Kefalonia or Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece. Steeped in history, it was home to Odysseus, the legendary king hailed in Homer's The Odyssey. Unlike many other Greek holiday destinations Kefalonia has managed to escape mass tourism, so it has an authentic Greek feel.
It is sunny all year round with a pleasant autumn and spring, scorching summers reaching average highs of 29°C, and mild but wet winters which keep the island lush and green.
A myriad of beautiful beaches line Kefalonia's coastline, some of which were used in the filming of Captain Correlli's Mandolin starring Penélope Cruz and Nicolas Cage. The island has its fair share of Blue Flag beaches and wherever you stay you're likely to be near one of its white sandy beaches with turquoise waters.
Lively beaches
If you prefer your beaches fully-equipped with plenty of facilities and activities, look no further.
Skala is a long sandy Blue Flag beach found in the small fishing village of the same name on the southern tip of the island. This beach stretching 7 kilometres is backed by an excellent selection of bars, cafes and restaurants and enjoys views of both the Pelopponese and Zante. As it is so vast, it rarely gets overcrowded, and the water gently shelves down so it's great for families. There's also a great range of water sports and excursions operating from the sea front.
Or there's the sandy beach at Lourdas, a quaint coastal village atop a hill on the southern edge of Kefalonia. As well as a popular well-organised beach with ample shops, bars and restaurants it is also a beautiful spot to sunbathe. It's surrounded by lush green vegetation and waterfalls running through the mountains. However being on the south coast it can get quite windy so it may not be ideal for young children.
Pure bliss
For those in search of some peace and quiet on a stunning, secluded beach, check out these coastal gems.
Mytros is the most photographed beach on Kefalonia and was featured in Captain Corelli's Mandolin. You'll be amazed by the brilliant turquoise waters lapping on this impressive sweep of coral white sand nestled into dramatic rocky cliffs. Apart from a few sun beds and a snack bar, this pebbly beach remains completely unspoilt. However the sea gets deep very quickly and can get rough, so it's more suitable for strong swimmers.
The closest beach to the resort of Sami is Antisamos, a majestic horseshoe bay surrounded by tree-clad hills. This breathtaking spot was another location used for the filming of Captain Correlli's Mandolin and has since gained worldwide acclaim. This attractive pebbly beach is a great spot for swimming and its minimal facilities include a few sun beds and the Mojito Beach Bar. It can get quite busy in the summer with holidaymakers from Sami, and the bar gets quite noisy, so it's not the best place to chill.
If you'd rather a more peaceful beach there's St. Thomas aka Agios Thomas, a small beach at the bottom of the village of Karavados. This enchantingly tranquil beach is backed by lush greenery and has a couple of good tavernas with great views of the sea. Its calm, shallow waters are great for swimming and snorkelling and perfect for families with children.
Or, five minutes by car from Fiskardo is the picturesque Foki, a favourite for those in search of a peaceful beach far away from the crowds. This dreamy beach is known for its olive tree forests which reach all the way to the shore, giving the water an amazing emerald colour. Foki means seal in Greek, and it was so named as it is home to many seals.
Xi beach is one of the best beaches on the Pali peninsula and is well worth the trek if you're staying across the gulf. What makes this Blue Flag beach unique is its brilliant orange sands and the fact that it is backed by clay cliffs which if scraped off and mixed with water make a great mud mask.
If you're in search of a secluded beach there's Mandras beach, named after the character in Captain Corelli's Mandolin because he fled from this location in the middle of the night. The only physical evidence of the filming is the jetty which juts out from the shore. Mandras is in a scenic isolated location opposite Ithaca, however it is quite a trek to get there.
Or there's Emblisi beach, a secluded, unspoilt pebble beach on the north coast, just a short drive from Fiskardo. It's shaded by Cyprus trees, with flat rocks either side ideal for sunbathing on, while the deep, crystal clear bay is perfect for a swim.
Family friendly
If you want somewhere safe to take the kids, with plenty of attractions, check out these beaches.
Near the village of Svoronata is Ammes, which is Greek for sand, and so boasts soft golden sands. This postcard-worthy beach has clear, shallow waters ideal for children and is great for swimming and snorkelling. It's quite near the airport so you'll have a great viewing point for plane spotting. There's a beach bar on hand if you get thirsty.
Alternatively there's the Blue Flag Avithos reached either from Svoronata or Kaligata. This long sandy beach is perfect for kids with beach games and gently shelving waters for splashing about in. There's a small beach bar and a couple of tavernas serving traditional Greek food. Avithos offers great views out to the tiny islet of Dias, on top of which stands a solitary church.
Water sports
Most of the organised beaches offer water sports but these are the best for water-based fun.
The previously mentioned beaches of Skala and Xi have plenty of water sports to try. Why not check out the Dolphin Ski Club in Skala offering waterskiing instruction as well as oxoons, doughnuts and para-sailing?
The resort of Lassi has several beaches but the best for water sports is Makris Giolas, which is Greek for 'long beach'. This thin stretch of sand is fully-organised and boasts soft golden sand and clear waters perfect for swimming. Albatros Watersports is the long-established centre for water sports where you can whiz around on jet skis and learn to water ski. If you're in a group, why not have a go on a banana boat? If you've got kids, take a ride in pedalo with a slide. After a all the excitement, head to Costa Costa Beach to chill out on luxury beach furniture with a long cooling drink and a snack as relaxing music plays.