Xi Beach Kefalonia - a group of people riding horses on a beach
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Xi Beach Kefalonia

4.2
·6k reviews·, Greece

Kefalonia's Xi Beach captivates with its striking red sand and therapeutic white clay cliffs, offering a unique natural spa experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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Xi Beach Kefalonia - a group of people riding horses on a beach

Xi Beach Kefalonia

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kefalonia's Xi Beach captivates with its striking red sand and therapeutic white clay cliffs, offering a unique natural spa experience.

4.2
(6k reviews)

"Xi Beach is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, and it absolutely deserves a five-star review!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Water Shoes

The red sand can be a bit coarse; water shoes offer extra comfort. :athletic_shoe:

Clay Spa Time!

Don't miss the chance to try the natural clay for a fun, skin-smoothing experience. :sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Red Sand

Unique Red Sand

Xi Beach

Experience the striking contrast of deep red sand against the turquoise Ionian Sea.

Natural Clay Cliffs

Natural Clay Cliffs

Xi Beach

Apply the soft, grey clay from the cliffs for a free, invigorating natural spa treatment.

Calm, Shallow Waters

Calm, Shallow Waters

Xi Beach

Perfect for families, the gentle, shallow sea stretches far, ideal for safe play.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Red Sand & Clay

Xi Beach is famous for its unique red sand and natural clay cliffs. Many visitors enjoy applying the clay for a natural spa experience. Be prepared for the sand to get everywhere!

Sunbeds & Amenities

While there are organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, services might require you to go to the bar. Parking is generally free and close by, making it accessible for families.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#kefalonia #tangoholidays #Xi beach #fabianyzaneta #iroyandrien The Argentine Tango School Fabian Ballejos Tango
zanetaleonidi
37 likes • 999 views

Bring Water Shoes

The red sand can be a bit coarse; water shoes offer extra comfort. :athletic_shoe:

Clay Spa Time!

Don't miss the chance to try the natural clay for a fun, skin-smoothing experience. :sparkles:

Spent the day drifting around Kefalonia on the Queen Bee🐝. Visited White Rocks Beach, Vardiani Island, XI Beach and ate the most delicious homemade food on deck. Laughed our way through the afternoon with the friendliest crew. The kind of day that makes you forget what time it is… just sun, sea and smiles. Always a fun day aboard @queenbeekefalonia #kefalonia #cephalonia #ionianislands #kefalonia...
kefalonia_by_us
0 likes • 132.8K views
Xi Beach Kefalonia stands out with its special, natural beauty and orange/red sand. #xibeach #greece #kefalonia #beautifulplaces #BeautifulDestinations #kefaloniaisland #redbeach #redsandbeach • • • • #greekislands #greece #bestgreekislands #greecestagram #greeksummer #grecia #visitgreece #discovergreece #summeringreece #mygreece #greecetravel #greecetrip #greecetourism #wu_greece #followmetogr...
mpeschell
107 likes • 3.1K views

Pack for Convenience

While bars offer sunbeds, service might be at the bar. Bring snacks if you prefer. :moneybag:

Capture the Colors

The red sand and blue sea create a stunning visual contrast, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:

Kefalonia is such a hidden gem. Never too crowded and always beautiful 💙 Don’t miss these beaches when visiting: - Myrtos - Antisamos - Skala - Fteri (boat access) - Petani - Xi - Atheras #kefalonia #greece #travel #kefaloniaisland #summer #greekislands #ionianislands #island #sea #beach #ioniansea #argostoli #visitgreece #travelphotography #vacation #cefalonia #fiskardo #cephalonia #corfu #zak...
awasthiswati
484 likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Water Shoes

The red sand can be a bit coarse; water shoes offer extra comfort. :athletic_shoe:

Clay Spa Time!

Don't miss the chance to try the natural clay for a fun, skin-smoothing experience. :sparkles:

Pack for Convenience

While bars offer sunbeds, service might be at the bar. Bring snacks if you prefer. :moneybag:

Capture the Colors

The red sand and blue sea create a stunning visual contrast, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:

Family-Friendly Waters

The shallow, calm waters are ideal for children to play safely. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Xi Beach is celebrated for its unique red sand and the interactive natural clay spa experience. Visitors appreciate the calm, shallow waters ideal for families and the convenience of nearby amenities. However, some find the service at the sunbeds lacking and note occasional issues with litter.

"Beautiful beach with red sand/soil and clay walls that you can apply it on your skin 😉. The bars close to the beach offer an umbrella with two sunbeds for 20€, but they don't offer services on the beach, I had to go at the bar to order. I would not pay this amount of money with no service on the beach."

Theodore Iliopoulos

"This reddish sand ⏳ beach has Close parking area that makes this beach 🏖️ ideal for all ages. It's possible to cover your body with clay that's melting in your hands. There's a saying that it makes you look younger - it didn't work on me. The only negative side was a lot of plastic bottles and other garbage left by the beach side as you might see 🙈 in my pictures. It seems like it might be from previous garbage 🗑️ dump but that's only my opinion."

Pavel Paul

"A very beautiful and quiet beach. The red sand was very good and gave the beach a beauty. There was also the other part with limestone that was a cure for the body. You just have to be careful because a small part could break off. There was also a sign to guide you. The beach was very good even for small children. Parking was free. There was also an umbrella for those who didn't have one with them, but I don't know the price because I didn't need it."

