The Official Guide to Greece’s Best Beaches

While the country’s most stunning stretches are found on the islands—around 6,000 of them, to be exact—Greece also boasts several beautiful mainland rivieras. Still, island-hopping is the best way to reach the most enchanting turquoise bathing spots. Greece does both pebbly and fine sand beaches exceptionally well, so expect plenty of variety.

Ferries connect the mainland to popular islands like Naxos, Paros, Mykonos and Santorini. Affordable domestic flights are also available.

Naxos—the largest of the Cyclades islands—is famous for its sandy shores, and Agios Prokopios is the top destination for golden sands and carefree Aegean leisure. More than a mile long, this beautiful beach offers calm waters and inspiring views. While it’s one of Naxos’ most popular spots to swim, its length ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone.

The northern end is ideal for a quieter beach day, while the area near the village is livelier, lined with beach bars, tavernas and coffee shops. In the evenings, many restaurant terraces spill out onto the sand for unforgettable candlelit dinners with waves gently lapping at your feet. You’ll also find diving centers offering organized scuba trips. A few miles south lies Plaka Beach, a more low-key white sand favorite on the island.

Elafonissi Beach is a divine corner of southwestern Crete. The sand here has pink undertones, and when paired with the crystal-clear blue waters and Mediterranean backdrop, it creates a truly breathtaking sight. This is where Crete ends and the Elafonissi islet begins—you can easily walk between the two during low tide, wading through shallow water.

The beach is part of the Natura 2000 environmental protection area, and its beauty has made it one of Crete’s most popular day trip destinations. That also means summer crowds, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to enjoy Elafonissi’s pink bliss in peace. For a more relaxed experience, visit in late spring or early autumn.

Nothing can prepare you for seeing Balos for the first time. One of the most stunning beaches in Greece, it’s a phantasmagoric sight. Shades of blue and pink swirl together in a gorgeous lagoon, with the barren Gramvousa peninsula rising dramatically above. The shallow, warm waters are ideal for families, inviting kids to wade and play.

While the beach is magical, getting there can be a challenge. The easiest option is by boat—tours to Balos depart from Chania. If you choose to drive, be aware that the dirt road is rough and uneven. A 4×4 is your best bet unless you want to risk paying for scratches. Once you arrive, it’s all nature—no facilities, no shade. Bring a parasol and anything else you might need for the day. And keep an eye out for the friendly mountain goats that often wander by.

Navagio may be the most striking beach in the world. Towering white cliffs shelter a tiny stretch of pebbles, and as you approach, a rusted shipwreck comes into view—a windswept skeleton of the Panagiotis coaster, left here in 1980. But what leaves the strongest impression is the water. Navagio has that impossible shade of blue, like someone cranked the saturation all the way up in a photo editing app.

Due to recent landslides, you currently can’t set foot on the beach itself. But you can still admire it from a boat and dive into the surrounding turquoise waters. For a different perspective, take a road trip to the Navagio clifftop viewpoint—it’s one of the most iconic panoramas in Greece.

Fancy an easily reachable beach with an untouched Mediterranean feel? Fava is one to check out. Located on the Sithonia peninsula—one of Halkidiki’s “fingers”—it’s a place of tranquility and inspiration. Sunbathe and swim among beautiful rock formations and aromatic pine trees. Fava is also a great spot for snorkeling—your kids will love exploring the rocky seabed and natural pools.

The beach rarely gets crowded, and there are no beach bars or restaurants, making it perfect for connecting with nature. Fava is part of the tiny fishing village of Vourvourou, so traditional tavernas and cafés are just a short stroll away.

The Ionian island of Lefkada is known for its dramatic blue beaches backed by towering chalk cliffs, and if you were to visit just one, Porto Katsiki would be it. This stunning white pebble strip meets cyan waters beneath a soaring limestone wall. Although partially damaged by a landslide during the 2015 earthquake, the beach remains one of the most magical places to swim in Greece.

Its remoteness and wild, untouched look are part of the charm. Bring your own umbrella, as there are no rentals and very little natural shade. And don’t forget water shoes—the pebbles can be tough on bare feet.

To find some of Greece’s most charming beaches, you’ve got to look beyond the tourist hotspots and turn to the lesser-known islands. Sifnos, part of the Cyclades, is one such underrated gem. The scenery here is stunning—mountains frame a crescent-shaped bay dotted with the whitewashed houses of a fishing village, creating a postcard-perfect atmosphere.

