Agia Kiriaki Beach sits on the western coast of Kefalonia, near the village of Zola, and is often considered a quieter alternative to some of the island’s more famous beaches.
If you’re researching beaches in Kefalonia (or planning a larger trip to Greece), you’ve probably seen Agia Kiriaki Beach described as a “hidden gem.”
I visited in early June last year, thinking I’d beat the crowds. I pulled in around 4:15 pm on a weekday, fully expecting it to be quiet.
It was not quiet.
Almost every single umbrella was taken, the parking lot was completely full, and I ended up parking on the side of the road. So let’s just start there: this beach is not some secret anymore.
That said — it still has a lot going for it.
What Makes Agia Kiriaki Beach Different?
1. It Has More Sand Than Most Beaches in Kefalonia
If you’ve spent any time beach hopping in Kefalonia, you already know: a lot of the beaches are rocky.
Agia Kiriaki stood out to me because it had the most sand of any beach I visited on the island. It’s still not powder-soft Caribbean sand, but compared to places like Myrtos or Petani, it felt noticeably softer underfoot.
That alone makes it appealing if you’re not a huge fan of walking across stones.
That said — I still recommend bringing water shoes. Even though there’s more sand here, there are still rocky sections in the water, and it just makes getting in and out easier.
2. The Water Is Calm and Easy to Swim In
The waves were surprisingly tame when I visited.
Some Kefalonia beaches can feel dramatic and powerful (which is beautiful, but not always relaxing). Here, the water felt manageable. I had no issue swimming, floating, or just hanging out without constantly being knocked around.
If you’re traveling with kids or just want something more mellow, this is a solid option.
The Real Draw: Cheap Umbrellas & Chairs
From what I understood — and from talking to people there — one of the biggest reasons people come to Agia Kiriaki is the price of the umbrellas and beach chairs.
They are much cheaper than many of the more famous beaches on the island.
And honestly? That’s kind of a big deal.
It gets unbearably hot here — even in June. If you don’t have your own umbrella setup, paying lower prices for shade makes a difference, especially if you’re beach hopping every day.
When I arrived, almost every umbrella was already claimed, which tells you everything you need to know.
Getting There: The Drive Down
Getting to Agia Kiriaki is part of the experience.
At first, it’s the usual Kefalonia drive — paved mountain switchbacks, dramatic views, and (in my case) wild goats casually running across the road.
If you’ve driven around the island for a few days, this will feel completely normal.
But the last 1 km changes.
It turns into a straight dirt road. It’s technically “paved” in the sense that you’re not driving over giant rocks, but dust was flying everywhere. My car was fully coated by the time I arrived.
It’s not dangerous — just something to be aware of, especially if you’re driving a rental and care about keeping it spotless.
The final stretch is a narrow dirt road that technically fits two cars — but it definitely doesn’t feel like it. If you meet another car head-on, someone will likely need to pull slightly to the side. It’s manageable, just take it slow.
Parking: Plan Ahead
The parking lot is small. And it fills up fast.
I arrived after 4 pm on a weekday in mid-June and the lot was already full.
The good news: parking is free.
If you’re coming during peak summer months, I would absolutely arrive earlier in the day.
Where I Sat (And What I Noticed)
I didn’t need a paid umbrella, so I walked to the far end of the beach hoping for a little more space.
It was nicer over there. Quieter. Less packed.
But I did notice more seaweed than I would have liked — both on the sand and in the water. It wasn’t awful, but it was noticeable compared to some other beaches on the island.
Still swimmable. Still beautiful. Just not perfectly pristine.
One thing I noticed was that this beach felt more local. I heard a lot of Greek being spoken, and the overall vibe was relaxed and very European. It wasn’t uncommon to see women topless or people changing casually on the beach. If you’re not used to that, just know it’s normal here and no one seems to think twice about it.
