Lourdas in Kefalonia, also written Lourdata, is a small resort on the south coast where a long beach sits at the foot of Mount Ainos, the island's highest mountain. This guide covers Lourdas beach, the village on the slope above, the nearby coves and sights, the turtles that nest here and who it suits as a base.
Lourdas, or Lourdata in Greek, is two places in one. The village climbs the green slope above the coast road, with the tavernas, cafés, small shops and apartments along the main road; below it, a road winds down through olive groves and cypresses to the beach and a scattering of hotels, villas and beach tavernas. Behind everything rises Mount Ainos, which gives Lourdas a backdrop no other beach resort on the island can match.
It is quieter and greener than Lassi and much smaller than Skala, yet the airport and Argostoli are only about 20–25 minutes away. That mix of calm and convenience is why it appears on most shortlists of where to stay in the south.
Lourdas beach is a long, narrow beach facing south across the open sea. It is mostly fine sand, with patches of small white pebbles at the waterline in places, so water shoes help. Part of the beach is organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas near the end of the access road, while the rest is free and has plenty of space even in summer.
Thick vegetation behind the sand and the mountain above make the setting greener than at most beaches on the island. The sea is clear and usually gentle, though it can get choppy when the wind blows from the south. The beach is reached by road with parking nearby, which makes Lourdas an easy half-day trip from Argostoli or Lassi too.
About 2 km west, towards Argostoli, Trapezaki is a much smaller beach reached on foot by a steep, narrow path, with a taverna on the sand; it is lovely early in the day but has little room in August. Further along the south coast, the beaches around Avithos and Ammes near the airport are within a short drive.
East of Lourdas the coast road heads towards Katelios and the long bay of Mounda, and on to Skala about 30 minutes away. Our guide to Kefalonia's beaches compares them all.
Loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches around Lourdas, and the conservation group Wildlife Sense monitors them from a Lourdas field station. In 2026 its volunteers moved late-season nests from Lourdas to a safer beach, because nests still incubating there late in the summer face a high risk of being flooded by autumn storms.
Nests are marked with signs; keep out of them, knock down sandcastles and fill in holes before you leave, and avoid lights on the sand after dark. In the sea, keep your distance from any turtle and never feed it. Our turtle guide explains more.
Lourdas makes a good base for the island's southern hinterland. About 10 km west, the Castle of Agios Georgios above Peratata was the island's capital until 1757 and has wide views over the south; the monastery of Agios Andreas Milapidias lies close by. Between them, the villages of the Livathos area are a pleasant drive of olive groves, vineyards and churches.
Above Lourdas, Mount Ainos National Park, created in 1962, protects forests of the endemic Kefalonian fir; the summit, Megas Soros, reaches 1,628 m. A road climbs to the upper slopes from the Argostoli–Sami road, and marked paths start near the top; see Mount Ainos and hiking in Kefalonia. In summer, wildfire risk is high on the mountain, so never light fires or drop cigarettes.
Lourdas suits families and couples who want a quiet beach base with a few tavernas, and who do not mind driving for nightlife and sightseeing. The short airport transfer is a real advantage with young children. With a car, Argostoli is 25 minutes away, Myrtos about an hour and the caves near Sami about 45 minutes.
The trade-offs: the beach and the village are a steep walk apart, evenings are low-key, and choice is limited outside July and August; many places close from late October. Compare other bases in where to stay in Kefalonia.
Lourdas lies on the south coast road between Argostoli and Skala, about 17 km from Argostoli and a similar distance from the airport, roughly 20–25 minutes by car or taxi. KTEL bus services along the south coast are limited and seasonal, so check the current timetable; a hire car makes life much easier. Parking near the beach is usually manageable outside the peak weeks of August.
Mostly yes: it is a long beach of fine sand with patches of small pebbles at the water's edge, partly organised with sunbeds and tavernas.
Yes. Lourdata is the Greek name of the village and Lourdas is the common English form; both refer to the village and its beach on the south coast.
About 17 km, which takes roughly 20–25 minutes by car.
Yes, for families who want a quiet beach and a short airport transfer. Evenings are low-key, and you will want a car for days out.
A full-day outing for families and mixed ages, with a walk through Assos, free time in Fiskardo and a stop at the Myrtos viewpoint. A swim near Fiskardo is optional.
from €45 per person
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A full island circuit for visitors who want variety: Robola winery tasting, Agios Gerasimos monastery, Drogarati and Melissani caves, time in Fiscardo and a photo stop at Myrtos.
from €40 per person
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A semi-private minivan day for couples and families, with Drogarati Cave, a boat ride in Melissani, Fiskardo, Assos and Myrtos. Hotel pickup and drop-off with an English-speaking driver.
from €70 per person
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A day tour for first-time visitors who want the main sights of north Kefalonia in one outing. It ends with a tasting stop for wine, olive oil, honey and sweets.
from €45 per person
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Suits visitors who want to see the island's main villages and hilltop views without driving themselves. Five stops, including free time in Frikes for lunch by the sea.
from €45 per person
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Private half day with a local driver in an air-conditioned vehicle, covering five sights from Myrtos to Drogarati. Ends at the Orealios winery for a taste of local wine.
from €45.28 per person
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A private half-day drive in an air-conditioned minivan, suited to cruise passengers and other visitors. Caves, villages and Myrtos beach are possible stops, and the route can be adjusted.
from €55 per person
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A private outing combining the Melissani cave lake with a view over Myrtos and time to swim and relax on the beach. Suits couples or small groups wanting a relaxed pace.
from €57 per person
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Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 17, 2026.
Argostoli Kefalonia's capital: the Lithostroto, the Drapano bridge, loggerhead turtles in the harbour, museums and Lassi's beaches next door. 
Fiskardo Kefalonia's northern harbour, spared by the 1953 earthquake: Venetian-era houses, yachts, boats to Ithaca and Lefkada and pebble coves. 
Skala Kefalonia's south-east beach resort: a long sand-and-shingle beach, Roman mosaics, nesting turtles and easy family holidays. 
Assos A tiny village on an isthmus below a huge Venetian castle: the walk up, the viewpoint, the pebble beach and the parking. 
Sami The east-coast port for Ithaca and the best base for Melissani, Drogarati and Antisamos, with a long pebble beach and a real town feel. 
Lassi The resort next to Argostoli: Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos beaches, a walk into town, the lighthouse path and the planes overhead. 