Best Beaches In Greece: 18 Unforgettable Greek Beaches
Greece is without a doubt one of the best beach destinations in Europe. With white sand beaches, shipwrecked coves, and secluded bays that you can only reach by boat, the best beaches in Greece will make even the most hardened of beach-haters want to visit them. You could spend weeks island hopping and only see half of Greece’s incredible beaches. There really are that many!
So, I’ve compiled the 18 best beaches in Greece that you’re going to want to add to your bucket list. From popular beaches to hidden gems, this list contains the unusual, the wonderful, and the downright breathtaking. So grab your beach towel and let’s dive in (literally, and metaphorically!).
What are the best sandy beaches in Greece?
Greece is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, with countless options scattered across its islands and mainland coastline. A few of the best sandy beaches in Greece include:
- Navagio Beach, Zakynthos – This iconic beach is famous for its shipwreck that lies on its shore, making it one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
- Elafonissi Lagoon, Crete – Known for its unique pink sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Elafonissi is a popular destination for travellers seeking natural beauty.
- Balos Beach, Crete – Accessible by boat or a challenging hike, Balos Beach boasts mesmerising blue-green waters and a dramatic landscape.
- Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia – With its white cliffs and deep blue waters, Myrtos Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
- St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes – This small, enclosed bay features golden sand and is overlooked by the charming white-washed village of Lindos.
What is the best island in Greece for beaches?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single “best” island in Greece for beaches, as each island offers a unique beach experience. However, some islands are particularly renowned for their stunning beaches and diverse coastal landscapes. These include Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia.
the 18 best beaches in Greece
So, without further ado, here are the 18 best beaches in Greece that are renowned for their picturesque beauty and crystal-clear waters.
1. St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes
One of my all-time favourite beaches, St Paul’s Bay in Rhodes is utterly charming. This heart-shaped cove, nestled underneath the gorgeous village of Lindos, is the perfect spot for relaxing, snorkelling, and paddling in the waves.
This idyllic bay features a sandy beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s great for swimming. In fact, you can swim the length of the bay and out to the gap in the rocks where the bay collides with the rest of the ocean. It’s weird to feel the difference in the water temperature in the bay as the temperature drops dramatically outside of the bay.
On the beach, you’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also toilets and a small cafe where you can buy drinks and snacks. Nearby, you’ll also find a cute chapel dedicated to the apostle St. Paul (who the bay is named after) on the right side of the bay. This is actually a popular spot for events and you might even spot a wedding or ceremony of some sort here.
One of my top tips for visiting this beach is to view it from above. Undoubtedly the best view of St Paul’s Bay is from the Acropolis of Lindos, where you can see its signature heart shape and take in the whole magnitude of the bay from above. It’s simply beautiful and easily one of the best beaches in Greece.
2. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, this world-famous cove is one of the best-known beaches in the world. Its breathtaking beauty (once again best viewed from above) is dominated by the huge rusted skeleton of a ship that’s washed up on the beach.
The ship was wrecked in the 1980s when a crew trying to smuggle items into Greece was being pursued by the navy. To evade capture, they ran the ship aground and abandoned it. It’s been there ever since!
These days, it has become an iconic landmark of Zante, drawing in tourists from all over the world. You can only access the beach by boat due to its remote location, but there are literally hundreds of tours that depart to the beach from all over the island. There are also no facilities here, so I highly recommend bringing food and definitely water with you as the beach can get pretty hot.
I also recommend booking a private tour if you want to have the beach to yourself. It goes without saying that this is a popular photography spot (as you may have seen on Instagram!). Its stunning surroundings, including the dramatic cliffs and vibrant waters, have made it one of the most recognizable landscapes in Greece. As such, it gets VERY busy and you’ll need to get here early if you want a peaceful experience.
3. Mylopotamos Beach, Pelion Peninsula
Mylopotamos Beach is an incredible beach located on the Pelion peninsula on the mainland of Greece. The beach is surrounded by lush green cliffs and beautiful rock formations, making it the perfect hideaway for a day of lazing in the sun and reading a good book.
