Beaches in Greece & the islands

Greece is famous all over the world for its fabulous sandy beaches with crystal water.

In brief:
The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos, Paros, Ios, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Karpathos and more.
The best for families with kids are Agios Georgios Beach in Naxos and Agios Nikitas in Lefkada.
The best for partying are Paradise Beach in Mykonos and Pounta beach in Paros.
The best for privacy are many. Any remote cove is ideal for relaxation and isolation and there are thousands of them. You just need to explore.
The best for windsurfing are Mikri Vigla in Naxos, Golden beach in Paros, Prasonisi in Rhodes, Vassiliki in Lefkada. The best for kitesurfing is Pounda (harbor) in Paros.

Table of contents:
• Best 30 beaches • By Locations • Photos

Sandy or pebbled, secluded or organized, beaches charm visitors with their authentic beauty and also for cleanness. Every year, Greece is ranked by the Blue Flag Program among the top three countries with the best quality beaches and coasts. (In 2019, 515 Greek beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.)
Many unorganized and hidden bays are also ideal for naturism.
To enjoy the Greek beaches, travelers need to visit Greece between May to early October in order to have great weather and a good seawater temperature.

The country has the largest coastline in Europe (13,676km) and therefore, thousands of beaches are always ready to welcome visitors
The beaches are very safe without large waves, currents, sharks, or poisonous fishes.
For this reason, millions of tourists come to Greece and its islands every year to enjoy the sea, sand and fresh air on the beachside.
This section gives information on the best beaches in Greece and the Greek islands. These Greek beaches are frequently rated among the top beaches in Europe and even in the world.

Our guide proposes the best 30 beaches in Greece. These beaches are presented with detailed information and many photos.

List of the best 30 beaches

All the Greek beaches have their own beauty and charm. The beaches below are considered the most beautiful in Greece (by our team and public opinion).
Discover the best beaches: Balos in Crete, Myrtos in Kefalonia, Porto Katsiki in Lefkada, Super Paradise in Mykonos, Navagio in Zakynthos, and more.

Voidokilia beach

1. Voidokilia beach

Situated at an idyllic location in Messinia, a few kilometers away from Pylos, Voidokilia is one of the most impressive beaches to visit in Greece. The bay of Voidokilia is covered with silky sand and has an unusually symmetrical shape. This area houses numerous wildlife species and since it is a designated "Natura 2000" site, no facilities have been allowed. At the same time, some archeological sites are also located there.

Porto Katsiki beach in Lefkada island

2. Porto Katsiki beach

Porto Katsiki is the most famous beach in Lefkada, located on the southwestern side of the island. The name of this beach means "the port of the goats". Above the impressive bay, there is a car park and a couple of beach bars to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea. Visitors have to go down a few steps to reach this white-pebbled coast with its exotic deep waters.

Elafonisi beach in Chania

3. Elafonisi beach

Elafonisi (or Elafonissos) is a small islet connected to the rest of Crete by a shallow reef that can be crossed when the sea is calm. This islet lies 82 km northwest of Chania town and can be reached by boat from Paleohora or by car from the village of Vathi, until a point and then cross the reef.

Balos beach

4. Balos beach

Balos in Crete island is the Carribean aspect of Greece. Apart from amazing seawater, Balos also has an impressive landscape. Located on the northwestern side of Crete, Balos can be reached by boat from Chania Town and Kissamos or by car through a dirt road. This is one of the most amazing secluded beaches with soft sand and exotic water. Right next to the beach of Balos is the secluded and uninhabited island of Gramvoussa, with a Medieval Castle on top.

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia

5. Myrtos beach

Myrtos is the most photographed of all beaches and is located on Kefalonia island. The view from the cliff above is breathtaking, but the beach itself is also a marvel. You will love the exotic deep waters and the view of the open sea. Myrtos is located on the northern side of the island, close to the picturesque village of Assos. It is frequently featured in travel magazines as one of the best beaches in the world.

