Kefalonia and its Breathtaking Myrtos Beach

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, is a true treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. We visited this stunning island three times — in 2008, 2015, and 2016.

One of the main reasons we returned in 2015 and 2016 was the comfort and convenience of an all-inclusive family hotel near Xi Beach, which made traveling with a small child especially easy. The hotel offered a range of child-friendly amenities, including entertainment and various family services.

Kefalonia has long inspired visitors with its beauty and also served as a filming location for the well-known movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

Kefalonia

Argostoli is the largest town and the capital of Kefalonia, set at the head of a natural bay and surrounded by mountains and lush forests. Before the devastating earthquake of 1953, the island reportedly had around 365 settlements, many of which were never rebuilt. Still, Kefalonia has retained an unforgettable charm that lingers long after you leave.

We arrived at Kefalonia’s international airport, “Anna Pollatou,” and took a transfer arranged by our travel agency to Argostoli. From there, we continued by ferry to the port of Lixouri on the Paliki peninsula, where our hotel was located.

Ferry ride from Argostoli to Lixouri

Myrtos Beach

My first memory of Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach - the island’s most famous and iconic beach.

Located on the northwestern coast, Myrtos is known for its dramatic setting, white pebbles, and crystal-clear water. It’s a place of striking natural beauty, where the turquoise sea stretches endlessly toward the horizon. The view from above, from the cliffs that frame the beach, is especially breathtaking.

Just don’t forget to bring beach shoes — the pebbles can be quite uncomfortable underfoot.

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach

Melissani Cave

We were completely mesmerized by the enchanting colors inside Melissani Cave. The lake is hidden deep within the cave, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and a rim of trees that leans gently over the opening above.

The cave is about 36 meters high and 40 meters wide, with a narrow stretch of roughly 3.5 meters in length. Its lake holds a rare blend of freshwater and seawater — the seawater enters from the sea, while the freshwater flows in from an underground spring.

According to legend, the nymph Melissani fell deeply in love with the god Pan. Heartbroken after he rejected her, she drowned herself in the lake, giving the place its name. The myth adds a haunting, almost dreamlike layer to an already magical setting.

In 1962, excavations uncovered figurines of Pan and the nymphs inside the cave. These artifacts date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, adding yet another layer of history to this remarkable natural wonder.

Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave

Trees surrounding Melissani cave

Ithaca island

The Ionian Islands of Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Ithaca lie close to one another, making Ithaca an easy and popular choice for a day trip.

In Greek mythology, this small but legendary island is known as the home of Odysseus.

Ithaca island

Ithaca island

Xi Beach

In 2015 and 2016, we travelled with a small child, so staying near Xi Beach, close to our hotel, was the most convenient option for us.

Golden sand- Xi Beach

Xi Beach is especially popular with families, thanks to its shallow waters and generally calm conditions. It’s rarely windy or rough, which made it easy to relax while my child played happily in the sand — it really did feel like a little paradise at times. The soft white clay from the surrounding cliffs is also said to have natural healing properties, and I couldn’t resist trying it myself. 😊

Applying clay

However, there were a couple of things I didn't like. One was that the water temperature was a bit inconsistent; it tended to be much colder at the depths, which could be uncomfortable at times. We also occasionally found seaweed washed up on the shore, which took away from the overall experience.

During our stays in Kefalonia those two years, we mostly used the beach for rest and relaxation rather than exploration. If we had been travelling purely for beach beauty, we would probably have chosen a different area.

 Xi Beach

 Xi Beach

 Xi Beach & seaweed :(

Unusual tree,  Xi Beach

We only managed to visit a few beaches on this trip, but that didn’t really matter — there’s always something left to discover next time.

Looking back, our time in Kefalonia brought us so much joy. I especially cherish those memories from when our daughter was still little. It’s heartwarming to think of those peaceful days on the island, when everything felt simple and unhurried. Those moments will always hold a special place in my heart.❤️