Amenities & Water Sports at Agia Kiriaki Beach
For a beach that people call “undiscovered,” it actually has solid amenities:
- A rental shop offering paddle boards, kayaks, and jet skis
- Multiple beach showers
- A beach bar
- A restaurant right on the sand
When I visited, there were lots of people actually out on the water — especially on paddle boards and jet skis — so it clearly draws a crowd for water sports. Because the water was relatively calm that day, it felt like a great setup for beginners.
It’s not remote or wild in the way some Kefalonia beaches feel. It’s convenient.
Best Time of Day to Visit Agia Kiriaki Beach
I’d personally come earlier in the day if you want better parking and more umbrella options. Even arriving after 4 pm on a weekday in June, the lot was completely full and most of the umbrellas were already taken.
Late afternoon still worked for me, but it definitely wasn’t the quiet “hidden gem” experience I expected. If you’re visiting in July or August, I’d aim for morning.
Who Agia Kiriaki Beach Is Best For
I think this beach is best for couples, families, or anyone who values convenience and affordability over dramatic scenery.
If you want easy swimming, rentable umbrellas, water sports, and a beach bar within walking distance, this is a solid choice. If you’re chasing the most jaw-dropping cliffs and cinematic views on the island, other beaches in Kefalonia might rank higher.
FAQ: Agia Kiriaki Beach, Kefalonia
Is Agia Kiriaki Beach worth visiting?
Honestly? It wouldn’t be at the top of my list.
Unless you specifically want affordable umbrellas or plan to do water sports, I wouldn’t prioritize it over some of the more dramatic beaches in Kefalonia. It’s not the prettiest beach on the island, and it didn’t feel especially unique.
That said, it’s still a comfortable, convenient option — especially if calm water and lower-cost sunbeds matter to you.
Is Agia Kiriaki Beach sandy or rocky?
It has more sand than many beaches on the island, but there are still a lot of rocks in the water, so I’d absolutely recommend water shoes.
Is parking free at Agia Kiriaki Beach?
Yes, parking is free — but the lot is small and fills up quickly. Even arriving after 4 pm on a weekday in June, I had to park along the side of the road.
Does Agia Kiriaki Beach have umbrellas and sunbeds?
Yes. One of the main draws of this beach is that umbrellas and chairs are typically cheaper here than at some of the more famous beaches on the island.
Are there amenities at Agia Kiriaki Beach?
Yes. There’s a rental shop offering paddle boards, kayaks, and jet skis, plus beach showers, a bar, and a restaurant right on the sand.
Is Agia Kiriaki Beach good for water sports?
It can be. When I visited, lots of people were out on paddle boards and jet skis. The water was relatively calm that day, which made it feel beginner-friendly.
My Honest Take: Is Agia Kiriaki Beach Worth It?
Here’s where I land.
If you:
- Want more sand than most Kefalonia beaches
- Prefer calmer water
- Care about affordable umbrellas (though honestly, Antisamos wins there — buy a drink and you’re covered for the day).
- Don’t mind some seaweed
- And are okay arriving early for parking
Then yes — it’s worth adding to your list.
If you’re expecting a secret, empty cove where you’ll have the place to yourself? That wasn’t my experience.
It definitely isn’t the prettiest beach in Kefalonia, but it still has its charm.
For me, it was a good beach day — not life-changing, not overrated either. Just a solid option, especially if budget and comfort matter.
And honestly, in Kefalonia, having options is everything.
Would I go back? Probably not as a priority. But if I wanted an easy beach day with calmer water and cheaper umbrellas, I wouldn’t hesitate.
And sometimes on a busy Kefalonia itinerary, that’s exactly what you need.
Other Kefalonia Beaches Worth Visiting
If you’re beach hopping around Kefalonia, I’d personally prioritize:
Myrtos Beach – The most dramatic and iconic beach on the island. Huge cliffs, unreal blue water. Not the calmest, but stunning.
Antisamos Beach – Clear water, organized sunbeds, and one of the best umbrella deals if you just buy a drink.
Petani Beach – Similar dramatic cliffs to Myrtos, but often a little less chaotic.
