Beach lovers and coastal destination enthusiasts, you’re in your element! With thousands of kilometres of coastline and more than two thousand islands within its borders, Greece boasts a variety of beaches and coves whose beauty is hard to match by any other country in the world. If you ask me if some of the best beaches in the world are in Greece, my answer would be, without hesitation, a resounding yes.
Greece is one of the quintessential beach destinations, and its coasts are bathed by no fewer than four seas: the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Ionian, and the Cretan Sea. This gives each area a unique biodiversity and climate. Ready to discover one of the world’s most important beach destinations? We’ve prepared a complete itinerary so that, whatever your trip, you can adapt it to your preferences.
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Why are the beaches of Greece still one of the great sun and sea trips in Europe?
Crystal-clear waters, white sand, dreamlike settings, breathtaking cliffs… The beaches of Greece are unique, many of them retain their natural and unspoiled character. It’s no wonder they are the driving force behind the country’s tourism industry and are considered by many to be the best in the world. If you want to enjoy an unparalleled beach destination, look no further. Greece is one of the best choices you can make.
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What are the best beaches in Greece for a first trip?
One thing is clear: on a first trip, it’s impossible to visit each and every one of Greece’s best beaches, as there are so many and they’re quite spread out.
Besides, the best way to explore the country’s coastline is at a relaxed pace. If you rush and try to visit as many coves as possible, your trip will lose its charm.
In that sense, if it’s your first trip to Greece, I would focus on the following islands, as they have the best beaches and are very close to each other (perfect for a first-time visitor). All but one (Rhodes) belong to the Cyclades archipelago, and you’ve probably heard of them because of their great fame—and they absolutely deserve it:
- Mykonos.
- Santorini.
- Rhodes.
- Strikes.
- Naxos.
Beaches of Greece in Crete
Greece is made up of several peninsulas, islands, and archipelagos. Crete, located in the south, is the country’s largest island and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean. But it also has much more to offer: dreamy villages, a fascinating history, delicious cuisine…
If the Cyclades and Rhodes islands are the perfect appetiser to begin exploring the beaches of Greece, the island of Crete is the main course.
Crete is often described as a continent in miniature, with 7 to 10 days being the minimum recommended to fully enjoy it.
Elafonisi and Balos: white sands, lagoons, and some of the country’s most iconic landscapes
Elafonisi is the most famous beach in Crete and one of the best in Greece. It’s located in the southwest of the island of Crete and extends to the island of the same name, as the two islands are so close that you can walk from one to the other at low tide. Elafonisi Beach is a true Mediterranean gem with fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. The sunsets are absolutely breathtaking.
Balos is also located in western Crete, and its waters are very calm and shallow, which is why many families consider it a must-see on their itinerary if they’re travelling with children. Although access can be a little tricky, the effort is well worth it.
Other beaches in Crete to combine relaxation and nature
As I mentioned, Crete deserves at least a week, and the reason is, in part, the existence of these other amazing beaches that I recommend you visit on your trip around the island:
- Glyka Nera.
- Falassarna Beach.
- Seitan Limania Beach.
- Preveli Beach.
- Matala Beach.
- Agiofarago Beach.
- Vai Beach.
Best beaches in Greece in the Ionian Islands
This archipelago, located west of the Greek mainland, has something very special: unlike the rest of the country, it has a clear Venetian influence. The Ionian Islands are the recommended destination for those who have already experienced the classics and have been captivated by the picture-postcard Greece of the Cyclades and the spectacular natural beauty of Crete.
The Ionian Islands can be described as exuberant nature, and spending 7 or 10 days there is usually recommended. Next, we’ll tell you about its most iconic beaches.
Navagio in Zakynthos: The Most Famous Beach Between Cliffs
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, it’s one of the most famous beaches in all of Greece, appearing on countless postcards and travel articles (like this one, of course). You’ll recognise it instantly when you see it. It’s located on the island of Zakynthos, and its main feature is its location between two high masses of white land.
