Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian, Greece

Karavomylos Beaches

Overview

Karavomylos, a tranquil fishing village on Kefalonia's east coast, offers a peaceful beach holiday experience with its smooth white pebbled shores shaded by eucalyptus trees. This area is celebrated for its natural beauty, including the unique Karavomylos Lake phenomenon where fresh and seawater mix. While Karavomylos itself provides a quiet escape, the livelier town of Sami is conveniently close for more activities and dining. The local beaches, like Karavomylos beach, are known for their calm, clear waters, making them suitable for swimming and families.

Among the island's highlights, Myrtos Beach stands out as a world-renowned icon with its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Nearby, Antisamos Beach, famed for its appearance in 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', offers cinematic beauty with emerald waters and a lush green backdrop. For a unique experience, Xi Beach charms visitors with its distinctive red sand and shallow waters. Those seeking unspoiled nature can escape to the photogenic paradise of Fteri Beach, accessible by boat.

While Karavomylos and its immediate surroundings are characterized by pebble beaches, the broader Kefalonia region boasts a variety of coastal landscapes. Beyond the editor's picks, many other beautiful spots await discovery. Whether you're looking for the vibrant atmosphere of popular beaches or the tranquility of a secluded cove, our guide offers a comprehensive list to help you find your perfect seaside experience in this picturesque corner of Greece.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Karavomylos good for a beach holiday?

Karavomylos is a picturesque fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia, ideal for a quiet and relaxing beach holiday. It offers smooth white pebbled beaches lined with eucalyptus trees for shade. The area is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Melissani and Drogarati caves. While Karavomylos itself is peaceful, the livelier resort town of Sami is just a short distance away for more dining and shopping options.

What is the beach like in Karavomylos?

Karavomylos beach is a long, narrow shingle and pebble beach with a gradual entry into the water, making it suitable for families with children. The water is calm and clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Eucalyptus trees often line the beach, providing natural shade. It's generally a quiet beach without many facilities directly on it, but cafes and restaurants are nearby.

Can you swim at Karavomylos beach?

Yes, you can swim at Karavomylos beach. The waters are generally calm and clear, making it pleasant for swimming. The seabed has a gradual slope, which is good for families. The water temperature is best for swimming from June to October.

When is the best time to visit Karavomylos for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Karavomylos is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the water temperature is ideal for swimming. Some also suggest that September and October can be excellent, with fewer crowds, gentler light, and warmer seas.

Are there any beachfront accommodation options in Karavomylos?

Yes, there are accommodation options in Karavomylos that are very close to the beach or offer sea views. These range from hotels like the Ionian Emerald Resort and Sami Beach Hotel (which is between Karavomylos and Sami) to studios, apartments, and villas. Camping Karavomilos Beach also offers direct beach access for campers and mobile home rentals.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What are the beaches near Karavomylos like?

Near Karavomylos, you'll find Antisamos beach, famous for its turquoise waters, white pebbles, and lush green surroundings; it was a filming location for 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' but can get deep quickly. Agia Paraskevi beach offers calm swimming spots. Loutro Beach is a quieter, rocky beach popular with locals. Sami Beach, a short drive away, has a mix of sand and pebbles with clear waters.

Antisamos Beach

Agia Paraskevi Beach

Loutro Beach

Is Karavomylos family-friendly for a beach holiday?

Yes, Karavomylos can be a good option for families. The main beach has a gentle slope into the water, making it safer for children. The village itself is quiet and relaxing. Camping Karavomilos Beach, located nearby, offers facilities like a children's pool and playground, and its beach also has a sloping seabed ideal for kids.

Are there facilities like sunbeds and restaurants at Karavomylos beach?

Karavomylos beach itself is relatively quiet and doesn't have a lot of organized facilities like rows of sunbeds and umbrellas directly on the main stretch. However, there are cafes, tavernas, and some amenities in the village very close to the beach. Nearby beaches like Antisamos are more organized with beach bars offering sunbeds and food.

Antisamos Beach

People Also Ask

How far is Karavomylos from Sami, and what's the difference in their beaches?

Karavomylos is about 1 kilometer from the port of Sami. You can walk between them along a coastal path in about 20 minutes or drive in under 5 minutes. Karavomylos beach is a long, narrow pebble beach known for its tranquility. Sami also has beach areas, and the famous Antisamos beach, known for its beauty and facilities, is a few kilometers southeast of Sami. Sami is a livelier town with more shops and restaurants compared to the quieter Karavomylos.

Antisamos Beach

What is the Karavomylos Lake phenomenon near the beach?

Karavomylos is known for a unique geological phenomenon. Near the beach, there's a small circular lake (Karavomylos Lake) where fresh water, which has flowed underground all the way from Katavothres on the other side of the island (near Argostoli), mixes with seawater before flowing into the sea. The area around the lake is lush with vegetation and attracts birdlife.

Is Karavomylos a party destination or more for relaxing?

Karavomylos is primarily a destination for relaxing. It's a quiet fishing village with a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a peaceful holiday. For more nightlife and a livelier atmosphere, the nearby town of Sami (about 1km away) offers more bars and restaurants.

What's the water like at Karavomylos beach for snorkeling?

The water at Karavomylos beach is generally calm and clear, which can be good for snorkeling. Nearby beaches like Antisamos are also often highlighted as excellent spots for snorkeling due to their clear waters and marine life.

Antisamos Beach

Are there sandy beaches near Karavomylos, or are they all pebbly?

Karavomylos beach itself is primarily pebbly. Many beaches in this part of Kefalonia, including the famous Antisamos, are also pebble beaches. While some beaches further away on Kefalonia have more sand, such as Makris Gialos or Platis Gialos near Lassi, the immediate vicinity of Karavomylos is characterized by pebble and shingle shores.

Antisamos Beach

Makris Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos Beach

How do you get to Karavomylos and its beaches?

Karavomylos is located on the eastern coast of Kefalonia, about 1 km from the port town of Sami. If arriving by air, Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) is the main airport, located about 30-35 km away. From the airport or other parts of the island, you can reach Karavomylos by car (rental or taxi). Sami port also serves ferries. Once in Karavomylos, the main beach is easily accessible from the village.

What do locals say about Karavomylos beach?

Locals appreciate Karavomylos for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, including the unique Karavomylos Lake phenomenon. It's considered a more tranquil alternative to some of the busier tourist spots on Kefalonia. Loutro Beach, near Karavomylos and Sami, is noted as a quiet, rocky beach that is popular among locals.

Loutro Beach