10 Amazing Beaches in Greece

Your travel portfolio is not completed, if you haven’t visited at least one of these 10 amazing beaches in Greece. Turquoise sea, crystal clear waters, long sandy shores, stunning landscapes.

One of the main reasons to visit Greece is to swim in its incomparable beautiful sea.

It is not easy to select the 10 most amazing beaches in Greece out of thousands of islands. In this post, we dare to make a try by listing just some of them. So here we are! Enjoy our list with our top 10 most amazing beaches on lesser known islands and mainland of the country.

Whether you want to relax on the beach sunbathing, or explore the shore doing water sports or other activities, one thing is certain: each one of them is a destination on its own!

Best for Nature Enthusiasts

Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia
Mirtos Beach, Ionian islands

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia island is definitely one the most impressive beaches in Greece. It’s amazing, crystal clear blue waters are uniquely beautiful.

Myrtos beach is situated in the region of Pylaros in Kefalonia island, which is part of the Ionian group of islands in the west side of the country. It lies between two mountains in the north west of Kefalonia.Myrtos beach is a multi awarded beach that has been in the list of the best beaches in the world for more than ten consecutive years.

Every year Myrtos beach is awarded with the Blue Flag, one of the world’s most recognisable eco labels awarded to beaches and marinas that meet and maintain the highest environmental, sustainability and safety criteria. One of the characteristics of Myrtos beach is that the water gets deep just a couple of steps from the shore.

Travel Tip: If Kefalonia island is on your bucket list, Myrtos beach should be on your must visit list, because it is one of the top attractions on the island. Make sure you stay after dark, as you will experience one of the best sunsets.

Best for Families

Voidokilia beach in Messinia
Voidokoilia beach

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia

Despite its difficult name, Voidokilia beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece. It is located in the Peloponnese peninsula, in the Messinia region, just about 3 km from Pylos town, one of the most picturesque and historic towns in Greece.

You will get here after an easy drive from the main road following the signs that lead you to a narrow road along wonderful olive groves. After all, this region is one of the most famous when it comes to olive oil and olives – not only in Greece, but also in the rest of the world. There is only one road leading to the beach,so it’s hard to miss it. You will know you have arrived when the road ends at a long sandy park and  you can see sandy dunes and a castle on the top of the hill.

Voidokilia is a stunning lagoon with a unique shape. Thanks to its round form, the beach is protected from winds and waves. The water is shallow which makes it perfect, even for small children to swim easily. Enjoy a long sandy beach walk all the way up to Nestor’s castle to enjoy an incredible view of  the Ionian Sea! Make sure you take water with you as there is no beach bar. An umbrella, a hat and sunscreen are essentials! There are also no sunbeds.

Travel tip: Make sure you take water with you as there isn’t a beach bar and bear in mind there are no sunbeds. If you plan to spend the day at the beachstop at Petrochori villagean for an authentic Greek dinner. look out for the colourful chairs outside its adorable yard! 

 

Agios Georgios Beach, Naxos
Agios Georgios Beach, Naxos

Agios Georgios Beach, Naxos

Agios Georgios, a Blue Flag beach, often finds itself on the top of lists when it comes to the most family-friendly in Greece. Naxos is renowned for its white powdery sand beaches and Agios Georgios doesn’t disappoint.

Just a short walk from Naxos Town, the port and some of the best hotels on the island, it’s edged by clear, shallow blue waters that are protected from the winds. It’s ideal for small children to splash around while the older kids can enjoy a variety of beach activities.

A water sports centre is located at the south end, and you’ll find plenty of beach clubs and tavernas too.

Best for Honeymooners

Elafonisi beach in Crete
Elafonisi Beach in Crete

Elafonisi Beach, Crete

Crete is an island where culture, authenticity, natural beauty and gastronomy meets. Some of the most amazing beaches in Greece are located on Crete island. Elafonisi is one of them and it is an absolute must! Elafonisi lagoon is famous for its pink sand. It is situated in the region of Chania, and 76km away from Chania town. It is ideal for all levels of swimmers because the water is quiet and the bay is protected from the strong winds, no matter what time of the day you visit the beach. It is a Natura 2000 protected area, ensuring animals and their natural habitats are protected in order to preserve biodiversity. 

The eastern part of the lagoon can get quite busy in August, but the rest of the long sandy beach is rarely too crowded. The best time to visit Elafonisi, if you want to escape the summer crowds, is between May, June, early July, September or even October.

The road to the beach is adventurous as there are some turns and it is quite narrow, but you will never forget the beauty of the landscape.

Travel tip: As the lagoon is a shelter for various sea turtles, plants and animals, it is forbidden to remove any plants, animals or shells from the beach. At many points, the water is up to 1m so you can easily walk all the way from  one side to the other of the peninsula.

