Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia features stunning white pebbles and vivid blue-green water framed by dramatic limestone cliffs. The beach offers a theatrical setting that has appeared in numerous films and travel publications.
Myrtos Beach occupies a sweeping arc of coastline on the northwest of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands of Greece and is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The beach stretches approximately 700 metres and is backed by dramatically steep limestone cliffs that rise from the water's edge, forming a natural amphitheatre visible from the road above. The pebbles and coarse white sand are made of crushed white limestone, giving the beach its intensely luminous appearance, while the color of the water shifts from pale aquamarine in the shallows to deep sapphire offshore.
Access involves a winding descent from a clifftop car park via a steep road. The descent takes around five minutes by car and is followed by a short walk to the beach. The panoramic viewpoint at the top of the descent is one of the most photographed spots on Kefalonia and requires nothing more than pulling off the road to take in the full sweep of the beach and cliffs. Myrtos rewards multiple visits at different times of day: morning light creates a golden warmth on the white cliffs, while afternoon positions the sun directly over the water, intensifying the blue-green color.
The beach has limited facilities: sunbed and umbrella rental is available from seasonal operators, and a small café operates at the top of the access road. There are no permanent snack bars at beach level, and visitors should bring water for full-day stays. The sea at Myrtos can develop a strong swell and significant waves, particularly in the afternoon when wind picks up, making it unsuitable for very young children on rough days. On calm mornings the water is glassy and ideal for swimming.
July and August see the beach reach near capacity by 10 AM, with cars queuing on the approach road. May, June, and September offer the beach with far fewer visitors and equally good weather. Late afternoon from around 4 PM sees a partial exodus as tourists return to accommodation for dinner, creating a quieter window even in high season.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always open
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- beach lovers, photography, couples
Location
Myrtos Beach, Pylaros, Kefalonia, 28084
38.3347, 20.5628 View on map
Highlights
- 700-metre arc of brilliant white limestone pebbles framed by towering cliffs, ranked among Europe's most beautiful beaches
- Water ranging from pale aquamarine near shore to deep sapphire offshore — the color is most vivid in afternoon light
- Clifftop viewpoint above the beach offering the classic panoramic photograph without descending to the sand
- Calm glassy conditions in the morning contrast with afternoon swell — early visits are best for swimming
- Featured in international travel publications and associated with the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin in the area
Tips for visiting
- Park at the top and take the steep path down
- Waves can be strong; be cautious
- No facilities at the beach itself; bring supplies
- The view from the roadside lookout is spectacular
When to visit
May, June, and September combine good swimming weather with significantly smaller crowds than peak summer. Morning visits before 10 AM avoid the worst congestion and offer calm sea conditions ideal for swimming.
Accessibility
The access road descends steeply and the parking area has an uneven gravel surface. There is no adapted path to the beach and the terrain involves loose pebbles and stones throughout. The beach is not practically accessible for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Are there facilities at Myrtos Beach?
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire on the beach. A small café operates at the clifftop near the car park. There are no permanent food or drink outlets at beach level, so visitors planning a full-day stay should bring supplies.
Is Myrtos Beach suitable for families with small children?
The beach suits families in calm conditions, most common in the morning. Afternoon winds can generate a strong swell and waves that make swimming difficult for small children. The steep access road and absence of shallow-water play areas require additional supervision.
How do visitors get to Myrtos Beach?
The beach is accessible by car or scooter via a road descending from the main Argostoli–Fiskardo highway north of Divarata. Taxis from Argostoli take around 25 minutes. There is no public bus service directly to the beach.