Mylopotamos Beach is not just one beach. It consists of three smaller beaches connected by a rock hole on the left side and a winding staircase on the rocks to the right-hand side. Even though there are two restaurants nearby, it still feels pretty wild here and it’s a lovely spot to connect with nature.
You can get to Mylopotamos Beach by first making your way to the Pelion peninsula which is located about 250 kilometres from both Athens and Thessaloniki Airport. The only way to get to Mylopotamos Beach easily is by renting a car. It is not possible to reach the beach by public transport.
On the beach, you can find a few umbrellas that provide shade but no sunbeds and no showers. There are, however, two excellent places to have a drink and a bite to eat nearby. Be sure to try Aggelika Fish Taverna!
Recommended by Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers
4. Giali Beach, Corfu
If you’re looking for one of the best beaches in Greece, look no further than Giali Beach. Located in the western part of Corfu, this beach is around a 30-minute drive from Corfu Town. It’s a true hidden gem with stunning views and is worth visiting on the island.
If you’re wondering why an impressive beach could be considered a hidden gem, it’s mainly due to its access. To reach Giali Beach, you must first park at the Chapel of Prophet Elias, where you have a 15-minute hike to the main descent. To finally reach the beach, you must go down a narrow slope requiring rope and ladders.
Due to the difficulties of the hike, this beach is targeted more at adventure travellers instead of families with small children, for example. However, another way you can reach Giali is by renting a boat.
When you reach the beach, the views will be worth the hassle. It’s a quiet, serene beach that has crystal-clear blue waters. Due to its remoteness, there are no sunbeds or facilities, so ensure you bring a towel or other beach items.
Giali Beach lets one enjoy the picturesque scenery on one of the island’s best-hidden gems.
Recommended by Tamara Williams from My Elated Odyssey
5. Porto Timoni Beach, Corfu
Located on a narrow strip of land in between two bays, Porto Timoni is the most spectacular beach on the island and should be at the top of your Corfu bucket list! The water is a crystal clear turquoise colour and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
To get to Porto Timoni beach, you first need to get to the town of Afionas. The easiest way to get to Afionas is by car, or alternatively by bus. From Corfu Town, the drive is about 1 hour to Porto Timoni. You will need to pay for parking; otherwise, there is no fee to access the beach.
From Afionas, it’s a 20-30 minute hike down to the beach on a rocky, dirt path. Make sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way for the most amazing panoramic views of the beach and the Ionian Sea.
There are no facilities or toilets at the beach, so plan to stock up on food and water prior to making the hike down to the beach. There are several cafes in Afionas where you can pick up a quick bite to eat as well.
Porto Timoni gets quite busy during the summer months. If you want to visit without the crowds, then beat the rush by getting there early in the morning.
No matter how long you’re staying in Corfu, a visit to Porto Timoni Beach is a must on any Corfu itinerary!
Recommended by Jenoa from The Travel Folk.
6. Red Beach, Santorini
The Red Beach in Santorini is one of the most peculiar places on the island. It is a popular beach for adventurers, who are ready to make the trek to it.
The red beach is located in the south of Santorini, close to the Akrotiri Archaeological site. You can reach it by driving to the little car park just off Akrotiri, which is free of charge. However, plan to arrive here early as there aren’t that many spots available.
Alternatively, you can take the local bus to Akrotiri, and then walk for 20 minutes or so, to reach the car park. From here, you will have to hike for around 15 minutes to reach the beach.
The red beach is small, surrounded by red hills and volcanic rocks. It is unique in Santorini for its spectacular landscape and crystal-clear waters. This is why it is a very popular place and a must, even if you only spend 3 days in Santorini.
Red Beach is a wild beach, with no facilities. The nearest refreshments kiosk is in the car park.
Recommended by Joanna from World in my Pocket
7. Kastro Beach, Skiathos
Another one of the best beaches in Greece can be found on the island of Skiathos in the Northern Sporades group.
Kastro Beach is located a stone’s throw away from Kastro, a mediaeval fortified site on the very north of the island, and is one of the island’s most secluded beaches. This non-organized beach features a small tavern serving food and drinks, a toilet, and a handful of sunbeds.
To access the beach you either need to take a boat or walk for about a kilometre from the nearest parking lot where you can park your road vehicle. Kastro isn’t on the bus route so you need to get there by car or take a taxi. Just make sure to wear solid shoes, the path down to the beach is very rocky and uneven.
In the high season, the beach can get very crowded when lots of cruise boats stop here. It can get very windy too, depending on the season.
Otherwise, Kastro Beach is a wonderful and relaxing beach and with its clear, blue water and surrounding greenery it’s one of the best places to visit on Skiathos!
Recommended by Lina from World of Lina
8. Plaka Beach, Naxos
Plaka Beach in Naxos is a slice of Grecian paradise and a must-visit if you happen to be Cyclades Island hopping. The beach spans a tranquil 4 Km of Naxos’s southwest coastline and offers a secluded Greek island experience.
A short 15-minute drive from Naxos Town (Chora) and the island’s ferry port, you can easily get there by renting a car or hopping on a local bus that runs frequently during the summer months.
This beach is renowned for its soft golden sands and calm, crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for both families and older travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
At the northern end of the beach, you will find a few apartment-style and smaller boutique hotel accommodations. A couple of chill beach bars are on offer for a relaxing day at the beach. These establishments also offer paddleboat rentals for some fun on the water. Up for a more lively scene? Head to the nearby Maragkas Beach village centre, a quick walk down the beach.
Facilities at Plaka Beach are limited so keep this in mind when planning your visit. There is also no dedicated lifeguard station, but the waters are generally calm, making it safe for swimming.
Recommended by Haley from Haley Blackall Travel
9. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
The exceptional bay of Sarakiniko may be the most surreal beach in Greece. Due to volcanic terrain that has been formed by the wind, the white cliffs are formed into weird formations. Those cliffs are an amazing photo spot!
Hidden between unique, white rock formations, there’s a small beach with glittering, clear water. This beach is the perfect place to cool down from the Greek heat after exploring the coast.
Sarakiniko Beach is located on the northern coast of the Cycladic island Milos, not far from Adamantas and Plaka. So you can easily reach it by rental car or ATV. You can leave your vehicle in the parking space and walk down for around 10 minutes to reach the beach. So it’s not accessible with a baby stroller or wheelchair.
Be aware that this is a small beach between the cliffs, so there’s no space for any facilities like showers or toilets.
And come early to enjoy the bay without the tourist masses.
Recommended by Jill from Jill on journey
10. Porto Limnionas Beach, Zakynthos
Limnionas Beach is a U-shaped cove on the island of Zante, featuring some of the island’s most picturesque views. Although this beach might not be everyone’s cup of tea as you won’t find sandy shores here, the dramatic surrounding cliffs and extremely clear waters still make it a must-visit beach when in Zakynthos.
To get to Porto Limnionas, drive through Agios Leon village and take the road leading down to the coast. In the village, there are signs that will help you find the way. There is a relatively large car park near the beach to leave your car.
Get down to the beach through steps carved into the rocks, where you always find space on the flat rocks or built-in platforms to place your towel and lie down. For more comfort, you can rent parasols and sunbeds from the on-site tavern, where you can try local specialities or grab a cold drink to refresh yourself.
Due to the difficult water access (you need to jump in from the cliffs or get into the sea through small ladders), this beach is not recommended for families with small kids or for those who love full-featured sandy beaches, but it is a great place to go for a day trip for sea lovers who don’t mind going the extra mile if they get fantastic water clarity and wonderful underwater scenery in return.
An interesting fact is that the water in Porto Limnionas is colder and cleaner than at other Zakynthos beaches because some underwater springs are coming into the cove. Don’t leave your masks and flippers at home, as you can encounter a variety of marine species, including fish and octopus. If you are lucky, you can even see sea turtles here!
