THE TOWNS & BEACHES OF KEFALONIA

There some beautify little towns in Kefalonia in addition to the Agostoli, the capital.  They are well worth the short drive to spend time relaxing and walking through the narrow streets.  Because many were badly affected by the earthquake in 1953 only Argostoli and Fiskardo have retained a majority of the traditional architecture.  There are also many beaches on Kefalonia (so many it is impossible to see them all in one visit) catering to all tastes; from quiet and picturesque to bustling beaches with water sports and tavernas. Below are just a selection.

SOUTH KEFALONIA

The majority of the beaches in the south are sandy and shelve gently into the sea

Skala

Skala is a bustling resort with a lively beach to match. The 5km (!) beach boasts beach bars, sun beds, umbrellas and plenty of water sports to keep you entertained.

Kaminia Beach

Kaminia or Mounda Bay is right in front of you. The beach is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles and so it is not built up with hotels and apartments. This long stretch of sand rarely gets busy, and there are sun beds and umbrellas for rent and two small tavernas. It is extremely safe for children as the beach shelves very gently into the sea.

Lourdas and Trapezaki

These are both long and sandy beaches on the south coast with excellent views inland to Mount Einos and over the seas to the nearby island of Zakynthos. You can walk from one end of Trapezaki beach to the other end of Lourdas beach (getting your feet wet in places!) Both beaches have sun beds and umbrellas for rent and tavernas for food and drinks. Lourdas tends to be slightly busier as there is more accommodation for rent than in Trapezaki.

Makris and Platis Yialos (Broad and Long Beach)

Both of these beaches are situated in the resort of Lassi and are amongst the most popular on the island. They are both sandy beaches, extremely safe for children. They have a number of beach bars selling drinks, ice creams and snacks. There are plenty of sun beds and umbrellas for hire. Makris Yialos also has a selection of water sports available and a volleyball pitch.

EAST KEFALONIA

As you make your way northwards the beaches are generally shingle or pebble beaches

Antisamos

This picturesque pebble beach set just outside Sami was the setting for some of the scenes in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. There are sun beds and umbrellas for rent and a tavern. Snorkelling is excellent on this beach. In peak season the beach is popular with visiting Italians – so it is a ‘happening’ beach.

Agia Paraskevi (St.Friday)

You will find this pretty beach on the road from Sami to Agia Efimia. This shingle/pebbly beach is very picturesque. There is a tavern there and they have a grassy area under the trees with sunbeds for hire.

NORTH KEFALONIA

In the north of the island there few sandy beaches and in general there are no sun beds or umbrellas for rent. You will not find any beach bars or tavernas on the beaches due to Greek law. However, there are one or two exceptions and they are known to be some of the most stunning beaches in Europe

Fiskardo

Fiskardo Kefalonia
Fiskardo, Kefalonia

The jewel in the north of the island.  A bustling fishing village built around a traditional harbour, it has become where the rich and famous hang out; some of the worlds most expensive yachts can usually be seen moored in the bay.  It is a long but stunning drive through the heart of the island but there are more fish restaurants to shake a stick at when you get there.  It is normally busy and you can check out where ‘Captain Corelli’ was written.

Foki Bay

This pretty little pebble beach with its Olive trees is set in it’s own cove. A tavern cheats the Greek law by siting itself on the other side of the road. The crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and at the far end of the bay is a cave, which you can swim into and then explore on foot.

Zavalata Bay

The home of the recently excavated archaeological digs which uncovered the remains of some Roman baths. This pretty little beach is in the heart of Fiskardo.

Emblissi

On the outskirts of Fiskardo on the route to Antipata you will find Embilissi. The beach nestles in amongst olive trees and is sheltered from the Maistraili wind, which picks up every afternoon.

Myrtos Beach

This stunning and famous beach was recently voted in the top 10 beaches in the world. It was also the setting for many of the scenes in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Unlike the more northern beaches Myrtos has a canteen and sun beds and umbrellas for hire. Please be aware though, the beach shelves quite steeply into the sea and there are often currents which can be quite dangerous. Ensure you check the flag system before venturing into the sea.

Assos

Assos-Village-

This beautiful little town is perched on end of a small peninsular at the bottom of a mountain!  One of the most popular tourist ‘stops’ in a delightful cove surrounded by fish restaurants – kind of defines ‘holiday’.

WEST KEFALONIA

The west is a mixture of different types of scenery and beaches

Agios Kyriaki

Nestling in the cove formed where the peninsula of Lixouri joins the mainland of Kefalonia. This long sandy beach is quiet and shelterred, with a fish taverna at one end. There are no sun beds or umbrellas to hire and as a result it is never crowded. However, although the beach is sandy, as you enter the sea it becomes pebbly so footwear makes it a much easier swim.

Petani

This stunning beach is second only to Myrtos for its beauty. On the north coast of the Lixouri peninsula a very windy and steep road reaches it. The sand is coarse, with a few pebble patches, but quite comfortable to walk on. There are a couple of tavernas on the beach and in peak season you can hire sun beds and umbrellas whilst sharing the beach with the visiting Italians with whom it is popular. As with Myrtos it suffers from currents dependent on the weather, so please take care when swimming. For spectacular sunsets, drive to the top of the road that led you down to the beach, stop at one of the tavernas for a drink or a bit to eat and watch the most amazing, breath-taking sunset.

Xi Beach

On the south coast of the Lixouri peninsula this red sandy beach has something for everyone. At one end there are beach bars, sun beds, umbrellas, water sports and of course many people, whereas at the other end it is quiet with no facilities. The beach shelves very gently into the sea making it ideal for children. The cliffs are made up of clay with skin purifying qualities, soften the clay in water and then cover yourself in the clay, allow to dry and then wash off in the sea!!!