The most special thing about Navagio is that it can only be reached by sea, but don’t let that stop you. If there’s one excursion worth booking in Greece, it’s this one. You will not find a place like it in the world.
Myrtos in Kefalonia: one of the Ionian Sea’s most picturesque spots
We’re heading to another Ionian island to talk about another must-visit beach, specifically one on Kefalonia. There you’ll find Myrtos, another of Greece’s most photographed beaches. It’s nestled between cliffs and its crystal-clear blue sea is truly breathtaking. Unlike Navagio, you can actually reach it by land, and in fact the route there is quite special. The road zigzags, and I recommend you stop for a moment halfway to take in the view of Myrtos from above.
Porto Katsiki and Egremni in Lefkada: White Cliffs and Turquoise Water
The island of Lefkada has the unique feature of being connected to the Greek mainland by a road, making it easily accessible if you’re touring the mainland.
Porto Katsiki is one of its most beautiful beaches and is easily accessible by car, but you’ll have to descend about 100 steps to reach it. The views from this staircase are breathtaking, offering a perspective that allows you to perfectly appreciate the turquoise colour of the waters. Egremni, for its part, offers a very similar, but somewhat more challenging, experience, since instead of 100 steps, you have to descend 300.
- Complete your trip to the best beaches in Greece with our guide to things to do on your travels to Olympia, Greece, the city where the Olympic Games originated.
Beaches of Greece in the Cyclades
Finally, we’ve arrived in the Cyclades! If you’ve never been to Greece and want to start exploring its beaches, this is the perfect starting point. As you’ll see, this archipelago boasts some of Greece’s most internationally renowned destinations.
These islands, in addition to offering the classic image of Greece (with white houses by the sea), are very well connected to each other, as well as to the capital. Furthermore, they have very different beaches. All of this makes them a great option for beginners.
Sarakiniko in Milos: Greece’s most surprising lunar beach
Milos has one of the most unique and surprising beaches in all of Greece. It has no sand and is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. I’m talking about Sarakiniko, a beach of white volcanic rocks ideal for snorkeling and watching the sunset. Visually, it is unmatched.
Super Paradise in Mykonos: Atmosphere, Beach Clubs, and Crystal-Clear Waters
This is a very different option, as Super Paradise is much livelier and more vibrant than any other beach we might have recommended. This beach is surrounded by clubs and beach bars where, in the late afternoon, legendary parties are held. So, if you like to party and want to enjoy a wild night out with friends, this is your beach. Its sister beach, Paradise Beach, also offers a similar atmosphere. However, the party atmosphere and music don’t detract from the beauty of the place, as the coastline is a true spectacle.
Beaches of Greece on the Mainland and Less Typical Spots
The beautiful beaches of Greece aren’t only found on the islands. The mainland of the peninsula, where there are plenty of things to see in Athens, also boasts stunning coastlines. Furthermore, accommodations and restaurants tend to be much more affordable than on the islands, and the atmosphere is more authentic, with less mass tourism and a greater focus on local tourism.
If what attracts you most to Greece is its historical and cultural aspect, but you also want to enjoy some beaches without constantly travelling between islands, mainland Greece is the perfect area for your trip. Let me tell you about its best coastlines.
Voidokilia in the Peloponnese: one of the most photogenic bays in the country
The Peloponnese peninsula has immense historical and cultural richness. It is home to some of the country’s most important World Heritage sites, but it is not to be outdone when it comes to beautiful beaches. One of its best coves is Voidokilia, which, shaped like a semicircle, is located in the middle of one of the most important wetlands in Europe.
Your visit will not only consist of enjoying its sand and waters, but I also recommend that you enjoy everything its surroundings have to offer, which is a lot.
Portokali in Halkidiki and other less crowded beaches to get off the beaten track
Halkidiki is a region in the north of the Greek peninsula, and there you’ll find a small cove with fine sand and shallow, clear waters. It’s a must-see and a little paradise, much less known than other beaches in the country.
