7 Best Sights in Kefalonia, Greece

Some 280 steps were carved into the cliff face to enable access to this beach, which had previously only been reachable by boat. But in 2014 a tremor caused those steps to crumble. They're now very dangerous and should not be attempted, so sea access has once again become the only way to reach this magical shore. It's worth the trip. A semi-circular amphitheater of cliffs and sand mirrors that of Myrtos and Petani Bay, only without any vestiges of tourist interference. There are no facilities, just nature and you, so caution is advised, especially since the water deepens very quicky. Boat trips to the beach may be organized in Lixiouri and Argostoli. Amenities: none. Best for: empty shores; adventure; Robinson Crusoe--style Instagam shots.

A few kilometers' walk or drive from Sami lies one of the island's more famous beaches: a forested bay wrapping narrow white-pebble shores and glistening emerald-blue waters. It got a boost in popularity after featuring in the film Captain Corelli's Mandolin, though it's a tad more active than the usual beauty spots, with a range of watersports on offer. Toward the end of the bay, a rock provides enough seclusion that naturism is generally considered acceptable. How that goes down with those who run the 18th-century-built Agrillion Monastery, atop a nearby hill, is anyone's guess. Amenities: canoes and paddleboats for rent; food and drink; sun beds and umbrellas; parking (free). Best for: watersports; nudists; swimming; families.

While most sun worshippers head to Emblisi Beach, the real find of this area lies a short stroll from the village of Antipata, just a few kilometers from Fiskardo. From there, park your car and follow the signs 800 m to the shore, strolling through sun-dappled cypress forests. This leads to a tiny white-pebbled inlet crested by trees. In the corner lies a small cave in which monk seals have been known to rest, and you'll only ever see a few other people here at most. There aren't any facilities, but that's the point: a wild beach escape away from the masses. Savor it. Facilities: none. Best for: peace and quiet; a great forest walk; swimming.

The golden-sand beaches surrounding Lassi can be notoriously busy. Access is easy and buses even run here from nearby Argostoli. It's the reason most of the island's resorts are clustered along this stretch of coast, meaning there will always be crowds. Makris Gialos is undeniably beautiful: a rocky collar of tall pine trees encloses the shore, which fades into pale, shallow azure waters ideal for families. Near its southern end, only a few rocks separates the near-identical adjacent beach of Platis Gialos, so you also get two for one. The facilities here are among the best on the island, and phalanxes of sun beds cover most areas not taken up by a volleyball court or bar. It can be quite noisy, though, and when the sun goes down a party atmosphere takes over. Amenities: sun beds and umbrellas; food and drink; lifeguard; showers; toilets; volleyball. Best for: families; watersports; parties; beach cocktails.

Myrtos is the poster child for Kefalonia's shores, and frequently named among the top beaches in Greece. Wrapped in high scrubby cliffs, its semi-circular bowl of white pebbly sand is larger than most others on the island, meaning the huge swathe of umbrellas and deck chairs that dominate its spine still leaves room in the corners for what passes for "isolation" here. Yet, for all its photogenic qualities, with a big reputation comes crowds. There is a canteen on the shore, but queues mean it's often best to pack your own drinks and snacks. The water can also get a little rough, and there is a steep drop off from the shore, so it's not perfect for little ones. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; showers; umbrellas and sun beds; parking (free). Best for: sunset views; panoramic shots from the clifftop.

For many this is the best beach on the island. Its setting is Caribbean-esque: a semi-circular ring of lush, green-stubbled cliffs wrapping a white pebble-sand shore that gives way to waters that veer from emerald to cobalt blue. Umbrellas and sundecks fill only part of the beach, so there's room in the corners just to spread out. Its remoteness ensures this remains one of few big shorelines yet to be overwhelmed on the island. Access is impossible without your own transport, so it's worth getting there early as parking is limited. Facilities do exist, however, in the form of a beach bar and a few restaurants. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: quiet, beautiful views; swimming.

Kilometer-long Mars-red sands sheltered by bright-white cliffs make this one of the most distinctive shores on the island. It's also the most popular, in part due to shallow waters that make it especially good for familes. Its popularity also means that it's well catered for, with a number of excellent restaurants and bars having sprouted on its fringes. Umbrellas and sun beds dot the shore. Good access and a mix of watersports and plenty of families ensure this is one of the noisier shores on the island. It can even be reached by bus from Lixiouri. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: families; after-bathing drinks.