Wonderfully underdeveloped areas, dotted only with a few well kempt accommodations are for 'a few of us' a holiday dream come true and sheer paradise. Albeit they can become busy in the height of the season - but doesn't everywhere! - Greeks, Italians and foreigners alike fill to overflowing the hotels, towns and beaches along with all the tourist sites and hot spots on the island. But come September and they have almost all gone. Work resumes on the mainlands of Greece and all major European countries. Lawyers and barristers are back to their bars (oops! Freudian slip) bankers to their vaults, Doctors and nurses to their clinics and hospitals, Dentists to their chairs, with white collar workers to their desks and computers. Children and students back to school, farmers to their fields and governments officials back to keeping the countries all running smoothly, until next year.
Fanari Beach & Cove: Named after the area this beach and cove is known as the town beach. Sand and shingle with tavernas and the campsite supermarket. To the left of the Fanari lighthouse are a small collection of coves and small sandy beaches. Excellent for snorkelling but beware of any boat traffic.
Kalamia beach: Found just on the outskirts of Lassi on the Lassi peninsula. Below the main road you can see a shingle beach and white small outcrop with a cave. The beach is sand with shallow water again excellent for snorkelling accessible by track only. There are sunbeds for hire and a beach kantina.
Gradakia Beach: Is well signposted from the main street of Lassi. Small coves with grey sand and shallow clear water. There is a kantina close by but no other beach facilities.
Mediterranee & Paliostafida: Both beaches are virtually joined together, fine sand and clear shallow water with plenty of beach facilities and kantina.
Makris & Platis Yialos: Two of the busiest beaches and cleanest beaches on the island, fine golden sand, shelving gently into shallow clear water both have been awarded the European blue flag for cleanliness. They are separated by changing facilities on a solid platform however it is possible to walk from one to the other. Water sports and all facilities are available on the larger section, Makris Gialos. These beaches get very busy indeed and are are ideal for families with young children.
Tourkopodaro beach: Adjacent to the White Rocks hotel and stretches out of the land. The facilities of the hotel are available.
Spasmata Beach: Although this beach is situated at the end of the runway, it most certainly does not detract from the excellent waters and grey sand that sweeps over a small rocky outcrop to a second more seclude bay of Minies and a few caves. For the more adventurous a private white shingle beach lies under the cliffs. A kantina is open during the high season only.
Megas Amos: Runs parallet to the runway and has a few sun beds and umbrellas. For more seclusion, round the corner and you find another excellent bay and beach of Eglina.
Svoronata: This is a traditional away from it all Greek village only 10 mins drive away from the airport. This shouldn't dissuade you from holidaying here you may here some aircraft noise however, this would be very infrequent as Kefalonia airport is not busy and there are no night-time flights The old quarter is a very traditional with narrow streets and houses in the old Venetian style most standing in ruins and new modern traditionally build houses around the hill and countryside. The nearby beaches run from Spasmata through to Avithos.
Ammes: is a small clean clear and sandy beach can get busy in high season, as it is ideal for small children. Sunbeds and umbrellas are for hire also there is a kantina open July after the high wind season finishes which blows from the SW.
Ai Heli: is the first you can find this just off the main road that leads to Ammes beach off the main beach road in Svoronata is a sign directing you to a small and pleasant beach with grey sand that shelves down into the sea, caution is required a you can experience an unexpected undercurrent. This beach also has a number of steps leading to it, so not suitable for the elderly or infirm. A kantina, sunbeds and umbrellas are available.
Avithos & Lygia: Two beautiful long but narrow sandy beaches shelving gently into the sea, which are separated by an impressive rock run to Paliolinos a small cove at the far end of the bay which has a steep and winding road leading to it from the village of Korianna. Also only accessible by boat is the cove of Nipsias. View of the neighbouring island of Zakynthos and also Dias island. Avithos is ideal for children and families with shallow coastal water. Restaurants and a kantina are located at the beginning of the beach along with sunbeds and umbrella hire.