Shallow waters and golden sand make this beach ideal for children. Plus, Kamares offers much more budget-friendly prices for sunbeds, parasols and water sports than its neighbors Mykonos, Santorini or Ios.

Cream-colored marble cliffs tumble into the Ionian blue at Myrtos, one of Kefalonia’s most stunning beaches. Getting there means navigating a few hairpin turns, but parking is free (for now) and the jaw-dropping scenery makes the drive more than worth it. There’s also a bus connection from Agia Efimia.

Myrtos is a white pebble beach with striking blue waters and plenty of space. Sunbeds and parasols are available to rent, and free showers and toilets are on-site. One of the beach’s most unique features is a small natural cave accessible directly from land—you can swim beneath the limestone arches for a little extra magic.

Firopotamos looks like a Greek dream. Transparent waters lap gently against soft sand beneath marble cliffs, while the white-and-blue houses of the tiny fishing village create a charming harbor scene. A postcard-perfect whitewashed Church of Agios Nikolaos adds even more beauty to the panorama.

A gem on the island of Milos, Firopotamos is ideal for relaxed swimming and lazy sunbathing. Stone stairs offer the perfect launch point for those who love to dive right in. Bring your own parasol—there are no beach clubs here, just pure, unspoiled charm.

Located at the geographical “gates” where the Aegean Sea flows into the Mediterranean, Prasonisi is one of the best Greek beaches for any activity powered by wind. If you’re into windsurfing or kitesurfing, this is the ultimate spot.

Prasonisi isn’t always a peninsula—most of the year, it’s an island. But in summer, tides form a tombolo (a narrow sandy isthmus) that connects the cape to Rhodes. The combination of steady wind and rolling waves makes it a water sports paradise. During the season, you’ll find plenty of equipment rentals along the beach.

Even if you’re not planning to ride the winds, Prasonisi is a place of striking beauty, with soft sand and inviting waters worth the trip.

Spectacular beaches in Greece aren’t reserved for the islands—the Peloponnese peninsula has its share of gems too, like Foneas. This beautiful, sheltered cove is split in two by a giant boulder, creating a dramatic and unique setting. The water is crystal clear, and the beach itself is pebbly. Though not entirely undiscovered, Foneas remains an open secret in the southern Peloponnese.

The abundance of rocky formations makes it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. There’s also a no-frills beach bar serving drinks and souvlaki (traditional grilled meat skewers). Stick around for sunset—it’s especially magical at Foneas.

A lush palm grove frames a heavenly stretch of sand and turquoise water. It’s not Punta Cana or Maya Bay—it’s Vai Beach in Crete. Home to Europe’s largest natural palm forest, this unique setting makes for a truly unforgettable beach day.

But Vai isn’t just about the trees—the beach itself is stunning, with calm waves, shallow entry and crystal-clear waters. There’s also the airy Palm Beach restaurant, perched above the bay with a dreamy terrace and a menu full of mouthwatering grilled seafood. The European tropical dream is real, and it’s waiting for you on the Greek island of Crete. 

Some space travel doesn’t require you to leave Earth, just head to the Aegean island of Milos. The phantasmagoric white rocks of Sarakiniko Beach will transport you to another planet. Formed by volcanic activity and sculpted by wind and waves, these otherworldly formations are truly one of a kind.

This isn’t your typical beach. You can lay your towel on a chalky white cliff and leap straight into sapphire waters, or opt for the small sandy strip if you prefer a more classic beach vibe. Sarakiniko is a treasure trove of activity. The white cliffs hide sea caves waiting to be explored, and snorkeling or diving here brings you up close to the remains of the Africa, a shipwreck from 2003 that still rests near the coast.

The small island of Elafonisos, just off the Peloponnese peninsula, isn’t usually on the typical tourist itinerary. It’s best known as the discovery site of the Greek Atlantis, the submerged Bronze Age city of Pavlopetri. But beach lovers should head here for Simos.

Located on the island’s southern coast, Simos is a stunning white sand bay with emerald waters. Spacious, clean and beautifully unspoiled, it’s often described simply as “paradise” for its looks and semi-wild atmosphere. A few beach bars offer snacks and drinks, and for a deeper connection with the island’s striking nature, you can spend the night at Simos Camping Elafonisos.