Exploring Enchanting Myrtos Beach & It’s Stunning Viewpoint

Myrtos Beach is such a dramatic beauty. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and also regularly on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Nestled between dramatic clifftops on on the island of Kefalonia, with a dazzling white beach and vibrant turquoise waters, it’s absolotely mesmerizing. Both from the viewpoint high above Myrtos Beach and on its stunning shoreline. This post covers Myrtos Beach, how to get here, what to expect, and where to stay.

Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach, also Mirtos Beach, is located in the northwestern part of Kefalonia Island, just north of Zakynthos island and its stunning Shipwreck Beach. It’s the top attraction of Kefalonia, although there are numerous other wonderful sites on this gem of an island.

What was once an idyllic retreat, becomes more and more popular every year. Here’s what to expect on Myrtos Beach.

Myrtos Beach Viewpoints

I’m going to start with the viewpoints for Myrtos Beach, as they really are breathtaking. But make sure to visit the beach itself too. There are two viewpoints. One on the north side of the beach and one on the south side.

Northern Viewpoint

The northern viewpoint provides the best view of Myrtos Beach as you can see more of the beach area. You can also see the hairpin-turn road leading down to it, which adds some incredible drama to the view. You can see more of it as you move to the right, but the photo below captures the beach best.

This viewpoint also has a little more space than the southern viewpoint, so you can explore the view from slightly different angles.

If you’re coming from the northern side of Kefalonia, from Assos or Fiskardo, it will be the first viewpoint you see. There is a small parking area off to the side of the road. You really can’t miss it as there will be cars and people there.

Southern Viewpoint

The southern viewpoint is on the southern side of Myrtos Beach. For some reason, it’s not on Google maps, so I can’t provide the location link for you here, but if you’re driving, you will see the place to pull off the side of the road.

From the southern viewpoint, you can also see Assos Village and Fiskardo in the distance.

This viewpoint is a small area with a metal railing in front of it, like a bridge would have. The railing, which is for protection, has become a place for lovers to add padlocks to show the devotion of their love. If you want to leave one here, make sure to bring a padlock with you. Most people write, or etch, their names on them to be able to identify them in the future.

The Road To Myrtos Beach

To get down to the Myrtos Beach there’s a hair-raising 1.2 mile (2km) hairpin-turn dirt road. You can see more of the road and parking situation in the photo below.

Make sure whoever is driving is OK with heights and a little tension. If you like a little adrenaline, you will love the drive! When you get to the bottom, there are parking spots on both the right and left side of the beach, and some park on the road. I was here at the end of September, so it was not very crowded.

Pebble And Sand Beach

The first things you’ll encounter are the pebbles on the beach. Especially closer to the parking area. These medium sized white pebbles are worn smooth by the sea. So perfectly oval, they almost seem staged.

They’re unique for a beach, and the white rocks look stunning from above, but can be challenging to walk on. Because of this, make sure to bring water shoes. It’s very difficult to walk here in sandals or flip flops.

As you get closer to the waterline, you’ll see more sand, but there are still some pebbles here and in the water.

The Waves

The waves at Myrtos Beach can be intense, especially if it’s windy. The day I was here, the waves were pretty rough. I was told it was due to the wind, but honestly, I could not feel much wind. I suspect this means just a gentle breeze produces waves.

The churning waves created very dramatic color variations in the sea. I guess they kick up the white sand and rocks, giving it a ‘whiter’ color in areas. It was actually mesmerizing to watch the colors shift as the waves flowed.

If the waves are rough, be very, very careful swimming. It’s best to use the buddy system, either swimming close with someone else, or having someone watch you. This is not a good place for small children. If you do bring children, you should stay close by at all times. There is, however, usually a lifeguard on duty during peak season.

The crystal-clear water here is an amazing shade of blue. From the beach I saw several different shades, like layers. They ranged from white to turquoise to a dark blue in the distance. I’ve never seen this much variation in color on a beach.

Sun Beds & Umbrellas

There are lovely sun beds on Myrtos Beach with charming thatched, tiki-style umbrellas. It’s best to get here early during peak season to make sure you get one as there are not many.

