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 in Naxos and Agios Nikitas in Lefkada.
The best for partying are Paradise Beach in Mykonos and Pounda Beach in Paros.
The best for privacy are numerous. 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 and Vassiliki in Lefkada. The best for kitesurfing is Pounda (harbor) in Paros.

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

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

The country has the largest coastline in Europe (13,676 km); therefore, thousands of spots are always ready to welcome visitors.
The absence of large waves, currents, sharks, or poisonous fish renders the waters safe.
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 provides information on the best beaches in Greece and the Greek islands. The following are frequently rated among the top beaches in Europe and even in the world.

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

List of the 30 best beaches

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

Voidokilia beach

1. Voidokilia

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, any type of facility is prohibited. At the same time, some archaeological sites are also located there.

Porto Katsiki beach in Lefkada island

2. Porto Katsiki

Porto Katsiki is the most famous beach in Lefkada, located on the southwestern side of the island. Its name means "the port of the goats". A car park and a couple of beach bars to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea lie above the impressive bay. 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

Elafonisi 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 certain point.

Balos beach

4. Balos

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 it lies the secluded and uninhabited island of Gramvoussa, with a Medieval Castle on top.

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia

5. Myrtos

Myrtos is the most photographed of all beaches and is located on Kefalonia island. The view from the cliff above is breathtaking, but the bay itself is also a marvel. You will love the exotic deep waters and the view of the open sea. Myrtos is situated 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 and most impressive beaches in the world.

Agios prokopios beach in Naxos

6. Agios Prokopios

Located only 5 km south of Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios in Naxos is a long shore with charming azure waters. It is considered one of the best beaches in Greece. The coast has soft, golden sand and even though the area is very popular, it never gets packed due to its large size. 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, kitesurfing, and diving.

Navagio beach in Zakynthos

7. Navagio

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

Vai beach in Lassithi

8. Vai

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

This beach is one of the most beautiful in Milos and surely the most unique one. It is located along the coastal road east of Adamas, northeast of Milos. It is the most photographed spot on the island thanks to its out-of-this-world, lunar setting.

Lalaria beach in Skiathos

10. Lalaria

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 deep-blue sea.

Red beach in Santorini

11. Red Beach

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

Kolymbithres beach in Paros

12. Kolymbithres

Kolymbithres is one of the most renowned beaches of Paros and is located in the huge bay of Naoussa, or Plastira Bay. It is particularly impressive because of the huge blocks of granite it hosts, sculpted into strange smooth shapes by the sea and the wind over the centuries.

Mylopotas beach in Ios

13. Mylopotas

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

Plaka is a calm and endless sandy beach with amazing crystal-clear waters and big flat stones in some parts. At the beginning of the beach, one can find sunbeds and umbrellas, but most of the coast's area maintains its unspoiled natural beauty.

Super Paradise beach in Mykonos

15. Super Paradise

Although Super Paradise in Mykonos is mainly famous for its non-stop parties, the truth is that it also features dazzling waters. 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

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

Koukounaries beach in Skiathos

17. Koukounaries

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 after which the region was named.

Saint Paul beach in Rhodes

18. Saint Paul

Saint Paul lies under the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. Golden sand and pebbles compose the beach where sunbeds 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

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-pebble beach is suitable for all ages and all preferences. Guests are bewitched by the teal waters and the relaxing atmosphere. Valtos is surrounded by green hills and on top of a cliff on one side, stands the Medieval Castle of Parga.

Kyra Panagia beach in Karpathos

20. Kyra Panagia

Located on the eastern side of Karpathos island, 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 sits a nice church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beach is named after the church, as its name translates to "Lady Virgin Mary". In summer, boats to Kyra Panagia also depart from Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos.

Simos beach in Elafonisos

21. Simos

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 hosts a popular camping site. There are no taverns or studios on Simos, keeping the virgin beauty of the place intact. Since no public means of transport are available in Elafonissos, you will need a private vehicle to reach the area.

Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu

22. Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is not only a cosmopolitan resort on Corfu island but also a place with wonderful turquoise water. There are many coves in Paleokastritsa, some secluded and some 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

A 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 bring your own umbrella with you. This small beach is ideal for swimming and is also safe for children.

Alyki beach in Thassos

24. Alyki

Alyki is a small beach, coiled up in a verdant bay. Its white sand, clear waters and beach facilities attract numerous visitors annually. Pine trees, olive trees and ancient marble quarries surround the spot

Seychelles beach in Ikaria

25. Seychelles

This beach is one of the most captivating in the Aegean. 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

The pebbly beach of Chalikiada lies in Limenaria village. Accessing it is a challenging task, as visitors have to go through a pinewood area. For this reason, Chalikiada offers more privacy, to the point that it is considered a good option for nudism.

Kolona beach in Kythnos

27. Kolona

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

Tsigrado is one of the most beautiful coves in Milos. Located right next to Firiplaka, Tsigrado is a very small sandy beach with crystal waters. Descending this beach is a bit difficult as visitors have to pass through a rocky passage to get there.

Voutoumi beach in Antipaxous

29. Voutoumi

Voutoumi is a nice, pebbled beach located on the northeastern side of Antipaxi. 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

Mylopotamos is a white-pebble 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 heading to this beautiful beach.

Legrena beach in Athens

31. Legrena

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

 

 

Beaches by Locations

You can also discover the best beaches (+1.200) in other locations.
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