Myrtos Beach
Myrtos Beach, the most beautiful beach in Kefalonia, offers white marble pebbles and crystal-clear waters in a spectacular bay that can be reached from Divarata by a 2 km scenic road.
Read more
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, captivates visitors with more than 240 kilometres of coastline where some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean are to be found. The diverse morphology of the island, characterised by imposing limestone cliffs and gentle hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation, has created bays of incredible beauty ranging from the white pebbles of the west coast to the red sand of the Lixouri peninsula.
The mild climate and the natural protection from the winds offered by the numerous coves make these beaches perfect for visiting throughout the tourist season. The particular geological conformation of Kefalonia, forged by karstic phenomena and the millennial action of the sea, has created crystal-clear seabeds that slope gently out to sea, offering hues ranging from deep turquoise to emerald green.
The island offers a variety unique in the Greek landscape: wild beaches accessible only by sea, family-friendly bays, coves hidden among the vegetation and sandy expanses where Caretta-Caretta turtles nest. Each coastal corner tells a different story, from the dramatic cliffs of Myrtos to the gentle slopes of the southern beaches, making Kefalonia a must-see destination for sea lovers.
The north winds that blow during the summer find natural barriers in the island’s conformation that create ideal microclimates. The eastern beaches, protected by the inland mountains, enjoy generally calm waters, while the western ones offer spectacular sunsets and a wilder energy when the sea gets rough.
Myrtos beach is the undisputed icon of Kefalonia and one of the most photographed bays in the whole of Greece. This magnificent expanse of white pebbles stretches for over a kilometre and a half, set between imposing limestone walls that rise for hundreds of metres, creating a natural amphitheatre of rare beauty. The waters take on almost unreal turquoise hues, particularly intense when the sea is calm and the sun illuminates the clear seabed.
The contrast between the vertical cliffs covered in Mediterranean vegetation and the intense blue of the sea creates a scenario that was the setting for the film ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’. Access is via a spectacular winding road that offers breathtaking viewpoints, allowing one to admire the bay from above before descending to the shoreline. The sunsets from this beach are legendary, when the sun disappears behind the mountains, tinging the cliffs with gold.
Antisamos enchants with its fjord-like location, surrounded by hills covered with lush vegetation that descends to the sea, creating an extraordinary colour contrast. The beach, consisting of fine white pebbles, overlooks waters of a particularly intense emerald green colour, due to the presence of underwater freshwater springs that create unique plays of light and reflections.
The bay benefits from natural protection from the winds, making it ideal for those seeking calm waters even when the rest of the island is rough. The seabed rich in marine life makes it perfect for snorkelling, while the surrounding pine forest provides natural shade during the hottest hours. This beautiful location was chosen as a film set precisely because of its exotic beauty reminiscent of tropical landscapes while retaining a typically Mediterranean character. Those who enjoy exploring the Ionian Islands will find in Antisamos one of the most spectacular examples of this natural beauty.
Petani beach is distinguished by its crystal-clear waters with iridescent reflections and sand mixed with white pebbles that create a shoreline of rare elegance. The beach is embraced by vegetation-covered cliffs that slope gently down to the sea, providing a visually stunning backdrop. Freshwater currents flowing down the sides of the mountain create special underwater nuances that make this a privileged area for diving.
The location on the Lixouri peninsula guarantees spectacular sunsets, when the sun disappears over the horizon, dyeing the whole bay red and gold. The seabed gradually slopes down allowing both families with children and experienced swimmers to enjoy the waters safely. Rocky areas on either side of the beach offer natural vantage points from which to admire the landscape and ideal spots for safe diving.
To reach Petani comfortably, many visitors choose car rental in Kefalonia, which allows them to easily explore this and other wonders of the island.
The red Xi Beach is a unique geological phenomenon in Greece, where the particular clay composition of the soil has created a shoreline with a characteristic brownish-red colour. The white clay cliffs that frame the beach allow visitors to experience the famous natural mud baths, prized for their beneficial properties for the skin.
The colour contrast between the reddish sand and the turquoise waters creates an impressive visual spectacle, particularly intense during the sunset hours when the reddish reflections multiply on the surface of the sea. The shallow, sandy seabed makes this bay ideal for families, while the ‘X’ shape that gives the beach its name makes it easily recognisable from the surrounding heights. The area is divided between equipped areas and completely free spaces where one can enjoy the unspoilt nature.
Skala beach stretches for over 3 kilometres along the south-eastern coast, offering one of the widest sandy beaches in Kefalonia. The shoreline alternates between golden sand and small pebbles, creating a varied environment perfect for long walks with views of turquoise waters fading to emerald green. The centuries-old pine forest behind the beach provides natural shade and an ideal setting for picnics.
This magnificent bay is internationally known as one of the main nesting sites for Caretta-Caretta turtles. During the summer months, mother turtles choose these shores to lay their eggs, making the area a natural laboratory of great scientific value. The gently sloping seabed allows safe swimming, while the size of the beach guarantees space for everyone even during the busiest periods.
Foki beach features a U-shaped bay that serves as a natural sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the rarest and most protected species in the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal-clear waters of this cove are framed by cypress trees and centuries-old olive trees, creating a picturesque setting where the silence is broken only by the gentle lapping of the waves.