Krenar Gj

What People Like

Unique red sand
Natural clay spa
Calm, shallow waters

What People Dislike

Limited sunbed service
Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The drive from Argostoli to Xi Beach takes approximately 40-50 minutes. You can rent a car or take a taxi. While there isn't a direct bus route from Argostoli to Xi Beach, some routes might connect through Lixouri. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Kefalonia's beaches. TikTok

Public buses do run from Lixouri to Xi Beach, making it an accessible option if you're staying in or near Lixouri. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings. Reddit

Yes, there is a close parking area available at Xi Beach, which is convenient for visitors, especially families. Parking is generally free. Reddit

While Xi Beach is primarily accessed by land, some boat tours around Kefalonia might include it as a stop, offering a different perspective of the coastline. Instagram

Xi Beach is located a short drive from Lixouri, typically around 10-15 minutes by car, making it a popular destination for those in the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access Xi Beach itself. You can enjoy the unique red sand and clay cliffs for free. Reddit

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, often as a package for around 20 euros. However, services might be limited to ordering at the bar. Reddit

No booking is required to visit Xi Beach. It's a public beach, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours. Reddit

Beach bars typically operate during daylight hours, especially throughout the summer season. Their exact opening and closing times can vary. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own umbrella and chairs to Xi Beach if you prefer not to rent them. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Xi Beach is famous for its distinctive reddish-brown sand, which is a mix of fine sand and clay particles. It's a unique feature that sets it apart from other beaches. Instagram

Absolutely! The white clay cliffs are a natural spa. You can collect the clay, mix it with water, and apply it to your skin for a refreshing and smoothing treatment. Reddit

Yes, the waters at Xi Beach are generally calm and shallow, making it excellent for swimming, especially for families with young children. Reddit

Water sports are often available at Xi Beach, offering activities for those seeking a bit more adventure during their visit. Reddit

Late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for photos as the sun begins to set. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded for a more relaxed experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are beach bars and tavernas located near Xi Beach that serve local food and drinks. Reddit

You can expect simple, wholesome, and delicious local Greek cuisine at the tavernas near Xi Beach. Instagram

Service at the sunbeds might be limited, and you may need to go to the bar to order food and drinks. Reddit

Most Greek tavernas offer a variety of vegetarian options, such as Greek salads, vegetable dishes, and dips. It's always good to ask about specific options. Reddit

While not always advertised, some establishments might offer takeaway options. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant or bar. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique red sand, the white clay cliffs, and the contrast with the turquoise sea offer numerous photo opportunities. The sunset also provides stunning light. Instagram

Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in Greece before flying. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky. Instagram

The clay cliffs themselves offer elevated views. Walking along the beach can also reveal different angles and perspectives for unique shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Xi Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The shallow, calm waters stretch far out, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play and swim without deep drop-offs. Reddit The free, close parking makes unloading strollers and gear much easier. Reddit Kids will also love the unique experience of playing with the natural clay from the cliffs – it's a fun, hands-on activity that doubles as a natural spa treatment. Reddit

While sunbeds are available for rent, consider bringing your own beach toys and snacks, as service to the sunbeds might be limited. Reddit The beach bars offer food options, but having your own provisions can be helpful for picky eaters or for a more relaxed mealtime. Overall, Xi Beach offers a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities that make for a memorable day out.

Budget Travelers

Xi Beach is quite budget-friendly, especially since there's no entrance fee to access the beach itself. Reddit The main cost would be for renting sunbeds and umbrellas, which can be around 20 euros for a set. Reddit However, you can save money by bringing your own umbrella and chairs. Reddit The real gem for budget travelers is the free natural clay spa treatment offered by the cliffs – a unique and cost-free way to pamper yourself. Reddit

Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help keep costs down, as ordering from the beach bars might add up. Reddit While there are restaurants nearby, exploring local bakeries or markets for picnic supplies can be a more economical option. The free parking is another bonus that contributes to a more affordable visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Xi Beach's Clay

Xi Beach is renowned for its distinctive reddish-brown sand, a result of the unique geological makeup of the area. However, the real star for many visitors is the natural clay found along the white cliffs. This soft, grey clay is easily accessible and has been used for centuries as a natural beauty treatment. Travelers often describe the experience of mixing the clay with a little seawater and applying it to their skin as invigorating and refreshing. It's a fun, interactive element that transforms a beach visit into a natural spa day, leaving skin feeling wonderfully smooth. Reddit

This unique feature is a significant draw for tourists, offering a free and memorable activity. The contrast between the smooth clay, the coarse red sand, and the clear blue waters creates a visually striking and tactile experience. Many visitors share their excitement about this natural spa, with some even joking about its age-defying properties. It's a simple yet profound connection to the natural environment that makes Xi Beach stand out. InstagramReddit

When exploring the clay, remember to be respectful of the natural environment. While it's encouraged to partake in this natural spa treatment, avoid excessive digging or damaging the cliffs. The goal is to enjoy the benefits of the clay responsibly, ensuring its availability for future visitors. Reddit

Navigating Xi Beach: From Parking to Sunbeds

Getting to Xi Beach is generally straightforward, with a convenient parking area located close to the shore, making it easily accessible for all visitors, including families with young children. Reddit While there's no entry fee for the beach itself, you'll find organized sections offering sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. These are typically offered as a package, often around 20 euros. Reddit

It's worth noting that the service for these sunbeds might not extend directly to your spot on the sand. Visitors have mentioned needing to go to the nearby beach bars to place orders for food and drinks. Reddit This means that while you can rent the amenities, you might need to be a bit more proactive in getting service. For those who prefer their own setup, bringing your own umbrella and chairs is perfectly acceptable. Reddit

The beach itself can be somewhat narrow, with one lane of sunbeds often fitting along the shore. Reddit Despite this, the shallow and calm waters make it a pleasant experience for swimming and playing. The proximity of beach bars also means food and drink options are readily available, though it's always a good idea to have some snacks on hand if you plan on a long day. Instagram

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