The cost is about 10€ for two sunbeds and an umbrella, which is pretty reasonable for one of the best beaches in the world!

Myrtos Canteen

There’s a wooden building here that serves as a canteen, selling food and beverages in peak season. They offer simple food, like sandwiches, spinach pie, chips, sweets, and beverages. If you want something more elaborate, bring your own picnic.

Facilities

There are plenty of free toilets, ans well ans showers and changing rooms here too. This beach is really well-kept and clean!

Myrtos Cave

There’s a cave on the left hand side of the beach, but it’s closed due to falling rocks. Some say they’re from goats above pushing rocks over…but with these warning signs, I think the falling rocks are natural and a regular occurrence.

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When the cave is open, and the water is calmer, you can explore the water inside the cave.

Beach Activities

Because of the waves and the pebbles, there are not many beach activities on Myrtos Beach. There is a company, however, that offers tandem paragliding.

The day I was here taking pictures, I could see a paraglider. I called the next day to see if I could book a flight, but it had become even windier, so flights for the rest of the week were canceled! If you want to do this, contact them early in your trip to make sure you get a good day.

The flights are offered by No Borders, which has been offering tandem flights here supervised by professional, experienced, and qualified instructors for many years. The flights last 15 to 25 minutes, offering stunning views of the beach.

To learn more about the flights and booking, see the No Borders website.

Posidonia Meadows And Banquettes

If you see some withered leaves on the shoreline, they are called Posidonia banquettes. They are the leaves of the Posidonia Oceana. It’s a source of nutrients for the coastal and marine environment, enriches the sea and the atmosphere with oxygen, and reduces the energy of the waves to protect the coast from erosion.

This marine plant supposedly started on land and eventually adapted to life in the water. It actually has roots, leaves and flowers. If you see it, try to not damage it. It’s an important part of the life cycle here.

For Movie Buffs

If you’re a movie buff, parts of the 2001 movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed here…as well as in Sami, on the other side of the island. The filming here was done for the mine explosion episode.

How To Get To Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach is about 18 miles (30 km) from Argostoli, about a 40-minute drive. It’s also about a 40-minute drive from Fiskardo, which is north about (25 km). And it’s about 12 km, a 25-minute drove from Assos.

There is no bus service or public transportation here from Argostoli, Assos, or Fiskardo.

Best Time To Visit Myrtos Beach

With Myrtos Beach located on the northwestern side of Kefalonia, the beach will be in the shade in the morning hours. The beach will get sunny after the sun is high enough to reach past the cliff behind it.

If you want to visit when the sun is out, afternoons are the best time. This, however, is also when the biggest crowds are here. Because of this, it’s best to get here a little early to make sure you get a sun bed. At least during peak season.

The beach is open all year, but the best time for swimming in May to October, when the water temperatures are the most comfortable.

Where To Stay

The top sites of Kefalonia are located all around the island, so it’s best to consider where you want to stay. If visiting Myrtos Beach is high on your list and you want to visit multiple times, I suggest staying at the villas located on the cliff just behind Myrtos Beach. You will also have spectacular sunsets. The downside is that there are not many restaurants here. You will most likely end up driving to Argostoli, Luxuri, or Fiskardo for dinner.

Assos Village, which is just 25 minutes north, is another good location. It’s beautiful and quiet, with a beqxh that has gentle waves, but there are not a lot of restaurant choices.

Fiskardo is also a great option, about 40 minutes north. This charming area is one of the most popular harbors in the Ionian Sea, which means it often get celebrity visitors in their mega yachts. Beacause of this, there is a lot of great seaside dining. Some of the best of the island. There are also some of the best swimming beaches of Kefalonia in Fiskardo, tucked in lush pine coves.

Argostoli is the most popular place to stay. This is the capital of Kefalonia, and a lively city with many places to stay and eat. This is also about a 40-minute drive.

Anomeria (By Myrtos)

If you want to stay close to Myrtos Beach, these two places are the closest. The northern viewpoint is just a 10 to 15-minute walk away.

