When it comes to the best beaches in Kefalonia, it’s impossible to pick a winner. This island has jaw-dropping beaches, boasting turquoise waters, clean sandy shores, and waterfront tavernas. Each one is unique too, with some offering a backdrop of lush pine forests or striking limestone cliffs.
Whether you’re looking to lounge around all day, take a dip in crystal-clear waters, or relax at a beachfront restaurant, there’s something for everyone on this island. Not to mention the various water sport activities on offer.
Compared to the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, Kefalonia is much quieter too, so the beaches don’t tend to get as crowded. This is the island for you if you love the beaches in Naxos or all of the amazing food in Paros.
Although the most popular spots such as Myrtos do get very busy during the peak season, there are plenty of hidden gems to choose from if you’re after a quieter alternative.
What to Know About Kefalonia Beaches
There are dozens of beaches on Kefalonia. Each one with something special to offer. No matter which area of the island you’re basing yourself in, you will have breathtaking shores and crystal-clear waters nearby.
Just keep in mind that some of the beaches on this island aren’t very accessible. Even Myrtos Beach, one of Kefalonia’s most popular beaches, can only be accessed down a steep road, known for its unnerving (and seemingly never-ending hairpin turns).
Not only that but some of the island’s other beaches can only be reached by hiking, so you’ll need to carry your personal items with you, such as beach towels, camping chairs, etc. Alternatively, it’s possible to catch a boat to a few of them.
Also, some of the more remote beaches will have very few or no amenities. This isn’t a problem for most people, but it may be an issue for families with young children, especially as there will be no bathrooms.
Some of the beaches are pebbly or even a little bit rocky. For the most enjoyable experience at these spots, be sure to pack some water shoes.
Getting Around Kefalonia
If you are planning to visit the different Kefalonia Beaches, the best way to reach them is to have your own car. Some of the beaches in Kefalonia cannot be reached by public transportation.
Renting a car in Kefalonia is easy and affordable, especially if you book in advance. I always book car rentals around Europe with Discover Cars. They offer the best rates, good all-inclusive insurance coverage, and you can compare all of the different companies in Kefalonia in one place. Check out Discover Cars here.
If you are coming from a country outside of the EU, you will need to have an international Driver’s Permit. In the US you can usually get this from AAA. In Canada, you can get it from CAA.
Some information online states that you no longer need an IDP if you are from the USA and Canada, but not all car rental companies have caught up with this news, so it’s better to have one just in case.
As of 2024, Greece still accepts UK driver’s licenses without needing an international driver’s permit.
The Best Beaches in Kefalonia, Greece
1. Myrtos Beach
Arguably one of the most beautiful places in Kefalonia, Myrtos Beach is a must-visit. With its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, it’s one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. I can wholeheartedly agree as it’s certainly one of my favorites.
The great thing about Myrtos Beach is that it’s got the best of both worlds. One side of the beach is has a snack bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas, while the other side is much quieter and has no amenities. The latter is perfect for those after more solitude.
Although Myrtos Beach is great for sunbathing, it’s pebbly, so you’ll want to bring along a beach towel. You may also want some water shoes if you’re planning to swim in the sea. Towards the end of the beach, you’ll find Myrtos Cave, another great attraction.
Divarata is the closest village to Myrtos Beach or you can travel from Assos, which is around a 20-minute drive away. To get here, you’ll need to drive down a steep winding road or there’s a public bus that runs during the summer months.
2. Petani Beach
When it comes to the best beaches on Kefalonia, Petani Beach is another place not to miss. This stunning blue flag beach is famous for its striking landscapes and boasts a backdrop of towering cliffs.
The turquoise color of the water will take your breath away, and it’s crystal clear. This makes it a fantastic snorkeling spot so don’t forget to bring along your gear. Afterward, you can head to the local tavernas and grab some traditional Greek food to refuel. Ksouras Tavern has views of the beach and seriously good seafood.
For those who prefer just to relax, Petani Beach has a few spots where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas here. With a mix of pebbles and sand, the shore isn’t too uncomfortable either. There are also shower and bathroom facilities nearby making it a great option for families with small children.
Petani Beach is around a 20-minute drive from Lixouri and you’ll need to drive down a steep and winding road. Unfortunately, there’s no public transport to this beach. Parking is also limited.
