If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram travel posts or Pinterest boards about Greece, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Myrtos Beach.
That dramatic horseshoe cove, the stark white pebbles, and the unreal turquoise water — it doesn’t just look like a postcard, it looks like the poster child for Greek beaches.
When I finally stood on that cliff and looked down at Myrtos for the first time, my immediate thought was: Okay… this is why people come to Kefalonia.
And honestly? It really is that beautiful.
But here’s the thing — while Myrtos is stunning, it’s not necessarily the easiest beach day.
In this post, I’m walking you through everything you need to know before you go — what surprised me, when to visit, what to bring, and whether it actually deserves a top spot on your Kefalonia itinerary.
First Impressions of Myrtos Beach
The drive down to Myrtos is dramatic in the best way.
You wind along steep cliffs, and every few minutes you catch a glimpse of that bright blue water below. It’s the kind of road that practically forces you to pull over.
And you absolutely should.
Before you even head down to the beach, stop at the main overlook above Myrtos (it shows up as Myrtos Beach Viewpoint on Google Maps — I’ve linked the exact spot here). That iconic aerial view — the blinding white shore against electric blue water — is right there. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints in Kefalonia.
There’s also another lookout from the opposite side of the cove. It’s not quite as dramatic as the main one, but it gives you a different perspective of the cliffs wrapping around the beach. You can find that second viewpoint on Google Maps here as well.
When I finally made it all the way down to the beach, what surprised me most was the scale. It’s much larger than it looks in photos. The cliffs tower above you and wrap around the cove, making it feel enclosed and almost cinematic.
And the water color? Unreal. Layered shades of blue that honestly don’t look natural.
But before you plan your entire day around it, there are a few things you should know.
What Myrtos Beach Is Actually Like
Myrtos is a pebble beach, not soft sand.
The stones are large, white, and smooth — beautiful, but not exactly comfortable to lay on without a towel or beach mat. I’d definitely recommend bringing water shoes. The entry into the water drops off fairly quickly, which I didn’t fully realize before visiting.
When I was there, the conditions were actually perfect. Hardly any wind, gentle waves, and the water was incredibly swimmable. It was the kind of beach where I could have floated for hours.
But that’s not always the case.
The Ionian Sea here can get rough, and on windy days the waves crash dramatically against the shore. It looks stunning — honestly, almost cinematic — but it’s not always a calm, easy swim.
So I’d check the wind forecast before planning your whole beach day around it.
Exploring the Cave at Myrtos Beach
One thing I almost missed — and I’m so glad I didn’t — is the cave on the far left side of the beach (if you’re facing the water).
I highly recommend walking over to it.
You can actually swim into the cave and through parts of it, which was such a fun surprise. The water inside is that same bright blue, but it feels quieter and more tucked away compared to the open shoreline.
Right near the cave, there are also rocks you can jump off. They’re not super high — nothing extreme — but still high enough to make it fun. It felt like the perfect little adventurous add-on to an already beautiful beach day.
If the water is calm when you visit, definitely make time to explore that side of the beach.
Pros & Cons of Myrtos Beach
Let’s be honest and helpful.
What I Loved
- The water color is truly unreal — layers of bright turquoise near the shore fading into deep sapphire further out.
- The water is incredibly salty, which makes it surprisingly easy to float. I could just drift without much effort.
- The cliffs surrounding the cove make it feel dramatic and almost enclosed.
- It’s easily one of the most photogenic beaches in Greece — especially from the viewpoints above.
- Free parking (which is not always a given in Greece).
- Plenty of space since the beach is so wide — even when it’s busy, it doesn’t feel packed.
What to Consider
- It’s pebbly (not sandy).
- Waves can be strong depending on the wind.
- Very limited natural shade.
- At least when I visited in June, there were no real amenities — no beach bars, no food stands, nothing. I’ve heard that starting around mid-July there are a very limited number of sunbeds available for rent, but it’s definitely not a fully serviced beach.
- It can feel extremely hot and exposed mid-day.
Because there’s so little shade and no reliable amenities, you’ll want to come prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and definitely an umbrella or some kind of sun protection.
For me, Myrtos is more of a “wow” beach than a relaxed, all-day lounging beach. It’s stunning and absolutely worth seeing — but it’s not the kind of place I’d show up to without planning ahead.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Myrtos Beach?
If you can, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Best Time of Day
Midday is when tour groups and rental cars start rolling in, and because Myrtos is so exposed, the sun feels especially intense around noon. There’s very little natural shade, so it heats up quickly.
Sunset is beautiful here, but the cliffs cause parts of the beach to fall into shadow earlier than you might expect. If you’re hoping for that classic bright-blue water from above, the best light is usually earlier in the day.
Best Months to Visit
I visited in June and was honestly worried it wouldn’t be warm enough — that was not the case. It was very hot. The water was perfect, and while it was definitely warm, it didn’t feel as chaotic as peak July and August.
June ended up being a sweet spot: great swimming weather, lively atmosphere, but still manageable crowds.
If you can swing it, June or September are ideal.
If you can, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
How to Get to Myrtos Beach
You’ll need a rental car.
It’s located on the northwest side of Kefalonia, about:
- 30 minutes from Assos
- 45 minutes from Argostoli
The road down to the beach is paved but narrow and steep in sections. Just take it slow — it’s manageable.
There’s a large parking lot at the bottom, and when I visited, parking was free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtos Beach
Is Myrtos Beach sandy or pebbly?
Myrtos is a pebble beach, not soft sand. The stones are large, smooth, and bright white — beautiful, but not the most comfortable to lie on without a towel or beach mat. I highly recommend bringing water shoes, especially for getting in and out of the water.
Is Myrtos Beach good for swimming?
It depends on the wind. On calm days, the water is incredibly clear and very easy to float in — it was surprisingly swimmable when I visited. However, the Ionian Sea can get rough on windy days, and the waves can be strong. Always check conditions before getting in.
Is there parking at Myrtos Beach?
Yes, there is free parking directly above the beach along the road. It can fill up during peak summer months (especially July and August), so arriving earlier in the day is your best bet. I had no problem finding parking at any time of day in June.
Are there beach bars or sunbeds at Myrtos Beach?
When I visited in June, there were no real amenities — no beach bars, food stands, or organized services. I’ve heard that a very limited number of sunbeds may be available starting mid-July, but overall it’s still a bring-your-own setup. Plan to pack water, snacks, and shade.
What is the best time to visit Myrtos Beach?
Early morning or later in the afternoon is ideal. Midday can be extremely hot since the beach is fully exposed with very little natural shade. For fewer crowds and great swimming conditions, June and September are excellent months to visit.
Is Myrtos Beach Worth Visiting?
Yes — absolutely. Just go with the right expectations.
If you’re looking for:
- Dramatic scenery
- Unreal water color
- An iconic Kefalonia moment
- Clear, salty water that’s easy to float in
Then Myrtos should absolutely be on your itinerary.
When I visited, the water was incredibly swimmable. Hardly any wind, gentle waves, and that high salinity made it so easy to just float and relax. It ended up being way more comfortable for swimming than I expected.
That said, it’s still a pebble beach. There’s very little natural shade, and when I was there, there weren’t any real amenities or beach chairs — so it definitely feels more exposed and DIY than some other spots on the island.
If you’re specifically looking for:
- Soft sand
- Tons of amenities
- A super cushy, all-day lounge setup
You might prefer somewhere like Antisamos or another more built-up beach.
But for me, Myrtos was worth it for both the swimming and the views. It’s one of those places where you stand there and think, Okay… I get why people talk about this island.