Agios prokopios beach in Naxos

6. Agios Prokopios beach

Located only 5 km south of Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios in Naxos is a long beach with charming azure waters. It is considered one of the best beaches in Greece. The coast has soft, golden sand. The beach gets very popular but due to its large size, it never gets packed. Part of the beach is lined up with taverns, cafeterias, and studios. Many sports centers also have their base in Agios Prokopios or near, including centers for windsurfing, kite surfing, and diving.

Navagio beach in Zakynthos

7. Navagio beach

The Shipwreck Bay (Navagio) is the most famous beach on Zante island. It took its name when a ship carrying illegal cigarettes wrecked there in 1983. The rusted ship can be seen today ashore. Visited only by boat, Navagio has wonderful crystal water and soft white sand. Before reaching Navagio, the tour boat makes a stop in the famous Blue Caves, with equally amazing water.

Vai beach in Lassithi

8. Vai beach

The beautiful Vai beach, known as Palm Forest, is a beach with 5000 palm trees. That fact makes it the largest known palm tree forest in Europe. This forest was first mentioned during the Classical period and its existence is attributed to Phoenician merchants who threw away the seeds of the dates they were eating.

Sarakiniko beach in Milos

9. Sarakiniko beach

This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos and surely the most particular one. It is located along the coastal road east of Adamas, northeast of Milos. It is the most photographed spot on the island.

Lalaria beach in Skiathos

10. Lalaria beach

Only reachable by boat from the port of the capital, Lalaria is situated on the northeastern tip of the island and is a dream-like place of incredible beauty with white cliffs rising out of the clear deep blue sea.

Red beach in Santorini

11. Red beach

The Red Beach is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located in the area of Akrotiri and is only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much-crowded atmosphere and there are many days when most visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach.

Kolymbithres beach in Paros

12. Kolymbithres beach

The beach of Kolimbithres is one of the most famous beaches of Paros and is located in the huge bay of Naoussa, or Plastira Bay. This beach is particularly impressive because of the huge blocks of granite boarding it, sculpted into strange smooth shapes by the sea and the wind over the centuries.

Mylopotas beach in Ios

13. Mylopotas beach

Mylopotas is one of the most visited and crowded beaches in Ios; a stunning, sandy bay with turquoise waters and lush vegetation awarded with a Blue Flag. Mylopotas consists of two parts; an organized area equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and an unexploited area where you can lie under the warm sun

Plaka beach in Naxos

14. Plaka beach

Plaka is one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos. It is a calm and endless sandy beach with, in some parts, big flat stones and amazing crystal-clear waters. At the beginning of the beach, one can find sun beds and umbrellas, but most part of the coast maintains its unspoiled natural beauty.

Super Paradise beach in Mykonos

15. Super Paradise beach

Although Super Paradise in Mykonos is famous mostly for the all-day beach bars and parties, the truth is that it also has fabulous water. Lay on the soft sand of Super Paradise, go sunbathing, listen to music and swim in the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea. This beach can be reached by boat or bus from Mykonos Town. There are many accommodations around Super Paradise, from family studios to luxurious hotels.

Stafilos beach in Skopelos

16. Stafilos beach

Stafilos is one of the closest beaches to Skopelos Town. A nice fish tavern welcomes the visitors and some wooden steps lead down to the lovely pebbled bay with fine grey sand and crystal clear waters.

Koukounaries beach in Skiathos

17. Koukounaries beach

This is the most famous beach of Skiathos, therefore the most crowded. It is well-known for its extremely fine white sand and its fragrant pine trees forest from which the region took its name.

Saint Paul beach in Rhodes

18. Saint Paul beach

The beach is under the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. Golden sand and pebbles compose the beach where sun beds are available for rent. Rocks envelop the beach, giving bathers the opportunity to dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Valtos beach in Parga

19. Valtos beach

Valtos is the largest beach in Parga, just a walking distance or a short boat ride from the city center. Lined up with taverns and studios, this white-pebbled beach is suitable for all ages and all preferences. You will love the blue-green water and the relaxing atmosphere. Valtos is surrounded by green hills and on top of a cliff on one side, lies the Medieval Castle of Parga.

