GREECE
15 BEST BEACHES IN GREECE
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
15 Best Beaches in Greece: Your Ultimate Guide to Sun, Sand, and Serenity
1. Navagio Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Stunning Views
Summary: Located on Zakynthos Island, Navagio Beach is often referred to as “Shipwreck Beach” due to the iconic wrecked ship resting on its white sands. Known for its stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and photogenic scenery, this beach is one of the most famous in Greece.
History: The shipwreck on Navagio Beach dates back to 1980 when a smuggler ship named MV Panagiotis ran aground during a storm. The ship’s decaying hull has since become part of the landscape, making this beach a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Zakynthos.
Highlights: The contrast between the white pebbly sand, deep blue waters, and towering limestone cliffs make Navagio Beach an absolute must-see. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, or simply admire the breathtaking views from the nearby cliffs.
When to Go: The best time to visit Navagio Beach is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is perfect for swimming and boat tours. Be prepared for crowds during peak season.
How to Get There: Navagio Beach is accessible only by boat. You can catch a boat from Porto Vromi or take an organized tour from various points on Zakynthos Island. Helicopter tours are also available for those seeking an aerial view.
2. Elafonissi Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Pink Sand
Summary: Elafonissi Beach is famous for its pink-hued sands and shallow turquoise waters. Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, it’s a paradise for families, snorkelers, and nature lovers alike.
History: Elafonissi is a protected natural reserve. The unique pink sand gets its color from crushed shells and coral. Historically, it has been a place of refuge and tragedy, most notably when hundreds of Greeks were massacred by Ottoman forces in the early 19th century.
Highlights: Besides the rare pink sand, the shallow lagoon-like waters make Elafonissi ideal for swimming and wading. You can also explore the nearby Elafonissi Island, a short walk through shallow waters, to see its lighthouse and small chapel.
When to Go: Summer months, especially July and August, are perfect for visiting Elafonissi Beach. However, try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
How to Get There: Elafonissi Beach is about 75 kilometers from Chania. You can drive there, take a bus, or join an organized tour from Chania or other major towns on Crete.
3. Myrtos Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Natural Beauty
Summary: Myrtos Beach, located on the island of Kefalonia, is known for its dramatic scenery, featuring a curved coastline framed by steep cliffs and bright blue waters. It’s often listed as one of the best beaches in Greece for its natural beauty.
History: Although Myrtos Beach has no major historical sites, it is situated near several important ancient Greek ruins, including the Mycenaean tombs. The beach itself became globally famous after being featured in the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.”
Highlights: Myrtos Beach’s pristine white pebbles and vibrant blue waters create a mesmerizing landscape. The sunsets here are particularly striking, with the cliffs turning a golden hue in the evening light.
When to Go: Myrtos Beach is best visited from late May to early October, with July and August being peak tourist months. September offers fewer crowds and equally warm waters.
How to Get There: The beach is accessible by car or bus from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, about 30 kilometers away. Keep in mind that the road down to the beach is steep and winding.
4. Balos Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Lagoon Lovers
Summary: Located on the northwestern coast of Crete, Balos Beach is renowned for its stunning lagoon-like waters. The beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and taking in the natural beauty of the area.
History: Balos Beach has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The nearby Gramvousa Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 16th century, offers a glimpse into the region’s historical significance.
Highlights: The beach is famous for its shallow, warm waters that range from turquoise to deep blue. The sand is soft and white, and visitors can hike up to the nearby Gramvousa Castle for panoramic views of the beach and surrounding landscape.
When to Go: The best time to visit Balos Beach is from June to September. For fewer crowds, plan your trip in early June or late September.
How to Get There: You can reach Balos Beach by boat from Kissamos or by car via a dirt road, followed by a short hike down to the beach.
5. Sarakiniko Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Unique Landscapes
Summary: Sarakiniko Beach on Milos Island is unlike any other beach in Greece. Its stark white volcanic rock formations create a lunar landscape, making it one of the best beaches in Greece for photography and exploration.
History: The beach’s unusual landscape was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Its unique geological formations have made it a popular site for geologists and tourists alike.
Highlights: Sarakiniko’s white cliffs and crystal-clear waters create an otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can swim in the small bays, explore the rock formations, or simply relax on the flat stone surfaces.
When to Go: The best time to visit Sarakiniko Beach is from June to September when the weather is warm, and the skies are clear.
How to Get There: Sarakiniko Beach is easily accessible by car or taxi from the main town of Adamas, about 4 kilometers away.
6. Porto Katsiki: Best Beaches in Greece for Dramatic Cliffs
Summary: Porto Katsiki Beach on Lefkada Island is famous for its towering white cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Often ranked among the best beaches in Greece, it’s a favorite for beachgoers seeking dramatic scenery.
History: Porto Katsiki has been a popular destination for many years, attracting visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty. The name “Porto Katsiki” means “Goat Port,” as the area was once accessible only by goats.
Highlights: The beach’s vibrant waters and steep cliffs create a stunning backdrop. Porto Katsiki is also known for its spectacular sunsets, which draw many visitors in the evening hours.
When to Go: The best time to visit is from June to September. For fewer crowds, aim to visit in early June or late September.
How to Get There: Porto Katsiki is accessible by car from the main town of Lefkada. There is a steep staircase leading down to the beach from the parking area.
7. Red Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Volcanic Sands
Summary: Red Beach, located near the ancient site of Akrotiri on Santorini Island, is famous for its striking red volcanic sand and dramatic cliffs. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for those seeking unique natural beauty.
History: The beach owes its distinctive red hue to the island’s volcanic origins. Red Beach sits near the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, which was preserved in volcanic ash following the eruption of Thera in 1600 BC, making it a place rich in history and geological significance.
Highlights: Visitors can admire the deep red cliffs and the equally red sand, contrasted beautifully by the bright blue Aegean Sea. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, with abundant underwater life.
When to Go: The best time to visit Red Beach is between May and October. Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially during peak summer months.
How to Get There: Red Beach is located about 12 kilometers from Fira, the capital of Santorini. You can reach it by bus, car, or even boat. A short walk from the parking area will take you to the beach itself.
8. Voutoumi Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Secluded Paradise
Summary: Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos Island is a hidden gem known for its turquoise waters and serene atmosphere. This secluded paradise is one of the best beaches in Greece for those seeking tranquility and pristine beauty.
History: Antipaxos has a long history connected to nearby Paxos Island, and both are known for their vineyards and traditional Greek lifestyle. Voutoumi Beach has remained largely untouched, preserving its natural beauty for generations.
Highlights: Voutoumi Beach offers crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach’s calm atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from busier tourist spots. The view from the nearby cliffs is a breathtaking sight.
When to Go: The best time to visit Voutoumi Beach is from June to September. During this period, the weather is perfect for swimming and the seas are calm for boat travel.
How to Get There: Voutoumi Beach is only accessible by boat. Regular boat taxis and tours operate from Gaios, the main town on Paxos, making for a scenic journey to this remote beach.
9. Plaka Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Family Fun
Summary: Plaka Beach on Naxos Island is a family-friendly destination known for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow, warm waters. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for families and water sports enthusiasts alike.
History: Naxos Island has been a significant cultural hub in Greek history, and Plaka Beach has long been a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. The beach was once a quiet haven but has become more popular in recent years, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Highlights: Plaka Beach offers something for everyone: sunbathing, swimming, beach bars, and even water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding. The beach is lined with tavernas offering traditional Greek food, perfect for a day out with the family.
When to Go: The best time to visit Plaka Beach is between June and September, when the waters are warm and the weather is perfect for beach activities.
How to Get There: Plaka Beach is about 10 kilometers from Naxos Town and can be reached by car, taxi, or bus. Regular buses operate from the town during the summer months.