If you’re looking for less crowded beaches on the peninsula, another one we highly recommend from Passporter, your travel organiser, is Papa Nero Beach.
Is it worth organising a trip just to explore the beaches of Greece?
Absolutely! Greece’s beaches are among the best in Europe and the world. In fact, aside from their historical and cultural significance, they are the country’s greatest treasure.
How to plan a route to the best beaches in Greece
How many days to dedicate to each beach area
If you have 10, 15, or fewer days to enjoy the beaches of Greece, I would try to focus the trip on Focus on a specific area, rather than trying to explore the coasts of different parts of the country (as this can be exhausting and very busy). For your first trip to Greece, I would concentrate on the Cyclades islands and part of the mainland coast. On the other hand, if you’ve already been to this area, I would focus on the island of Crete or exploring the Ionian Islands.
Conversely, if you have more travel time, it is worthwhile to combine different areas.
Ferry, car, or boat: what’s the best way to get around?
The ferry is the only way to travel between islands, and it’s also a very well-organized means of transport in the country, especially in the more touristy areas, where they depart more frequently. Frequency. A car, on the other hand, is a very interesting option for getting around within large islands (like Crete) or on the mainland. If you’re going to travel to several islands, we recommend renting one on each of them.
As for boats, you may have to use them and book trips on excursions that take you to beaches inaccessible by land.
Practical tips for visiting the beaches of Greece
What to bring to the wildest or least developed beaches
When we talk about wild beaches in Greece or beaches with few amenities, we mean coastal areas that are often more difficult to access and that don’t have beach bars or umbrellas. In these cases, in addition to bringing your own towel and umbrella, as well as your own food and drinks (in a cooler, if possible), it’s also advisable to wear light hiking boots, as the paths may not be paved and/or may be steep.
Even a trash bag is essential, as these areas don’t usually have trash cans or bins. Similarly, a portable charger for your phone can be very useful in remote and more rugged areas.
Besides that, it’s always advisable to bring the following to any beach: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes.
- Want to enjoy a good internet connection during your trip as soon as you get off the plane? Discover what is the best eSIM to have internet on your trip to Greece and avoid complications.
How to avoid peak hours, wind, and strong heat
Between 12:00 and 16:00 is when the sun is strongest, so I don’t recommend being at the beach during this time. However, this is the perfect time to have lunch and a siesta, so take advantage of it and blend in with the locals.
The best time to go is very early in the morning, between 8:00 and 11:00. Many tourists also return in the afternoon, after 5:00 PM, to enjoy the warmer water and lower sun intensity, as well as to watch the sunset from the water.
On the other hand, during July and August, especially in the Cyclades islands, you can experience a strong, dry wind that can be quite bothersome. To avoid this, you can keep an eye on weather apps or choose other months for your visit, as well as other areas of the country.
Finally, I’d like to share some important aspects with you that you may not know or consider, but that will help you respect the coastal environment of Greece:
- Don’t take the famous pink sand from the beaches of Crete or any small stones.
- It is prohibited, and you may be fined at airport security checkpoints.
- Sleeping on the beach or in protected dunes is prohibited; camp only in designated areas.
Do not cut across the dunes to access the beaches; always use the marked trails to avoid damaging the terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Beaches of Greece
August is peak season, when you’ll find the largest crowds of tourists. The best months are June and September; both the weather and the water are still spectacular, and there are fewer people.
Porto Limnionas, Laganas Bay, Emplisi Beach, Porto Timoni, Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Santorini Caldera, Kolymbithres, Seitan Limania, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Blue Lagoon.
Super Paradise and Paradise Beach, Mylopotas, Laganas, Kavos, and Faliraki.
Elafonisi, Falassarna, Agios Gordios, Lassi Beach, Sani Beach, and Agia Anna.
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