Kyra Panagia beach in Karpathos

20. Kyra Panagia beach

Located on the eastern side of Karpathos island, the beach of Kyra Panagia stands out for its exotic blue waters and fine sand. This is a secluded place but also has a few umbrellas and sunbeds. Above this magical beach, there is a nice church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This is how the beach took its name, which means "Lady Virgin Mary". In summer, there are also boats to Kyra Panagia from Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos.

Simos beach in Elafonisos

21. Simos beach

Simos is a large bay on Elafonissos, a tiny island just below Peloponnese. The beach is famous for its exotic water and& soft sand. One side of the beach is naturist-friendly, while another side has popular camping. There are no taverns or studios on Simos, keeping the virgin beauty of the place. To go to Simos, you will need a private vehicle as there are no public means in Elafonissos.

Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu

22. Paleokastritsa beach

Paleokastritsa is not only a cosmopolitan resort on Corfu island but also a place with wonderful blue-green water. There are many coves in Paleokastritsa, some are secluded and others are popular, such as the main beach just at the beginning of the road up to the monastery. From the small port of Paleokastritsa, there are very frequent boats to secluded coves with fabulous water.

Kavourotrypes beach in Halkidiki

23. Kavourotrypes beach

A light sandy beach with numerous rocks, Kavourotrypes is ideal for visitors looking for the perfect tan. Since it provides limited spots for natural shade, it is advised you carry your own umbrella to the beach. This small beach is ideal for swimming and is also safe for children.

Alyki beach in Thassos

24. Alyki beach

It is a small beach, coiled up in a verdant bay. Its white sand, its clear waters and its beach facilities attract a lot of visitors. Pine trees, olive trees and ancient marble quarries surround the beach

Seychelles beach in Ikaria

25. Seychelles beach

This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ikaria. Located in a picturesque and intimate cove, 20 km southwest of Agios Kirikos, this beach has bright pebbles and rocks and emerald waters and is surrounded by impressive rock formations.

Halikiada beach in Agistri

26. Chalikiada beach

The pebbled beach of Chalikiada lies in Limenaria village, and its access is difficult, after going through a pinewood area. For this reason, Chalikiada offers more privacy, to the point that it is taken as a good option for nudism.

Kolona beach in Kythnos

27. Kolona beach

The beach of Kolona is a narrow strip of land that connects Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas. However, it has a particular charm, partly due to its fine, golden sand and the sea lapping at both of its sides.

Tsigrado beach in Milos

28. Tsigrado beach

Tsigrado is one of the most beautiful southern beaches of Milos. Located right next to Firiplaka, Tsigrado is a very small sandy cove with crystal water. Going down this beach is a bit difficult as visitors have to pass through a rocky passage to get there.

Voutoumi beach in Antipaxous

29. Voutoumi beach

Voutoumi is a nice, pebbled beach located on the northeastern side of Antipaxos Island. It is situated inside a large cove with high rocks covering both sides of the beach. Voutoumi attracts many visitors from the neighboring islands of Paxi, Corfu and even Italy during the summer months.

Mylopotamos beach in Pelion

30. Mylopotamos beach

Mylopotamos is a white pebbled beach, with exotic crystal water of unique beauty. It is divided by rocks into two sections with a snaky path leading from one part to another. Pine trees shadow the path leading to this beautiful beach.

Legrena beach in Athens

31. Legrena beach

Legrena beach is found along the coastal road that leads to Cape Sounion. It is the last beach before reaching Sounion and some kilometers further lies the Temple of Poseidon. Legrena is a small but impressive beach surrounded by cliffs. The water is very clean and clear.

 

 

Beaches by Locations

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