23 Best Beaches in Greece (2026 TOP RANKED)

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Greece has some of the best beaches in the world and the best in Europe. The great thing about Greece’s beaches is that they are extremely diverse, and visiting a beach is one of the best things to do in Greece because you can find sandy beaches that look like the Sahara desert, or beaches with white sand and pine trees shadowing the sea waves. Such a diversity…

Most of the best beaches in Greece are easily accessible and have many amenities, such as restaurants, beach bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds, but thousands of beaches are only accessible by boat.

Our Top 10 – Video Travel Guide

If you visit any of these beaches in August, they will be super busy and crowded, as August is not the best time to visit Greece.

The best beaches in Greece are:

Elafonissi (Crete island)
Balos (Crete island)
Plaka (Naxos island)
Myrtos (Kefalonia island)
Navagio beach (Zakynthos island)
Porto Katsiki (Lefkada island)
Paradise Beach (Mykonos island)
Koukounaries (Skiathos island)
Sarakiniko (Milos island)
Super Paradise (Mykonos island)
Red Beach (Santorini island)
Perissa (Santorini island)
Vai (Crete island)
Kolybithres (Paros island)
Mylopotas (Ios island)
Valtos (Parga)
Simos (Elafonisos island)
Paleokastritsa (Corfu)
Seychelles (Ikaria island)
Mylopotamos (Pelion)
Kolona (Kythnos island)
Kavourotrypes (Halkidiki)

Indeed, some of the best beaches in Greece, such as Porto Katsiki (Lefkada), Myrtos beach (Kefalonia), Navagio beach (Zakynthos), or Plaka beach (Naxos), are frequently on the lists of the best beaches in the world.

Also, it may surprise you, but Athens’s beaches are surprisingly good for a European capital. This means you can still visit a sandy tropical beach near Athens even if you don’t have time or money for an island.

However, I did not include any of these beaches in this list because the islands’ beaches are far better, in my opinion. Their crystal clear waters and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape create breathtaking scenery that is not easily found.

READ ALSO:
Best Greek islands for Beaches
Best Beaches in Santorini
Best Beaches in Crete
Best Beaches in Naxos
Best Family Resorts in Greece
Best Beaches in Rhodes

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So, let’s see the best beaches in Greece in more detail:

1. Elafonissi (Crete)

elafonissi beach crete — *Elafonissi beach in Crete is considered one of the best beaches in the world.*

Elafonissi is one of those magical places you must see to believe they exist. Make no mistake: this is one of the best beaches in the world! Hundreds of meters of incredible golden sand, turquoise shallow waters, and beautifully shaped dunes produce an almost mythical tropical landscape.

Elafonissi is on western Crete in the Chania prefecture, and you either need a car to reach it or you can just take the bus from Chania. It is about a one-hour drive through beautiful little villages and rocky mountains, but you will be rewarded with stunning scenery.

Elafonissi is very popular, and you should expect many people to gather on the beach in July and August. Still, if you can manage to be there before 11 am any day, you won’t have issues finding a sunbed and an umbrella.

The number of sunbeds, though, is very limited. There are only a few canteens with drinks and food, so you had better be prepared for that.

2. Balos (Crete)

balos beach crete — *Balos beach and sea lagoon in Crete are a NATURA 2000 protected area*

Balos on Google Maps
Balos on Instagram

Balos beach in Crete is an astonishing natural sea lagoon with clear waters and lovely white sand. The beach itself is not very easily accessible, though. You can approach it with a 4×4 or by boat (there are a few organized tours you can also take).

Yes, it is difficult to approach the beach by car, and that is for a good reason. If it were easily accessible, the incredible landscape would be spoiled. It’s difficult to get there by design!

You will feel that the place comes from a travel brochure or magazine. There are a few canteens, sunbeds, and umbrellas, but bringing your stuff is always better.

Sometimes there are strong winds in the area, so you might be unlucky. As a plus, you may see lots of cheeky wild goats around!

3. Plaka (Naxos)

plaka beach naxos — *Plaka beach in Naxos is one of the longest and widest in Greece*

Plaka Beach in Naxos is an excellent example of a typical Greek beach: easily accessible, with many amenities, extensive with beautiful soft sand, super clean waters, and very picturesque surroundings. There are many local restaurants around, so that you will get many food options.

This is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Greece. If you like swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, this is the place on Naxos Island.