Spartia: Beaches can be found in Spartia to the left where at the far left you will find some very interesting rock formations complete with oyster and shell fossils. Another small beach to the right of the fishermen's jetty. Or prior to the descent downhill, just before the private sailing complex you will find a small cove or a boat ride to the right of this, another long narrow sandy beach. No facilities other than a nearby hotel.
Pessada: A road to the right before you arrive at the waterfront, then a set of steps between a small parking place in front of a group of exquisite houses, leads you to a small cove and sunbathing area on the flat rocks. No facilities to be found here apart from a kantina situated near to the ferry terminal to the island of Zakynthos. There is a small fishing boat harbour to the left of the ferry terminal with excellent snorkelling.
Ayios Thomas: Through the village of Karavados and down to the beach called Agios Thomas. Two tavernas flank beaches and sunbathing areas around this popular locals bathing place. A snorkeling paradise around volcanic rock past the smaller area below a concrete slope or for the more adventurous a walk around a well-worn path to a fine golden sand beach which gently shelves into the sea.
Trapezaki, & Lithero: All situated in the bay of Lourdas and linked together by a large beach which stretches from below the hamlets of Poriarata & Moussata, with shingle, sand and clear turquoise water. Trapezaki is the first beach which is sand and has a beach taverna. They are all separated only by small man made harbours built by the locals to protect there craft from rough seas.
An easy walk takes you to Lithero again with a rocky small portal for local fishermen, there are beach tavernas, sunbeds and umbrellas. From this point a dirt track leads to the small square and famous spring of Lourdata or another pleasant stroll to the beach surrounded with a slightly wider selection of tavernas and shops.
Lourdata: Follow the main road from Vlahata where the bulk of accommodation is set on the hillside, most have swimming pools for lazy days when you don't have to walk or drive to the local beaches. You then wind your way down the hillside, to find other accommodation below the small village of Lourdata to the small village then on past olive and citrus groves until you reach the main beach.
A raised road runs along the back of the beach. The road which looks to be a dead end continues on to a dirt road and takes you full circle back to the main route down. However, it is rather narrow so it is a good idea to turn around where you can as it gets very busy and manoeuvreing can be difficult. This is a long beach of white coarse sand, shingle and pebbles and shelves quickly in places. There are sunbeds for hire and plenty of good tavernas mini markets and accommodation all along the beach. If you want a little more seclusion go to the end of the road and you will find your own piece of paradise.
Sissia: A dirt slope enables you to reach this pleasant beach below the old Monastery of Sissia but after the winter rain can become a little precarious so care is needed. No facilities on the shingle beach and don't forget the walk back up hill if you forget anything.
Paradise & Lefka: Only accessible by boat or walking. Lefka is the larger stretch of shingle beach, Paradise is the smaller cover to the right, early spring the entire cliff sides are covered in a beautiful red flower.
Koroni: A dirt road leads to this excellent beach backed by sand dunes and a good supply of fresh running spring water. This once idyllic unmarked and unsigned beach has now become involved in the tourist trap of sunbeds and umbrellas with the supplier cutting out a blot in the landscape road, that runs down from Vallianos opposite the original dirt road just below the small garage and grill of the same name.
Ayia Barbara: Is the local sandy beach of the traditional fishing village of Katelios which is situated about 15 minutes drive away from Skala and on the edge of beautiful Mounda Bay. Umbrellas and sunbeds are for hire as well as boats. The beach is fine sand gently shelving into the clear sea. This beach in early spring and late summer does suffer from seaweed that gets washed up on the beach and then dries.
Prior to the beach being cleared it can look a little untidy but it does get removed on a regular basis. There are sunbeds, No facilities on the beach but plenty close by. In the tiny peaceful fishing village of Katelios are some of the finest fish tavernas on the island.
