Myrtos Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Kefalonia, but in all of Greece. Located in the northern part of the island, Myrtos is a crescent-shaped beach surrounded by steep cliffs and boasting crystal-clear, deep blue waters.
The mythology of Myrtos Beach
Myrtos Beach has a very interesting and fascinating mythology that has attracted the attention of many tourists and Greek mythology enthusiasts.
According to legend, Myrtos Beach was home to the Tritons, half-man, half-fish creatures, sons of the sea god Poseidon. These mythological beings were known for their beauty and their power to enchant people with their song. It is said that their voices were so captivating that sailors sailing near Myrtos Beach would stop to listen to their song and forget their journey.
Another legend associated with Myrtos Beachtells the story of a young shepherd named Makris who fell in love with a beautiful mermaid who lived on the beach. The mermaid, named Kymothoe, was known for her wonderful voice and enchanting appearance. Makris was so obsessed with the mermaid that one day he decided to follow her into the open sea. However, his boat was destroyed by the waves and Makris drowned. The mermaid, desperate over the death of her beloved, asked the sea god Poseidon for help, who transformed Makris into a rock on Myrtos Beach so that he could always be close to her.
Myrtos Beach is also linked to the story of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero who sailed for many years before returning home. It is said that Myrtos was one of Odysseus' stops on his journey and the place where he met Poseidon's daughter, Princess Nausicaa. The princess, captivated by Odysseus' beauty and strength, decided to help him return home and gave him clothes and food for his ship.
The mythology of Myrtos Beach is also linked to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
According to legend, Aphrodite had a temple dedicated to her on Myrtos Beach. The temple was built in honor of the goddess and represented her beauty and grace. It is said that many of her worshipers and devotees flocked to Myrtos Beach to pray and make offerings to the goddess.
Furthermore, Myrtos Beach was also considered a romantic spot, ideal for couples seeking love and passion. The beach's natural beauty and romantic atmosphere were said to be ideal for falling in love and experiencing intimate moments.
Furthermore, Aphrodite was also associated with the beauty of nature and fertility, and Myrtos Beach perfectly embodied these aspects. The beauty of the crystal-clear sea and white sand, along with the green hills surrounding the beach, represented the fertility and beauty of nature.
Myrtos Beach was also a place of worship for the sea god Poseidon. It is said that the beach was a sacred place where sailors offered sacrifices to the sea god before setting out on their voyages.
In short, the mythology of Myrtos Beach is rich in legends and fascinating stories that have attracted the attention of many. The beach is a place of natural beauty and also of cultural and religious importance for the Greeks. The legend of the Tritons, the siren Kymothoe, the story of Odysseus and Aphrodite are just some of the stories that have made Myrtos Beach a place of great charm and mystery.
The history of Myrtos beach
The history of Myrtos Beach is rich in events related to the area's nature, geology, and culture. Myrtos Beach was formed millions of years ago by a geological event known as tectonic subsidence, in which the land literally sank, creating the natural bay that forms the beach. Over the centuries, the beach has been repeatedly cleared of rocks and sand, resulting in the creation of a white sand and pebble beach.
Myrtos Beach served as a port of call during the Venetian period, when Kefalonia was under the rule of the Venetian Republic. During the 19th century, the beach was used for the trade of local products, such as wine and olive oil.
During World War II, Myrtos Beach was a conflict zone of great strategic importance for the Greek resistance and Allied soldiers. The island of Kefalonia was occupied by Axis forces, led by Italian troops, who had established a prisoner-of-war camp on the island.
In September 1943, German forces invaded Kefalonia, and Myrtos Beach became one of the main landing points for German troops. Following the Italian defeat, many Italian Army troops joined the Greek resistance and fought against the Germans.
Myrtos Beach, with its isolated location and natural shape, was used by Allied troops as a support base for sabotage and resistance operations against German forces. Furthermore, the beach was often used to transport weapons and supplies for the Greek resistance and the Allies.
During this period, Myrtos Beach suffered extensive damage and destruction from military operations and air raids. However, despite the damage, it remained an important center of resistance until the island's liberation in September 1944.
The geography of Myrtos beach
Myrtos is a beach located in the northwestern part of Kefalonia. Considered one of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean, Myrtos features a long stretch of white sand stretching for over a kilometer, surrounded by steep cliffs and a bay with crystal-clear, deep blue waters.
Myrtos Beach is nestled between two promontories that form a natural bay and offer spectacular views of the open sea. This unique geographical location gives Myrtos Beach a magical and surreal atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Myrtos Beach is located in the municipality of Pylaros, about 30 kilometers north of the island's capital, Argostoli. Access to the beach is via a steep, winding road descending from the surrounding hill, offering spectacular views of the bay and the sea below. The descent can be steep and somewhat challenging, but the surrounding landscape and the beauty of Myrtos Beach more than make up for the effort.
Myrtos Beach is protected by the surrounding cliffs and mountains, making it a haven even on the windiest days. Its geographical location also makes it a very sunny beach, with temperatures that can reach 40°C during the summer months. However, thanks to the sea breeze, temperatures remain pleasant.
Myrtos Beach is located within Mount Ainos National Park, a protected area offering numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. Thanks to its unique geographical location and natural beauty, Myrtos is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the island of Kefalonia.
Sunset on Myrtos beach
Myrtos Beach is one of the most iconic and photographed beaches in the Mediterranean. Its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and sheer cliffs create a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from around the world.
But if there's a moment when Myrtos' beauty reaches its peak, it's during sunset. When the sun dips into the horizon and the sky turns orange, pink, and red, the beach takes on a new dimension, becoming even more magical and captivating.
The best time to watch the sunset at Myrtos depends on the season. In summer, the sun slowly sinks between the surrounding hills, creating a dramatic effect of red and orange hues reflecting on the water. In winter, however, the sky takes on cooler hues, like blue and purple, creating a striking contrast with the white sand.
But it's not just the visual beauty of the sunset that makes Myrtos so special. The overall atmosphere of the beach changes when the sun begins to set. Visitors gather on the sand to witness the phenomenon, taking photos and admiring the spectacle. The air is filled with a sense of wonder and peace that permeates the entire place.
To fully experience the sunset at Myrtos, we recommend bringing a beach towel and a bottle of local Greek wine. Find a spot on the sand to sit and enjoy the spectacle in all its magnificence. Let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep and let the setting sun take all your daily worries away.
Sunset at Myrtos is one of those moments that stays etched in your mind and heart forever. If you're lucky enough to visit this stunning beach, be sure to spend at least one evening enjoying the spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon. You won't regret it!
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.
If you want to learn more about Kefalonia's history, follow this article.
If you're still unsure where to stay, we recommend Magic Kefalonia Villa, our brand new property designed specifically to help you experience a dream holiday in Kefalonia.
