Last Updated: January 3, 2024
Kefalonia is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea and it is known for its stunning beaches surrounded by lush greenery on all sides; it really feels like paradise! Whether you are looking for a quiet sandy beach to relax on, or a more adventurous spot with crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, Kefalonia has it all. There is much more to do on this gorgeous island than just relaxing on the beach. There are many picturesque villages and charming towns to visit, as well as stunning lush landscapes. With that said, Kefalonia has some of the most amazing beaches in Greece making it hard to resist spending most of your time on the island lounging on one of them.
In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 of the most wonderful beaches in Kefalonia. Let’s explore!
10 MOST WONDERFUL BEACHES IN KEFALONIA
FISKARDO BEACHES IN KEFALONIA
Fiskardo is a charming fishing village located on the north coast of Kefalonia. It is home to some of the most wonderful beaches in Kefalonia, including Foki Beach and Emplisi Beach. Both beaches are excellent for swimming and snorkeling, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- EMPLISI BEACH
You will find Emplisi beach on the south of Fiskardo, only a short drive from the center of the village. It is an idyllic, white pebble beach with vibrant emerald waters, perfect if you’re after a secluded beach. Emplisi is a quiet hidden gem in Kefalonia and as such, it offers a virgin landscape with no sunbeds or establishments.
- FOKI BEACH
If you are looking for a more family-friendly beach in Kefalonia, try Foki Beach. This is a beautiful pebbly beach located in a quiet bay, and it offers striking views of the surrounding mountains. It is also great for swimming and snorkeling. There are plenty of trees dotted across the beach and extending all the way to the adjacent slope, providing natural shade. Foki is one of the most wonderful beaches in Kefalonia loved by anyone who visits it.
MYRTOS – ONE OF THE FAMOUS BEACHES IN KEFALONIA
The crowning jewel of Kefalonia is of course no other than the sensational Myrtos Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kefalonia, with crystal-clear, azure waters and jaw-dropping views. The beach is also known for its dramatic cliffs, which make for some great photos. The best spot to snap pictures is actually from the viewpoint, right above the beach. Myrtos beach is without a doubt one of the most wonderful beaches in Kefalonia; we dare say one of the most unique in the entire country.
PETANI BEACH
We witnessed a spectacular sunset from Petani beach and to this day, this is one of our most precious memories from Kefalonia. Petani beach is located on the foothills of a mountain, surrounded (like most beaches in Kefalonia) by a beautiful green landscape. The water here is was so clear, it felt unreal. Although the pebbles are at parts a little bit big, you can still enjoy laying on the beach. So it is unsurprising that we recommend this as one of the most gorgeous beaches in Kefalonia. Keep an eye on the hills, as you might get lucky and spot goats climbing them gracefully and lunching on the bushes.
ANTISAMOS
Located in the northeast part of Kefalonia, Antisamos may be a little off the beaten track but it is worth your attention! Same as the majority of the beaches in Kefalonia, Antisamos too is a white pebble beach. The spectacular backdrop and the crystalline water are what truly make this Kefalonia beach so special. Antisamos is one of our top recommendations on the island when we’re asked “which are the best beaches in Kefalonia?”. Be sure to visit during sunset for your chance of experiencing this gorgeous beach with fewer crowds.
BEST SANDY BEACHES IN KEFALONIA
PESSADA BEACH
The beach is located 20-minutes by car from Argostoli and it is a unique, secluded beach perfect for those who are looking for a quiet spot to swim. Pessada is still relatively undiscovered by the flocks of tourists who visit the island hence why we believe that this is one of the best beaches in Kefalonia. The access is a bit challenging, as you have to descend through a flight of stairs to reach it and the parking is scarce. With that being said, we love the rugged beauty of this hidden gem and we can’t recommend it enough!
XI BEACH
The perfect family-friendly beach is waiting for you at Xi Beach. This beautiful red sand beach has crystal clear waters and plenty of activities to keep kids happy, making it a day worth returning to again! Xi Beach is also famous for the clay that comes from the cliffs surrounding the beach. It is said that it helps skin disorders, so don’t be afraid to get dirty and rub the clay on your skin! There are several restaurants in the area as well so even if your appetite starts craving something other than seafood (or if you’re not big on fish), don’t worry; they’ve got everything else covered including some yummy vegetarian options too 🙂
LOURDAS BEACH
If you’re looking for sandy beaches in Kefalonia, then Lourdas is where you want to be. It is a beautiful long stretch of sandy beach with clear waters. Parts of the beach are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas but there are also a few unspoiled spots where you can lay your towel, away from the crowds. Once you’re ready to have lunch, you can treat yourself to a delicious lunch at one of the many tavernas located only a few meters from the beach. There is plenty of free parking space on the promenade, so you’ll have no problem finding a spot.
AI HELIS BEACH
Ai Helis – also known as the black beach by the locals in Kefalonia – is a wonderful sandy beach, situated near the village Svoronata. The vibe here is very lively; with kids splashing in the shallow waters, people snorkeling and the music sounding from the beach bar. If you’re the restless type, you can take advantage of the slope that is extended on one side of the beach and practice on your cliff jumping. The price for the sunbeds is 8€ but if you’re on a budget, there is ample free space to lay your towel. Ai Helis is a fantastic place to spend a few lazy hours soaking up the sun and truly one of the most wonderful sandy beaches in Kefalonia.
PLATIS GIALOS BEACH
Although the adjacent Makris Gialos attracts the most attention, we believe that Platis Gialos is a way better choice. Here you will find mainly couples who are looking to enjoy a few quiet hours, away from the crowds. Platis Gialos is one of the best sandy beaches in Kefalonia, with beautiful waters to swim in. During the peak season, the beach gets naturally more busy so our advice is to visit during the weekdays after 3 pm if you’re looking to avoid the bustle. The beach is organized with sunbeds and parasols to rent and there is also plenty of free parking.
BEST BEACHES IN KEFALONIA – FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxing Greek island to visit, then Kefalonia should be at the top of your list! The beaches in Kefalonia are some of the most wonderful in all of Greece and it is an island definitely worth exploring.
Indeed the beaches in Kefalonia are truly breathtaking but this gorgeous island offers more than just sunbathing or swimming in beautiful emerald waters; there are plenty of activities available too. Take a hike up into mountainsides covered with flowers (and viewpoints!), explore hidden coves inaccessible otherwise…or if your tastes run towards culture rather than nature you can attend one of the religious feasts and festivals or other cultural events that take place on the island, such as the International Music Festival and the Robola Wine Festival.
One of the best ways to get around Kefalonia is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom to explore all corners of the island at your leisure.
