There are few greater joys in life than stumbling upon a secluded beach with no crowds, the sound of waves lapping against the shoreline as the salty air gently licks your face.
And the little-known Fteri beach on the Greek island of Kefalonia is just that – it has also been named the second best beach in the world (second only to Entalula beach in the Philippines) by The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Primarily accessible by a steep two-kilometre hiking trail, this serene cove is enveloped by cliffs of ancient marine sediment, the exposed layers of which tell the island’s rich and complex history. It may be tricky to get to by foot, but the reward is well worth it. You can also get there by boat, with a water taxi service running regularly throughout peak seasons.
A mix of white pebbles and sand, the beach itself stretches along the north-western tip of the island, not far from the mountainous village of Zola, and offers remote swimming in the warm, crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea.
As you would expect from such an unspoilt, secluded cove, Fteri beach has little in the way of entertainment or refreshments, so visitors are advised to pack essentials, including sunscreen, water and food, for the duration of their stay.
Of course, Fteri beach isn’t the only sanctuary to be found on the island of Kefalonia. Known for its rugged landscapes, fragrant pine trees and sprawling vineyards, the laid-back Greek archipelago is a refuge from everyday life.
Shrouded in mythology, this enchanting island is bound with literary ties. It is not only thought to be the inspiration for Homer’s ancient Greek epic, Odyssey, and the legendary Ithaca, in more recent times, it has been immortalised through Louis de Bernières hauntingly beautiful 1994 novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
With flights to Argostoli airport available from London and other UK regions and costing as little £54, and with a flight time of a little over 3 hours, why not make Kefalonia your summer destination – and visit the stunning Fteri beach for yourself?