Best for Explorers

Simos Beach in Elafonissos
Elafonisos Beach, Simos

Simos Beach, Elafonisos

If you love the fine sand, the golden sand dunes, the crystal clear blue waters and magnificent landscapes, you are in the right place: Simos beach is one of the most famous beaches in Peloponnese and surely a destination on its own when it comes to summer holidays in Greece. 

Locals and travellers love this amazing beach, which is located just a short drive ( 3 km) away from the main village of Elafonisos, Skala. You can reach this wonderful beach by car from Athens – it will take you about 3.55 hrs- and once you are in the area, you can either drive to the beach or arrive by a boat that you can rent at Skala village.

A truly unique experience is the full moon nights. It’s worth staying until the evening to see the moon rise and the games of light that appear as reflections on the water. Especially the August full moon. The swimming conditions are ideal for all types of swimmers, especially small children. You will find part of the beach organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the rest of it free so you can find your own place in the sun.

Travel tip: If you visit Elafonisos, make sure you visit the castle town of Monemvasia which is just an hour drive away. Monemvasia is a unique mediaeval town built on a rock in the sea. It is definitely one of the most romantic escapes in Europe, especially if you are on your honeymoon trip to Greece!

Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Looking as if it should be on another planet with its lunar-like landscape, Sarakiniko is located on the north shore of Milos.

It’s surrounded by seas ranging in hues from pale and sapphire to emerald green.

You’ll want to capture photos of the bizarre rocks that were sculpted over time by the wind and the water, and perhaps soak up the sun on the smooth, white volcanic rocks in between refreshing dips.

Best Party Beach

Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos
Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos

Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos

Super Paradise can easily be reached from Platis Gialos in Mykonos Town by taxi, water taxi or bus.

Renowned for its upscale beach bars and clubs like Jackie O’, Super Paradise Beach is the heart of the island’s famous party scene. Visitors can enjoy soaking up the sun in between dips in the turquoise waters as well as a wide range of water sport activities. If that’s not your style, you can sink into deep relaxation on Super Paradise Beach’s velvety soft sands with plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds to choose from. In the summer months, by mid-afternoon, things get lively with the volume of the music starting to rise. As the day goes by, you’ll find fellow sunseekers claiming their spot for a spectacular sunset with a cocktail in hand. Bliss.

Best Secluded Beach

Balos Beach, Crete
Balos Lagoon, Crete

Balos Beach, Crete

One of the most stunning and most photographed beaches in all of Crete, Balos is wonderfully secluded, accessible only by boat or driving a bumpy road to the trailhead, followed by a 20-minute hike.

Arrive early to enjoy swimming in the translucent turquoise waters that frame pristine white sands with stretches of pink with no one else around. Protected from the wind, it’s like taking a dip in a big, warm natural pool. Balos Beach has even attracted the likes of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana.

If you want to hang out for the day, umbrellas, loungers, and refreshments are available.

Best for Active Travellers

Best Beaches in Greece
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Porto Katsiki means Porto Goat in Greek, maybe because it takes some more active steps to walk down to this long sandy beach on Lefkada island. Despite its unusual name, it is one of the most amazing beaches in Greece. The colours of the waters are incomparable! 

Breathtaking waters, soft, white sand, and dramatic scenery; A love at first sight, this beach will make it to your top and most favourite places in the world once you see it. It is no question why every year you find Porto Katsiki on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Porto Katsiki is about 40 km away from the main town of Lefkada and you can come here by car or if you are lucky, by boat. The Ionian Sea offers perfect sailing conditions, even in August, and if you are on a sailing boat you will have the opportunity to see shores that are not accessible by car. Lefkada island has the most impressive waters and shores in Greece and it is worth visiting the island anytime between early May to late September, or even early October.

Travel tip: If you want to skip the steps down to the beach, you may as well hire a taxi boat from Nydri or Vassiliki villages. Also be aware that most afternoons, the waves can be quite large which make the swimming conditions not ideal for small kids.

Papafragas Beach, Milos
Papafragas Cave, Milos

Papafragas Beach, Milos

Another unique beach at the northern end of Milos, just a 5-minute drive from Pollonia, Papafragas is not easy to reach but it’s worth making the effort.

Walk down the narrow path and down a set of precarious-looking steps carved into the cliffside where you’ll discover an idyllic cove surrounded by towering cliffs and natural caves.

From the top of the rock, it looks just like a sparkling, aquamarine-hued swimming pool.

If you can get here just before dawn, you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular sunrise and most likely, the entire beach to yourself. The crowds usually don’t start to arrive until 9 a.m.

Travel Expert Spotlight: Natalie's Favourite Greek Beach

rovinia beach in corfu
rovinia beach corfu

Rovinia Beach, Corfu

“My favourite Greek beach is Rovinia beach in Corfu. It’s reachable only by boat or through a hiking path from Liapades making it quite secluded. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Best beach in Corfu. We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again, Greece’s beaches are destinations in themselves and Corfu Rovinia Beach is no exception.”

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