The Best Beaches Around Greece
Determining what are the “best” beaches in Greece is obviously subjective to personal opinion.
Some people like well-organized beaches with sunbeds and changing rooms, others footsteps from restaurants or bars, while others prefer secluded and isolated coves.
Greek beaches cater to every taste and many fly the Blue flag which symbolizes cleanliness and quality.
In compiling our list here, we use our first-hand experience and only write about the beaches we’ve been able to visit. We know there are many more fantastic beaches which we have yet to discover and are looking forward to.
Our favorite beaches around Greece.
Balos (Chania, Crete)
It’s hard to describe the raw beauty of Balos beach. It’s soft white sandy landscape is kissed by turquoise, crystal waters, while the whole landscape is framed by dramatic islets and mountains. It’s off the beaten path but the several cruises that leave from Kissamos ensure easy and pleasant access. The castle on the nearby island of Gramvousa adds to the mystique and beauty of the place. A rocky road can take your car near, and a fairly long footpath can take you there if you are not keen on joining the daily cruise boats.
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Sarakiniko (in Elafonisos Island, Peloponnese)
The name “Sarakiniko” is derived from the Saracen pirates who once roamed the Mediterranean, and these beaches often served as their hideouts. Amazing, clear water and soft golden sand make for a great swimming experience at Sarakiniko. Simos beach is right around the corner and just as great of a beach! For such a tiny island, Elafonisos at the Southern end of Peloponnese offers three of the best beaches of Greece (Panagia beach is the third one), and just about the best-looking water in the world.
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Sarakiniko (in Milos Island, Cyclades)
While there are many beaches named Sarakiniko scattered throughout Greece, each with its unique charm, Sarakiniko Beach on Milos Island stands out as a true gem. Sarakiniko Beach on Milos is renowned for its otherworldly landscape, characterized by smooth, white volcanic rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The striking contrast between the dazzling white rocks and the deep azure waters of the Aegean Sea creates a breathtakingly surreal scene, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
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Navagio (Zakynthos)
Another isolated beach that is only served by boats. Coarse white sand, deep blue waters, dramatic vertical cliffs, and large caverns awaiting snorkeling exploration are enough to make this one of the best beaches of Greece, but the embedded and decaying shipwreck in the middle make this beach a special one.
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Belegrina (Chrissi Island)(Crete)
Chrysi is a small uninhabited island south of Crete that is blessed with an impressive array of beaches. The turquoise, crystal-clear waters and the white soft sand of Belegrina Bay are the best of the lot. Despite Chrysi being an “uninhabited” island, its population balloons in the summer when a plethora of free-campers pitch their tents under the ancient “kedros” trees and thousands of day-trippers arrive daily from Ierapetra, Crete (one-hour trip) to indulge in the waters of Belegrina. The beach is at the edge of Europe, but definitely worth the trip. If you do go, don’t forget your snorkeling mask.
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Elafonisi (Chania, Crete)
Two of the best beaches in Greece in one prefecture should not be allowed. But such is nature that it bestowed the west coast of Crete with beautiful beaches and sea. Elafonisi is way too crowded for being so far out of the way (our GPS thought we were in Libya!) on the south-western coast of Chania, but it has been developed with much sensitivity to the environment to make it worthy of a spot in our top ten. Besides, a short walk through the narrow, sandy channel will bring you almost all alone through foot trails and less than saturated beaches on the island of Elafonisi itself.
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Egremnoi (Lefkada)
One of the best-kept secrets of Greece. Beautiful scenery, crystal clear turquoise water, and soft white coarse sand make this beach one of the best to visit. Its out-of-the-way location on the West coast of Lefkada, and the thousand make-shift concrete steps down (and then up) separate the huge crowds from this beach. Excellent by all measures.
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Myrtos (Kefalonia)
Myrtos was voted as the best beach of Greece several years ago by the ministry of tourism visitors, and for good reason. Its fantastic water and bright-white pebbles are nestled comfortably among steep cliffs on the west coast of Kefalonia.
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Plaka Naxos island
This endless patch of sand starts near the town of Naxos and runs down the entire coast of the island, almost all the way to the southern tip (or so it seems). A dirt road follows it down as it turns from crowded patches of organized parasol squares to more and more isolated patches framed by large sand dunes.
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Kastani Beach (aka Mama Mia Beach) (Skopelos)
This beach gained international recognition as one of the primary filming locations for the hit movie “Mamma Mia!” and it’s easy to see why it was chosen. Kastani Beach is nestled on the western coast of Skopelos and boasts a stunning landscape of golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green pine trees that create a picturesque backdrop. The tranquil, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, while the natural beauty and serene ambiance offer a relaxing escape.
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Which is your favorite beach in Greece?
