Along with its stunning beaches, fantastic weather and natural beauty, Kefalonia has a couple of hidden gems that really stand out. Some of our favourites include the natural splendour of the island’s caves.
The Cave of Melissani is of unique beauty and is best explored by boat. The cave appears to be in the sun’s direct spotlight, thanks to the gaping hole in the top that allows rays to pour in, flooding the cavern with a soft blueish light.
The Cave of Drogaratis is a 150 million year-old cave featuring red stalactites and stalagmites. However the highlight of the cave is a hall named “Sala of Apotheosis”, thanks to its perfect acoustics. Filled with concerts and shows, this is an unmissable treat when you’re next on Kefalonia.
So you want the perfect beach for your summer holiday, but can’t decide where? It’s well known that Greece has some of the most jaw-dropping beaches you’ll ever see in your life and this year, it’s better value than ever before. So, with that in mind, we’ve asked some Greek friends to tell us their favourite secluded little hideaways along the Hellenic Coastline. It was hard to get them to reveal their secrets, but they did eventually, so use this information wisely! Here’s the ultimate list of the best Greece beaches.
1. Xigia Beach – Zante: If you’re driving to this glorious beach in Zante, you’ll need to get ready to abandon it and pop down a small path to a practically undiscovered beach.
2. Fokos Beach – Mykonos: A quiet and secluded one, Fokos is surrounded by fabulous scenery, very different to the rest of the island. It’s ideal for sunbathing and eh, nudism! “A quiet beach on a noisy island. Definitely worth a visit!” – Nikos
3. Seychelles Beach – Ikaria: Seychelles is one of the most scenic beaches on Ikaria Island. The pebbled seashore is surrounded by rocks and caves creating a breathtaking spot to completely soak up the sun. You can access the beach by walking on a path along the river bed. “Boasting stunning turquoise waters, this beach makes you think you are on an exotic island away from the hectic routine” – Elina
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4. Anthony Quinn Beach – Rhodes: The beach is named after the well-known actor, as it was used as the shooting place of the film ‘The Guns of Navarone’. It’s small but perfectly formed. It’s around 200 meters long with beautiful sand and some pebbles and rocks both in and out the sea.
5. Sarakiniko – Milos Island: This beach on Milos could be added to the list of natural wonders of the world, thanks to its moonscape-style landscape. “I recommend Sarakiniko beach on Milos Island for swimming, diving or photo shooting on the whitewashed rocks” – Maria
6. Agios Sostis – Parga, Western Greece: Surrounded by lush greenery, this isolated beach has small pebbles and great waters for swimming and snorkelling. At the end of the beach, you’ll also find a small church carved into the rocks! “I recommend Agios Sostis beach in Parga for absolute relaxation, as it is guaranteed that you’ll have the whole beach and crystal clear waters to yourself ” – Paris
7. Achla – Andros Island: Achla is only accessible by sea or on off road Jeeps The calm bay is totally protected from strong winds and is the ideal stretch of sand to completely unwind.
8. Egkremnoi – Lefkada Island: A charming beach that equals those of the Caribbean, thanks to its turquoise waters and long stretches of powder white sand. The beach is named after the giant rocks forming a natural cloak. Ideal for those seeking secluded beaches for absolute relaxation, but are fit enough for the 300 steps leading there. “My personal favourite beach on Lefkada. Amazing waters and idyllic scenery. Stepping down felt like flying!”- Eleni
9. Mpalos (Gramvousa) – Chania, Crete: The warm, crystal clear waters, together with the stunning colour of the sand and the peaceful atmosphere create an idyllic setting at Mpalos Beach. This tranquil slice of perfection is only available to a select few dedicated enough to access it by rocky roads and long walks.
10. Plateia Ammos – Kefalonia: The beach of Plateia Ammos in Kefalonia is where to go to rejuvenate body and mind. It’ll likely be deserted thanks to the tricky access via 400 steps, but when you get there, we promise it’s well worth it.
Explore, dream, discover, There’s never been a better time to holiday in Greece and on top of the beaches and sunshine, there is plenty to discover. Go home with a tale to tell after visiting one of the huge cave complexes dotted throughout the mainland and the islands.
Cave of Melissani: Found in the beautiful island of Kefalonia, this is an underground masterpiece. Shaped like a ‘B’ a small tunnel brings small tour boats inside the cave where the sun’s rays transform it into a heavenly light show. (Image via @ NikitasPhoto)
Cavern of Perama: Just 5km away from Ioannina city centre in Western Greece, the Cavern of Perama, discovered in the 40s is a real treat. A tour around the imaginatively lightened caves, and awe-inspiring ancient stalactites and stalagmites is well worth the trip.
Diros Cavern: One of the most beautiful lake made caverns in the world, together with Padirac Chasm in Southern France and Jeita in Beirut. Diros Cavern inthe Peloponnese is 14.5 km long, featuring underwater and overland routes.
Cave of the Lakes: In the village of Kastria in Achaia lies the famous Cave of the Lakes, a rare natural creation. Apart from its labyrinth of corridors, its mysterious galleries and its strange stalactite formations, this cave has something exclusively unique that does not exist in other infamous caves. Inside visitors will find a string of cascading lakes forming three different levels that establish its uniqueness in the world.
Cavern of Aggitis River (Maaras): The cave of the springs of the Aggitis River in Drama-Northern Greece features colourful and varied forms of stalactites reflected in the still waters of the underground river. It’s the perfect choice for budding biologists; unique fish species has been found in this cavern, such as Barbus Barbus, Squalius Orpheus and a rare kind of semi-transparent stone crayfish.
Alistrati’s Cave: According to the Greek Mythology, Pluto, master of Hades kidnapped Persephone, daughter of the Goddess Demeter. He led her to what was called the Gates of the Underworld at a ravine. The specific area which is mentioned in these Greek Myths is the same one near Alistratis’ Cave. The cavern lies in a place called Petroto, where Mother Nature decided to demonstrate its power by creating medusa-like shapes. However, what fascinates the most is the huge stalactites forming pure white curtains along the walls.
Cave of the Elephants: The Cave of the Elephants in Chania, Crete is a refuge for the protected species of Mediterranean Seal, one of the most endangered mammals of Europe. Diving in this cavern is a truly magnificent experience as visitors can admire the beautiful décor of stalactites and stalagmites (underwater and above the water surface) and see fossilized bones, which are embedded in the rocks of the cave.
Dragon’s Cave: Sshhh!Located in Kastoria-Northern Greece, this impressive cave with underground lakes was once believed to be a gold mine guarded by a sleepless dragon.
Find out more about amazing places around the world, in our Off the Beaten Track series.
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