Located west of mainland Greece, Kefalonia is a stunning island with sandy coves and rugged landscapes. The island’s capital is situated on a hillside overlooking its narrow harbor. The indented coastline is dotted with bays and limestone cliffs. The only way to reach Kefalonia’s beaches is via winding, narrow roads.
Makris Gialos
Some of the best beaches in Kefalonia are Makri, Makris Gialos, and Platis Gialos. The latter is the best beach for swimming and sunbathing, while the former is crowded and has limited shade. These beaches are also sister ones to the famous Makris Gialos beach, so they have different characteristics.
The island’s most popular beach is Makris Gialos, which means “long beach” in Greek. The long, beautiful beach is located in the southwest part of the island, and is reached by three different access points. This UNESCO-listed site is a great choice for families because of its easy access and its combination of natural and organized amenities. Its golden sand and crystal-clear waters are complemented by lush vegetation.
Platis
There are many reasons to visit the stunning island of Kefalonia. Not only is the island home to some of the best beaches in Greece, but you can also find plenty of wonderful local products and amazing food. The island’s Mt Ainos National Park is also a must-see.
There are many beaches in Kefalonia, but Livadi stands out in terms of quality. The owner-run beach is famous for its spectacular hospitality, and it attracts crowds of tourists year-round. Although this is not the most spectacular of all the island’s beaches, it’s a perfect place to spend a day. It exudes a holiday vibe even at night.
Kimilia
If you love snorkelling, Kimilia beach is one of the best beaches in Kefalonia. Located on the northwestern tip of the island of Kefalonia, this pebbled beach is a hidden gem. The crystal-clear water and lush vegetation make the setting perfect for snorkeling.
The indented coastline of Kefalonia is dotted with private sandy coves and limestone cliffs. Kefalonia’s rugged landscape is marked by many sandy beaches, and some of these beaches are accessible only by a few winding roads.
Xi
Xi beach is located on the peninsula of Paliki, near the town of Lixouri. It has a beautiful crystalline water and white sand. The water here is incredibly clear, and its thermal clay rocks are supposed to be good for the skin. You’ll find a number of restaurants, hotels, and other facilities near the beach. While this beach is a bit more populated than some others on the island, it’s still a great place to spend the day.
Xi is a great beach for families with children. With its fine red sand and steep white cliffs, this beach is an excellent choice for children. It also has a water sports center and plenty of sundecks.
Lixouri
Lixouri is a popular summer destination in Kefalonia. It sits on the peninsular of Paliki and is only a half hour’s drive from the island’s main town. The town has a nice range of accommodations, from budget to 5-star. The town is also close to the ferry that takes you to Argostoli.
Lixouri is home to several sandy beaches. Lepeda Beach is large and family-friendly, with plenty of room for small children to play. There are also sunbeds available for rent, and the water is typically calm. Another excellent beach is Megas Lakos, which is famous for its clay-red sand. The beach is also surrounded by pine trees, and offers scenic mountain views.
Skala
The long, sandy beach at Skala is one of the island’s most popular attractions, and is located in the fishing village of Skala. The beach is well-organized, and there are a number of cafes and tavernas located nearby. The beach is also a popular snorkeling spot.
The southeastern side of the island also offers many great restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a relaxing and sociable atmosphere, head to the Akri Seaside Bar, where you can enjoy a drink while looking out at the sea. The staff is friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced.