Skip the Ferry: These Charming Beach Towns in Greece Have It All at Your Doorstep

Greece is the ultimate European destination for beaches. There are countless spectacular stretches with unbelievably blue waters here. However, most of the beaches you’ve seen in Instagram posts and travel brochures are only accessible by car or boat. We’re looking at the other side of Greek vacations—staying in beautiful towns and enjoying fantastic stretches within the urban limits. The laid-back Dodecanese allure of Kos, the breathtaking glory of Lindos, the sandy expanse of Naxos beaches and the UNESCO-protected historical marvels of Rhodes and Corfu offer so many exceptional towns to discover. Here’s where to go.

Traveling back in time is effortless in Rhodes Town. Walls with massive gates and a moat encircle the Old Town, which is among the finest in the whole Aegean. The town’s architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian influences. You will see the imposing sights from times when the Knights Hospitaller ruled this town, such as the epic Street of the Knights and Rhodes’ showstopper, the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master. Step outside the walls to find an energetic beach resort with Aegean-overlooking hotels, a variety of beaches and buzzy streets filled with restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. The whole northern tip of Rhodes is one big beach. The nearest section to the Old Town is Elli, where you’ll find open-air nightclubs and a series of swanky beach bars. Akti Miaouli Beach is on the other side, guaranteeing unforgettable sunset views. Follow the road to Ixia to find Kato Petres—a series of hidden coves with turquoise water.

Kos is a feel-good Dodecanese beach town. The city center and the beach are no more than 10 minutes apart on foot, so you’re never too far from the Aegean blue. Kos is like an open-air museum: the restaurant terraces stand next to ancient Greek ruins, a medieval bastion rubs shoulders with coffee shops on the central square and old churches dominate the Old Town panorama. Also, it’s the town of Hippocrates. The father of medicine used to teach his pupils under a plane tree—now in scaffolding but still blooming—next to the port. You won’t spend much time searching for a place to bathe after sightseeing since the central Zouroudi and Lambi beaches are just outside the Old Town. Both are sandy and come with many beach bars. Go south for Paradiso Beach, another charming sandy stretch.

I gasped with astonishment upon seeing Symi from the sea. You sail into the gorgeous bay, and barren mountains rise overhead. Neoclassical houses and painted churches are built directly onto the hills, cascading picturesquely. This tiny Dodecanese town may well be among the most photogenic in Greece and there’s no way to shoot a bad picture here. It’s not surprising that Symi is also among the most popular spots for yachts. Be sure to try the local seafood specialty, the simiako garidaki, or tiny local shrimps that are pan-fried and eaten whole. Follow the coastal Aggelidi Street south to find the magical Symi beaches like Paradeisos and Plaka. They are on the wilder side, with a pebbly surface and no facilities. But you’re getting crystal-clear water and a spectacular vista of Nimos, Symi’s neighboring island.

A Rhodes’ answer to Santorini’s whitewashed villages, Lindos is a town of breathtaking beauty. But unlike the perched Cycladic villages of Santorini with no sea access, in Lindos, you’re getting the perfect combination. The panorama is dominated by the stunning Acropolis—an ancient Greek architectural gem from the 6th century BC, with a columned Temple to Athena Lindia. Step inside the labyrinthine Lindos town for photogenic bougainvillea-filled streets, rooftop terraces with killer views and pretty white-and-blue churches. Lindos Beach is an idyllic stretch in a tranquil bay with golden sand. On the northern end of town, Agios Pavlos beach has a fantastic vista of the Acropolis. Another great family-friendly Rhodes stretch, Vlicha, is minutes away by car.

Naxos has the most epic greeting. When you come to the largest Cycladic island by the sea, the first thing you see is the Portara of the Temple of Apollo (6th century BC). Greek aesthetics are on another level. Behind the temple is the beautiful Hora with a Venetian Castle on top, a maze of cozy alleys and trademark white houses. Tour the local galleries, visit the Archaeological Museum and enjoy Greek coffee on a rooftop. Then head to the beach, as Naxos has superb ones. Agios Georgios, in the southern part of the town, is a mile-long sandy stretch with shallow access and many water sports activities. Naxos is also a short drive away from Agios Prokopios—one of the finest sandy beaches in Greece.

