Wild paradise, mesmerizing views and sunsets: Platia Ammos beach, Kefalonia

Leave behind the daily routine and immerse yourself in a place of wonder. Platia Ammos is a breath taking spot, wild and pristine where one can get in touch with nature at its best.

On the western peninsula of Kefalonia, Paliki, you can find this amazing corner of heaven. 20-25 minutes car drive from Lixouri, Platia Ammos remains a hidden gem for the usual tourist. You can choose the road that passes through Kaminarata or Chavriata villages and find your way using the coordinates on your GPS.

If you choose the later, as I usually do, you will pass the Monastery of Kipourion. It has been constructed on top of a rock, 90 meters above the sea. The view to the Ionian Sea and the wild coastline are magnificent, which makes it a sight worth visiting if you are in the area.

The Monastery of Kipoureon was founded in the 17th and its name literally means monastery of the gardens. Inside there is a wonderful collection of ecclesiastical relics and post-Byzantine icons. The natural surrounding of the monastery is lush green and comprises of pine trees and fir trees. From the yard, visitors can enjoy a wonderful sunset to the Ionian Sea.

A few hundreds of meters away turn left on an off road. Park your car there as it is a very broken piece of road, with stones and cracks, and then continue on foot. Follow the path for around 15 minutes and you will get to the old parking on top of Platia Ammos. The views are spectacular. The waves kiss the pebble beach at the bottom of an impressively steep mountain.

Before the earthquakes of 2014 there were 280 steps that led you all the way down to the beach. Nowadays only few remain. The adventurous explorers still take their chances and go down by foot. Others visit the beach by boat. I stop on top of it, at the edge, to enjoy the views.

This beach amazes every visitor with its natural beauty, which landscape is quite similar to this of Myrtos and Petani but far more unspoiled and peaceful. The beach offers no facilities such as beach bars, taverns, sunbeds or umbrellas. It is surrounded by huge cliffs that create a fascinating backdrop. The area is an ideal place for relaxation. The water needs extra caution since it is very deep.

The sunsets offer some of the most spectacular views of Ionian Sea. Be sure to bring your camera with full battery. Don't forget to bring drinks and snacks with you as you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere, far away from any shops.

In case I tickled your imagination take a look at another hidden gem that Kefalonia has to offer: Kato Lagadi beach, near Poros.

Not a fan of the wild beaches?! Try Petani, the ideal mix of commercial and unspoiled place.

'till next time, take care.

Beldi