Best Beaches in Greece

Greece comprises thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, influential as trading posts in ancient times, and part of the renowned “cradle of civilization.” Fast-forward to today, these islands are modern marvels, wonderfully recreational, and – thanks to jet-set travel – the epitome of international beach culture.

In the Aegean Sea

Crete

Crete is the biggest, most populous island, with more than 600 miles of coastline sporting serious sand. With regard to the standout Elafonisi Beach, over in the southwest corner, said sand is a pastel pink, which changes color with the tide and weather conditions. Tranquil and soothing, Elafonisi has a shallow lagoon, making it the perfect spot for families.

Ios

Ios enjoys a fun-and-sun reputation, cosmopolitan yet simple, with the main town of Hora acting as an anchor, a labyrinth of white-washed alleyways. The most popular beach is one of the best – Mylopotas – which delivers everything an all-purpose beach should, including golden sand, turquoise waters, ample watersports, beach bars, and that quintessential party vibe. Other off-grid sandy spots to venture to here include Tripiti, Nero, and Mansour, among others, with many of them connected by paths, so you can beach-hop.

Karpathos

This Dodecanese island in the southeast, along with its neighbor Saria, delivers the ultimate Greek beach experience. Apella Beach is the pick here – a little picturesque cove a half hour from the town of Pigadia – always making the top 10 lists. Waiters walk up and down the beach ferrying iced coffees and beers from a small restaurant nearby.

Mykonos

Everybody knows Mykonos Town, its reputation preceding it for decades – the glamor, the late nights, the sand, and the sun. While there are a number of smaller spots, we choose Paradise Beach for the parties that draw thousands of people from around the world. The beach club here is a revelation in beach culture and the natural environment itself is heaven on earth.

Naxos

In the center of the Aegean Island cluster sits Naxos, a mountainous spot filled with age-old towns and long stretches of beach. While Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios are great for

families, you’re headed for a spot farther south – to Plaka Beach, one of the best in all of Greece. Find restaurants and beach hotels at the north end, with quieter locales in the south, joined by mounds of inviting, golden sand.

Paros

The incredible architecture and narrow, cobblestone streets of Paros town give way to some of the most pristine beaches in the Aegean. Kolymbithres is the most famous – actually three beaches in one – due to granite rock formations, and geological oddities that look like something from Game of Thrones.

Rhodes

This ancient island is no slouch when it comes to modern beach romance. Sapphire waters and golden sand characterize Lindos Beach. Visitors find the best of all worlds here: quiet spots to relax and recharge, plus a nightlife scene with multiple dining options. The ancient acropolis overlooking the sun-drenched, white-washed town only adds to the Greek mystique.

In the Ionian Sea

Lefkada

While families with children head to Agios Nikitas on this Ionian island and the tourists flock to popular Vasiliki, make a break for the narrow, southwestern beach of Porto Katsiki. Brace yourself for the 100 steps that lead to the water – an effort well worth the trouble. Expect huge vertical cliffs and jaw-dropping panoramic vistas. This is an Instagram goldmine, tenfold.

Zakynthos

Only accessible by boat, Navagio Beach is the best of all on Zakynthos, thanks to the marble cliffs, soft sand, and famous shipwreck – the MV Panayiotis, which washed ashore in 1980. The incredibly blue water is due to the sulfur caves near the beach, which radiate into the water.

Kefalonia

At the foot of two mountains, the semi-circular Myrtos Beach in the north of Kefalonia is noted for its sheer limestone cliffs and white-pebble sand, with the sediment becoming smaller as you reach the water. Relatively quiet, Myrtos gives good sunset.