Myrtos Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Kefalonia and maybe in all of Greece!
3. Antisamos Beach
Antisamos Beach is a popular option for sure. Surrounded by green rolling hills, this place is known for its natural beauty and is a favored spot for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also a filming location, with scenes from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin being shot here.
Antisamos is has sunbeds and umbrellas that you can rent for the day. There are also two bars along the beach, which serve refreshing drinks and tasty meals. For the adventure lovers out there, take advantage of the water sports. There are kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and paddle boats to rent.
For something more low-key, pack your snorkeling gear and explore the area’s waters. The Monastery of Agrillion is also nearby, and you can hike to Koutsoupia Beach from Antisamos as well.
Not only is Antisamos one of the top beaches in Kefalonia, but it’s easily accessible too. The beach is just a 10-minute drive from Sami and public buses also run from Argostoli, although schedules differ depending on the season.
4. Skala Beach
As the name may suggest, this beach is located in the tourist village of Skala. It’s one of the island’s longest beaches and has been awarded blue flag status, so it’s a great place to kick back and relax.
There are ample amenities including lounge chairs, umbrellas, and watersport opportunities (snorkeling is very popular, too). You’ll find plenty of tavernas and restaurants nearby. The main street of Skala is a short walk from the beach.
Although Skala can get crowded during the summer months, it’s still possible to find secluded spots, as these sandy shores stretch for three kilometers or just under 2 miles. Just be aware that some areas may be fenced off because turtles come to nest here.
Thanks to its location, Skala is one of Kefalonia’s most accessible beaches. You can easily drive to this spot and there’s no shortage of parking areas. Public buses also run here, making it a great option for travelers who don’t want to hire a car.
Kefalonia has tons of beaches to explore, so rent a car and get your hiking shoes ready to get to the more remote beaches on this list!
5. Dafnoudi Beach
When it comes to the best Kefalonia beaches, Dafnoudi Beach should not be missed. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, known for its surrounding cypress tree forest, azure waters, and pebble shores.
Not only is this place the perfect sunbathing and swimming location, but you might even spot seals on the beach. There are no amenities here, so you’ll need to bring your own food and drink. There’s not much shade either so it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella along and plenty of sunscreen.
Thanks to its remote location, Dafnoudi Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Kefalonia. However, since it’s so small, it can fill up quickly. So arrive early if you want a good spot close to the water.
To reach Dafnoudi Beach, you’ll need to drive and then take a short hike. You’ll find this beach at the bottom of a steep slope, and the walk takes around 15 minutes. As the route is quite rocky, I’d suggest wearing shoes rather than flip-flops!
6. Fteri Beach
Choosing the best beach in Kefalonia is difficult, but Fteri Beach is right up there at the top. Located in the North, Fteri is famous for its turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. The beach itself is made up of sand and small pebbles.
While here, you can admire the natural archway that connects the two sides, explore nearby caves, or take a dip in the sea. There are also some rocky outcrops where you can jump into the water but just beware of the depth. Alternatively, you can just relax and take in the area’s beauty.
Unlike some of the island’s more popular beaches, there are no amenities at Fteri. Instead, it offers a much more natural vibe. It’s often uncrowded too, making it the perfect option for those after some solitude.
This is due to the beach not being very accessible. To reach Fteri, you can take a boat from Zola village or walk. The hike starts from near Zola and is quite technical, taking between 40-60 minutes.
Get out on the water at some of the beaches in Kefalonia by renting a kayak or paddle board.
7. Xi Beach
Xi Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the island. Unlike the others on this list, it boasts red sandy shores which contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters. The beach is surrounded by white limestone cliffs too, so there’s a full kaleidoscope of colors.
There are tons of amenities nearby, including hotels, beach bars, sun beds, and umbrellas. Another highlight is the clay here, which you can mix with seawater. You can then use this as a natural spa treatment. Not to mention, the best sunsets on the island can be viewed from here.
The great thing about Xi Beach is that it’s got something for everyone. The waters are shallow making it an excellent choice for families with children. It’s also a popular spot for watersports, especially windsurfing and jet skiing. Of course, there’s plenty of space to just relax too.
Xi Beach is around a 10-minute drive from Lixouri or you can hop on a public bus, so it’s easy to get to for everyone.