• Myrtos View Apartments sit back behind Myrtos Beach and offer stunning views of the bay and pool. These 1 bedroom apartments have a kitchen, dining area, and ocean views.
• Myrtos Bay View Apartments are 1 bedroom apartments that also sit behind Myrtos Beach also in Anomeria. There’s a kitchen, a pool and stunning views of the bay.

Assos

• Chromata Assos Villas Kefalonia sits just a few steps from Assos Beach and gets exceptional reviews. There is a pool and some villas offer balconies, some with sea views.
  Assos View villas are also steps from Assos Beach and get exceptional reviews. They offer amazing views of the sea and the village and includes a terrace, a well-equipped kitchen, and there is a pool.
• Braunis Horio Villas are splurge-worthy luxury villas on a cliff with panoramic sea views of Assos and an infinity pool. Some villas offer a private pool.

Fiskardo

• KAMINAKIA Apartments & Studios – Adults only offers breathtaking sea views at an affordable price. Each apartment has a terrace or balcony with sea views. It’s located between the harbor and Foki Beach.
• Emelisse Nature Hotel is a 10-minute walk to Emblisi Beach and a 20-minute walk to the port. It offers a kitchenette, a pool, and a fitness center. Some rooms offer terraces with a view.
• Chromata Assos Villas Kefalonia sits just a few stales from Assos Beach and gets exceptional reviews. There is a pool and some villas offer balconies and some sea views.
• North Point Houses are luxe 2-story villas with kitchenettes and balconies with views of the sea and mountains. It’s located just a few steps away from the harbor.

Argostoli

• King A is where I stayed. It’s centrally located in Argostoli, near many restaurants, and is really lovely. It’s also within waking distance of a bus stop. It’s privately owned and run by family. I think the owners name is Argamemnon, which is how it gets its name. He was born on the island in 1953, when the big earthquake hit here. Now he’s an architect. The rooms are charming and well-kept, with sea views, and breakfast is offered on the patio by the sea. I highly recommend it.
• Tourist Boutique Hotel is also nearby. It looks like the quality of very similar, and also offers rooms with sea views.
• Elite Luxury Apartments are set back from the bay a few blocks, very close to Vallainou Square for a variety of tavernas and cafes. They offer kitchenettes and balconies with mountain and city views.

Want More Of Greece?

Greece really is an amazing choice. There’s so much to see if take multiple visits to see it all! I’ve visited 4 times now and there’s still so much more to see.

There the ruins, rich culture, and amazing history on the mainland and over 200 inhabited islands to explore.

I’ve added a few of may favorite places below, along with some stories from along the way.

Mainland Greece

• Top 20 Things To Do In Amazing Athens | A Complete Guide
• Visiting The Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora Teaching Yoga At A Refugee Camp In Serres Greece

Corfu Island

• Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town
• Things To Do In Sidari: Must-See Canal d’ Amour and More
• Enchanting Cape Drastis, How To Get There And What To Expect
• Top Things To Do In Pretty Paleokastrista Top 12 Things To Do In Captivating Corfu

Crete Island

• Top Things To Do In Crete
• Balos Bay Beach And Gramvousa Island, Crete
• Day Trip To Elafonisi Island, Crete
• Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete

Ios Island

• Top 15 Things To Do On Ios Island 

Kefalonia Island

• Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo
• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
• Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay
• The Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli
• Best Things To Do In Argostoli | Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia

Milos Island

• What To Do On The Cool Island Of Milos

Naxos Island

• Top 20 Things To Do In Naxos  

Paros Island

• 15 Fun Things To Do On Enchanting Paros 

Santorini Island

• Hiking From Fira To Oia On Santorini

Zakynthos Island

• How To Get To Stunning Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
• Myzithres Viewpoint & Beach | Hidden Gem of Zakynthos
• Visiting Zakynthos | What To Do & Where To Stay

Other

• Philotimo, The Highest Greek Virtue
• Gorgeous Old Doors Of Greece

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.