Mounda Bay: Just around the corner from Katelios, below the village of Ratzakli, are two continuous lovely sandy beaches. Kaminia and Potamakia backed by sloping hills, a dirt track runs behind both, in the middle is a kantina and a few areas have sunbeds and umbrellas but even in the high season this beach always has a quiet spot for you to find.
Beware if you come supplied with your own umbrella, only place it near to the shoreline as this whole area is one of the places the endangered Loggerhead Turtle lays its eggs from around May to August.
Cape Mounda & Gelou: Gelou is a continuation of Cape Mounda towards the rocks at the end of Skala beach. This is where the nudist bathers tend to head for as nude bathing is not allowed on the main beaches in Skala. It is a mixture of sand and shingle with no facilities.
Skala & Cape Kapri: Skala's main beach stretches for approx 3 km. It is a mixture of sand, shingle and some pebbles with a steeply shelving shoreline, beach shoes are a must here. There are plenty of sunbeds available, water sports and boat hire. At the far end of the beach, can be found more privacy. The back of the beach and village centre is close by for shops and tavernas and all other facilities.
After the long beach of Skala all along the coast you will find small shingle and pebble coves including hidden caves, the largest being Sakkos. Skala itself is a new village built below the old town. It is very popular indeed with British holiday makers. Some original old timber houses are left around the back streets, these were the first built after the earthquakes of 1953. The main street leads down to the square located at the bottom end of the village above a small pine forest that separates the busy town from the sea.
Pelagos: 2 km outside of Skala, is a beach known as Pelagos this lovely fine pebble beach was only one accessible by foot now access been improved by a stone walkway. Once isolated now can become very busy.
Kako Langadi: This hidden cove just before Limenia cannot be reached unless you are a goat or excellent climber, but this tiny shingle cove can get extremely busy in August. Just look for the cars parked on the side of the road and literally follow what looks like a goat path. No facilities.
Limenia: Is only a few kilometres before Poros, this pebbled beach is renowned for its rock formations within the sea, most with their own names! No facilities are available.
Poros: To the right of the town is the port, one of two main ports on the island ferries leave here for Kallini on the mainland. The town which was just a small fishing port prior 1953. It developed from 1954 to house the local people from the surround villages that were destroyed. It has two beaches the smaller one is located directly in front of the town, square and seafront. It is a pebble beach with exceptionally clear, clean water..There are sunbeds for hire and plenty of facilities behind in the town. This beach can get busy in high season.
Aragia: Most commonly known as Ragia is the other beach to the north of the town across a metal pontoon bridge that spans the dry bed. Or a beach road runs across the causeway. This is quite a long beach and there are tavernas and bars all along with boat hire and sunbeds available. A pebble and shingle beach.
Makria Petra, Lazarou, Ksilomata & Koutsoupia Bay: These beaches can be reached by boat or a long walk all surrounded by lush green rolling hillsides all with white pebble beaches used all season by yachting and boat owners and can become very busy. Koutsoupia is used mainly by the local boats for a get-away day and barbecue. No facilities.
Antisamos: East of Sami this bay is completely enclosed by the surrounding greenery and rolling hills. The shoreline is pebbly, and a little difficult to get into because of the pebbles, so plastic beach shoes are worth taking and care is needed as the beach shelves quite steeply into the brilliant blue sea. Wasps can be a problem during certain times of the year on this particular beach.
Sun beds, umbrellas and cafe bar are available with water sports in high season. To find a more peaceful spot make your way a little further along to a smaller area without sunbeds
Sami: Sami has two beaches, one hidden away just to the right of the port called west beach. The other main east beach is to the left of the town. It is quite a narrow beach with a mixture of white sand shingle and pebbles. This stretch of beach continues all the way along to the neighbouring village of Karavomilos. There are facilities at the back of the beach.
Ayia Paraskevi: Is one of the larger of the coves that run along the full length of coastline from Sami to Ayia Efimia. There is a choice of cafe bar, water sports in high season along with sunbeds, umbrellas and a taverna on this clean and pebbled bay.
