Playa de Ammes

Introduction

From the moment we set foot on Playa de Ammes, we knew we had found a special corner on the beautiful island of Cephalonia. This small and charming beach, located near the village of Svoronata, is a true treasure that combines natural beauty with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It captivated us immediately with its fine golden sand, its crystal-clear waters of a hypnotic turquoise blue, and the tranquility that permeates every corner.

Playa de Ammes is the kind of place where time seems to stand still, inviting us to completely disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle. It's perfect for those seeking a serene refuge, away from the crowds, but with all the necessary comforts for a perfect beach day. Furthermore, it has a unique appeal: its proximity to Cephalonia Airport allows us to enjoy an unusual spectacle watching planes fly over the beach at low altitude, an experience that adds a touch of excitement to the serenity of the place.

How to Get to Playa de Ammes

Getting to Playa de Ammes is relatively straightforward, especially if we have our own or a rental vehicle, which is highly recommended for exploring Cephalonia in its entirety. The beach is located on the south-west coast of the island, very close to Cephalonia International Airport (code EFL), and about 10 kilometers south of the capital, Argostoli. We always recommend renting a car directly at the airport or in Argostoli, as it gives us the freedom to move at our own pace and discover all the charms of the island.

From Argostoli, the route is direct and well signposted. We will take the road towards the airport and, before reaching the terminal, we will find turnoffs towards Svoronata and the nearby beaches, including Ammes. There is a large free parking lot right behind the beach, which greatly facilitates access. For those who prefer public transport, the options are more limited. Although there are some bus lines connecting Argostoli with nearby villages, the frequency can be scarce and they won't always drop us off directly at the beach. A taxi from Argostoli or the airport is another comfortable alternative, though more expensive. However, for us, the flexibility of a rental car is unbeatable and allows us to make the most of our stay at the Cephalonia beach.

The Sand and Water

Playa de Ammes won us over from the first moment with its sand. It's fine, soft sand, of a light golden color that shines under the Mediterranean sun. Walking barefoot on it is a delight, and children enjoy building sandcastles with ease. We didn't find annoying stones or pebbles at the water's edge, making it a very comfortable place to sit or lie down.

But if the sand is a strong point, the water is simply spectacular. The waters of Ammes are incredibly clear, with shades ranging from pale aquamarine to a deep blue as we go further out. They are notably calm and shallow at the shore, making them ideal for the little ones to bathe and for those who don't feel comfortable in deep water. We can walk many meters out to sea before the water completely covers us, providing a feeling of safety and calm. The water temperature is pleasantly warm during the summer months, inviting us to stay in for hours. It's the kind of water that refreshes without being cold, perfect for a relaxing dip. Underwater visibility is excellent, although marine life is not as abundant as in other rocky areas of Cephalonia, it's still a pleasure for casual snorkeling.

Services and Facilities

One of the advantages of Playa de Ammes is the excellent range of services and facilities that allow us to enjoy a full day without worries. We felt very comfortable knowing we had everything we needed within reach.

Among the services we can find, we highlight:

• Sunbeds and umbrellas: There is a good number of umbrellas and comfortable sunbeds available for rent, ensuring us a spot in the shade and a place to relax. They are managed by the local chiringuito and usually have reasonable prices.
• Chiringuitos: A cozy beach bar or taverna is located right next to the sand. Here we can enjoy cold drinks, coffees, light snacks, and often simple dishes of Greek cuisine. It's the perfect place for a quick lunch or a refreshing drink while admiring the sea.
• Showers: After a swim in the sea, we always appreciate being able to rinse off the salt. The beach has freshwater showers, which is a big plus.
• Parking: As mentioned before, there is a large free parking lot right behind the beach, eliminating the stress of finding where to leave the car.
• Lifeguard service: During the high season, Playa de Ammes usually has a lifeguard station and lifeguards on watch, providing an extra layer of safety, especially if we are with children.
• Blue Flag: The presence of the Blue Flag is a confirmation of the excellent water quality, beach cleanliness, and responsible environmental management, something we value highly.

Best Time to Visit

For us, choosing the best time to visit Playa de Ammes and, in general, the Cephalonia beaches, depends a lot on our personal preferences regarding climate and crowds. We have been at different times and each season has