Best Beaches in Kefalonia: Myrtos, Antisamos, Petani and More

Kefalonia’s beaches are among the finest in the Ionian Islands — dramatic pebble coves framed by white limestone cliffs, clear water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue, and far fewer crowds than the overdeveloped Cycladic islands. Most require a car to reach, but the effort is well worth it. Prices listed are approximate as of 2026.

Myrtos

Myrtos is the postcard beach of Kefalonia — a sweeping arc of white pebble at the base of near-vertical limestone cliffs, backed by mountains dropping 300m straight to the shore. The water is an improbable shade of electric blue, sheltered enough for swimming when the sea is calm.

Getting there involves a winding mountain road from Divarata, 30km north of Argostoli, with a steep descent to the beach. The roadside viewpoint above gives the famous aerial perspective. A car is essential — there is no public bus.

In July and August the beach gets genuinely crowded by late morning. Arrive before 9am or visit in the late afternoon when the light is softer and day-trippers have left. Sunbeds available from approximately €12–16 per set. A beach bar operates seasonally. Water can be choppy in strong Meltemi wind conditions — the cove faces west.

Antisamos

Antisamos sits 3km east of Sami on the east coast, reached down a short access road through olive groves. It is a long pebble beach facing the island of Ithaca across the channel — the setting used in filming Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001). The water is very clear and calmer than Myrtos because it faces east, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds.

The beach is organised in the central section with sunbed hire (approximately €10–14 per set) and a seasonal taverna and bar. The northern end has a free section with no facilities. Shallow enough to wade well out, and the pebble is finer here than at Myrtos.

Sami, 3km away, has several good tavernas for lunch. Alternatively, combine a morning at Antisamos with an afternoon visit to the nearby Drogarati Cave or Melissani Lake.

Petani

Petani is in the northwest of the island, near the village of Pylaros, accessible via a mountain road from Fiscardo or Argostoli. It has the same dramatic cliff-backed character as Myrtos but is less well-known — and significantly quieter even in peak season.

The beach is a large crescent of white pebble and fine gravel with brilliant blue water. A single seasonal taverna and a sunbed operation at the centre; the southern and northern ends are free and peaceful. Petani faces west, so it catches afternoon wind — mornings tend to be calmer and cleaner.

This is the best choice if Myrtos intimidates you with crowds. Similar scenery, fewer cars, easier parking.

Makris Gialos

Makris Gialos is the most accessible beach on the island — 3km south of Argostoli, served by local buses from the capital and easily reachable by taxi or bike. Unlike the dramatic northern coves it is a broad, organised sandy beach popular with families.

Water sports operation on the beach includes jet skis, banana boats, and paddleboards. Sunbeds line the full length; beach bars and tavernas are plentiful. It joins seamlessly with Platys Gialos at the southern end — the two effectively form one long beach strip.

Good for a lazy day close to Argostoli. Not the most beautiful beach on the island but practical for travellers without a car. Sunbeds approximately €10–12 per set.

Xi Beach

Xi Beach is on the south coast of the Paliki peninsula, about 35km from Argostoli by road. It stands apart from every other beach on the island: the sand is a reddish-orange colour due to clay deposits, the sea is completely flat and shallow (rarely more than waist-deep for a long distance out), and there are red clay cliffs at one end that locals traditionally apply to their skin as a natural treatment.

The setting is low-key and slightly surreal — the red sand against clear blue water is unlike anything else in Greece. A beach bar and sunbeds operate in summer. The drive along the Paliki peninsula is interesting in itself, passing through countryside most tourists bypass entirely.

Combine Xi with a visit to Petani on the same day — both are on the Paliki peninsula.

Getting Between Beaches

A hire car is the only practical way to explore Kefalonia’s beaches. Car hire from operators in Argostoli costs approximately €35–55 per day as of 2026. Scooters from approximately €25–35 per day, though the mountain roads to Myrtos and Petani are steep and winding — confidence on two wheels is required.

The one exception is Makris Gialos: local KTEL buses run from Argostoli bus station approximately every hour in summer (fare approximately €1.50, journey about 10 minutes).

Taxis from Argostoli to Myrtos cost approximately €25–35 one way. There are no scheduled buses to Myrtos, Antisamos, Petani, or Xi Beach.

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For the complete Kefalonia island guide including where to stay and ferry connections, see our Kefalonia travel guide. For activities beyond the beaches — Melissani Cave, Drogarati, and Assos village — see things to do in Kefalonia. Compare ferry options at the Greek Island Ferry Guide.

Book Kefalonia tours and boat trips through GetYourGuide. Rent a car in Greece — essential for reaching Myrtos and Petani. Pick up a Greece eSIM before you fly.

See Also

• Kefalonia Travel Guide — island overview, getting there, and where to stay
• Things to Do in Kefalonia — Melissani Cave, Drogarati, Assos, and Fiskardo
• Lefkada Travel Guide — the neighbouring Ionian island connected to the mainland by bridge
• Zakynthos Travel Guide — Shipwreck Beach and the blue caves
• Greek Island Ferry Guide — ferries connecting Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Zakynthos