10. Agios Prokopios Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Relaxation
Summary: Agios Prokopios Beach, located on Naxos Island, is a long sandy beach known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for those seeking relaxation.
History: The beach is named after Saint Procopius, a Christian martyr. It has grown in popularity over the years due to its proximity to Naxos Town and its unspoiled beauty.
Highlights: Agios Prokopios Beach boasts a wide, sandy coastline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Beach bars and restaurants nearby offer local Greek delicacies and refreshments.
When to Go: The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
How to Get There: Agios Prokopios Beach is about 5 kilometers from Naxos Town. It can be easily accessed by car, taxi, or bus, with regular services running during the summer.
11. Kolymbithres Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Unique Rock Formations
Summary: Kolymbithres Beach, located on Paros Island, is famous for its smooth granite rock formations that create small, sandy coves. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for those looking to explore a unique geological landscape.
History: The name “Kolymbithres” means “swimming pools” in Greek, reflecting the beach’s natural rock formations that create small, pool-like bays. The area has a long history dating back to ancient Greek times, with nearby archaeological sites to explore.
Highlights: The beach’s granite rocks create a stunning and unusual landscape, perfect for photography and exploration. The shallow waters are ideal for swimming, especially for families with children.
When to Go: The best time to visit Kolymbithres Beach is during the summer months, particularly from June to September, when the weather is warm and the seas are calm.
How to Get There: Kolymbithres Beach is about 5 kilometers from Naoussa, one of the main towns on Paros Island. It can be reached by car, bus, or even by boat from Naoussa’s harbor.
12. Super Paradise Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Partying
Summary: Super Paradise Beach on Mykonos Island is one of the most famous party beaches in Greece, known for its lively atmosphere, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a hotspot for visitors seeking a fun, energetic beach experience.
History: Mykonos has long been a playground for the international jet-set, and Super Paradise Beach has played a major role in this reputation. The beach became popular in the 1970s and continues to be a favorite destination for partygoers from around the world.
Highlights: Super Paradise Beach is famous for its beach bars and clubs, where the music plays all day and the party doesn’t stop until late at night. The beach itself offers soft golden sand and clear waters for swimming.
When to Go: The best time to visit is during the summer, from June to August, when the beach is at its liveliest. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in late May or early September.
How to Get There: Super Paradise Beach is located about 7 kilometers from Mykonos Town. It can be reached by car, taxi, or even by water taxi from nearby beaches.
13. Lalaria Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Adventure
Summary: Lalaria Beach on Skiathos Island is known for its dramatic white cliffs, natural arch, and pebbly shore. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for those seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty.
History: Lalaria Beach has long been a symbol of Skiathos Island’s rugged beauty. Its name comes from the smooth, white pebbles that cover the beach, and it remains one of the island’s most iconic spots.
Highlights: The beach’s natural rock arch, known as Tripia Petra, is a must-see. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and the secluded location adds to its sense of adventure.
When to Go: The best time to visit Lalaria Beach is during the summer, from June to September, when the waters are calm and the weather is perfect for a day of exploration.
How to Get There: Lalaria Beach is only accessible by boat. Boat tours depart regularly from the port of Skiathos Town.
14. Simos Beach: Best Beaches in Greece for Camping
Summary: Simos Beach, located on the small island of Elafonisos, is famous for its fine sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for camping and those seeking an unspoiled beach experience.
History: Elafonisos Island, located off the coast of the Peloponnese, has been a hidden gem for decades. Simos Beach remains relatively untouched, offering a perfect blend of nature and tranquility.
Highlights: Simos Beach is divided into two sections: Megalos (Big) Simos and Mikros (Small) Simos. Both offer stunning views, soft sand, and pristine waters. The nearby camping site makes it ideal for adventurous travelers who want to stay close to nature.
When to Go: The best time to visit Simos Beach is from June to September. For camping, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds.
How to Get There: Elafonisos is accessible by a short ferry ride from the mainland. From the port, it’s a short drive or walk to Simos Beach.