| Mountainous Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian group | | | | steep, white cliffs, the isolated beach at nearby Spartia |
| of islands, is a justifiably popular beach holiday | | | | is less developed and there is good accommodation. |
| destination. Although the island is dominated by Mount | | | | Trapezaki has another inviting beach and here you'll |
| Ainos, and pine-clad hills that run down to the sea, it's | | | | find a choice of villas and hotels. Some of the best |
| the sandy beach coves lapped by the turquoise | | | | beaches for marine life are found in the southeast of |
| waters that draw the most visitors. The best way to | | | | Kefalonia, at Skala, where loggerhead turtles nest. |
| enjoy the top beaches on Kefalonia is to book your | | | | Myrtos, 30km north of Argostoli, lays a claim to having |
| accommodation so that some of the many enchanting | | | | one of Greece's most famous beaches, with its |
| beaches are within easy reach. | | | | white-sand backed by vertical rock cliffs. Although |
| If you arrive by ferry at the capital, Argostoli, head | | | | very popular and crowded in summer, the beach is |
| south for the nearby beaches of Makris Gialos and | | | | large enough for you to find a spot and the seas here |
| Platis Gialos, which end at the tiny islet of | | | | are generally calm. Nearby, the village of Zola has |
| Tourkopodaro. Makris Gialos has an area of sun | | | | good villa accommodation. The fishing village of |
| lounges ideal for soaking up the sun, but there is jetski | | | | Fiskardo, in the far north, retains much of its |
| hire if you feel like being more active. The smaller Platis | | | | Venetian-style architecture and is set around a small |
| Gialos is quieter and less developed than its neighbour. | | | | tree-lined bay. Nearby Emblisi Beach, edged by |
| Both beaches have bars and you will find a choice of | | | | interesting rock formations, is composed of small white |
| excellent villa accommodation at nearby Lassi. | | | | pebbles, so be sure to bring a mat. |
| Just a few kilometres further south, the tavernas and | | | | Sami, the main tourist port on the east of the island, |
| fine red sand bring visitors to Avithos. Naturists will find | | | | was used as the main location for the film that |
| a clothing optional beach at adjoining Ligia. From the | | | | popularised Kefalonia, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Like |
| shore, you'll see the tiny islet of Dias with its small | | | | many of the east coast beaches it consists of |
| church. It's possible to take a short boat trip to the | | | | pebbles, but there is a taverna-lined waterfront with |
| island and, depending on the season, the beaches | | | | numerous shops and cafes. And from Sami, you could |
| could be deserted. The nearby village of Svoronata | | | | hire a car and drive down the coast to Antisamos, one |
| offers villa lodgings, tavernas and cafes. Backed by | | | | of the more dramatic of Kefalonia's beaches. |