A stunning pebble beach on Kefalonia's east coast near Sami, Antisamos is surrounded by lush green hills and offers some of the most vivid turquoise water in the Ionian Islands. The beach gained international fame when it featured in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Antisamos Beach lies on the eastern coast of Kefalonia near the town of Sami in the Ionian Islands of Greece, occupying a sheltered bay enclosed by steep, densely wooded hills that give the beach a lush verdant backdrop contrasting dramatically with the vivid blue-green water. The beach is approximately 800 metres long and composed of smooth white pebbles characteristic of the Ionian coast. The water visibility here is exceptional, with the pale limestone seabed visible to considerable depth even from the shore.
Antisamos gained international recognition when it was selected as a filming location for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, directed by John Madden and starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz. The film's production required minimal alteration to the setting, which had the visual characteristics sought by the production team. The association brought the beach to a broader international audience and it has remained a significant tourist draw ever since.
The beach has good amenities: sunbeds and umbrellas are available from a seasonal operator, and a taverna at the northern end of the bay serves grilled food, cold drinks, and fresh fish. The road to the beach descends through olive groves and passes a small car park at the bay's entrance; the walk from the car park to the beach takes less than five minutes. The access road is narrow and signposted from the main Argostoli–Sami highway.
Snorkeling at Antisamos is rewarding: the clarity of the water and the varied underwater topography of the bay produce good visibility and marine life. The northern end of the beach, near the rocks, is particularly productive for snorkelers. The bay is sheltered from westerly winds, making conditions generally calm for swimming throughout most of the day.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always open
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- beach lovers, families, photography
Location
Antisamos Beach, Sami, Kefalonia, 28080
38.2578, 20.6549 View on map
Highlights
- 800-metre pebble beach enclosed by dense pine and cypress hills giving a lush backdrop unusual for the Ionian coast
- Exceptional water clarity with the pale limestone seabed visible from the shore in calm conditions
- Filming location for Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001), bringing the bay international recognition
- Good snorkeling at the northern end of the bay near rock formations with strong marine life visibility
- Taverna at the northern end of the beach serving grilled food and fresh fish within the bay itself
Tips for visiting
- Sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire
- Great snorkeling opportunities
- Combine with a visit to Sami town for lunch
When to visit
Morning offers the best light for photography and typically the calmest sea conditions for swimming. The beach is busy in July and August from mid-morning onward; May, June, and September offer substantially more peaceful conditions.
Accessibility
The car park is a short walk from the beach on a flat path. The beach surface of smooth white pebbles is challenging for wheelchair users. There are no adapted facilities. The taverna at the northern end of the beach is reachable along the narrow pebble beach with some difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
How does Antisamos compare to Myrtos Beach?
Both are white-pebble beaches with vivid blue water on Kefalonia, but they have different characters. Myrtos is more exposed with stronger surf potential and dramatic cliff scenery. Antisamos is more sheltered, calmer, and greener in its surroundings, making it more suitable for families and snorkelers.
Are facilities available at Antisamos Beach?
A seasonal beach operator provides sunbed and umbrella hire. A taverna at the northern end of the beach offers grilled food, fresh fish, and cold drinks. There are no changing room or shower facilities at beach level.
Is photography allowed at Antisamos?
Photography is freely permitted throughout the beach. The most effective photographs are taken in the morning when the green hillsides are well-lit and the water color is at its most vivid.