4. Myrtos (Kefalonia)

myrtos beach kefalonia — *Myrtos beach has been voted the best beach in the world for many years.*

Myrtos Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, and you have probably seen it featured in travel magazines or websites all over the internet. There is no doubt that if you visit in July or August, be prepared to find lots of crowds and people on the beach (even traffic…), but you will be rewarded with a unique landscape.

Some sunbeds are on the beach, but most people bring umbrellas and chairs. I highly recommend you arrive as early as possible (before 10 a.m.) to ensure you get a nice spot on the beach before most people arrive.

The sand is white on the beach, and the waters are uniquely light blue. But be careful—they deepen very quickly!

5. Navagio Beach (Zakynthos)

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) is what I call a tourist trap. Unfortunately, the rise of social media in the last 10-15 years has made this unique beach extremely viral, and chances are you will see many tourists on the beach.

If you go to Navagio Beach in July and August, get prepared to find hundreds of other people arriving on a boat (the only way to access the beach) every five minutes, looking for a spot on the beach. Don’t get me wrong: if you are in Zante, you must visit the Navagio beach somehow, but it won’t be the relaxing and magical experience you may see in pictures.

Oh…and in case you are wondering, there is a real shipwreck from the ’80s on the beach. The boat was carrying illegal contraband cigarettes from Turkey to Italy when it faced stormy weather, and it was abandoned on the natural cove so that the authorities couldn’t capture its crew.

6. Porto Katsiki (Lefkada)

Porto Katsiki is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, and many people consider it very similar to Myrtos beach in Kefalonia. The dramatic rocks behind the white sand beach offer a unique view.

I will not lie to you: there will be crowds and probably strong winds, but this doesn’t change the fact that this is a very beautiful beach. You won’t find many people if you visit the beach in the morning. There is also a parking space just behind the beach (it’s not free).

Porto Katsiki is one of those beaches that, because it has become so famous, is almost always crowded (especially during July and August). I recommend visiting the beach briefly and then heading to one of Lefkada island’s other beautiful and probably quieter beaches.

7. Paradise Beach (Mykonos)

Paradise Beach in Mykonos is a lovely sandy beach that attracts all kinds of people and visitors to the beautiful island of Mykonos. The beach has very clear turquoise waters.

The famous Paradise Beach Bar is on the beach, and you can rent many sunbeds and umbrellas. I will not lie: these can be very expensive (literally hundreds of euros in August), but nothing prevents you from bringing your umbrella or towels.

8. Koukounaries (Skiathos)

koukounaries beach skiathos — *Koukounaries beach on the* island of Skiathos is set in a pine tree forest

Koukounaries beach on the island of Skiathos is entirely different from any of the Cyclades’ beaches because it is in the middle of a pine forest. This is one of the best sandy beaches in Greece.

The sea is crystal clear and shallow. This is an ideal beach for families and kids as it is very long with very clean and fine sand and a few taverns around where you can get food.

9. Sarakiniko (Milos)

Sarakiniko is not a beach, but it does not matter at all! This is one of the quirkiest and most unique landscapes anywhere in the world.

Milos island is one of the most underrated Greek islands, and it’s my personal favorite from the Cyclades group of islands. The unique rocky volcanic formations create a surreal environment with a small beach of white sand.

You can lie on the small beach, but I usually climb the moon-like rocks and dive from the top. Sarakiniko can be a bit busy in August, but even then, you will always get a spot.

10. Super Paradise (Mykonos)

*Super Paradise beach in Mykonos is one of the most gay-friendly beaches in Greece.*

Super Paradise Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Greece and probably the busiest on Mykonos Island. If you want to party by the beach, this is the place. This is the beach with the craziest parties in Greece, not only in Mykonos, but it is not for kids.

However, this is an adults-only beach with a small nudist area on the right side. If you want a family-friendly beach in Mykonos, head to Elia or Lia Beach.

11. Red Beach (Santorini)

santorini red beach — *Red* *Beach in Santorini is the most famous beach on the island,* but it can also be dangerous due to the possibility of rocks falling from the top hills.

Red Beach in Santorini is not fantastic, and I am totally honest with you. However, it is the quirkiest and one of the most dramatic beaches in the world, as the volcanic red rocks and the red sand create a unique landscape that cannot be found elsewhere.

I have visited recently and have a complete Red Beach Guide with tips and instructions. There is a real danger, though, with the beach. There is a danger from falling rocks and stones from the top of the hill because you will be sitting on an active volcano, and small (or bigger sometimes) earthquakes are to be expected at any given time.

Authorities have blocked the area closer to the red slope, but the danger is still there, in my opinion. If I were you, I would visit the Red Beach, but wouldn’t spend a whole day there swimming. It is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, though, because it is on one of the best Greek islands, Santorini.