The particular shape of the bay and the presence of natural caves along the cliffs offer unique opportunities for underwater exploration. The white pebbles of the shoreline mingle with natural rock slabs, creating perfect solariums for those seeking an even tan. The proximity to the picturesque village of Fiskardo adds charm to this destination, allowing for a combination of seaside relaxation and cultural discovery.
Makris Gialos represents the perfect balance between accessibility and natural beauty, located just a few kilometres from the capital Argostoli. The golden sand stretches for hundreds of metres, creating one of the widest and best equipped shorelines on the island. The crystal-clear waters take on hues ranging from turquoise to deep blue, while the pine trees that line the beach offer shelter during the hottest hours.
The strategic location near the amenities of Argostoli makes this beach ideal for those who wish to combine beach life with shopping or dining opportunities in the capital. The sandy seabed and gradual depth make it safe for families with children, while the presence of water sports areas satisfies the needs of the more active. The proximity of the De Bosset bridge offers the opportunity to spot the Caretta-Caretta turtles that frequent the Koutavos lagoon.
Emplisi beach is a piece of paradise in the northern part of the island, near the picturesque fishing village of Fiskardo. This small but charming expanse of white pebbles is bathed by crystal-clear waters that reveal seabeds rich in marine life, making it a favourite destination for snorkellers and light divers.
The Mediterranean vegetation surrounding the bay creates an intimate and cosy ambience, where tranquillity reigns supreme far from the tourist crowds. The rocky seabed hides small caves and ravines that are home to a variety of marine species, while the clarity of the water makes it possible to observe fish even from the surface. The sheltered location guarantees generally calm waters, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the unspoilt nature of Kefalonia.
Dafnoudi beach rewards the more adventurous visitors with a setting of rare beauty, accessible only by a 15-minute walk through the Mediterranean vegetation. The path leading to the beach passes through cypress forests and Mediterranean scrub, creating an immersive experience in the wilderness of Kefalonia before reaching this hidden piece of paradise.
The white pebble beach overlooks luminescent green waters, particularly striking when the sun’s rays filter through the crystal-clear water. The surrounding cliffs, covered with vegetation, create safe natural dives for those who enjoy small jumps into the water. The natural isolation guarantees ample space even during the high season, while the absence of commercial services preserves the wild and unspoilt atmosphere that characterises this hidden gem.
Lourdas beach captivates with its authentic atmosphere and privileged location at the foot of Mount Ainos, the highest mountain of the Ionian Islands. The beach mixes sand and pebbles, creating a varied shoreline, while the crystal-clear waters offer hues that change throughout the day following the movement of the sun. The lush vegetation descends from the mountain slopes down to the sea, creating an impressive landscape.
The village of Lourdata behind the beach retains a traditional Greek character, with family taverns and a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the Greece of yesteryear. The sunsets from this location are particularly spectacular, when the sun disappears behind the mountains, creating plays of light on the surface of the sea. The presence of nearby freshwater springs contributes to the particular clarity of the waters and the richness of the coastal flora.
Avithos beach represents one of the most complete beaches in Kefalonia, where golden sand and modern facilities combine with a preserved natural environment. The green vegetation that reaches down to the sea creates a beautiful natural setting, while the shallow, sandy seabed makes it ideal for families with small children. The crystal-clear waters take on a particularly intense turquoise hue in the early morning hours.
The beach is known to be an important nesting site for Caretta-Caretta turtles, which choose these shores for the optimal temperature of the sand and the protected environment. During the summer months, it is possible to witness the moving spectacle of baby turtles reaching the sea for the first time. The generous size of the bay provides space both for those seeking services and amenities and for those who prefer wilder and quieter areas.
The beaches of Kaminia and Mounda form a single coastal system of more than three kilometres that represents the most important sanctuary for Caretta-Caretta turtles in the eastern Mediterranean. These wide sandy expanses in the south of the island offer the perfect nesting habitat, with sand of ideal grain size and optimal temperatures for egg development.
The wild and protected environment of these beaches makes them ideal for those seeking authentic contact with nature. Turquoise waters gently lap the sandy shores, while the pine forest behind offers shade and coolness during the hottest hours. The area of Mounda is particularly popular with naturism enthusiasts, who find in these spacious and reserved areas the ideal environment for a holiday in total freedom, while respecting the ecosystem of the sea turtles.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The beaches of Kefalonia satisfy every type of traveller thanks to their incredible variety. For families with children, Skala, Avithos and Makris Gialos offer shallow waters, fine sand and full facilities. Snorkelling enthusiasts will find their paradise at Antisamos, Emplisi and Foki, where the crystal-clear seabed reveals a rich marine life.
Those looking for wild, unspoilt beaches can head for Dafnoudi, Kaminia-Mounda and the free areas of Myrtos, while fans of unique geological phenomena cannot miss Xi with its red sand and clay mud. For the most spectacular sunsets, Petani and Myrtos offer unforgettable scenery.
Caretta-Caretta turtles can be observed mainly at Skala, Kaminia-Mounda and Avithos during the breeding season, while for spotting monk seals, the bay of Foki represents one of the last opportunities in the Mediterranean. Each beach tells a different story of this magnificent island, where the blue of the sea meets the green of the Mediterranean maquis, creating landscapes of incomparable beauty.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts