Discover the best beaches in Greece

Brimming with legends, lore, history, art, and culture, it’s no wonder that Greece is such a popular vacation destination. Another draw of Greece is its beaches, boasting white sand on azure seas and numerous island paradises bathed in sunshine. You’ll also have the choice of the Mediterranean Sea or the Aegean Sea, each with a unique appeal. Whether you want activities on land and water, relaxation on the sand, or something in between, you could find it all in Greece’s top beach destinations. Take a look at the best beaches in Greece to get ready for your Mediterranean retreat.

Myrtos, Kefalonia for fun with the kids

Kefalonia, an island in the Ionian Sea, is west of the mainland and features many sandy cove beaches with limestone cliffs and quiet bays. Myrtos is the best of them, with a long strip of broad, white sand and a backdrop of lush forests and mountains to shelter the waters. The gentle surf is perfect for kids to wade and swim, but you can find adventure off the coast with water sports.

Sarakiniko, Milos for relaxation

Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, north of the Sea of Crete, with stunning, uncrowded beaches. Sarakiniko, a small cove beach, offers a secluded environment and beautiful, white sands and volcanic rocks. You can choose between the sands or the rocks to lounge in the sun, and the rock faces make excellent platforms for diving into the turquoise waters.

Kapari, Mykonos for the party life

Located in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is a popular beach destination for partygoers. The beaches have upscale bars, dance clubs, and live-music venues for all-night beach parties and events. If you want something quieter, you can visit Kapari, a quiet beach near Mykonos town with calm waters and few tourist crowds. The beach is no less beautiful than the rest of Mykonos, but it’s free from the hustle and bustle of the nightlife.

Kolymbithres, Paros for quiet beach time

Located in the Cyclades group, Paros is a little-known paradise of beaches in Greece. Kolymbithres is one of the best beaches on the island, thanks to its secluded coves, granite rock backdrop, and quiet atmosphere. Along with the sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, Kolymbithres is close to many waterfront seafood restaurants with fresh-caught fish for lunch or dinner.

Elafonisi, Crete for family fun

Home to pink-sand beaches, Crete is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea that’s popular for beach retreats. Elafonisi, the best beach in Crete, is an islet and protected nature reserve off the mainland that’s separated by narrow, shallow waters. You can walk right across the water to access Elafonisi and its warm, calm lagoon. One of the best aspects of the beach is its separation from the open sea, so the waters are gentle and inviting.

Voidokilia, Peloponnese for cultural experiences

If you want a beach with a lot of activities and experiences, Voidokilia is the best choice. Peloponnese is known for its incredible Greek legends, such as Hercules fighting the Nemean lion and Hermes hiding his stolen oxen. The beach of Voidokilia serves as a central point from any of these legends and offers spectacular beauty all its own. The turquoise waters are ideal for windsurfing and other water sports, but you can hike in the nearby wildlife reserve or hike to ancient ruin sites near the beach.

Navagio Bay, Zakynthos for shipwreck tours

Zakynthos is a Greek island on the Ionian Sea with plenty of beach resort spots. Much of the action centres around the harbour city and Solomos Square, which is surrounded by lively beaches like Tsilivi and Agios Nikolaos. If you want something off the beaten track, Navagio Bay is a sandy cove beach with gentle bay waters sheltered by cliffs. The beach is famous for its shipwreck decades ago, the remnants of which can still be seen, but it also has lovely waters and soft sand to relax. The beach is only accessible by boat, making it a less likely destination for the crowds.

Kamari, Santorini for diving

Known for its volcanic features, calderas, and dive sites, Santorini is a bucket-list destination for travellers. Santorini’s beaches are just as special, thanks to the black sand from volcanic activity and the dramatic scenery. Kamari is the best of them, offering soft lava sand, sheltered waters, and a scenic atmosphere.