The best beaches in Kefalonia: Myrtos, Antisamos and Xi
From white-pebble coves beneath cliffs to shallow sandy family beaches: Kefalonia's best beaches.
- Myrtos is the island's most famous beach, with white pebbles and cliffs.
- For snorkelling: Antisamos, Petani and the coves near Fiskardo.
- For kids: Xi and Skala, sandy beaches with shallow water.
Plan one or two beaches a day with a hire car, and bring water shoes for the pebble beaches.
What are the best beaches in Kefalonia?
Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, has dozens of beaches, from white-pebble coves under cliffs to long, shallow sandy shores. Most of the famous beaches are in the north and west, while the shallow sandy ones are mainly in the south. You need a car to reach most of them.
Kefalonia's famous beaches
- Myrtos – the island's most famous beach: white pebbles and deep-blue water beneath tall cliffs, not far from Assos. The view from the road above is spectacular. The water deepens quickly, so take care on wavy days.
- Antisamos – near Sami in a green bay. Organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and great water for snorkelling.
- Petani – on the Paliki peninsula in the west. A pebble beach with sunbeds, clear snorkelling water and a lovely sunset.
- Fteri – an isolated west-coast beach reached by boat from Zola or on foot.
- Dafnoudi – a small northern cove reached by a short walk from Antipata.
Beaches near Fiskardo
- Foki – about 1.4 km from Fiskardo, a small, quiet bay with calm water.
- Emplisi – a pebble cove close to Fiskardo.
Shallow sandy beaches for kids
- Xi – on Paliki, with reddish-orange sand and shallow water for many metres. Very family-friendly.
- Skala – in the southeast, a long beach of about 5 km with plenty of space and facilities.
- Avithos – near Argostoli, a sandy beach with sea turtles in the area.
- Makris Gialos – near Argostoli and Lassi, organised and popular.
- Atheras – a quiet sandy bay in northern Paliki.
For more family beaches see our Kefalonia with kids guide.
Tips
- Car: beaches are spread out and roads are winding. Plan one or two beaches a day.
- Water shoes: very helpful on pebble beaches such as Myrtos and Antisamos.
- Season: the sea is warm from June to October. See Kefalonia weather by month.
- Base: to stay close to the beaches, see where to stay in Kefalonia.
More on the Kefalonia destination page and in our flights to Kefalonia guide.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Kefalonia? Myrtos, a white-pebble beach beneath cliffs in the northwest, is considered the island's most famous and beautiful.
Which Kefalonia beach is best for kids? Xi on Paliki, with sand and shallow water, and Skala in the southeast, a long sandy beach. Avithos and Makris Gialos near Argostoli also suit families.
Where can you snorkel in Kefalonia? Antisamos and Petani are known for clear water good for snorkelling, as are the coves near Fiskardo such as Foki.
Do you need a car for Kefalonia's beaches? Mostly, yes. The beaches are spread around the island and public transport is limited.
