10 Amazing Beaches in Greece

Often called Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is world-famous for the rusted skeleton of a shipwreck set upon unspoiled white sands. Located on lush Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands, it’s sandwiched between two towering cliffs and framed by spetacular blue water. It can be accessed via a private boat tour that will allow you to explore the wreck and swim in the surreal sea, but the best view is from above. An overlook point easily accessible by car and just a short walk provides a postcard-perfect vantage point. You’ll get the best photos when the sun is high in the sky, from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the summer.

Often named among the world’s best beaches, Voutoumi draws many from the neighboring islands of Corfu and Paxi, and even Italians during the summer months. Located on the eastern side of Antipaxos, it’s breathtaking and secluded, made up of fine white sands and pebbles that are tucked at the base of a steep, lush hill with Cypress trees reaching down to the shore. Primarily accessed by boat, it rarely gets too crowded or too noisy. Plus, with the turquoise waters shallow and warm with a sandy bottom, it’s an ideal place for all ages to swim. Outstanding snorkeling can be enjoyed around the rocks, or just float around for hours, letting stress melt away under the Mediterranean sun.

Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, Elafonissi Beach is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, often considered among the most stunning beaches in the world. Its soft white sands are delicately tinted with pink, creating a striking contrast against the vivid, crystal-clear cobalt waters. The beach’s unique pink hue comes from microscopic red organisms that thrive on nearby coral reefs. When mixed with crushed shells, they create a subtle blush tone along the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports or simply relax and take in the serene, picturesque landscape. Due to its immense visual appeal, Elafonissi can attract large crowds during peak season. For a quieter experience, it’s best to visit in late spring or early autumn.

Milos is renowned for its more than 75 beaches, but there is none more famous than Sarakiniko, on the north shore of the island, just a few miles from the hilltop town of Plaka. The most photographed place on the island, this isn’t your usual beach. Rather than sand or pebbles, it’s made up of smooth, chalk-white rock formations that are ideal for sunbathing. With its lunar-like appearance contrasted against the sea in brilliant shades ranging from deep emerald to aquamarine, it’s particularly Instagrammable. When the water is warm, typically from late spring through early fall, swimming is popular here – many like to leap in from the rocks. It’s all about enjoying nature, meaning there are no facilities, so bring your own supplies.

Located on the western side of the Peloponnese Peninsula near the town of Pylos, Voidokilia is another one of the country’s most spectacular beaches. With an abundance of flora and fauna, including rare plants, sea turtles, and flamingos, it’s protected by the Natura 2000 program, which aims to preserve threatened habitats and species. It boasts unspoiled white sands and soft dunes, where you can climb to the top and take in a magnificent view. Or just take advantage of this idyllic spot to relax while surrounded by the natural beauty. The clear blue waters are calm and shallow, making it a pleasant place to swim or for families with little ones to safely splash around in.

On an island with some of the best beaches in Greece, Agios Prokopios stands out as one of the most popular, a Blue Flag-awarded stretch just a few miles from the center of Naxos Town on the west coast of the island. It’s one of the biggest, a wide stretch of pale golden sands that are framed by water that looks like a big swimming pool, transparent and turquoise. There are beach clubs, loungers, umbrellas, and water sports rentals, so you can spend your time enjoying a mix of relaxation and activities. You’ll also have access to plenty of casual beach bars and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day here immersed in the remarkable beauty.

While there are several unique beaches on Santorini, including some made up of midnight black volcanic sands, the most famous is Kokkini Beach, better known as Red Beach. It sits at the edge of cliffs with a fiery red hue that disintegrates into the scarlet sands. It’s the result of black and red lava rocks that are rich in iron, produced by ancient volcanic activity. The beach stretches to clear azure waters for a breathtaking contrast. To reach it, you’ll need sturdy shoes for the rough terrain, and not flip-flops. Many simply capture photos from a distance, with occasional falling rocks and the steep trek a bit risky. An alternative is to take a boat tour around the island that stops here.

Super Paradise is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, a long stretch of soft sands with turquoise water and trendy beach clubs and bars like JackieO’ and the intimate Super Paradise Beach Club. It’s the place to see and be seen in the summer as the heart of the island’s party scene. It starts getting very lively here by mid-afternoon when the music volume starts to rise. Visitors often enjoy the occasional dip in the sea in between sunbathing, with plenty of sunbeds and loungers to go around. You’ll have access to all types of water sports rentals too, including jet skis, wakeboards, and flyboards. After a day of fun, the sunsets are glorious, often enjoyed with cocktail in hand.

Balos is a stunning, secluded beach set below the Platiskinos Mountains. A bit difficult to access, you’ll need to take a boat tour or drive a bumpy road to the trailhead, followed by a steep but short hike. Located about 11 miles northwest of Kissamos, it’s one of Crete’s most photographed. Looking down from the rocky cliffs, you’ll see a swirl of pristine white sands with patches of pink and a lagoon with pale turquoise waters. In the backdrop are two islets, including one with the remains of a medieval castle and a shipwrecked vessel. You’ll find refreshments, loungers, and umbrellas. Plus, with the water protected from the wind, it’s like a massive natural pool with calm, warm water, idyllic for swimming.

Located on lush Corfu, Rovinia can be found about 13 miles from Corfu Town near the village of Liapades. One of the finest in the Ionians, it’s secluded and comes without umbrellas, sunbeds, tavernas, or beach bars. The cliff provides a bit of shade, and there’s a small boat canteen for drinks and snacks, but you may want to bring your own supplies. To get there, take a boat from Paleokastritsa or park near the village and walk the path that winds through the olive groves. Your reward will be a white pebbly stretch that glistens in the sun with crystal-clear cobalt waters ideal for swimming. If you like to snorkel, bring your gear as it’s a good spot for that too.