Lixouri Beaches: An Expert Guide to the 10 Best ones
You can pick and choose any type of beach you want when it comes to Lixouri beaches.
While Kefalonia is famous for its iconic coastline, the western peninsula of Paliki offers a world of its own. This is a region of dramatic contrasts. Here, fiery red-sand shores meet sheer white cliffs, and tranquil, hidden coves lie waiting to be discovered.
The Lixouri beaches provide a unique and unforgettable Greek island experience, which is distinct from the rest of Kefalonia.
Whether you are seeking a family-friendly paradise, a wild landscape, or a secluded spot for pure relaxation, the Paliki peninsula has a perfect beach for you.
This guide will take you on a tour of the 10 most essential beaches to visit. It also includes practical tips to help you explore this incredible area.
The Icons: Discover Paliki’s Best Beaches
These are the beaches that have rightfully earned their place on the world stage. Renowned for their unique character and breathtaking beauty, they are essential stops on any Kefalonian journey.
1. Petani Beach: The Myrtos of the West
Often hailed as the rival to the world-famous Myrtos, Petani Beach makes a dramatic first impression. As the road carves its way down the mountainside, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a perfect arc of white against a sea of impossible turquoise.
- Best For: Unforgettable sunsets, dramatic photography, and confident swimmers.
- The Shore: A stunning mix of smooth white pebbles and sand lapped by crystal-clear, blue-green water that deepens quickly.
- Amenities: Well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and two highly-regarded tavernas serving fresh seafood right on the beach.
- Insider Tip: The west-facing orientation makes Petani one of the most spectacular sunset spots on the island. Plan to stay for the evening show.
(Read our in-depth article: A Complete Guide to Petani Beach)
2. Xi Beach: The Red Sand & Natural Clay Spa | Lixouri Beaches
Instantly recognizable and utterly unique, Xi Beach is famous for its vast expanse of soft, deep-red sand. The beach is framed by soft, grey clay cliffs, where visitors indulge in a natural spa treatment, covering themselves in the mineral-rich mud for a memorable and therapeutic experience.
- Best For: Families with young children, unique spa experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Shore: Fine, reddish-orange sand meets exceptionally shallow, calm, and warm water, creating an incredibly safe playground for children.
- Amenities: Fully organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, a fantastic watersports center, and a wide selection of lively beach bars and tavernas.
- Insider Tip: Create your own natural spa mask by mixing the grey clay from the cliffs with a little seawater. It’s an essential part of the Xi Beach experience!
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Xi Beach: A Guide to Kefalonia’s Red Sand Paradise)
3. Mega Lakos Beach
Considered the serene, more spacious sibling of Xi Beach, Mega Lakos shares the same beautiful red sand and calm waters but offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Its impressive length ensures you can always find a quiet spot to call your own.
- Best For: Families with toddlers and those seeking a peaceful alternative to Xi.
- The Shore: Soft red sand slopes gently into crystal-clear, shallow water, perfect for young children.
- Amenities: This beach is semi-organized. You will find a few excellent beach bars offering sunbeds, while large sections remain completely natural and unspoiled
- Insider Tip: Seek out the “Fishbones” beach bar, a local favorite celebrated for its laid-back vibe and excellent food.
(Read our in-depth article: Mega Lakos Beach: The Complete Visitor’s Guide)
4. Lepeda Beach| Lixouri Beaches
Just a few minutes’ drive from Lixouri town, Lepeda is a convenient and charming cove known for its reddish-orange sand and fascinating rock formations that rise from the sea.
- Best For: A convenient and beautiful beach day close to Lixouri.
- The Shore: Soft, red-orange sand meets calm, shallow, and crystalline waters.
- Amenities: Organized with sunbeds, a canteen for refreshments, and a traditional taverna serving local dishes nearby.
- Insider Tip: The large, naturally sculpted rock just offshore is the beach’s signature feature and makes for a fantastic photo backdrop.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Lepeda Beach: Lixouri’s Charming Red Sand Cove)
5. Platia Ammos: The Lost Beach for the Fearless
Platia Ammos is the stuff of Kefalonian legend—a breathtakingly beautiful beach that has been reclaimed by nature.
Once accessible by a grand staircase of nearly 400 steps, a 2014 earthquake destroyed the path, rendering the beach officially “closed” and accessible only by private boat.
- Best For: True adventurers, experienced hikers, and those seeking absolute solitude.
- The Shore: A pristine expanse of polished white pebbles and sand, washed by intensely deep blue waters and framed by colossal, imposing cliffs.
- Amenities: None. This is a completely wild and unorganized beach. There are no facilities, no shade, and no mobile phone reception.
- Insider Tip: For the truly adventurous with proper hiking shoes and a steady nerve, a challenging descent using fixed ropes is possible, though not officially sanctioned. This is not a casual walk; it is a genuine adventure that rewards the daring with one of Kefalonia’s most pristine and isolated beaches.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Platia Ammos Beach)
6. Atheras Beach | Lixouri Beaches
Atheras is the definition of a hidden gem—a perfect crescent of golden sand nestled in a deep, fjord-like bay. Its remote setting and authentic character make it a cherished secret among locals.
