SMALLER RESORTS 

AND BEACHES

Wonderfully underdeveloped areas, dotted only with a few well kempt accommodations are for 'a few of us' a holiday dream come true and sheer paradise. Albeit they can become busy in the height of the season - but doesn't everywhere! - Greeks, Italians and foreigners alike fill to overflowing the hotels, towns and beaches along with all the tourist sites and hot spots on the island. But come September and they have almost all gone. Work resumes on the mainlands of Greece and all major European countries. Lawyers and barristers are back to their bars (oops! Freudian slip) bankers to their vaults, Doctors and nurses to their clinics and hospitals, Dentists to their chairs, with white collar workers to their desks and computers. Children and students back to school, farmers to their fields and governments officials back to keeping the countries all running smoothly, until next year.

Minies: Although this beach is situated at the end of the runway, it most certainly does not detract from the excellent waters and grey sand that sweeps over a small rocky outcrop to a second more seclude bay and a few caves. For the more adventurous a private white shingle beach lies under the cliffs. A kantina is open during the high season only.

Ammes: Situated below the village of Svoronata this small clean clear and sandy beach can get busy in high season, as it is ideal for small children. Sunbed and umbrellas are for hire also there is a kantina.

Ai Heli: Off the main road that leads to Ammes beach is a sign directing you to a small and pleasant beach with grey sand that shelves down into the sea, caution is required a you can experience an unexpected undercurrent. This beach also has a number of steps leading to it, so not suitable for the elderly or infirmed. A kantina, sunbeds and umbrellas are available.

Avithos: Two beautiful long but narrow sandy beaches which are separated by an impressive rock run to Paliolinos a small cove at the far end of the bay which has a steep and winding road leading to it from the village of Korianna. View of the neighbouring island of Zakynthos and also Dias island. Avithos is ideal for children and families with shallow coastal water. Restaurants and a kantina are located at the beginning of the beach.

Spartia: Beaches can be found in Spartia to the left and right of the fishermen's jetty. Or prior to the descent downhill, just before the private sailing complex you will find a small cove or a boat ride to the right of this, another long narrow sandy beach. No facilities other than a nearby hotel.

Pessada: A road to the right before you arrive at the waterfront, then a set of steps between a small parking place in front of a group of exquisite houses, leads you to a small cove and sunbathing area on the flat rocks. No facilities to be found here apart from a kantina situated near to the ferry terminal.

Ayios Thomas: Two tavernas flank beaches and sunbathing areas around this popular locals bathing place. A snorkeling paradise around volcanic rock or for the more adventurous a walk around a well-worn path to a sandy beach past the smaller area below a concrete slope.

Trapazaki, Lithero & Lourdata: All situated in the bay of Lourdas a large beach which stretches from below the hamlets of Poriarata, Moussata, Simotata, Vlahata and Loudata with shingle, sand and clear turquoise water. Trapezaki is the first with beach taverna separated only by a man made harbour. An easy walk takes you to Lithero again with a rocky small portal for local fishermen, there are beach tavernas, sunbeds and umbrellas.

From this point a dirt track leads to the small square and famous spring of Lourdata or another pleasant stroll to the beach surrounded with a slightly wider selection of tavernas and shops.

Sissia: A dirt slope enables you to reach this pleasant beach below the old Monastery of Sissia but after the winter rain can become a little precarious so care is needed. No facilities on the shingle beach and don't forget the walk back up hill if you forget anything.

Koroni: A dirt road leads to this excellent beach backed by sand dunes and  a good supply of running fresh spring water. This once idyllic unmarked and unsigned beach has now become involved in the tourist trap of sunbed and umbrellas with the supplier cutting out a blot in the landscape road, that runs down from Vallianos opposite the original dirt road just below the small garage and grill of the same name.

Agia Barbara: Is the local sandy beach of Katelios umbrellas and sunbeds are for hire and close by are some of the finest fish tavernas on the island.

Mounda Bay: Just around the corner from Katelios, below the village of Ratzakli are two continuous lovely sandy beaches. Kaminia and Potamakia backed by sloping hills a dirt track runs behind both in the middle is a kantina and a few areas have sunbeds and umbrellas but even in the high seasons this beach always has a quiet spot for you to find.

Beware if you come supplied with your own umbrella, only place it near to the shoreline as this whole area is one of the places the endangered Loggerhead Turtle lays its eggs.

Cape Mounda to Cape Kapri: After the long beach of Skala all along the coast you will find small shingle and pebble coves including hidden caves the largest being Sakkos.

Kako Langadi: This hidden cove just before Limenia cannot be reached unless you are a goat or excellent climber, but this tiny shingle cove can get extremely busy in August. Just look for the cars parked on the side of the road and literally follow what looks like a goat path. No facilities.

Limenia:  Is only a few kilometres before Poros, this pebbled beach is renowned for its rock formations within the sea most with their own names! No facilities are available.

Lazarou, Xilomata & Koutsoupia Bay: These beaches can be reached by boat or a long walk. Koutsoupia is used mainly by the local boats for a get-away day and barbecue. No facilities.

Antisamos: East of Sami this bay is completely enclosed by the surrounding greenery. The shoreline is pebbly, the sea brilliant blue backed by rolling green hills. Wasps can be a problem during certain times of the year on this particular beach. Sun beds, umbrellas and a kantina are available.

Ayia Paraskevi: Is one of the larger of the coves that run along the full length of coastline from Sami to Ayia Efimia. There is a choice of cafι bar, watersports, sunbeds, umbrellas and taverna on this clean and pebbled bay.

Ayia Sophia Kakogylos and Kaminia: Narrow and pebbled and mainly used by passing yachts or the local communities all these beaches are reached either dirt tracks or newly tarmac winding roads. Some have small kantinas but the opening hours can vary.

Foki: Has to be one of the most photographed beaches on the island with the exception of Myrtos, surrounded by a forest of cypress tress. The shingle and pebbled beach is backed by the natural shade of an olive grove it even has its own caves for you to explore, another snorkel's paradise with a colourful array of small tropical fish. The only facilities are a taverna.

Emblissi: Just north of Fiskardo is this very busy beach, especially at weekends and during July and August. It shelves down into the water in flat stepped levels this rocks stretch either side of the beach and are used for sunbathing. No facilities other than a taverna at the top of the road.

Dafnoudi: Just one of the many pebbled coves reached only by foot around the Fiskardo coastline. Reached by walking through the village of old Antipata Erisos and down a short gorge. This whole area is where you are likely to see the playful Monk Seals that live in the area. No facilities.

Alikes: One taverna can be found at the bottom of the road next to the tiny shingle cove of Alikes named because of the salt that was once collected in its large rock pools. Excellent views of the high rocky cliffs that run the whole of the coastline to Cape Dafnoudi.

AyiosYerusalem: Two pebbled coves are at the end of this road with a taverna but no facilities. After any winds this part of the coastline does tend to have a lot of seaweed and sea debris washed ashore but in the summer months this of course is not a problem.

Ayia Kyriaki: Another of Kefalonia's photographed beaches, a stop on the road north is a must. The beach itself ranges from sand to pebbles but if you find your particular spot you will have plenty of privacy. An excellent fish taverna beside the harbour and a kantina with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.

Vouti: Left of Ayia Kyriaki through the village of Zola and down a winding road a short walk and another of the white shingle beaches and turquoise sea for you to relax for the day. No facilities.

Ayios Spiridon: This beautiful small sandy beach is below the village of Atheras. Thought by some to be Forcys where Odysseus was left by the Faeacians after his voyage back from his adventures. Sandy clear and shallow named after the small church to the right of the bay. Facilities available.

Petani: North of Lixouri Petani is an attractive beach again with a photo opportunity from the winding road that leads to this shingle and pebbled bay. Large slabs of rock are found in the sea in some parts. Plenty of facilities available including fresh fish caught in the bay.

Ayia Eleni: This tiny cove and expanse of sand/shingle mix is situated at the far left of Petani. It is a long but most beautiful road that leads through a plateau before the narrow winding and steep road leads to the tiny cove.

Lagadaki: Below the lighthouse of Yerogompos at the most western point of the island. Small and pebbled but very popular in the busy season. Surrounded by barren hillside and with no facilities.

Ayios Nikolaos: Is situated in Vatsa bay and is separated by a rocky outcrop. Two tavernas and one kantina on these lovely sandy beaches, and a pleasant surprise for those who like to explore!

Kounopetra bay: Excellent red sand sweeping coast and much quieter than its neighbour Xi. Roads lead down to this idyllic spot superb for old and young alike crystal clear sandy bottomed sea no fear of seaweed, stones rocks or creepy things in the sea for those who are a little more particular where they paddle. One taverna at the far end near the famous landmark and pretty fishing harbour.

Ayios Georgies, Ayios Ioannis & Kounoupis: Small sandy beaches all well hidden with only dirt tracks and pathways to connect them to a maze of farming roads. No facilities.

Lepeda: Just 2 km outside of Lixouri town this lovely beach with red sand and unusual rock formation has a kantina, taverna, showers, and changing cubicles as well as a small selection of sunbeds and umbrellas. Its thin strip of sand continues to the main town's beaches.

Livathi & Ayios Dimitiris: This expanse runs from the outskirts of Lixouri town all along the coastline of the bay, lots of alternative sections including sand, shingle and pebbles, all well worth exploring but no facilities on the beaches.

Koumaria: A winding dirt track leads down off the main just before the Lixouri turn off on the main road to the north. To a narrow strip of shingle used mainly by the local fishermen. No facilities.

Ayios Sotiras: A lovely pebbled cove, this once famous beach was an important port, now quiet and serene. No facilities.

Lithos: Off the main road signposted for Ayios Spirithon. Through olive groves to a man made harbour and narrow strip of pebbles. No facilities.

Ligia: The village of Farsa's own private beach so to speak. Situated below the village this pleasant little pebbled beach has its own church but no facilities.

Ayios Konstantinos: Another small strip of pebbles off the main road north. No facilities.

Fanari Beach: Named after the area this beach is known as the town beach. Sand and shingle with tavernas and the campsite supermarket.

Kalamia: Full circle and we are back to the Lassi area this smaller beach on the outskirts of the resort is very popular with a kantina, sunbeds and umbrellas. Accessible through a gate via a footpath from the main coastal road that winds its way around the peninsula between Lassi and Argostoli.