Keflonia has some of the best beaches in Greece, in fact, all of Europe! This beautiful, big Ionian island has an awful lot to see and do but its the Kefalonia beaches that many people return for year in and year out.
Here are our 14 favorites.
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When to visit Greece
The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.
Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere.
Easter is an especially wonderful time to visit Greece as it becomes very festive with parades, parties, and on many islands bonfires , fireworks and other activities and traditions. There are many festivals throughout the year that can vary for place to place and can be quite fascinating to witness.
Best beach and swimming weather: June to September
Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October
Myrtos Beach
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and often found in the Top Beach of the World lists, Myrtos is much photographed for good reason.
Located on the western side of the island in the northern half, the beach is wide and full of white sand and pebbles.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent but no shops or tavernas.
A narrow, windy road takes you down to a carpark.
Where to stay near Myrtos Beach
There is no accommodation at Myrtos Beach itself. The nearest village within walking distance is about 1.5 kilometers inland is Divarata. Otherwise, Agia Effimia is on the Eastern coast and an easy 10-15 minute drive and has several hotels, resorts and Airbnb’s.
For couples
Olive Bay Hotel in Agia Effimia have lovely rooms with balconies overlooking the sea and a short walk to all the bars and tavernas. It is on the North road which is a dead end so very quiet too.
Katerina Studios are at the other end of the bay and are a great budget option in a small complex.
For families and groups
Myrtia Apartments in Divarata have self-contained apartments and are very affordable.
Cephalonian Countryside Villa is a stunning 3 bedroom house which is beautifully appointed and decorated.
In Agia Effimia Ritsa House is a gorgeous 2 bedroom house right on the waterfront and next to some of the islands’ best tavernas.
Otherwise, Sunrise Villa is a fantastic 5 bedroom house that was home to 9 of us last time we visited Kefalonia and we highly recommend it! See Airbnb Link below.
Fiscardo Beaches
Fiscardo is a beautiful Venetian fishing village located at the very top of the island. It is very popular with sailors and day-trippers from Lefkada and elsewhere on Kefalonia.
Lots of great taverns and shops to explore and plenty of small hotels and rooms. There is a lot to see and do and it’s a great town to base yourself to explore the northern end of Kefalonia.
Fiscardo Beach
Located right in the harbour this beach is a nice spot for a swim and is calm and flat. It is next to the port and the ferry terminal so in summer it can get very busy, and noisy. It does offer lovely views over the beautiful village though and is right next to some excellent tavernas and cafes.
Zavalata Beach
A lovely little pebble beach about 5 mins walk to the south of Fiskardo Town. It is protected by a boat exclusion zone, and is surrounded by a number of villas and apartments. It is a calm, sloping beach with plenty of shade but no tavernas.
Emplisi Beach
A pretty, stony beach in a secluded bay, with clear waters which is popular for snorkelling.
Foki Beach
About 10 minutes drive south of Fiscardo you can also visit Foki Beach. Quiet and calm and surrounded by pine forrests spilling down around the narrow beach.
Where to stay in Fiscardo
Fiscardo is a beautiful Venetian town at the very northern end of Fiscardo and is considered one of the prettiest in Greece.
Colourful heritage buildinds and tavernas line the small fishing hardbour and there are many boutiques, cafes and galleries to explore. It is very popular with sailors and is well connected to the islands of Ithaca and Lefkada.
For couples
Balhambra Suites are located right in the centre of town and are an Adults Only hotel. They offer very well-appointed loft, courtyard and harbour view rooms with exceptional service.
For families and groups
Anthi’s Beach Apartments have fantastic apartments overlooking Zavalata Beach and the self-contained apartments can sleep up to 6 people. They have a swimming pool as well.
Solo
Kiki Studios are right across from Zavalata Beach and are very comfortable and secure. Be sure to ask for a room with a sea view.
Skala Beach
Skala is at the very southern end of Kefalonia and is very popular with tourists. It has a very long, sandy beach serviced by numerous tavernas and cafes.
There are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and sporting equipment available for rent and accommodation nearby.
Cost: Sunbeds are usually around 6-8 Euro
Where to stay at Skala Beach
Skala is one of the busier beach towns on Kefalonia and has a lot to offer. Good beaches, plenty of shops, tavernas and cafe and amenities such as supermarkets, tours and activities.
For couples
Ktima Fabiatos are very new, stylish apartments that have a wonderful terrace and swimming pool with sweeping views around a lovely garden. Located in a quite spot at the back of the town.
For families and groups
Sea and Creek are very nice apartments located in the neighboring village of Katelios and can sleep up to 5 people. You can easily walk to Katelios Beach and the views are breathtaking.
Solo
Syriti Studios are 400 metres from the beach but in a quiet back-street. They also have a small kitchenette so you can cater your own meals if you like.
Anti-Sami
Just past the small port town of Sami you will find Anti(opposite) Beach. Well serviced and popular in summer but you will need to drive there.