Recommended by Anett from Snorkel Around The World
11. Monastiri Beach, Paros
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Greece, Monastiri on Paros should definitely be at the top of your list!
Tucked away in a tranquil bay and surrounded by rocky hills with hues of rusty red, Monastiri is one of the most picturesque beaches on Paros. It also boasts turquoise, crystal-clear water that gently slopes in from the beach, providing safe access and swimming even for young kids.
One of the best things at Monastiri Beach is renting out a kayak or SUP board and exploring the tranquil bay. If you’ve never done standup paddle boarding, the calm water here is the perfect environment to try it out the first time.
You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas from the nearby beach bar and relax with a cocktail while listening to chill-out music. Monastiri is perfect for both couples and families.
Showers, bathrooms and changing rooms can be found at Monastiri Beach Bar and are available to the customers of the beach bar.
Monastiri Beach is located in the southern part of the island, 21 minutes from Parikia and 16 minutes from Naoussa. You can catch a bus, but we recommend renting a car in Paros, which will give you more flexibility.
Recommended by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
12. Preveli Beach, Crete
Preveli Beach is a tiny beach on Crete’s south coast. It’s only 250 metres in length, but what it lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in pristine natural beauty and uniqueness.
The beach hugs both sides of the estuary of the Kissano Faraggi River which meanders back through a gorge inside a palm tree forest. The water of both the river and the sea is magically azure blue and the sand is fine and soft.
The river’s water is only a metre deep and you can take a walk through it, between the palm trees on both sides. For those who want a hike without getting wet, the high cliffs on both sides present outstanding views from above.
Preveli Beach is just 15 minutes from Plakias, the nearest city. You can reach it by the bi-hourly public bus or, as many do in Crete, by rental car. The beach has a restaurant, toilets and showers, as well as rental shops for snorkels, water shoes, flotation devices, etc.
The beach is best for those who enjoy great scenery off-the-beaten-track. Although Preveli has become a well-known destination in Crete, it’s nonetheless way less crowded than the beaches in the north.
Recommended by Simon from Backpack Moments
13. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Tucked away in the North of Kefalonia, Myrtos Beach is renowned for its white pebbles and clear blue water. It’s around 40 minutes from Argostoli and is easily reachable by car, taxi, or bus.
Thanks to its mesmerising sunsets, the beach is ideal for honeymooning couples or those looking for a romantic escape. Postcard-perfect views also attract travel bloggers, photographers, and influencers determined to capture an unbeatable snap at one of the world’s most famous beaches.
Windy days tend to create choppy waves in the bay, so this can also be a great beach for those looking for a little fun. Just be prepared to share the beach with other travellers, as it’s one of Kefalonia’s most popular spots.
With few shady spots on the beach, it’s vital to bring your own umbrella. There are some sunbeds and umbrellas provided, but these usually fill up quickly in summer. Lifeguards operate at the beach during summer, and you’ll also find toilets, showers, and changing facilities. Coffee, water, and light snacks are available from the canteen.
Recommended by Lewis Ogden from WayToStay.com
14. Soros Beach, Antiparos
Taking the ferry from Paros to its small sister island Antiparos is the perfect idea for a day trip. Antiparos awaits you with numerous idyllic sandy beaches, such as the wide Soros Beach.
Ferries leave from Pounta in Paros every half hour and it’s just a few minutes ferry ride. So you can bring your rental car and reach Soros Beach by car. That’s the best idea, as public transport is poor in Antiparos.
Framed by old olive trees, Soros Beach is a golden paradise. Soft sand and shallow water make it the perfect beach for families as well. Just bring an umbrella, as there is no shade on the beach itself.
Part of Soros Beach is a natural beach without any facilities. But there’s also a beach club on the other side of the beach, where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Still, it’s never a crowded beach and you won’t find any mass tourism here. That’s why Soros Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Greece.
Recommended by Jill from Jill on journey
15. Ammoudara Beach, Crete
If you are in Crete and looking for a place to kick back and relax, check out Ammoudara Beach, located only 6 km from Heraklion. This white sandy beach is easily accessible from the city centre as it is an easy 15-minute taxi ride, or you can even catch the local bus service.
This beach is 7 km of sand with easy access to the water. The water is clear and the bottom sandy making it wonderful for swimming and lounging in the water. Keep in mind it does drop off quickly so this needs to be a consideration for families with smaller children.
The beach is lined with many beach clubs that offer loungers and umbrellas attracting those that enjoy a casual vibe and the convenience of services. There is no charge for these amenities if you order some food and/or drinks. You can also use the facilities of the beach clubs for changing and washrooms.
On the open areas of the beach, there is a lifeguard, so if you don’t enjoy the beach clubs it is still easy to come and enjoy the soft sand with your own towels, chairs, and snacks. Ammoudara, meaning sandy beach in Greek, is perfectly named and this is the ideal spot for a relaxing day of surf and sun.
Recommended by Kim of Explore Your Bucket List
16. Voidokilia Beach, Peloponnese Peninsula
One of the most beautiful beaches in Greece is Voidokilia Beach, known for its famous horseshoe shape and turquoise blue water. The beach is located in the Messenia region on the Peloponnese Peninsula.
The shallow waters of the bay warm up during the summertime and are a great bathing spot even for young swimmers. If you feel adventurous, you can take the hiking path which will lead you to the ruins of the Paleo Kastro castle. From here, you have the best view of the bay. You can find the hiking path when you go to the very end of the street next to the beach. At the end, you will find a parking lot for your car.
Voidokilia Beach is untouched by commercialization, so bringing sunscreen, drinks, and food is advisable. Only large garbage bins are available, so please keep the beach clean. Also, please be aware that wild camping at Voidokilia Beach is officially not allowed.
The best time to visit is late summer or autumn when temperatures are comfortably warm.
You can reach Voidokilia Beach from Pylos in a 15-minute drive by car.
Recommended by Anne & Anna from Perspektivan.de
17. Kapari Beach, Mykonos
Kapari Beach is one of the best free public beaches on the Greek Islands. It is located next to the more popular (but also more crowded) Agios Ioannis beach with a picturesque view out to Delos Island. The water is flat and a gorgeous crystal clear, turquoise blue colour.
There are no beach clubs or restaurants along the beach, so you can sit freely wherever you please. This does however mean there are no toilets, showers or lifeguards on duty at the beach.
The beach is great for couples as you get a lot more privacy than other beaches in Mykonos. There are also a lot of hotels perfect for honeymooners near Kapari Beach like Mykonos Ammos Hotel and Omnia Mykonos Boutique Hotel & Suites.
Kapari Beach is located only a 15-minute drive (around 5 km) from Mykonos Town. If you are not going to stay nearby, the best way to reach Kapari Beach is by renting a quad or small rental car which will cost you around 50 Euros a day. You can also get a taxi from town which will cost you around 15 Euros one way.
Note: This is one of the select beaches in Mykonos where going nude is allowed so be mindful of this if you bring young children to the beach.
Recommended by: Couple Travel The World
18. Elea Beach, Peloponnese Peninsula
Elea Beach, nestled on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese in Greece, is a legendary haven for campers seeking an unparalleled seaside experience. This coastal gem boasts a sprawling expanse behind its dunes, where a fleet of campervans, caravans, trailers, and tents find solace for several days and nights. The beach’s charm remains intact despite the bustling community it has become, with people staying a few nights to even several weeks.
Stretching wide and long, Elea Beach offers a panorama of sand and sea. The camping grounds reside just beyond the dunes, nestled under the shade of pine trees, and some lucky adventurers can even set up camp right along the shoreline. This beach has a genuine sense of camaraderie and community. It feels more like a free-spirited campground than a beach! Plus, despite all the overnight stays, the beach remains pristine, devoid of litter and chaos.
If you do decide to camp here, in the morning, you’ll be greeted with a bread vendor’s wagon, offering fresh baked goods. During peak season, there are also local stalls selling olive oil, eggs, honey, and more.
Recommended by Maartje from Unieke Vakantieplekjes
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