Hagiana, Horgota, Ayia Sophia, Kalo Limani and Spilio: Narrow and pebbled and mainly used by passing yachts or the local communities all these beaches are reached either by dirt tracks or newly tarmac winding roads, accessed from the villages of Neochori and Komitata. They are a long way down and really for the more adventurous, some have small kantinas but the opening hours can vary.
Horgota is recognised by its small pebble cove and timber jetty.
Kakogylos and Kaminia: Small pebbled and a very long way down mainly only used by boats and yachts that anchor off the shores.
Foki: Has to be one of the most photographed beaches on the island with the exception of Myrtos, surrounded by a forest of cypress trees. If you follow the coastline for about 1km out from the main platia of Fiskardo you will find this lovely shingle and pebbled beach. It is backed by the natural shade of an olive grove it even has its own caves for you to explore, another snorkel's paradise with a colourful array of small tropical fish. The sea is crystal clear but you need to be careful of the sea urchins when swimming The only facilities are a taverna.
Emblissi: Just north of Fiskardo signposted off the main Assos to Fiskardo road. This is this very busy beach, especially at weekends and during July and August. Its white pebble and shingle beach only enhances the vivid colours of the sea. Surrounded by cypress trees which gives plenty of shade. It shelves down into the water in flat stepped levels, rocks stretch either side of the beach and are used for sunbathing.
A lovely spot for swimming and snorkelling. No facilities other than a taverna at the top of the road.
Dafnoudi: Just one of the many pebbled coves reached only by foot around the Fiskardo coastline. Reached by walking through the village of old Antipata Erisos and down a short gorge. This whole area is where you are likely to see the playful Monk Seals that live in the area. No facilities.
Alikes: One taverna can be found at the bottom of the road next to the tiny shingle cove of Alikes named because of the salt that was once collected in its large rock pools. Excellent views of the high rocky cliffs that run the whole of the coastline to Cape Dafnoudi.
Ayios Yerusalem: Two pebbled coves are at the end of this road with a taverna but no facilities. After any winds this part of the coastline does tend to have a lot of seaweed and sea debris washed ashore but in the summer months this of course is not a problem.
Assos: Actually in the village of Assos, is a small pebbled cove in the sheltered harbour, used as a beach by the locals and visiting day trippers it is a mixture of stones and pebbles there are no sun beds or umbrellas. Albeit the sea is crystal clear for swimming and snorkelling. The harbour is surrounded by tavernas and small shops. However to the left and right of the village there are some wonderful shingle and sandy beaches only reachable by boat or the yachting fraternity. These are the beaches used by the many rich and famous that visit the island.
Ayia Kyriaki: Another of Kefalonia's photographed beaches, a stop on the road north is a must. The beach itself ranges from sand to pebbles but if you find your particular spot you will have plenty of privacy. An excellent fish taverna beside the harbour and a kantina with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
This beach can be reached from two directions. If you travelling along the road from Lixouri to Assos, then take the road to the village of Zola. Follow the road to the village and then the rough concrete road to the harbour. Or off the main Argostoli to Assos and Fiskardo road, well signposted in Angona following the tarmac road down to the harbour. The beach stretches to the right with a narrow track that runs along the back of the beach. The beach is a mixture of sand shingle and pebbles.
Vouti: Left of Ayia Kyriaki through the village of Zola and down a winding road a short walk and another of the white shingle beaches and turquoise sea for you to relax for the day. No facilities. To the left of the Cape Ayianniou and only accessible by boat is the beautiful white beach of Fteri.
Ayios Spiridon: This beautiful small sandy beach is below the village of Atheras. The beach is located down a tarmac road from the village of the same name sat high up on the hilltop. Thought by some to be Forcys where Odysseus was left by the Faeacians after his voyage back from his adventures. Sandy clear and shallow named after the small church to the right of the bay. Facilities available.
