A lush, green-fringed pebble beach on Kefalonia's east coast near Sami, Antisamos is famous for its film appearance in Captain Corelli's Mandolin. The vivid turquoise water contrasting with the green hillside makes it exceptionally photogenic, and the calm conditions are good for swimming.
Antisamos Beach on the east coast of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands of Greece is a strikingly lush and photogenic pebble beach situated near the town of Sami, approximately 20 kilometres from Argostoli. The beach gained international recognition as the primary filming location for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and the setting remains as vivid as it appeared on screen: a smooth pebble shore curving in a shallow arc beneath densely wooded green hillsides that sweep down to the waterline, with vivid turquoise Ionian water stretching across to the mountains of mainland Greece visible on clear days.
Unlike many Kefalonian beaches, Antisamos faces east rather than west, which means it is sheltered from prevailing afternoon westerly winds and sea conditions are typically calm and suitable for swimming throughout the summer season. This sheltered east-facing orientation also means mornings are the sunniest time, with the sun rising over the mountains of mainland Greece directly across the water. The beach is composed of smooth rounded white and pale grey pebbles, comfortable in the shallows, and the water clarity is exceptional. Snorkelling along the rocky shoreline edges and around the headlands at either end of the bay is rewarding.
Facilities include sunbed and umbrella hire and a seasonal beach bar; the atmosphere is relaxed and the clientele is largely European visitors making day trips from Sami or Argostoli. The beach is reached by a 3-kilometre road from Sami, clearly signposted, with a small car park at the end. Day visitors combining the beach with a visit to Melissani Lake — an extraordinary underground lake with a collapsed ceiling open to the sky, just 2 kilometres from Sami — make this one of the most rewarding half-day itineraries on Kefalonia.
The wooded hillsides above the beach provide a dramatic visual backdrop and also offer natural shade near the tree line at either end. The combination of lush green setting, turquoise water, and pebble shore gives Antisamos a quality of natural composition that explains its repeated selection as a photography and film location.
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photography, snorkeling
- Facilities
- sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar
Location
38.2578, 20.6549 View on map
Highlights
- East-facing pebble beach below dense wooded hillsides — the primary filming location for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin
- Vivid turquoise water with exceptional clarity, sheltered from westerly winds and calm throughout most of the summer season
- Snorkelling along the rocky edges and headlands at either end yields excellent visibility and varied Mediterranean marine species
- Clear-day views across the Ionian Sea to the mountains of mainland Greece directly to the east
- Easy combination with Melissani Lake, one of Kefalonia's top natural attractions, just 2 km from Sami
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Melissani Cave nearby
- Great snorkeling around the edges
- Calmer than Myrtos Beach — good for families
When to visit
June through September offers warm water and full facilities. The east-facing orientation means mornings provide the best light for photography and the beach receives afternoon shade from the hillside earlier than west-facing beaches. May and October are quieter with pleasant temperatures.
Accessibility
Antisamos Beach is reached via a signposted road with a small car park. The beach surface is loose pebbles, which is difficult for wheelchair users. There is no step-free access to the waterline and no adapted facilities on the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Antisamos Beach famous?
Antisamos gained international recognition as the primary filming location for the 2001 film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz. The beach's vivid turquoise water and lush green hillside setting made it an ideal production backdrop.
How do visitors reach Antisamos from Argostoli?
Antisamos is approximately 20 km northeast of Argostoli, reached by driving east to Sami and then following the signposted road 3 km to the beach. The journey takes around 30–35 minutes by car. The beach is not served by regular public bus.
What is the beach surface like at Antisamos?
The beach is composed of smooth rounded white and pale grey pebbles. They are comfortable underfoot when wet and in the shallows. Water shoes are useful for those sensitive to pebble surfaces, though most visitors manage comfortably without them.
What other attractions are near Antisamos?
Melissani Lake, an underground lake with a collapsed ceiling open to the sky, is approximately 2 km from Sami and 5 km from Antisamos. It is one of Kefalonia's most visited natural attractions and makes an excellent combined half-day itinerary with the beach.
Is Antisamos good for snorkelling?
Yes. The rocky edges and headlands at both ends of the beach provide excellent snorkelling habitat with good water clarity. Snorkelling gear can be hired from the beach bar or from equipment shops in Sami or Argostoli.