Is Skala Kefalonia good for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Skala is considered an excellent destination for families. Skala Beach offers a long stretch of sand and shingle with generally calm and shallow waters, making it suitable for children. Many areas of the beach are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are beachside cafes and facilities nearby. Some nearby beaches like Kaminia are also known for being family-friendly with very shallow waters.
What is Skala beach like? Is it sandy or pebbly?
Skala Beach is a long, expansive beach, approximately 3-4 kilometers, characterized by a mixture of sand and shingle/pebbles. The composition can vary along the stretch of the beach, with some parts being more sandy and others having more pebbles, especially at the waterline. Many visitors find the water to be crystal clear and excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Can you swim in the sea at Skala Kefalonia and what's the water like?
Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea at Skala. The waters are known for being crystal clear and generally calm, especially during the summer months, making it excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The sea temperature is usually warm enough for comfortable swimming from June to October. Some areas of the beach may shelve a bit steeply a few feet in.
When is the best time to visit Skala Kefalonia for a beach holiday?
The peak season for a beach holiday in Skala is from late June to early September, when the weather is consistently warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. May, early June, late September and October are also good times to visit, offering pleasant weather, warm seas, and fewer crowds.
Are there hotels right on Skala beach?
Yes, there are several hotels located very close to Skala beach, with some offering direct beach access or being just across the road from the sea. Options range from larger resort-style hotels to smaller apartment complexes. Many provide sea views and easy walking distance to the beach and village amenities.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent on Skala beach, and what's the typical cost?
Yes, Skala Beach is well-organized with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. The cost can vary slightly depending on the provider and exact location on the beach, but a common price mentioned is around 6 to 15 Euros for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day. Some beach bars may offer them to customers.
Is Skala a lively resort or more quiet and relaxed?
Skala offers a blend of both. It's a well-developed tourist area with a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings, offering a good range of restaurants, tavernas, and bars. However, it's generally considered more laid-back and family-friendly than a dedicated party resort. While the main beach area can be busy in peak season, it's long enough to find quieter spots, and there are more secluded coves nearby.
What are the beaches like near Skala, are there quieter alternatives?
Yes, besides the main Skala Beach, there are other beaches nearby. Towards Katelios (west of Skala), you'll find Kaminia and Mounda beaches, known for being sandy, quieter, and popular nesting spots for loggerhead turtles. Heading north towards Poros, there are several smaller, often pebbly coves and beaches that can offer more seclusion, such as Kako Lagadi (accessible by boat or a scramble).
How does Skala beach compare to Katelios beach?
Skala Beach is a much longer and wider beach, predominantly a mix of sand and shingle, and is more commercially developed with numerous facilities, water sports, and a bustling village atmosphere directly behind it. Katelios Beach is generally smaller, sandier, and known for its calmer, shallower waters and a more tranquil, fishing village vibe with tavernas close to the shore. Katelios is often preferred by families with very young children or those seeking a quieter day.
Are there water sports available at Skala beach?
Yes, Skala Beach offers a variety of water sports. Visitors can typically find options such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, paddleboarding, and boat rentals for exploring the coastline. Several operators are usually present along the beach.
Do I need beach shoes for Skala beach?
While not strictly necessary for everyone, many visitors recommend bringing or buying beach shoes (aqua shoes) for Skala Beach. This is because the beach is a mix of sand and pebbles/shingle, and the pebbles can be uncomfortable underfoot, especially when entering the water where they can be larger.
How easy is it to get to Skala beach from the airport or other parts of Kefalonia?
Skala is located on the southern tip of Kefalonia, approximately 35-40 km from Kefalonia Airport (EFL). The easiest ways to reach Skala are by taxi, pre-booked transfer, or rental car. There is also a public bus service connecting Skala to Argostoli (the capital) and other parts of the island, including the airport, though schedules may vary by season.
Is Skala beach good for snorkelling?
Yes, Skala Beach can be good for snorkelling, especially in areas with rockier outcrops or where the water is particularly clear. The clear waters allow for good visibility of marine life. Some nearby coves and smaller beaches might offer even better snorkelling opportunities due to more varied underwater terrain.
Can you see turtles at or near Skala beach?
While Skala beach itself isn't the primary nesting site, the nearby Mounda (Kaminia) Beach, which is a short distance from Skala, is a well-known nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). You might see protected nests on Mounda beach during the nesting and hatching season (typically May to August/September). It's important to respect these protected areas.
Is it easy to walk to restaurants and shops from Skala beach?
Yes, it's very easy. Skala village runs parallel to the beach, and the main street, which is just a short walk from the beachfront, is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars, mini-markets, and souvenir shops. Most accommodations in Skala are also within easy walking distance of both the beach and these amenities.
