiet as the majority of the time it is visited only by the people who are staying near the area.
Both beaches are pebble beaches, so make sure to bring some water shoes with you. If you enjoy a bit of snorkelling, these Kefalonia beaches are perfect. As Assos sits in a cove, the water is incredibly calm, making it ideal conditions for snorkelling.
How to Get to Assos Beach, Kefalonia – Map
Assos sits on the northern part of the island and is a 35-minute drive away from Argostoli. If you have not rented a car, Assos is still an accessible destination for you.
Here are a few ways to get to the village without a car:
- Taxi: You can book a taxi to and from Assos from your location. From Argostoli, a taxi will cost you about €70 each way.
- Bus: There is a bus running from Argostolu to Assos
- Organised Tour: A great way to Assos is to see if on a group tour of the island. I travelled to Assos through this tour of Kefalonia, which stops at Myrtos Beach, Fiscardo and Assos.
Best Sandy Beaches in Kefalonia
Whilst pebbled beaches are gorgeous, they aren’t the most comfortable to spend all day sunbathing. A lot of Kefalonia’s beaches are made of pebbles so to make sure you get the beach holiday of your dreams, here are some of the best sandy beaches on the island:
- Avithos Beach
- Loudras Beach
- Xi Beach
- Makris Gialos Beach
Best Beach Resorts in Kefalonia
Travelling on a budget can be great, but there are times when you want to stay in somewhere a little more luxurious.
If you’re travelling to Kefalonia to indulge in the beautiful, picturesque Kefalonia beaches, why not make the most out of your holiday and stay at a stunning beach resort?
Here are some of the top beach resorts in Kefalonia so you can have an incredible holiday:
Emelisse Nature Resort
Located in Fiskardo, Emelisse Nature Resort is a luxury beach resort that offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea, spacious rooms, and a private beach.
Book your luxury stay at the Emelisse Nature Resort here!
Petani Beach Resort
Situated on Petani Beach, the Petani Beach resort offers modern rooms, a beachfront restaurant, and a relaxing pool area. Petani Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Kefalonia, and a great beach to have on your doorstep.
Book your beach holiday at the Petani Beach Resort here!
Ionian Emerald Resort
You’ll find the Ionian Emerald Resort in Karavolmilos, Sami. It is the true definition of a luxury, 5-star holiday. Get beautiful views of the island of Ithaca, and enjoy the multiple swimming pools and private beach area.
Book your 5-star stay at the Ionian Emerald Resort here!
F Zeen Retreat
The F Zeen Retreat is a boutique resort offering stylish rooms, a spa, private pool, and is a very short walk from Loudras Beach. This resort is tucked away from the busy streets and offers a secluded, and claiming environment to enjoy your beach vacation.
Book your luxury stay at the F Zeen Retreat here!
The Wrap-Up: Kefalonia Beaches
Whether you seek soft white sands, stunning views, or a peaceful retreat, Kefalonia’s beaches have it all. The island’s natural beauty, combined with the clear turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings, creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Kefalonia has plenty of beaches for you to explore, but with this list of the best beaches in Kefalonia, you can find the perfect one to suit your beach vacation.
From the iconic Myrtos Beach with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs to the tranquil Petani Beach, each beach in Kefalonia has its unique charm and beauty.
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