Destination Kefalonia

The beaches here are not all the same. West coast is dramatic cliffs and big waves. East coast is calmer water and pebble coves. South has some sand. Knowing what you are getting into saves disappointment — or a sunburn.

1. Myrtos — Steep white cliffs, white pebbles, absurdly blue water. Crowded in summer. No natural shade. Bring an umbrella or rent one.
2. Antisamos — White pebbles, pine-lined, calmer than Myrtos. Canteen on site. The Captain Corelli beach, though it looked different in the movie.
3. Petani — West coast, wild and beautiful. Can have waves. The drive down is part of the experience — cliffs on both sides.
4. Makrys Gialos — Sandy, organized, close to Argostoli. Popular with families. Gets packed but for good reason.
5. Platis Gialos — Next to Makrys Gialos. Wider, slightly less hectic. Good snorkeling on the rocky sides.
6. Skala — Long sandy beach on the south coast. Shallow water, good for kids. The town behind it has decent tavernas.
7. Ksi — Red-tinted sand, unusual. The clay is supposedly good for your skin. Smells of sulphur near the rocks. An acquired taste.
8. Foki — Small cove near Fiskardo. Cypress trees to the water. No facilities. Bring everything you need.
9. Dafnoudi — Requires a 20-minute walk through olive groves to reach. That keeps the crowds away. Crystal clear water.
10. Lourdas — Long, mixed sand and pebble, backed by cliffs. Less touristic than Lassi beaches. A good middle ground.