Kefalonia and its Breathtaking Myrtos Beach

Kefalonia, the largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea, is a treasure trove of beauty and adventure! We visited this stunning island three times in 2008, 2015, and 2016, discovering new wonders each time.

One of the main reasons we returned in 2015 and 2016 was the comfort and convenience of our all-inclusive family hotel near Xi Beach. The hotel offered child-friendly amenities, including entertainment, services, and facilities.

Kefalonia has inspired many with its beauty and was also the filming location for the famous movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin."

Kefalonia

Argostoli is the central and largest city on the island of Kefalonia. It is situated at the end of a natural bay, surrounded by mountains and forests. Before the devastating earthquake in 1953, there were reportedly 365 settlements in Kefalonia, many of which were abandoned afterward. Nonetheless, the charm of this island is truly unforgettable.

We arrived at the International Airport "Anna Pollatou" and then took a bus organized by our agency to Argostoli. From Argostoli, we traveled by ferry to the port of Lixouri, located on the Paliki peninsula, where our hotel was.

Ferry ride from Argostoli to Lixouri

Myrtos Beach

My first association with Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, the island's most famous beach.

Located in the northwestern part of the island, Myrtos is a stunning beach characterized by its white pebbles and crystal-clear waters. It is a place of pure beauty, with a turquoise sea extending as far as the eye can see. The view from the top of the cliffs overlooking the beach is absolutely breathtaking. Just be sure to pack your beach shoes for the pebbly shore!

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach

Melissani Cave

We were truly amazed by the enchanting colors in Melissani Cave! The lake inside the cave is surrounded by towering cliffs with a rim lined with trees. The cave measures 36 meters in height, 40 meters in width, and 3.5 meters in length. The water in Lake Melissani is a unique mixture of fresh and saltwater. The saltwater comes from the sea, while the freshwater is sourced from an underground spring.

According to legend, the nymph Melissani, secretly in love with the god Pan, drowned herself in the lake out of despair after he rejected her love. This myth adds an intriguing and romantic layer to the cave's natural beauty. During excavations in 1962, many figurines depicting the god Pan and nymphs were discovered in Melissani Cave. All of the artifacts date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC.

Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave

Trees surrounding Melissani cave

Ithaca island

Three Ionian islands in Greece—Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Ithaca—are close to each other.  You can visit the beautiful Ithaca Island on a day trip.

According to Greek mythology, this island was the home of Odysseus.

Ithaca island

Ithaca island

Xi Beach

In 2015 and 2016, we traveled with a small child, so it was most convenient for us to stay on this beach near our hotel.

Golden sand- Xi Beach

Xi Beach is perfect for families with children because the water is shallow. I felt completely carefree since it is rarely windy or wavy. My child played peacefully in the sand; it truly felt like paradise. Locals say that the soft, white clay from the cliffs surrounding the beach has medicinal properties, and I couldn't resist trying it. 😊

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.

Also, the sea threw algae on the beach, so I wouldn't say I liked it much😊.

For the last two years spent in Kefalonia, we only went to rest, lie down, and do nothing. If we were going just for the beauty of the beach, we would have chosen a different hotel near some other beach.

 Xi Beach

 Xi Beach

 Xi Beach & seaweed :(

Unusual tree,  Xi Beach

We only visited a few beaches during this trip. It doesn't matter; we can save the tour of other beaches for next time 😊.

Visiting Kefalonia in Greece brought us such joy, and I cherish those moments we shared as a family, especially when our daughter was little. It's heartwarming to think back on those times when I felt completely relaxed and at peace on that beautiful Ionian island. Those memories hold a special place in my heart.