Antisamos Beach
A picturesque beach in Kefalonia, Greece, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and lush green surroundings, famously featured in 'Captain Corelli's ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer wasps and crowds
Antisamos Beach
Best Time
Fewer wasps and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque beach in Kefalonia, Greece, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and lush green surroundings, famously featured in 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'.
"Striking turquoise-blue waters against white pebbles, framed by lush green mountains."
wasp repellent
Bring insect repellent or avoid bringing food to deter wasps.
Beach shoes recommended
The white pebbles can be large and rough; beach shoes offer comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
Shoreline
Striking turquoise-blue waters against white pebbles, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Lush Green Mountain Backdrop
Surrounding hills
Dramatic, tree-covered mountains frame the beach, offering stunning natural beauty.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin Filming Location
The beach itself
Relive scenes from the blockbuster movie, adding a touch of cinematic history to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Wasps & Crowds
Sunbed Costs & Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
wasp repellent
Bring insect repellent or avoid bringing food to deter wasps.
Beach shoes recommended
The white pebbles can be large and rough; beach shoes offer comfort.
Ask about sunbed costs
Beach bar sunbeds often require a minimum spend; clarify before sitting.
Drone-friendly views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the bay and surrounding landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
wasp repellent
Bring insect repellent or avoid bringing food to deter wasps.
Beach shoes recommended
The white pebbles can be large and rough; beach shoes offer comfort.
Ask about sunbed costs
Beach bar sunbeds often require a minimum spend; clarify before sitting.
Drone-friendly views
Capture stunning aerial shots of the bay and surrounding landscape.
Snorkeling potential
Clear waters make it a good spot to see fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Antisamos Beach is celebrated for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic green mountain backdrop, making it a visually captivating destination. While many enjoy the clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, visitors should be aware of the prevalent wasps and the varying costs associated with beach bar sunbeds, which often require a minimum spend. The large pebbles in the public area can also be less comfortable than expected.
"Very nice beach. If you’re lucky, you can spot plenty of fish. However, there are also quite a lot of wasps—more than you usually see on other beaches in Kefalonia. We had brought some fruit with us, but we couldn’t eat it because the wasps started gathering. I even got stung by one"
Diana Cirligea
"Really good beach with turquoise clean waters. The beach bars rules about the sunbeds and umbrellas vary - some ask for minimum spend per set (40 to 30 euro) while others have restrictions. Beach shoes are recommended although not absolutely necessary."
Ivan Filipov
"Antisamos Beach is often promoted as one of the top ten beaches in the world. While it is undoubtedly beautiful, I personally wouldn’t place it among the world’s absolute best. It’s certainly worth a visit, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression strong enough to make me want to return.
The beach features white pebbles, which give the water a striking turquoise-blue color, especially near the shore. However, just a few meters after entering the water, it drops off into deep sea quite abruptly, so most people stay and swim within the first 10 meters of the shoreline.
Along the beach, there are several restaurants that advertise “free sunbeds and free parking.” This, however, comes with fine print — the sunbeds are only “free” if you spend a minimum of €30–€45, depending on the establishment. It’s important to ask for the exact conditions upfront to avoid surprises.
There is also a section of the beach with paid sunbeds that cost €15–€20 per set, without any consumption required. And finally, there’s a public area where you can bring your own umbrella and towel, but keep in mind that the pebbles here are quite large and rough, which makes it less comfortable for lying down without proper padding.
For those who enjoy watersports, the far end of the beach offers a variety of guided water sports activities, which adds some excitement to the overall experience.
All in all, Antisamos Beach is lovely to see and worth visiting once, especially for the vivid water color and mountain backdrop. But with the crowds, pricing conditions, and lack of comfort in the public section, it doesn’t quite live up to the global hype in my view. At the end Of this review I must underline my nightmare of this beach- wasps, there are thousands of them and they are very annoying."
Alex R.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Antisamos Beach is accessible by car, located near Sami. The road is winding but well-maintained. Parking is generally available, though it can fill up during peak season.
While local buses may serve the Sami area, direct public transport to Antisamos Beach is limited. Renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to reach it.
The drive involves a scenic, winding road with beautiful views as you descend towards the coast.
Yes, Antisamos Beach is well-signposted from the town of Sami. Follow the signs for the beach.
While not a primary access point, some boat tours might include Antisamos Beach as a stop. It's more commonly reached by land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Antisamos Beach itself. However, beach bars charge for sunbeds and umbrellas, often with a minimum spend requirement.
Antisamos Beach is a natural attraction and is open 24/7. Beach bars and facilities operate during daylight hours, typically from morning until evening.
It's generally not necessary to book sunbeds in advance, but arriving early, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure a spot, particularly if you want to use the beach bar services.
Some beach bars advertise 'free' sunbeds, but this usually comes with a minimum consumption requirement of €30-€45. There is also a public section with no cost but larger pebbles.
Paid sunbed sets typically range from €15-€20 without consumption. The 'free' options require a significant minimum spend at the associated beach bar.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the water's edge looking back at the lush green hills, or from higher vantage points for panoramic shots. Drone photography is also popular here.
Absolutely! The combination of the turquoise water, white pebbles, and dramatic green cliffs makes for stunning aerial views.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beach's beauty.
Yes, the clear waters make it possible to spot and photograph fish, especially closer to the rocky areas.
Generally, no specific restrictions apply to personal photography. However, be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Watersports are also available at the far end of the beach.
Yes, most beach bars provide access to restrooms and showers for their patrons.
It can get quite crowded, especially during the peak summer months. Visiting early or late can help avoid the busiest times.
The water is crystal clear and a striking turquoise-blue. It drops off into deep sea relatively quickly after the shore.
Yes, many visitors report a significant presence of wasps, particularly if food is present. It's advisable to be cautious.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, several beach bars and restaurants line the shore, offering food, drinks, and service directly to sunbeds.
You can expect typical Greek beach fare, including salads, seafood, and light snacks. Some establishments offer a wider variety.
You can bring your own food, but be aware of the wasps, which are attracted to it.
Even if you're in the public area, you can still visit the beach bars for food and drinks.
Most Greek tavernas offer some vegetarian options like Greek salads and vegetable dishes. Vegan options might be more limited but can often be accommodated.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The white pebbles create a striking contrast. For the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows and capture the magical glow. Drone photography is highly encouraged here, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives of the bay. Don't forget to capture the unique texture of the pebbles and the clarity of the water.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Antisamos Beach Experience: Sunbeds, Pebbles, and Wasps
A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the presence of wasps, which can be quite bothersome, especially if you bring food. Many reviewers advise caution or suggest avoiding bringing snacks to the beach to minimize encounters.
Despite these considerations, the beach's natural beauty, including its lush green mountain backdrop, remains a major draw. The water is exceptionally clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, though it does drop off into deep water relatively quickly.
Navigating Antisamos Beach: Parking and Accessibility
While the beach is accessible by car, public transport options are limited. Most visitors opt for rental cars or scooters, which provide the most flexibility for exploring Kefalonia and reaching Antisamos. The beach is well-signposted from the nearby town of Sami, making it relatively easy to locate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit