The Most Beautiful Beaches in Kefalonia, Greece

Backed by a tall scoop of forested cliff, this silvery crescent of shingle lapped by luminous ice-blue waters is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. Left largely untouched by development, it has a lone snack bar to serve the crowds of beach pilgrims who come here from the main port of Argostoli, 40 minutes’ drive away. There’s little natural shade – bring a parasol if you can. The shingle and pebbles can be tough on feet, so pack swimming or jelly shoes, especially for kids.

This flat, forest-shrouded strand was put on the map by Kefalonia-filmed Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, but it has long been popular with snorkellers and walkers. Reached on a pretty walking trail from the nearby port of Sami, its pale shallows drop off to inky-blue, with rocky outcrops to explore just offshore; umbrellas and loungers are on hand for maximum comfort. Arrive early and hike up to the Monastery of Agrilion before the heat kicks in, descending to the beach afterwards for a dip.

This is one of the most popular beaches on the island, being close to Argostoli and popular Lassi. Soft sands, slowly shelving shallows and bars and restaurants make it equally popular with young groups and families wanting a bit of infrastructure, but its constant flow of swimmers and sunbathers won’t detract from the natural beauty – many have compared it to the Caribbean. Beach clubs are affordable and relaxed rather than five-star-exclusive.

Evergreens and large boulders give way to emerald waters at this impossibly pure-looking beach, just south of Fiskardo. Take the coastal walk there if you’re staying in the village, wearing sturdy trainers for the steps down to the sea. The beach itself is a small patch of shingle, so be prepared to share – many come for a quick dip before or after retreating to its one simple taverna, which is charming, and serves all the Greek home-cooked classics.

The blinding white pebbles, soaring cliffs and neon-blue water here are the stuff of magazine covers, attracting photographers, location scouts and Instagrammers to Kefalonia’s far-north coast. But it’s a bit of an adventure to get there – driving from more inhabited areas, then parking near a local farm before finding the right track for a 40-minute walk down to the beach. Persevere and you’ll find astonishing views, plenty of breathing space and natural shade courtesy of cliffs and caves.

A patchwork of rock and sand creates a dappled navy-and-turquoise effect across this deep scoop of coastline close to Fiskardo, meeting a sleepy pebble beach. It’s peaceful, but has parking nearby, so it’s a good off-the-beaten-track find if you don’t fancy a big hike. Wear beach shoes for the pebbles, and settle in for the dreamy backdrop of thick forest and the clarity of the sand-free shallows.

One of the island’s longest beaches, Kaminia’s pale-gold sands are popular with holidaymakers following the beaten track from nearby Skala; loggerhead turtles nest here during summer, given the soft sands and gentle shallows. It’s a family favourite, with no watersports maniacs whizzing by. It might not have the pin-up white-and-turquoise of other Kefalonia beaches, but there’s a wild, windswept feel that makes it a lovely destination for coastal walks.

This southwestern beach is a local curiosity for its striking, dark-bronze sands and pure-white cliffs, lapped by swimmable waters and gently shelving shallows. There are plenty of facilities for families who day-trip from nearby Lixouri, including a mini mart, loungers and kayak rental; wander right along the sands and you’ll find space beyond the beach bars. Fancy a DIY spa day? Rub clay from the cliffs onto your body, as generations of Kefalonians have done for its medicinal, healing properties.