The 10 Best Beaches in Kefalonia, Greece

The 10 Best Beaches in Kefalonia, Greece

October 1, 2021 4 By Kerry

Kefalonia is the largest of all the Greek Ionian islands, boasting magnificent beaches that entice visitors from far and wide. Whether you’re looking for endless stretches of sandy shorelines, a spot for thrilling water sports activities or simply a tranquil place to relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings, this guide to the best beaches in Kefalonia will help you decide which ones to prioritise. Read on for an ultimate guide to Kefalonia Beaches, offering something special for everyone.

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1) Mytros Beach 

If you’ve seen pictures of Kefalonia beaches, the chances are it was a photograph of Mytros Beach. Located on the West of the Island, Mytros is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kefalonia, with vantage points from both sides at the top of the white cliffs above. This famous beach looks to have glorious white sands from a distance, but it’s a pebble beach. However, the cliff tops’ natural curves and the rock formations’ exciting shapes make this one of the best beaches in Kefalonia.

What is it best for: water sports facilities, swimming, snorkelling and even paragliding! There is also a small cave you can swim into on the left side of the beach. 

What facilities does it have: toilets, changing rooms, and rentable sun loungers and parasols 

Good to know: grab drinks and snacks at the supermarkets before driving down, as the beach has limited facilities. Remember to pack your water shoes for comfort.

2) Skala Beach 

best beaches in kefalonia - skala, golden sands beach
Skala is one of the best sandy beaches in Kefalonia

If golden sandy beaches in Kefalonia are what you’re looking for, then head to Skala beach in the South of the Island. This long stretch of beach has calm waters and a great selection of day beds, hammocks and sun loungers to select. 

What is it best for: swimming and relaxing on the comfortable, snorkelling and even paragliding! There is also a small cave that you can swim into on the left side of the beach. 

What facilities does it have: toilets, changing rooms, showers, hammocks, day beds, sun loungers and parasols for rent.

Good to know: the sun will start to go behind the buildings/mountains from about 6 pm or so. If you arrive later in the afternoon, you may not need to pay for a lounger. 

3) Xi Beach, Lixouri

best beaches in kefalonia - Xi beach has red / golden sands
Xi Beach near Lixouri

Xi Beach is one of the best beaches in Kefalonia, with infamous red sands. This blue flag beach is close to the port of Lixouri, easily accessible by ferry from Argostoli. There are many beach clubs and facilities at this beach so it is certainly one you can spend an enjoyable day.

What is it best for: swimming, water sports facilities and sunbathing. 

What facilities does it have: supermarket, changing rooms, toilets, showers, rentable sun loungers and parasols and several beach bar restaurants to buy drinks or food. 

Good to know: grab drinks and snacks at the supermarkets before driving down as there are limited facilities on the beach. 

4) Petani Beach, Lixouri

On the northwest of the Lixouri part of the Island, you will find Petani Beach, which has blue flag status. Look out for the mountain goats as you approach and be prepared for more breathtaking views. The beach combines soft sand and pebble but is still one of the best Kefalonia beaches. 

What is it best for: swimming, snorkeling, water sports facilities and sunbathing. 

What facilities does it have: changing rooms, toilets, showers, rentable sun loungers and parasols and two beach bar restaurants to buy drinks or food. 

Good to know: The rocky cove to the right only has white pebbles but is more secluded and a better place to snorkel. 

5) Antisamos Beach 

Antisamos beach has great snorkeling

If you’re heading to the Melissani cave, consider visiting the beautiful Antisamos Beach, which is only 10km further south. Not only is this one of the Greek Islands’ most popular beaches, it has free sun loungers and table service from not one but two beach bars! However, the lovely white sand makes a perfect sunbed if you find your spot on this blue-flag beach.

What is it best for: swimming, sunbathing, eating and drinking. 

What facilities does it have: changing rooms, toilets, showers, free sun loungers and parasols and two beach bar restaurants to buy drinks or food from. 

Good to know: you cannot take your food and drink if you use the sun loungers, and you will be expected to buy at least one drink if you use them. 

6) Makris Gialos, Lassi

Located in the popular tourist area of Lassi, Makris Gialos beach is another of Kefalonia’s beaches with beautiful golden sands and clear, calm waters. This Lassi beach is perfect for a relaxing day with the sand between your toes.

What is it best for: water sports facilities, swimming, sunbathing and eating and drinking. 

What facilities does it have: changing rooms, toilets, showers, sun loungers and parasols and two beach bar restaurants to buy drinks or food from. 

Good to know: located in a popular area close to Argostoli, this beach can get busy, and there isn’t much shade, so hiring or taking an umbrella is recommended. 

7) Platis Gialos 

best beaches in kefalonia - ariel view of Makris Gialos (on the left) to Platis Gialos beach
Swim from Makris Gialos (on the left) to Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos is another Lassi beach next to Makris Gialos. It shares the same beautiful golden sand, but it is slightly smaller and less busy. If you’re looking for quiet sandy beaches in Kefalonia, this might be the one for you.

What is it best for: volleyball, swimming, sunbathing. 

What facilities does it have: changing rooms, toilets, showers, sun loungers and parasols to rent and a cafe. 

Good to know: you can swim to this sandy beach from Makris Gialos and vice versa. Parking is limited so head there early. 

 8) Assos Beach

Assos beach

While Assos beach is small and compact, the beautiful coloured houses make this a magical stop-off as you explore Kefalonia Island. There are two main parts, a small cove with azure waters to swim in and the shallow water in the centre of the tavernas.

What is it best for: swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. 

What facilities does it have: sun loungers and parasols to rent and several tavernas closeby.

Good to know: the waters are that clear you can see fish as you walk by.

9) Alaties Beach 

The northwest of this stunning Ionian island houses Alaties beach, a secluded spot with turquoise waters fantastic snorkelling. The emerald waters are clear; you barely need a snorkel mask, and there are many fish! This small beach is primarily pebbles, but you can find white sand towards the back.

What is it best for: swimming, snorkeling and rock climbing 

What facilities does it have: a taverna close by

Good to know: head here for an unobscured front-row seat on the sunset over the sea in a secluded spot on the rocks. 

10) Paliostafida Beach

Best beaches in Kefalonia - Paliostafida Beach
Best beaches in Kefalonia – Paliostafida Beach

Paliostafida Beach is another one of the best sandy beaches in Kefalonia. It is conveniently located in Lassi, within walking distance of the main strip of restaurants and bars. The beach is quiet and calm and makes a nice place to stay for a few hours.

What is it best for: swimming and sun bathing 

What facilities does it have: a cafe and rentable sunloungers and parasols, toilets and showers

Good to know: the sun will start to go behind a mountain in late afternoon so don’t get there too late

Best Beaches In Kefalonia in Summary

Take a journey to discover the best Kefalonia beaches! Whether you’re looking to relax for the day or want to take part in some exciting water sports and paragliding, this stunning island has it all. For a serene experience, Xi beach of Antisamos provides the perfect backdrop for a lazy day in the sun. Myrtos beach is known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities and adrenaline-pumping water sports such as paragliding. Whichever beach you choose, you are sure to be mesmerized by its crystal clear waters.

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Which beach is your favourite? I’d love to know how you find them. Let me know in the comments.


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