The Best Beaches in Kefalonia 2026 - A Local's Honest Guide

Kefalonia has more excellent beaches than most visitors can reach in a week. What it doesn't have is a single "best" beach — because the right beach depends entirely on what you're looking for. Here's an honest assessment, organised by character.

For Drama: Myrtos

Nothing prepares you for Myrtos the first time. The descent from the road — hairpin bends, limestone cliffs on either side, the sea appearing and disappearing — and then the beach itself: white pebbles, turquoise water of an almost artificial intensity, cliffs rising sheer on both sides. The view from the observation deck above is one of the most photographed in Greece.

Go for: Scenery, photographs, the experience of being somewhere exceptional. Avoid if: You need calm water (swells can be strong) or easy parking in August. Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best light.

For Family Swimming: Skala

The long sandy beach at Skala is Kefalonia's most family-friendly option. The sea shore gently shelves down, making it good for children, while the length of the beach means it rarely gets overcrowded. Beach bars, sun loungers, watersports, and good tavernas a short walk away. Backed by pine trees that provide shade. Calm water even when the rest of the island has a breeze.

For Colour: Xi Beach

Xi is the most distinctive beach on the island — red-orange sand (actually fine clay) against a backdrop of white limestone cliffs, with shallow, calm, warm water that makes it ideal for children and paddlers. On the Paliki peninsula, it's a 20-minute drive from the Lixouri ferry. Xi Beach is accessible from Argostoli harbour and worth the short drive.

For Green Hills & Calm Water: Antisamos

Backed by hills so densely pine-covered they look almost unnaturally green, Antisamos has a cinematic quality — it was chosen as the filming location for Captain Corelli's Mandolin for good reason. The water is clear, calm and deep-blue. Less well-known than Myrtos, which means slightly fewer crowds. Sami is the nearest base.

For the Adventurous: Fteri

Reachable only on foot after a demanding hike, Fteri rewards with complete isolation and water of a genuinely startling blue-green. No facilities, no shade, no crowds. Bring everything you need and go in May or June when the trail is flanked by wildflowers and the heat is manageable.

For Dramatic West-Coast Scenery: Petani

On the west coast of the Paliki peninsula, Petani is Myrtos's lesser-known sibling — white pebbles, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs — but with fewer visitors and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The drive from Lixouri takes about 20 minutes and passes through olive groves and village roads.

For Secluded Snorkelling: Lagkadakia

Lagkadakia is a pebbled cove surrounded by barren, exposed rock formations, located 25 miles west of Argostoli, with excellent snorkelling in deep, clean waters and a pebbly seafloor. Secluded and tranquil — the kind of beach you feel you've discovered.

For Convenience Near Argostoli: Lassi (Makris Gialos & Platis Gialos)

Just 2km from Argostoli, Lassi has a string of sandy beaches with beach bars and watersports. Not the island's most dramatic, but excellent if you're based in Argostoli and want an easy morning swim. One of the most popular resort areas on the island.

Not sure which beach suits your group and your base? Ask Memas and we'll point you to the right one.