Widely considered the most beautiful beach in Greece, Myrtos has bright white pebbles and vivid blue-green water set between two towering limestone peaks. The dramatic contrast of colors and the theatrical landscape make it endlessly photogenic and awe-inspiring.
Myrtos Beach on the island of Kefalonia in Greece's Ionian Islands is frequently cited as the most beautiful beach in Greece and among the finest in Europe. Located on the island's northwest coast between Assos and Divarata, the beach occupies a dramatic theatrical setting at the base of two towering limestone peaks, with the slopes of Mount Agia Dynati rising steeply on either side. The beach is composed entirely of smooth white and pale grey pebbles — there is no sand — and the water transitions through extraordinary shades of bright turquoise and deep blue-green depending on the angle of sunlight and depth.
Myrtos faces northwest and is fully exposed to the open Ionian Sea, which means wave conditions can be energetic even in summer, particularly in the afternoon when prevailing northwesterly winds pick up. This exposure makes it unsuitable for young children in anything but very calm weather, but the dramatic surf adds to the visual spectacle that makes Myrtos so compelling. The beach extends for approximately 800 metres and is wide enough to absorb significant visitor numbers, though it can feel very crowded in July and August.
Access is via a steep winding road descending from the village of Divarata, with a small car park at the summit offering the famous postcard aerial view down to the beach before the road continues its descent. A second car park sits closer to the shoreline. Facilities are limited to a small seasonal beach bar and a modest number of sunbeds; there are no large resort facilities or watersports operators. The nearest significant services are in Assos village or Argostoli.
The descent road is narrow in sections and generates traffic queues in peak season. Arriving before 9am or after 5pm is strongly recommended to secure parking and find space on the pebbles. Snorkelling at the quieter eastern and western extremities of the beach, away from the main crowd, yields good visibility in calm conditions. The viewpoint at the top of the descent road is one of the most photographed landscape spots on Kefalonia and worth stopping at regardless of conditions below.
Good to know
- Best for
- photography, nature lovers, couples
- Facilities
- limited sunbeds, small beach bar
Location
38.3347, 20.5628 View on map
Highlights
- Extraordinary blue-green and turquoise water framed by two steep limestone peaks — widely voted Greece's most beautiful beach
- Smooth white and pale grey pebble shore stretching approximately 800 metres with no sand and no large resort infrastructure
- Northwest-facing exposure creates spectacular wave action and a wild, dramatic atmosphere unlike any other Ionian beach
- Free panoramic viewpoint at the top of the Divarata descent road gives the iconic aerial photograph of the entire beach
- Excellent water clarity for snorkelling at the quieter eastern and western ends in calm morning conditions
Tips for visiting
- No large facilities — bring food and water
- Strong waves in rough weather; take care
- The viewpoint lookout from the road above is free and spectacular
When to visit
May, June, and September offer the best balance of warm water, manageable crowds, and calmer sea conditions. July and August are at peak capacity; arriving before 9am is essential to secure parking. Morning hours provide the calmest swimming conditions before afternoon winds build.
Accessibility
Myrtos Beach has no step-free access. The descent involves a steep road and then walking across loose pebbles to the waterline, which is very difficult for wheelchair users. The viewpoint at the top of the Divarata road is accessible by car and provides a spectacular view of the beach without descending.
Frequently asked questions
Is Myrtos Beach suitable for families with young children?
Myrtos is challenging for young children due to the pebble surface and regular wave action from its northwest exposure. In very calm morning conditions the sea is more manageable. Water shoes are strongly recommended. Antisamos Beach near Sami is a calmer, more family-friendly Kefalonian alternative.
How do visitors reach Myrtos Beach from Argostoli?
Myrtos is approximately 24 km north of Argostoli via the main road toward Assos, then via the signposted Divarata descent road. A rental car is the most practical option; there is no regular public bus service directly to the beach.
Is parking available at Myrtos Beach?
Two car parks serve the beach: one at the top viewpoint and a second closer to the shore. Both fill rapidly in summer by mid-morning. Arriving before 9am is strongly recommended in July and August to secure a space without queuing on the narrow descent road.
Are there food and water facilities at Myrtos?
A small seasonal beach bar operates from approximately June to September offering drinks and light snacks. There are no restaurants on the beach itself. Visitors should bring adequate supplies, particularly drinking water, as the nearest village shops are in Divarata or Assos.
When is the water roughest at Myrtos?
Afternoon conditions are typically roughest due to prevailing northwest winds that generate swells in the open-facing bay. Mornings are generally calmer. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly and swimmers should always check wave height carefully before entering the water.