Before my trip to Kefalonia, I did what most people do—scrolled through countless beach photos trying to narrow down which ones were worth the stop. Antisamos kept popping up, but honestly? It didn’t immediately make my “must-see” list.

The photos looked nice, but not mind-blowing. Especially when compared to places like Myrtos Beach or some of the more rugged coves I had bookmarked. But since I was already planning to visit Melissani Cave (just a few minutes away), I figured I’d swing by Antisamos after. Zero expectations.

And I’m so glad I did.

First Impressions: The Kind of Place That’s Way Better in Person

The second I stepped onto the beach, I could tell I’d underestimated it. The water was insanely clear—like, you-can-see-every-pebble-on-the-bottom clear. No waves, no noise, just that calm turquoise water stretching out in front of me. I immediately felt like I could stay all day—and I basically did.

I wasn’t expecting to be reminded of the Caribbean, but Antisamos gave me serious Magens Bay vibes (if you’ve been to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll get it).

Calm, glassy water. Lush green mountains surrounding the bay. An easygoing, low-key setup that makes it really hard to leave.

What It’s Actually Like

• The Beach Setup: Antisamos is a white-pebble beach, which means water shoes help, but it also means that the water stays super clear. There are several beach bars lining the shore, and most of them offer free loungers if you order a drink or food. (This is honestly such a good deal—one smoothie and you’ve secured a prime spot for the day.)
• The Water: Zero waves. It stays shallow enough near the shore for kids, but deepens gradually, which makes it great for swimming or just floating. It’s also perfect for snorkeling—you can see fish swimming around you without even trying.
• Vibe: It’s not loud or party-heavy, but it’s not overly quiet either. Just a good mix of families, couples, and a few solo travelers scattered across the loungers.
• Facilities: There’s a large free parking lot, clean bathrooms, and showers. It’s easy to spend the entire day here without needing to leave for anything.

When to Go

I visited in early June, which I highly recommend.

The weather was hot (but not oppressive), the water was warm enough to swim, and the beach wasn’t overcrowded. From what I heard, July and August bring way more crowds, so if you want the same chill atmosphere, aim for shoulder season—either June or September.

Pair It With…

If you’re planning your Kefalonia itinerary, Melissani Cave is just a few minutes up the road. It’s super touristy but worth it for the colors alone. You can easily do both in a single afternoon—just hit Melissani first before the tour buses arrive, then unwind at Antisamos after.

Final Thoughts

Antisamos might not have been the most hyped beach on my list, but it ended up being one of the most memorable. It’s one of those spots that quietly impresses you the longer you stay. You don’t need to hike in, book a boat, or plan ahead. Just show up, grab a drink, and sink into a lounger for a few hours.

I almost skipped this beach. You shouldn’t.