Whenever 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 high two hottest locations, however if you happen to’re asking us, they’re removed from being probably the most rewarding, particularly relating to seashores.
Between Santorini’s rugged volcanic coast, largely made up of craggy descents and pebbly stretches, and Mykonos’ windswept, club-heavy shorelines, they are not 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 Finest Seashores:
Is Kefalonia The Finest Island In Greece For Seashores?
Situated on the Ionian facet of Greece—the facet that faces Italy—Kefalonia is an island paradise greatest identified for its indented shoreline, interspersed with cliff-backed bays, limestone sea partitions, and quick strips of combined white pebble and sand.
Fteri Seashore, certainly one of these hard-to-access, small pebbly coves backed by towering cliffs, was simply ranked the second greatest seashore on the planet by the consultants behind World’s 50 Finest Seashores, intently behind Sardinia‘s Cala Goloritzé.
In Greece, it beats out different heavyweights like Voutoumi, Porto Katsiki, and even Crete’s iconic Elafonissi Seashore, which chart at Nos. 3, 5, and 15, respectively.
At this level, you are in all probability questioning why this seashore is so particular. Properly, apart 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 Seashore On Kefalonia
You possibly can solely get there climbing down from the small village of Zola, on the northwest coast, and that takes about 40 minutes, or by taking a water taxi. In the event you’re strolling, sneakers are extremely really useful because the route can get a little bit tough in components, and you may want good sneakers to stroll throughout Fteri’s white pebbles.
Naturally, taking the taxi is quite a bit sooner and extra handy: a 5–10 minute glide from the harbor to the seashore.
There is 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.
In response to vacationers who’ve been, the very best time to go to is the morning, earlier than the taxi boats arrive, because the seashore is normally practically empty.
As soon as 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 seashore, with no facilities like on lots of Kefalonia’s mainline seashores, so ensure you convey your personal sunscreen, bottle of water, snacks, and seashore apparel, as you will not be capable to buy them from a kiosk.
Kefalonia Is Full Of Turquoise-Water Bays
Fteri Seashore often is the star of the present right this moment, but it surely’s removed from being Kefalonia’s solely paradisiacal cove with surreal waters.
In truth, the most well-liked seashore on the island is Myrtos, just like Fteri in some ways, besides it is simpler to drive to with a automotive. White pebbles, neon-blue seas, and imposing cliffs.
Petani is the family-friendly, amenity-packed different: you park on the high of the cliffs, then you definately stroll the quick approach down. It has sunbeds and umbrellas to lease, and a few seashore bars and eating places close by.
You have in all probability heard of Crete’s pinkish Elafonissi Seashore, however did you’ve got any thought Kefalonia hosts its very personal pink-sanded strip?
With mushy, clay-like sands, Xi Seashore 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.
The place To Keep On Kefalonia
In the event you’re in search of a spot to remain, Argostoli, the quaint Kefalonian capital nestled on a coastal hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, might be your high choose.
A energetic harbor city, it is crammed with outlets, eating places, and even the nightlife is not all that dangerous, because of a bar-lined central promenade, straightforward to stroll to at night time for after-dinner drinks.
For a quieter island expertise and simpler entry to Paliki peninsula seashores (like Xi), Lixouri is a well-liked different.
Kefalonia’s second-largest settlement, it is nonetheless large and well-equipped for tourism, but serene sufficient to really feel worlds away from the primary hub.
A brief ferry hop away from the attractive Melissani Cave, certainly one of Kefalonia’s high pure wonders, Sami is a good base for exploring, and naturally, in case your major aim is to be a brief 5 min water taxi journey from the dreamy Fteri Seashore, Zola is the place it’s best to crash for the lengthy weekend.
This spring, you will discover lodging on Kefalonia Island from as low cost as $46-a-night, although a modest resort room in one of many essential cities would common $65–$90.