8. Emplisi Beach
There are plenty of beaches in Kefalonia, Greece but there’s something special about Emplisi. Home to some of the island’s clearest waters, it’s the perfect spot for snorkeling or swimming. This is one of the beaches in Kefalonia that is pebbly, so be sure to bring along your water shoes.
The natural beauty of Emplisi Beach will blow you away. Like many of Kefalonia’s beaches, you’ll find lush pine and cypress trees surrounding the sandy shores, which offer some shade on a warm summer’s day. There are also long rocky slabs here which are perfect for a tanning session.
Although there are no sun beds or umbrellas to rent, there is a snack bar where you can grab cold drinks and food like as bags of chips and ice cream. The prices are inflated here compared to in town, so if you’re on a budget, stock up on snacks before you arrive.
Emplisi Beach is one of the main attractions near Fiskardo and is just a 5-minute drive away. There’s a spacious parking lot here but the beach gets busy during the peak season so I’d suggest arriving relatively early to secure a space.
There are beaches in Kefalonia that have great amenities like restaurants, sun bed rentals, and kayaks to hire.
9. Lourdas Beach
Although Lourdas isn’t the most beautiful beach on this list, it has a lot to offer. Also known as Paralia Lourdata, this beach offers a relaxing vibe and is perfect for those who just want sit back and soak up the Greek sunshine.
Despite Lourdas being narrow, it’s long, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. It doesn’t tend to get crowded, and there are more remote spots located further along the beach where you can enjoy your own company and catch some rays. It’s also a great spot for swimming.
Thanks to its array of amenities, Lourdas is a fantastic option for families. Right above the beach, you’ll find a main road. Here, there are tons of restaurants to choose from, as well as local shops, hotels, and more.
Lourdas Beach is under a 25-minute drive from Argostoli. You can easily get there by car or public bus with services running from Kefalonia’s capital. However, the bus schedule will differ depending on when you visit.
10. Vouti Beach
Vouti Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Kefalonia as it’s in a fairly remote area. Boasting a tranquil atmosphere, jaw-dropping surroundings, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a great place to visit.
Vouti is made up of two beaches which are separated by large rocks. One beach has sun beds and umbrellas which you can rent, while the other has no amenities. The latter is great for those who just want to put their towel or beach blanket down and avoid the cost of the sun beds.
Between the two beaches, there’s a snack bar called Alladin Cadih, which offers spectacular sea views. There are outdoor tables where you can grab a drink and some food and take in the views.
Vouti Beach is just a short drive from Zola village. If you are driving, it’s best to arrive early because there is limited parking or leave the car in Zola and walk to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Zola.
Many of the beaches in Kefalonia have pebbles, so you will want to have water shoes with you to keep your feet happy!
11. Makris Gialos Beach
Makris Gialos Beach is one of the best sandy beaches in Kefalonia. Popular with both locals and tourists, this beach is one of the island’s most visited (no surprise really, since it’s close to the capital of Argostoli). It’s also adjacent to Platis Gialos Beach so you’ll have two for the price of one.
This place is especially famous for its golden sands, as many beaches on Kefalonia are rocky or made up of pebbles. It’s a great snorkeling spot, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles. Not to mention, there are plenty of amenities so there’s something for everyone.
At Makris Gialos Beach, you’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, and two watersports centers, so you won’t be short of things to do. Just be aware that it can get busy during the summer months.
This beach is just a 6-minute drive from Argostoli so you can either rent a car or take a taxi. If you don’t mind walking, the journey will take under 40 minutes.
12. Koutsoupia Beach
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, then Koutsoupia Beach may be the place for you. Thanks to its remote location, it’s largely unspoiled. It’s often much quieter than some of the other beaches in Kefalonia too.
With its beautiful setting, azure waters, and natural shade, Koutsoupia is certainly one of the best beaches in Kefalonia. You won’t find any sun beds or umbrellas here as it’s unorganized, but that only adds to its charm in my opinion!
Although you may want to pack your own food, there’s a small hut here that does sell refreshments, along with delicious souvlaki straight from the grill.
To reach Koutsoupia Beach, you’ll need to take a boat. Many day tours also stop off here, where you’ll have the chance to swim and relax. Alternatively, you can hike to the beach as there’s a trail that runs between Antisamos and Poros. It’s easy to follow but the walk is long.