- Best For: Ultimate relaxation, exceptionally safe swimming, and an authentic Greek atmosphere.
- The Shore: Fine golden sand meets remarkably calm, clear, and warm water.
- Amenities: The beach itself is completely unorganized. However, two of the island’s best traditional fish tavernas are located just steps from the sand, offering incredible food with an unbeatable view.
- Insider Tip: The drive down is part of the experience. Be sure to stop at the viewpoint on the winding road for a breathtaking photo of the bay below.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Atheras Beach: A Guide to Kefalonia’s Tranquil Cove)
7. Lagadakia Beach close to Gero Gobo Lighthouse
A small, secluded cove of smooth white pebbles, Lagadakia is a snorkeler’s paradise. The underwater landscape is spectacular, with rock formations and small sea caves teeming with life.
- Best For: Snorkeling, exploring sea caves, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
- The Shore: Smooth white pebbles meet cool, crystal-clear, blue-green water.
- Amenities: Mostly unorganized, though a small canteen often operates in the summer offering snacks and basic facilities.
- Insider Tip: For the more adventurous, the large, smooth rocks on either side of the bay are perfect for diving into the deep, clear water.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Lagadakia Beach: Kefalonia’s Snorkeling Paradise)
8. Agia Eleni Beach close to Petani Beach| Lixouri Beaches
A stunning and remote beach, Agia Eleni is a beautiful cove of white pebbles and naturally sculpted rock formations. Reaching it requires navigating a narrow, steep road, but the reward is a truly peaceful and authentic beach, far from the modern world.
- Best For: Seclusion, spectacular sunsets, and snorkeling in pristine waters.
- The Shore: White pebbles meet crystal-clear azure water that gets deep quite quickly.
- Amenities: Completely unorganized. You must bring everything you need for the day.
- Insider Tip: This is considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled sunset spots on the island. Plan to stay for the evening.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Agia Eleni Beach: A Guide to a Wild Kefalonian Gem)
9. Koutala Beach | Lixouri Beaches
Another hidden gem for those in the know, Koutala is a narrow bay with dark orange sand and an exceptionally calm, warm sea. Its gently shelving seabed makes it incredibly safe and perfect for less confident swimmers.
- Best For: A quiet swim, families seeking the safest possible water, and total seclusion.
- The Shore: Dark orange sand meets a calm, warm, and shallow sea.
- Amenities: Completely unorganized. This is a wild beach where you must bring your own supplies.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Koutala Beach: A Secluded Sandy Escape)
Also on the same coastline: Kounopetra Beach | Lixouri Beaches
Kounopetra is not a place to swim in our opinion. There is a nice shore calles Mania beach close that you can enjoy.
It’s more of a nice car stop place and a nice landmark with a great view. Named for the “moving rock” phenomenon, Kounopetra is a beach with a story. A large rock just offshore was said to move rhythmically until the 1953 earthquake stilled it, leaving behind a unique geological landmark.
- Best For: Families with small children and those intrigued by natural history.
- The Shore: A cozy beach with soft, reddish sand and exceptionally shallow, warm waters, making it one of the safest spots for kids.
- Amenities: Mostly unorganized, providing a natural feel, but a taverna is located just above the beach for convenience.
- Insider Tip: While the original rock is now stationary, the area remains a fascinating geological site and a great conversation starter.
10. Fteri Beach| Lixouri Beaches
While not strictly on the peninsula, Fteri is a legendary beach often explored from Lixouri and is simply too beautiful to omit. Consistently ranked among the world’s best, this is a wild paradise of sheer white cliffs and brilliant turquoise water.
- Best For: Adventure, jaw-dropping scenery, and an unforgettable “castaway” experience.
- The Shore: A mix of white pebbles and sand meets mesmerizing, crystal-clear turquoise water.
- Amenities: Completely wild with no facilities whatsoever. You must pack in everything you need.
- Insider Tip: The easiest and most scenic way to reach Fteri is via a 10-minute water taxi from the nearby port of Zola. It’s an adventure in itself.
(Read our upcoming in-depth article: Fteri Beach: How to Reach Kefalonia’s Hidden Paradise)
A Note on Exploration
To truly unlock the secrets of the Paliki peninsula, a rental car is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. It grants you the freedom to venture beyond the main towns and discover the remote coves that define this region’s wild character.
The coastline of Lixouri is a destination in its own right—a captivating chapter in Kefalonia’s story. It’s a place of fiery sunsets, serene family days, and wild, untamed beauty.
From the celebrated shores of Petani to the secret sands of Koutala, the Paliki peninsula promises a beach for every mood and a memory for every traveler.
To see how these shores compare to other iconic spots on the island, explore our ultimate guide to the best beaches in Kefalonia.