When you consider Greek islands, the primary picture your mind conjures might be Santorini’s blue church domes and caldera views, or perhaps Mykonos’ iconic string of windmills on a hill and colourful harborside homes.
The powerhouse duo could also be Greece’s prime two hottest locations, however for those who’re asking us, they’re removed from being probably the most rewarding, particularly in relation to seashores.
Between Santorini’s rugged volcanic coast, largely made up of craggy descents and pebbly stretches, and Mykonos’ windswept, club-heavy shorelines, they don’t seem to be someplace you go for swimming and lounging by the ocean, essentially.
Now, if it is Greece’s postcard-ready sandy seashores and clear turquoise seas you are after, this lesser-known island hideaway has simply been featured within the World’s 50 Best Beaches:
Is Kefalonia The Best Island In Greece For Beaches?
Located on the Ionian facet of Greece—the facet that faces Italy—Kefalonia is an island paradise finest identified for its indented shoreline, interspersed with cliff-backed bays, limestone sea partitions, and quick strips of combined white pebble and sand.
Fteri Beach, certainly one of these hard-to-access, small pebbly coves backed by towering cliffs, was simply ranked the second finest seaside on the planet by the consultants behind World’s 50 Best Beaches, intently behind Sardinia‘s Cala Goloritzé.
In Greece, it beats out different heavyweights like Voutoumi, Porto Katsiki, and even Crete’s iconic Elafonissi Beach, which chart at Nos. 3, 5, and 15, respectively.
At this level, you are in all probability questioning why this seaside is so particular. Well, aside from the powdery white sands and crystalline seas, after all, its difficult entry is key to understanding its attraction with beachgoers.
How To Get To Fteri Beach On Kefalonia
You can solely get there mountaineering down from the small village of Zola, on the northwest coast, and that takes about 40 minutes, or by taking a water taxi. If you are strolling, sneakers are extremely beneficial because the route can get somewhat tough in elements, and you will want good footwear to stroll throughout Fteri’s white pebbles.
Naturally, taking the taxi is lots quicker and extra handy: a 5–10 minute glide from the harbor to the seaside.
There’s a Fteri Water Taxi operating from Zola Harbor within the excessive season, providing pickups and drop-offs at Fteri, and even different close by seashores like Amidi and Kamari.
According to vacationers who’ve been, the very best time to go to is the morning, earlier than the taxi boats arrive, because the seaside is often almost empty.
Once the taxis are operational, they begin dropping folks off each half-hour (or extra incessantly, even).
As for the water, they’ve that pool-like translucent shade nearer to shore, that step by step turns that attractive gatorade-blue so typical of the Ionian Sea.
Oh, a chunk of recommendation? Kefalonia is a correct wild seaside, with no facilities like on lots of Kefalonia’s mainline seashores, so be sure to carry your individual sunscreen, bottle of water, snacks, and seaside apparel, as you will not be capable to buy them from a kiosk.
Kefalonia Is Full Of Turquoise-Water Bays
Fteri Beach stands out as the star of the present in the present day, however it’s removed from being Kefalonia’s solely paradisiacal cove with surreal waters.
In reality, the preferred seaside on the island is Myrtos, much like Fteri in some ways, besides it’s miles simpler to drive to with a automotive. White pebbles, neon-blue seas, and imposing cliffs.
Petani is the family-friendly, amenity-packed various: you park on the prime of the cliffs, then you definately stroll the quick manner down. It has sunbeds and umbrellas to lease, and a few seaside bars and eating places close by.
You’ve in all probability heard of Crete’s pinkish Elafonissi Beach, however did you’ve any thought Kefalonia hosts its very personal purple-sanded strip?
With comfortable, clay-like sands, Xi Beach straddles the southern coast of the island, within the Paliki peninsula, and it has a full setup of sunbed leases, seasonal cafés, and water sports activities. It will get busier than most, positive, however the deep-ocher sands and the azure waters are distinctive in Greece.
Where To Stay On Kefalonia
If you are in search of a spot to remain, Argostoli, the quaint Kefalonian capital nestled on a coastal hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, might be your prime decide.
A vigorous harbor city, it is crammed with retailers, eating places, and even the nightlife is not all that dangerous, because of a bar-lined central promenade, straightforward to stroll to at evening for after-dinner drinks.
For a quieter island expertise and simpler entry to Paliki peninsula seashores (like Xi), Lixouri is a well-liked various.
Kefalonia’s second-largest settlement, it is nonetheless massive and well-equipped for tourism, but serene sufficient to really feel worlds away from the principle hub.
A brief ferry hop away from the attractive Melissani Cave, certainly one of Kefalonia’s prime pure wonders, Sami is a good base for exploring, and naturally, in case your main objective is to be a brief 5 min water taxi trip from the dreamy Fteri Beach, Zola is the place it is best to crash for the lengthy weekend.
This spring, yow will discover lodging on Kefalonia Island from as low-cost as $46-a-night, although a modest resort room in one of many most important cities would common $65–$90.