The small blue church of St. Spyridon overlooks the small harbour and this huge bay is protected by the small island of Averonissi situated in the middle and home to numerous gulls and other birds. The beach is fine sand with a few stones and rocks and shelves gently into the of clear water. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas to date be will be I'm sure in the future as the popularity of this beach is increasing.
Agni & Halkes: Agni cove is accessible by car but I wouldn't advise it other than in a jeep and then when you reach it, it is very disappointing - only large rocks. Halkes is only accessible by boat.
Petani: North of Lixouri Petani is an attractive beach again with a photo opportunity from the winding road that leads to this shingle and pebbled bay. Large slabs of rock are found in the sea in some parts. Plenty of facilities available including tavernas serving fresh fish caught in the bay.
Ayia Eleni: This tiny cove and expanse of sand/shingle mix is situated at the far left of Petani. It is a long but most beautiful road that leads through a plateau before the narrow winding and steep road leads to the tiny cove.
Platis Ammos: This beach prior to the summer of 2003 was only accessible by boat. Over the past two years the once narrow dirt track has been excavated to form a gravel road with enough room for two vehicles to pass in comfort, ending at a platform viewing area some 100 metres above the beach. Magically engineered steps, over 200 in number, have been concreted into the cliffside down to, until now, one of the last bastions of security. The sand and shingle beach shelves very rapidly in to the sea and the water is over 18 metres (60 feet) deep within a short distance. All safely precautions must be adhered to as the current and depth here make this even on a calm day a very dangerous spot for novice swimmers and children.
Lagadaki: Below the lighthouse of Yerogompos at the most western point of the island. Small and pebbled but very popular in the busy season. Surrounded by barren hillside and with no facilities.
Ayios Nikolaos & Akrotiri: are situated in Vatsa bay on the SW part of the Paliki area and is separated by a rocky outcrop. Two tavernas and one kantina on these sand and shingle beaches. To the far right of the bay is a small river that flows into the sea. This is where the local fisherman moor their boats on small wooden jetties and is a pleasant surprise for those who like to explore!
Kounopetra bay & Mania beach: Excellent red sand sweeping coast and much quieter than its neighbour Xi. Roads lead down to this idyllic spot superb for old and young alike crystal clear sandy bottomed sea no fear of seaweed, stones rocks or creepy things in the sea for those who are a little more particular where they paddle. One taverna at the far end near the famous landmark and pretty fishing harbour.
Ayios Georgies, Ayios Ioannis & Kounoupis: Small sandy beaches all well hidden with only dirt tracks and pathways to connect them to a maze of farming roads. No facilities.
Lepeda: Just 2km outside of Lixouri town and you will arrive at the red sand beach of Lepeda. A short stroll along the beach brings you to one of the island unexpected sights. The cave and old Monastery of Ayia Paraskevi. The beach has sunbeds and a small bar.
Livathi & Ayios Dimitris: This expanse runs from the outskirts of Lixouri town all along the coastline of the bay, lots of alternative sections including sand, shingle and pebbles, all well worth exploring but no facilities on the beaches.
Koumaria: A winding dirt track leads down off the main just before the Lixouri turn off on the main road to the north. To a narrow strip of shingle used mainly by the local fishermen. No facilities.
Ayios Sotiras: A lovely pebbled cove, this once famous beach was an important port, now quiet and serene. No facilities.
Lithos: Off the main road signposted for Ayios Spirithon. Through olive groves to a man made harbour and narrow strip of pebbles. No facilities.
Lygia: The village of Farsa's own private beach so to speak. Situated below the village this pleasant little small white pebble beach pebbled beach has its own church and tiny harbour but no facilities.
Ayios Konstantinos: Another small strip of pebbles off the main road north. No facilities. This is the first small beach that you can view on your journey to the north or Paliki.
Extract from "way to go" old website
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