With crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and stunning views, Greece is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From vibrant, bustling beaches perfect for social gatherings to quiet, remote shores offering pristine waters and breathtaking sunsets, Greece has something for every type of beachgoer. Here’s a guide to the best beaches across Greece, each offering a unique slice of paradise.
1. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos
Nestled in a secluded cove on the island of Zakynthos, Navagio Beach is one of Greece’s most famous spots, renowned for its dramatic setting and the iconic shipwreck that rests on its shores. This beach is framed by towering white cliffs and turquoise waters that almost seem to glow. Accessible only by boat, Navagio Beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and awe-inspiring location.
- Best For: Photography, boat tours, sightseeing
- How to Get There: Boat tours depart from the nearby towns of Porto Vromi, Zakynthos Town, and Agios Nikolaos.
2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete
Elafonissi Beach on the southwestern coast of Crete is celebrated for its pink sand and shallow, clear waters. The beach is technically a small islet connected to the mainland by a sandbar, making it ideal for wading in warm waters. Families and couples alike enjoy its scenic beauty, and the nearby lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
- Best For: Families, snorkeling, sunbathing
- How to Get There: Elafonissi is accessible by car or bus from Chania. It’s also possible to reach it via organized day trips.
3. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach is famous for its sparkling white pebbles, bright blue waters, and steep cliffs that create a majestic backdrop. Located between two mountains, this beach has a wild, natural beauty that’s truly captivating. Myrtos is perfect for beachgoers looking for a scenic location to relax or enjoy the waves.
- Best For: Scenic views, relaxation, swimming
- How to Get There: Myrtos is accessible by car from the main towns on Kefalonia, and there are also buses from Argostoli, the island’s capital.
4. Porto Katsiki, Lefkada
Porto Katsiki, with its steep cliffs, white sand, and crystalline blue waters, is one of Lefkada’s most popular beaches. The beach is famous for its dramatic cliffside setting, which offers visitors stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Access to Porto Katsiki involves descending a staircase, adding to the secluded and magical feel of this beach.
- Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, photography
- How to Get There: Reachable by car or boat, with parking areas above the beach and shuttle services during the high season.
5. Simos Beach, Elafonisos Island
Located on the small island of Elafonisos in the Peloponnese, Simos Beach is known for its exotic landscape, soft sands, and bright turquoise waters. It’s a popular beach for windsurfing, and the double-sided stretch of beach provides ample space for relaxation. With natural sand dunes and clear waters, Simos Beach is often considered one of Greece’s best-kept secrets.
- Best For: Windsurfing, sunbathing, camping
- How to Get There: Reachable by ferry from the Peloponnese coast, followed by a short drive or walk to the beach.
6. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
Sarakiniko Beach on the island of Milos is famous for its lunar-like landscape, with smooth white volcanic rock formations that create a surreal setting. The rock formations extend into the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, creating natural swimming pools that are ideal for a refreshing dip. It’s one of the most unique beaches in Greece and a favorite among photographers and adventure seekers.
- Best For: Photography, cliff jumping, exploring unique landscapes
- How to Get There: Sarakiniko is accessible by car or taxi from Adamas, Milos’s main port.
7. Lalaria Beach, Skiathos
Located on the northeastern coast of Skiathos, Lalaria Beach is a secluded paradise reachable only by boat. Its white pebble shore, arch-shaped rock formation, and crystal-clear waters create an idyllic setting for relaxation and photography. The beach’s remote location means fewer crowds, making it ideal for visitors seeking peace and quiet.
- Best For: Seclusion, swimming, photography
- How to Get There: Accessible only by boat, with regular excursions available from Skiathos Town.
8. Voidokilia Beach, Messinia (Peloponnese)
Voidokilia Beach, shaped like the Greek letter Omega (Ω), is one of the most visually striking beaches in the Peloponnese region. This unique crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by sand dunes, offering a tranquil setting with shallow, turquoise waters. The nearby Gialova Lagoon is a popular spot for birdwatching, and the beach is also linked to ancient sites like the Nestor’s Cave.
- Best For: Birdwatching, scenic views, relaxation
- How to Get There: Voidokilia is accessible by car from Pylos, with parking available near the beach.
9. Balos Lagoon, Crete
Balos Lagoon on Crete’s northwestern coast offers visitors an exotic paradise with its turquoise waters, pink-hued sands, and surrounding cliffs. This beach is ideal for those who want to explore natural beauty, as it’s located in a protected area. The shallow waters are perfect for wading, and the views from the nearby hilltop are breathtaking.
- Best For: Hiking, sunbathing, snorkeling
- How to Get There: Reachable by car followed by a hike, or by boat from the port of Kissamos.
10. Koufonisia Beaches (Pano Koufonisi)
The small island of Pano Koufonisi is part of the Koufonisia group in the Cyclades, and its beaches are famous for their laid-back vibe, soft sands, and clear waters. Beaches like Pori and Finikas are popular for their natural beauty and crystal-clear shallows. The island’s small size makes it easy to beach-hop on foot, with secluded coves and bays around every corner.
- Best For: Island hopping, relaxing, beach-hopping
- How to Get There: Accessible by ferry from Naxos or other nearby Cycladic islands.
11. Red Beach, Santorini
Santorini’s Red Beach is renowned for its red volcanic cliffs, which contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters. This unique beach is located near the archaeological site of Akrotiri, making it a popular spot for history buffs and photographers. While the beach itself can get crowded, the striking scenery makes it a memorable stop for any visitor to Santorini.
- Best For: Photography, sightseeing, snorkeling
- How to Get There: Red Beach is accessible by car or bus from Fira, with a short walk from the parking area.
12. Egremni Beach, Lefkada
Egremni Beach, located on the southwestern coast of Lefkada, is known for its pristine white sand and striking cliffs that form a dramatic backdrop. The beach’s remoteness makes it one of the most peaceful places on the island. Its turquoise waters and breathtaking views make it ideal for those who seek relaxation in a beautiful natural setting.
- Best For: Swimming, sunbathing, scenic views
- How to Get There: Egremni can be accessed by car and a series of steps down the cliffs, though there are also boats that take visitors to the beach from nearby ports.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking secluded coves, vibrant seaside towns, or unique geological landscapes, Greece’s beaches offer an incredible array of options for every type of traveler. From the dramatic cliffs of Navagio to the pink sands of Elafonissi, each beach has its own character and beauty, allowing visitors to experience the best of Greece’s sun, sand, and sea.