White of the houses and blue of the sea—Mykonos town doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. It’s the Greece of postcards, dreamy and enchanting. The panorama of the seaside houses in the Little Venice neighborhood and the hilltop windmills looks like a painting. You can’t get more picturesque than this. The capital of the country’s arguably most famous island comes with historic charms, luxurious boutique hotels, self-indulgent shopping and high-end restaurants. And there’s a beach to enjoy the view. Head straight to the Old Port sandy stretch for sunbathing, dipping or simply admiring the panorama. If you’re in for Mykonos’ legendary beach parties, go to Super Paradise and Elia further down the coast.

A pearl of Crete (the Mediterranean’s largest island), Chania is a gentler, more captivating sister of the island’s chaotic capital, Heraklion. All roads here lead to Old Venetian Port, a magnificent harbor with multicolored buildings and sweeping sea views. The area is also an illustration of the city’s melting pot architecture – the 17th-century Ottoman Küçük Hasan Mosque stands opposite the large Firka fortress, which has Byzantine and Venetian influences. The harbor is, of course, filled with life day and night, thanks to numerous terraces and street food spots. While reaching Crete’s most notorious beaches, Elafonissi and Balos, will require a car, you can enjoy the blue water not far from Chania’s center. Just off the ancient walls is Nea Chora Beach, a family-friendly stretch with golden sand. Go a bit further for wilder Hrisi Akti beach.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Corfu town is a gift for history lovers. It has narrow streets lined with palaces, not one but two gargantuan fortresses (on the hill and by the sea), Greece’s largest public square (Spianada) and over 30 spectacular churches. Add fascinating museums like the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum—there are so many things to see and do in this city. And then it’s also about the food. Be sure to try local dishes like pastitsada (Corfu pasta with tomato sauce), tsigareli (a wild greens mix) and sykomaida (fig bread) for a fuller experience. Corfu is home to one of the most scenic urban beaches in the country, Faliraki. It overlooks the iconic Old Fortress and comes with all the facilities.

Paros today is what Mykonos was before being discovered by the jet-set crowd: a down-to-earth Cycladic dream with inherent style and grace. Naousa, the island’s second-biggest town, is where you get acquainted with this atmosphere. White houses with blue window frames are covered in vivid bougainvillea, the romantic ruins of a Venetian Castle crown the harbor, a graceful silhouette of Panagia Faneromeni finishes the postcard-perfect panorama and restaurants along the blue bay are abuzz. Apart from being a slow travel paradise, Naousa is also the ultimate Paros beach town. Agioi Anargyroi and Piperi are two sandy beaches near the town’s whitewashed center.

You may have heard about Kalamata olives, one of the most famous olive varieties in the world. However, the city that gave them their name is still an under-the-radar Greek beach destination. The capital of the Peloponnese peninsula, it’s a lively town perfect for immersing yourself in the authentic Greek lifestyle, far from the tourist buzz of Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes. Affordable and friendly, it’s both a great base for the Messinia province and a superb place for foodies. The previously mentioned olives and olive oil are a must. But don’t miss sfela (a semi-hard brine cheese) and lalanghia (dough strips with olive oil) – two locally-loved specialties. Overlooking the dramatic Taygetus mountains, Kalamata’s main beach is a long strip of pebbles with beach bars, lounger rentals and water sports opportunities.

Sitia is a lesser-known beach town on Crete. Located on the eastern coast of the island, it’s a blissful beach town where you can experience the authentic Cretan lifestyle without crowds. The main stretch is centrally located and sandy so you’re never far from city life. And then there’s a great supply of tavernas, bars and cafes on the promenade. The town is also a gateway to the stunning eastern end of Crete. Travel to the tropical-looking Vai Beach, flanked by palm trees, and visit dramatic Itanos and Erimoupolis Beaches set alongside the Ancient City of Itanos from the 8th century BC.