Where to stay near Anti-Sami Beach
There is no accommodation at Anti-Samos Beach itself although sometimes you can find Airbnb’s on offer nearby. Most people choose to stay at nearby Sami or Agia Effimia.
For couples
Endless Blue House is right on a lovely beach outside Sami yet you can easily walk to into Sami for dinner or supplies and even to nearby Melissani Cave. There is a beautiful garden and even a hot tub too!
For families and groups
Melissani House is a modern 3 bedroom house in the seaside village of Karavomylos just outside Sami. It offers wonderful sea views out towards Ithaca and plenty of parking too.
Solo
Oleander is a delightful little apartment only a short walk into town. It has a lovely garden and a large covered porch to relax on. Also great for couples.
Agia Effimia beaches
There are a number of small, quiet beaches around the town of Agia Effimia on the Eastern coast of Kefalonia.
Most have no facilities and are pebbled beaches or require swimming from the rocks although they are all calm and relatively safe.
Paradise Beach
The furthest beach along the northern coastal road there are stairs down to this small beach and a few trees too.
Located underneath the best taverna in town, Paradise Beach Taverna.
Elies Beach
Located just past the Marina on the northern coastal road this beach is surrounded by rocky platforms to sit on with some pebbled beach as well.
Nici Beach
Beautiful clear water at this small, secluded beach on the southern road to Sami
Agia Paraskevi Beach
A little furthest south of Nici Beach is the larger Agia Paraskevi Beach with an onsite taverna and large carpark. There is also a big shady olive grove next to the beach where sunbeds can be rented and food and drink delivered.
Cost: Sunbeds are usually 10 euro for two.
Where to stay in Agia Effimia
Much like Myrtos Beach
For couples & Solo travellers
Olive Bay Hotel in Agia Effimia has lovely rooms with balconies overlooking the sea and a short walk to all the bars and tavernas. It is on the north road which is a dead end so very quiet too.
Katerina Studios are at the other end of the bay and are a great budget option in a small complex.
For families and groups
Ritsa House is a gorgeous 2 bedroom house right on the waterfront and next to some of the islands’ best tavernas.
Otherwise, Sunrise Villa is a fantastic 5 bedroom house that was home to 9 of us last time we visited Kefalonia and we highly recommend it!
Assos beaches
Assos is one of the prettiest villages in the Ionians and is made up of a small number of gelato coloured buildings around a small protected bay.
The bay has two beaches, the main Assos Beach runs along the foreshore and a small, more secluded beach near the main carpark at the entrance to the Kastro.
Where to stay in Assos
For couples & solo travellers
Assos Sea Front apartments are exactly that – literally a few feet from the water! The rooms are very comfortable and clean with modern kitchens and bathrooms. They really are hard to beat!
For families and groups
Dionos Villa is a wonderful 2 bedrooms villa that has a fabulous terrace with amazing views.
Otherwise Braunis Horio Villas have very new 2 and 3 bedroom luxury villas for rent which are quite exceptional.
Xi Beach
One of the more unusual and most photographed beaches on the island as the sand and cliffs here are a deep red and orange.
There are paid sunbeds available and beach bars nearby as well as a big carpark. The beach has naturally occurring mineral springs and the water is calm and clear and very good for families.
It can get very busy in Summer so best to go very early or late.
Where to stay near Xi Beach
For couples
Tramonto Suites are located in nearby Kounopetra and are about 400 meters from Xi Beach. The hotel is quite new and beautifully appointed offering views with amazing beach and pool views.
For families and groups
Xi Village is one of the few places you can stay at the beach and is a lovely complex of maisonettes that can sleep up to 4 people each. There is a handy mini-mart and cafe/bar on-site as well as a swimming pool and big garden which is great for kids.
About 400m inland from the beach, Kefalonia Private Paradise is a wonderful 3 bedroom house with a great pool and a huge fruit and vegetable garden in complete privacy and tranquility. There are ample tavernas and cafes within walking distance too.
Paralia Petani
Known to many as the twin brother of Myrtos Beach, Paralia Petani is further south on the West Coast with a similar size and aspect.
The water here is azure blue and very clean and there is a limited number of sunbeds to rent that are serviced by the three tavernas near the beach.
A great choice for families and one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Especially handy if staying in Lixouri.
Where to stay near Paralia Petani
Most people who visit Paralia Petani stay in other parts of Kefalonia and particularly Lixouri which is a large, developed seaside town. Otherwise, there are a couple of places close to the beach or in the surrounding countryside but you will definitely need a car.
For couples
Petani Bay hotel is a luxury, Adults Only hotel with stunning views over the beach. They have an excellent restaurant and bar and it is possible to walk to the beach.
For families and groups
Irini’s Traditional House is 1km from the beach and has 2 big bedrooms, wifi, a lovely garden and a full kitchen in a quiet country location.
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