12. Perissa (Santorini)

perissa beach santorini — *Perissa Beach is the famous Black Beach in Santorini*

Perissa is the famous Black Beach in Santorini. There are many reasons why this beach is on this list, and first and foremost, it’s located on the most famous Greek island, Santorini.

It is a unique long beach with black pebbles and sand that can become extremely hot during summer, so do not think of stepping on it without shoes or flip-flops. Many restaurants, beach bars, and amenities are behind the beach, and the sea waters deepen quite quickly as you step in.

This is not a typical Cyclades sandy beach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great day there. It is also a great spot for kids; it is very family-friendly.

13. Vai (Crete)

vai beach crete — *Vai Beach in Crete is the only beach in Europe with natural palm trees*

Vai beach in Crete is the only beach in Europe with natural palm trees, and it is one of the best beaches in Crete. This is the most tropical scene you will ever see in Greece.

The beach is easily accessible by road, and you can also find lots of sunbeds and umbrellas on the sand (not free). Crete is a big island, so you need a car to be more flexible. If you live outside of the Lasithi prefecture, making the trip to Vai would be very tiring, as it would take more than two hours to drive to the beach.

14. Kolymbithres (Paros)

kolybithres paros beach — *Kolybithres beach in Paros is one of the best beaches in the Cyclades*

Kolymbithres is one of the best beaches in Paros, but it may get very crowded in July and August. The beach has a bit of sand, smooth rocks, and crystal clear waters.

You can easily access the beach by bus or even by car. The water is very shallow, and the beach is ideal for kids playing with the beautiful rocks. I highly recommend visiting this beach, as it is a small natural wonder.

15. Mylopotas (Ios)

mylopotas beach ios — *Mylopotas beach in Greece has golden sand and clear sea waters*

Mylopotamos is the best beach in Ios. It is the ideal family beach, with many restaurants, hotels, tavernas, and even watersports nearby.

Mylopotamos is a great beach for young couples and families, but it is perfect for people of all ages. Plus, there are a couple of beach volleyball courts on the beach, so there is something for everyone!

16. Valtos (Parga)

valtos beach parga — *Valtos beach in Parga is one of the best beaches in mainland Greece*

Valtos is one of the best beaches on mainland Greece. It’s just outside Parga town, a famous holiday spot on the northwest coast of Greece between Greece and Italy. Parga is just opposite Lefkada island, and Valtos is a long sandy beach with lovely clear waters and many beach bars.

However, bear in mind that Parga is not as famous as Santorini. For example, most hotels, shops, and restaurants will shut down by the end of September. August is the busiest month for the beach, but I have explained thoroughly that August is not the best month to visit Greece.

17. Simos (Peloponnese)

simos beach elafonisos — *Simos beach in Elafonissos is* south of the *Peloponnese, and its seawater is some of the clearest in Greece.*

Simos beach on Elafonissi island is a well-known spot for Greeks but not that much for non-Greeks. This is possibly the most breathtaking beach of the Peloponnese, even though Elafonissi is typically an island.

To access it, you must take a short ferry from Neapoli port, but you will be rewarded with a completely tropical beach with fine golden sand and incredible transparent waters. This is a wild but very beautiful beach, and Simos camping, which is behind the beach, adds more to the landscape’s wild side, as there are no hotels or restaurants around.

18. Paleokastritsa (Corfu)

paleokastritsa beach corfu greece — *Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu island offers dramatic views of the beautiful green hills and a sandy seaside.*

Paleokastritsa Beach is a lovely sandy beach below the green hills of Corfu, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Many umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented.

The waters are very clear (as usual), and there is also a small diving spot on some rocks behind the main beach. This is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu, so expect lots of people in July and August.

19. Seychelles (Ikaria)

*Seychelles Beach* is the most impressive beach on Ikaria Island

Ikaria is not an island you usually see on the list of the best Greek islands, but it has lovely local people and fantastic food. Ikaria belongs to the Dodecanese islands group, closer to Turkey on the eastern side of the Aegean Sea.

Seychelles Beach is a unique beach that attracts many visitors for its exceptionally transparent waters and the white sand below the rocky geological formations.

20. Mylopotamos (Pelion)

mylopotamos beach pelion greece — *Mylopotamos beach in the* Pelion peninsula, mainland Greece, *is a hidden gem.*

Pelion is one of the most magical places on mainland Greece. It’s only a three-hour drive from Athens and close to Volos. Pelion is a beautiful, green peninsula with many lovely villages that overlook the Aegean Sea and the Sporades islands (Skiathos and Skopelos).

The peninsula is full of small or big beaches with pebbles or white sand, and Mylopotamos is probably the best. It has lots of sunbeds and a beach bar.

But it’s not the only beach on Pelion. Beaches such as Horefto or Agios Ioannis are equally beautiful.

21. Kolona (Kythnos)

kolona beach kythnos — *Kolona beach in Kythnos island is* two beaches in one package!

You don’t get the option to swim on two beaches while sitting on one! Kythnos is a lesser-known island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea.

It is considered one of the quietest Greek islands, as there are few tourists even in the summer. And…that’s a good thing!

Kolones Beach is a unique beach you won’t be able to experience elsewhere in Greece, which is why it’s on this list. It’s two sandy beaches overlooking each other. You will find some sunbeds and umbrellas that you can rent during the summer months of June, July, and August.

22. Kavourotrypes (Halkidiki)

kavourotrypes beach greece — *Kavourotrypes beach is a stunning landscape of green waters and rocky surroundings in the Halkidiki area in northern Greece*.

Halkidiki is a magical place and the most famous destination in northern Greece. It’s not a secret that Halkidiki is where Greeks from Thessaloniki city enjoy their holidays and have their holiday homes around some of the best beaches in Greece.

Kavourotrypes is a beach, a great hiking spot, and a complex of pretty rock formations with fine sand around green waters and very green surroundings with pine trees and bushes. Truly a fantastic place in the Sithonia area of Halkidiki.

23. Seitan Limania (Crete)

seitan limania beach crete — *Seitan Limania in Crete was only known to locals a few years ago…*

Seitan Limania was a spot only known to locals until some people posted photos of the beach on Facebook. It was an instant viral success for the beach, and even though it is not a secret anymore, and you will probably find lots of people on the beach, it does not make the scenery any less beautiful.

Please note, however, that access is extremely difficult and not family-friendly. You have to climb on the rocks to reach the sand.

I repeat: climb (not just hike) from where you left your car (there is no other access)! The beach is small, and the waters deepen suddenly, so prepare for a wild experience!

FAQ

Which island has the best beaches in Greece?

Crete, Mykonos, and Naxos have the best beaches in Greece. It’s not that you won’t find stunning beaches in other islands (such as Milos or Paros), but these islands have the most impressive ones. You can check the detailed guide: Best Greek island for beaches.

Which island in Greece has the clearest water?

Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Paxi are Greece’s islands with the clearest water. However, remember that all Greek beaches have amazingly crystal clear turquoise waters, probably the clearest sea water you will ever see!

Does Greece have white sand beaches?

Yes, Greece has many white-sand beaches. The most famous ones are probably Vluchada Beach in Santorini, which is also called the “White Beach.” The Ionian islands, such as Lefkada, Kefalonia, or Zakynthos, mostly have white sand and pebbles. Porto Katsiki beach and Myrtos beach both have white pebbles and white sand.

Which has nicer beaches, Santorini or Mykonos?

Mykonos has much nicer beaches overall than Santorini. Santorini has 3 beaches with volcanic rocky pebbles, while Mykonos has more than 20 golden sand beaches with great beach bars and restaurants (though on the expensive side).

What is the prettiest Greek island?

Santorini is considered the prettiest Greek island, but to be honest, every Greek island is unique and has its own beauty.

Which is the most peaceful Greek island?

The most peaceful Greek island is considered to be Alonnisos in the Sporades. However, many Greek islands are less touristic and can be considered quiet and calm. Some are Milos, Ikaria, Sikinos, Paxi, Koufonisia, Donoussa, Schinousa, Iraklia, or on the north Aegean sea islands such as Samothraki and Thassos.
But remember that all Greek islands attract tourists in the summer months of July and August. If you want a completely secluded experience, try the deserted islands of Chryssi and Gavdos in southern Crete, or the small island of Arkoi or Anafi.

These are the best beaches in Greece, but thousands of beaches in my country deserve a visit. Greece has one of the longest beachside lines in the world for its size, so it is not surprising that every Greek island has tens or even hundreds of beaches packed into a small area.

The great thing is that beaches in Greece are extremely diverse, with a wide variety of landscapes, such as golden sand, black sand, white sand, white pebbles, or even pink sand in many cases. Spending a day on the beach is always well spent, and if you are planning to visit any of the best Greek islands for beaches, you will be surprised by the wide variety of options you will have.