Unveiling the Best Beaches in Greece: A Complete Guide

Looking for the best beaches in Greece to spend your summer swimming or sipping drinks? Well, in this guide, I will list the best beaches in each region of Greece to help you organize your trip. And I don’t mean only the famous ones like Navagio or Balos, but also some hidden gems. I’ll also highlight great beaches for families, relaxation, and partying. Finally, I will share some tips that will make your beach holiday in Greece even better!

But before you start booking your tickets, let’s see when’s the best period to go to Greece for its beaches.

Best Beaches in Greece by Region

Where to even begin? So many choices all over the country! This wasn’t easy, but below I have gathered a wide list of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Greece. Let’s check them out!

Athens Riviera Beaches, Athens

Athens might not be an island, but it still has access to the Aegean and some beautiful beaches to visit. My favourites are along the Athens Riviera, which stretches from Piraeus to Cape Sounion. For swimming, skip Piraeus and focus on Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Alimos.

The beaches there are well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, bars, clubs and restaurants and easy access by car, bus or tram. Lake Vouliagmenis is especially noteworthy, since you can relax in the natural thermal-springs as well! Astir Beach is more exclusive and up-scale, while Vouliagmeni Beach is popular and family friendly. You can also do some water sports there as well.

If you want to escape the city for a little bit, you can go to Sounio which is 30 minutes from downtown Athens by car.

Best Beaches in Mainland Greece

Most people picture islands when they are thinking of Greece. But this leaves dozens of mainland treasures unexplored. So, to correct this injustice, I will present you with some amazing beaches in regions like Halkidiki or the Peloponnese.

Voidokilia Beach, Peloponnese

Voidokilia is probably the most famous beach on mainland Greece. The beach forms a perfect semicircle of soft golden sand surrounding a calm turquoise bay. The water is shallow and warm and the scenery around it feels untouched. Sand dunes, lagoons and ancient ruins surround the beach.

Simos Beach, Elafonisos

Technically Elafonisos is a small island, but since it is reached by a short ferry ride, many travelers include it in a mainland road trip. Simos Beach is famous for its long stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear water that looks almost Caribbean.

Porto Katsiki Style Cliffs of the Mainland: Porto Zoro & Parga Area

Epirus is truly a hidden secret for many tourists. Rugged and mountainous, Epirus hides some surprisingly beautiful beaches, such as the Valtos Beach, just a short walk from Parga town. Long, sandy and simply perfect for a beach day! Nearby Lichnos Beach is quieter and surrounded by green hills, with calm water that’s perfect for relaxed swimming.

Port Glarokavos Beach, Halkidiki

Halkidiki is famous for its three peninsulas and its endless sandy beaches. Port Glarokavos in the Kassandra peninsula stands out thanks to its lagoon-like waters and soft sand that stretches for hundreds of meters. The sea here is incredibly calm and shallow.

Kavourotrypes Beach, Halkidiki

Hidden among pine forests and white rock formations on the Sithonia peninsula, Kavourotrypes is one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Greece. The coastline here is full of small coves with bright turquoise water and smooth white rocks. It feels wild and untouched.

Best Beaches in Crete, Greece

Among Greek islands, Crete stands out for its size and number of beaches! You could spend weeks exploring Crete! But, listing them all here would be impossible. So, let’s check a few of the best ones.

Matala Beach, South Crete

Cliffs, caves, sandy beaches, clear waters and hippies! Matala has it all.Well, not the hippies anymore, but the beach still maintains its laid-back character and relaxed atmosphere. There are also many tavernas nearby to satiate your hunger after a long day of swimming!

Vai Beach, Sitia

Finding a palm forest in Europe might sound strange. Even stranger when you realize that Vai Beach is near Europe’s largest natural palm grove! And not only that, but you also get golden sand, turquoise water and a tropical sensation. The beach is well-organised and there is also a beach bar nearby.

Balos Lagoon, Kissamos

A very picture-friendly beach, perhaps one of the most photographed! Shallow blue waters, white sand, a stunning natural lagoon. No wonder everyone comes here camera-ready! To reach it, you can either rent a boat from Kissamos or drive near the beach and then hike down a hill. It might be a little bit challenging, but the view from above is totally worth it.

Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi

Pink sand gives Elafonissi Beach its fame. Connected by a strip of sea floor, a tiny island sits just steps away. Because the water stays so still, children can splash without worry near the shore. Still, crowds gather when summer heat climbs into July and August.

Best Beaches in Mykonos, Greece

You know Mykonos as a destination for luxury and partying. But that is only half the truth. The island contains fantastic beaches that cater to all travel styles, even those who focus on relaxation instead of dancing the night away.

Platys Gialos

Platys Gialos is a very popular beach in Mykonos. And for a good reason. Long sandy shore, calm waters and a multitude of restaurants just a few steps away. What more could you ask? Oh, how about some water taxis that will take you from Platys Gialos to even more beaches?

Ornos Beach

Families with kids love Ornos Beach! It’s more relaxed and with calm waters, ideal for swimming casually. Restaurants and bars line its shore and the beach is very close to Mykonos Town, which makes it very accessible. 

Super Paradise Beach

Now let’s talk about Super Paradise! Not too far from Paradise Beach, the Super Paradise is probably the most famous on the island. Many celebrities visit it, but also crowds of youth who come here to party and dance. You want energy and nightlife, then Super Paradise is your spot!

Best Beaches in Santorini, Paros and the Cyclades

Close to Athens and with a multitude of beaches on each island, the Cyclades are also among the most romantic destinations in Greece for honeymoons. Volcanic cliffs, soft sand, turquoise water. You can find every type of beach in this cluster of islands, each one unique.

Perissa Beach, Santorini

Santorini is famous for its sunsets, but weirdly, not as much for its beaches. Perissa, also known as the Black Beach thanks to the color of its sand is truly a spectacle to behold. Right beneath Mesa Vouno mountain, Perissa stretches for kilometers, organised with sunbeds, restaurants and bars nearby. Beautiful and serene.

Red Beach, Santorini

If you are more into red hues, then the Red Beach won’t disappoint you! This time it’s not the sand though, but the volcanic cliffs surrounding it that give this beach its name. They create an amazing contrast with the pebbled shore and the blue water. Very photogenic, if we can call a beach something like that.

Faragas Beach, Paros

Paros is small and beautiful, just like most islands in the Aegean. Faragas Beach on the southern coast of Paros has calm and clear water, with a restaurant and bar in close proximity. Relax on the beach, then relax again with some cocktails or a hearty seafood meal!

Kolymbithres Beach, Paros

You will love the Kolymbithres Beach and its peculiar granite rock formations. The passage of time and the force of the wind and waves have shaped them into smooth curves and many small sandy coves. The beach is near Naoussa and it’s calm with beautiful views!

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko looks a bit lunar with its white volcanic rocks surrounding the beach. It feels like an alien landscape. Also, there are small coves with bright blue water you can discover among these rocks!

Kleftiko Beach, Milos

In Kleftiko, you can find sea caves, white rock formations reachable only by boat and turquoise water! Pirates used to hide here, hence the name (Kleftiko from the word Kleftis, meaning thieve). I don’t recommend hoisting up the Jolly Roger, but still renting a boat and exploring the beach as a visitor is worthwhile!

Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos

Agios Prokopios in Naxos, is one of the best sandy beaches in Greece (more on that later). Agios Prokopios is long, soft and perfect for relaxing. You can rent a sunbed, have a bite at a restaurant or cantina and enjoy your drinks while taking in the amazing views!

Plaka Beach, Naxos

A truly long beach. One of the longest ones in the Cyclades. Also, it’s gold and with crystal clear water. But the best of all? The beach doesn’t feel crowded. Don’t get me wrong, plenty of people visit Plaka, but it stretches for kilometers, so there is a feeling of open space. It’s easy to find quiet spots, even if there are tavernas and bars nearby.

Livadakia Beach, Serifos

Close to the port of Serifos, Livadakia is very easy to reach. You can hop off the ferry boat and right into the beach in mere minutes! The shore is sandy and the water is just perfect for relaxed swimming. And since it’s so close to the main town of Serifos, a very underrated island, you can find plenty of restaurants and bars to grab a bite or a drink afterwards.

Mylopotas Beach, Ios

The best beach in all of Ios! It’s wide, it’s sandy, it’s clear and with a lively atmosphere thanks to the bars and restaurants. Ios has a reputation as a party island, a scaled down version of Mykonos. But, Mylopotas is also ideal for people looking to relax and enjoy the sea.

Kamares Beach, Sifnos

Like Livadakia, Kamares in Sifnos, a very unique island, is also close to the port of the island. It’s shallow and sandy and ideal for families. Taverns, cafés and small shops line the beach, so everything you need is within walking distance.

Best Beaches in the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada & Kefalonia)

Let’s swing by the western side of Greece for a moment and check on the Ionian islands! Their beaches feel a little bit different than the Aegean ones, with white cliffs, deep turquoise waters and lush green hills all around. 

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos

Probably the most photographed beach in Greece! Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, sits inside a hidden cove surrounded by towering white cliffs. In the middle of the sand lies the rusty remains of a shipwreck that ran aground in the 1980s. The contrast between the turquoise water and white cliffs is simply unforgettable.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

If you have seen photos of Kefalonia, chances are you have already seen Myrtos Beach. It sits at the bottom of steep cliffs and offers an incredible panoramic view from above. The beach is covered in white pebbles and the water turns deep shades of blue that almost glow in the sun. Swimming in the Myrtos beach is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada

Porto Katsiki is surrounded by massive white cliffs. It took its name because in the past, it was so steep and inaccessible that only goats with their famous rock climbing skills could access it. Nowadays, you don’t need hooves to go down there and enjoy its pristine waters. You can just take the stairs carved into the cliff.

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Corfu, the Countess of the Ionian Sea. A beautiful island with so many beaches to explore! Paleokastritsa though, is not just one beach but a collection of small coves surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs. The water here is incredibly clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The area also has tavernas and boat rentals, making it a great place to explore nearby caves.

Best Beaches in Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands

All right, back to the Aegean again! The Dodecanese lie in the southeastern corner of this sea, close to Turkey. Their beaches are rugged but incredibly clear. Except for Rhodes, all the other islands feel less crowded than the Cycladic ones and they are just perfect if you want to combine beautiful scenery with relaxation.

Apella Beach, Karpathos

Beaches like Apella, one of the best beaches in Greece, remain crowd-free. It feels a bit hidden too, surrounded as it is from steep cliffs and pine trees. Serene, crystal-clear and with pebbled shore. Just perfect!

St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes

Just below the historic village of Lindos lies the beautiful St Paul’s Bay. The beach sits inside a sheltered cove with calm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming. With the white houses of Lindos rising behind it, the scenery here feels almost postcard-perfect.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes

Yeah, that Anthony Quin! The actor who filmed the “Guns of Navarone” gave his name to this small but very scenic beach in Rhodes! Rocky and with emerald water, it’s great for snorkeling thanks to the clear water and hard seabed.

Best Beaches in the Sporades Islands

The Sporades islands sit in the northern Aegean and feel very different from the dry Cyclades. Here you will find lush green hills, pine forests reaching almost to the water and some truly beautiful beaches. The sea is incredibly clear and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed and less hectic.

Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

Koukounaries is easily the most famous beach in Skiathos and one of the best sandy beaches in Greece. Golden sand stretches along a calm bay, backed by a dense pine forest. The beach is well organised with sunbeds, bars and restaurants, but it still keeps a relaxed holiday vibe.

Stafylo Beach, Skopelos

Stafylo Beach sits just a few kilometres from Skopelos Town, making it very easy to reach. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles with deep blue water perfect for swimming. Pine-covered hills surround the bay, giving the whole place that classic green Sporades scenery.

Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

Lalaria Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Sporades. Towering white cliffs and smooth white pebbles give the beach its distinctive look. The highlight is the famous rock arch rising from the sea. You can usually reach Lalaria only by boat, which makes the visit even more special.

Best Sandy Beaches in Greece

Pebbles are not my favorite thing to be honest. Kinda ouchy. Long sandy beaches are my thing and for many people as well. Let’s see some of the best sandy beaches in Greece.

• Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos: Soft golden sand, shallow crystal-clear water and plenty of beach bars and restaurants. One of the best sandy beaches in the Cyclades.
• Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos: Famous for its fine golden sand and pine forest backdrop. Beautiful, organized and perfect for a full day by the sea.
• Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Known for its pink-tinted sand and shallow lagoon-like water. Unique scenery and great for long, relaxed swims.

Best Beaches in Greece for Families

Travelling with kids has challenges of its own, which is why planning the right family travel beach destinations in Greece becomes important. Parents need beaches that are safe, calm and with easy access. They don’t really look forward to carrying their children on their shoulders while walking down steep stairs. Perfectly understandable, so let’s check the perfect beaches for kids in Greece.

• Ornos Beach, Mykonos: Calm waters, plenty of restaurants and easy access from Mykonos Town make it very family-friendly.
• Kamares Beach, Sifnos: A shallow sandy beach right next to the port with tavernas and cafés nearby. Ideal for families with younger kids.
• Elafonissi Beach, Crete: The shallow lagoon and soft sand make it one of the safest and most enjoyable beaches for children.

Best Nudist Beaches in Greece

Greece offers beaches where naturism is okay, often in quiet or remote spots. Some are at the ends of big beaches. If you love a more relaxed vibe, these are well-known picks.

• Camping Beach, Antiparos. Wild beauty, golden sand and very close to the local campsite. Nudists come here often, mostly on the quiet parts of the beach. Its peaceful vibes make many people visit it again and again.
• Kokkini Ammos, Crete. A beach with red sand and relaxed vibes near Matala. Cliffs keep it safe from the strong winds. One of the most popular spots for naturists in Greece.
• Super Paradise, Mykonos. Parts of the beach remain naturist-friendly, though most of it is now a lively party spot. 

Best Quiet Beaches in Greece for Relaxation

If you feel like running away from the crowds, then you are in luck! Despite the amount of tourists that Greece receives each year, there are still plenty of secluded and peaceful beaches. Ideal for senior travellers in Greece too, since they are so calm and relaxing. Here are the best ones.

• Faragas Beach, Paros: Small, scenic and relaxed, perfect for swimming and enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the sea.
• Livadakia Beach, Serifos: Close to the port but still calm, with soft sand and gentle water ideal for a quiet swim.
• Plaka Beach, Naxos: One of the longest beaches in the Cyclades, so it’s easy to find quiet spots even in summer.

Hidden Gem Beaches in Greece (by Greece Insiders)

Some of the best beaches are the ones that feel a little harder to reach or less crowded. If you enjoy discovering places that still feel somewhat secret, these beaches are worth seeking out.

Tsamadou Beach, Samos

Hidden among green hills just a short drive from the village of Kokkari, Tsamadou Beach is one of the most beautiful spots on Samos. The beach is a mix of pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise water that becomes deep fairly quickly, making it ideal for confident swimmers. Part of the beach is organized with sunbeds and a small beach bar, while other sections remain more free.

Gomati Beach, Limnos

Gomati Beach doesn’t shout for attention, yet it holds its ground among Greece’s coastal gems. Far from the usual crowd magnets, Limnos hides this stretch of soft sand up north where dunes rise. The water is calm and gentle, clear, warm and shallow. Few paths lead here, which helps keep things exactly as they are, almost untouched.

Karathona Beach, Nafplio

Karathona Beach is one of the nicest mainland beaches in Nafplio. The long sandy bay stretches between green hills and offers calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. It’s also very easy to access, which makes it popular with locals who come here to relax, swim and enjoy the seaside tavernas nearby.

Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches in Greece

Don’t pick up that towel yet! There are some tips that will really help you enjoy the best beaches in Greece.

• Some beaches require hiking, driving steep roads or taking a boat. They are usually worth the effort though.
• Not every beach is organised, so check in advance and bring your own umbrella if needed.
• Sunscreen, water, a hat and sunglasses are essential under the Greek sun.
• Pay attention to swimming conditions. Strong winds like Meltemi or sea urchins in rocky beaches require special attention.

Discover the Best Beaches in Greece

As you can see, Greece has an incredible variety of beaches. But you can’t really talk about the best beaches in Greece in a short manner. There are so many and all so different from each other! Pink sands, hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, lively party beaches. But, no matter if you are traveling as a family, looking for peace and quiet, prefer sand or pebbles or chasing the best parties, Greece has it all!

If you’re ready to start planning your own beach adventure, the team at Greece Insiders can help make it unforgettable. We specialize in tailor-made travel experiences across Greece, helping you discover not only the famous beaches but also hidden gems, local culture and unique activities!