Amazing beaches in Greece include everything from fine white sand to awe-inspiring cliffs adorned with verdant plants. Slather on the sun protection and prepare to snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
The most famous of them all is Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on the island of Zakynthos. During the high season it can get pretty crowded as day trips drop tourists off here.
1. Agios Georgios
Greece may be known for its ancient history, gastronomy, and awe-inspiring scenery, but the nation is also home to some spectacular beaches. The Mediterranean country has hundreds of miles of coastline and boasts both sunny mainland spots and secluded islands with soft, pristine sands and crystal clear waters.
The top of our list for amazing beaches in Greece includes several places that are popular with families, while others have a more secluded feel. Here are a few of the best:
Navagio Beach, better known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most famous beaches in the world thanks to the vast rusted shipwreck that sits on its sands. The beach is surrounded by towering white cliffs that reflect light into the water around them, creating ultra-blue waters. Located on the island of Zante (Zakynthos), this stunning beach is one of the most scenic in Greece.
Myrtos Beach is a beautiful and unusual beach in Greece that made the cut because of its novelty and beauty. It is located on the Pelion peninsula and can be reached by taking a bus from Volos to Tsagarada. The paths down to the beach are lined with fragrant pine trees, and they make for a lovely, gentle stroll down to the gorgeous sands. Myrtos is also famous because it was featured in the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and visitors can enjoy a bit of nostalgia while enjoying this amazing beach.
Another beach that made the cut because of its beautiful colors and calming waters is Voidokilia Beach, which is located on the island of Crete. This beach is not only popular with visitors looking for a relaxing vacation, but it is also one of the most eco-friendly beaches in all of Greece. This beach is also a Blue Flag winner, which means that it has clean waters and well-maintained facilities. The sand at Voidokilia is not as fine as other beaches on the list, but it still has a beautiful golden color and there are offshore reefs that create an eye-catching pattern of different blues in the water.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Greece in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Heraklion Airport you can rent a car from 16 euros per day, in Athens airport - from 18 euros per day.
2. Sarakiniko
Another gorgeous beach in Greece, this one located on the island of Samos. This pristine spot is known for its soft white sand and crystal clear waters, but it also boasts its own piece of history. On top of the cliffs overlooking the beach lies a Venetian castle, a site that’s well worth a climb for stunning coastal views and a touch of history.
Hailed by many as a moonscape, Sarakiniko Beach is a sight to see and offers plenty of space for sunbathing. This distinctive beach on Milos is covered with light-grey volcanic rock that’s been smoothed and sculpted by wind and wave.
The best time to visit the beach is during the morning before it gets too busy. This way, you can get great photos and enjoy the tranquility of the place before everyone else arrives. It’s also the perfect time to explore some of the rocks that look like archways or slight bridges, and even jump into the water if you feel adventurous enough.
On the left side of the beach, there are some more rock pools that are perfect for relaxing in or hanging out with a good book. If you prefer a more traditional sandy beach experience, there’s also a small portion of sand on the beach that’s ideal for lounging in the sun.
If you want to be adventurous, there are some spots where you can jump off the cliffs and dive into the deep blue waters of Sarakiniko. However, this is a dangerous activity so you should only attempt it if you’re an experienced swimmer and are accompanied by a lifeguard.
To take the most amazing pictures of the beach, try to arrive an hour before sunset. This will allow you to witness the kaleidoscope of colors that light up the sky as the sun sets on the horizon. The lighting accentuates the beautiful color of the sea and makes it seem like you’re looking at something that you could find on Mars or perhaps in a dream.
3. Voidokilia
Voidokilia is a truly special beach. Its semi-circular shape, which some say resembles the Greek letter omega, makes it look like a giant jewel from above. The water here is a mesmerizing mixture of different colors, and the beach is protected by sand dunes which make it look even more magical. It’s one of the most famous beaches on the mainland in Greece, and it is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Peloponnese.
The best time to visit Voidokilia is during the day when it’s not too windy. However, be warned that this beach isn’t organized at all and there are no sunbeds or umbrellas, so it’s better to come prepared with your own beach gear. There are, on the other hand, some nice little convenience stores near the beach where you can get some drinks and snacks.
Located under the old Frankish castle Paliokastro and the legendary Cave of Nestor, Voidokilia is a wonderful natural little bay with white fine sand. The beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful in Europe and it is well-worth spending some time here.
While you are relaxing on the beach, don’t forget to take a walk and explore the surrounding area. You will find plenty of restaurants serving delicious Greek food, including gyros, souvlaki, and all kinds of fish dishes. It’s also worth trying out some of the local wines.
In addition to the amazing views and crystal-clear waters, there are also a few historic sites to see nearby. The castle of Koroni is an impressive example of Venetian architecture, and it’s also where the famous naval battle of Navarino took place in 1827.
The easiest way to get to Voidokilia is by car. You can rent a car in Athens and easily drive to Peloponnese, where the beach is located. It’s an easy day trip from Athens, and it’s also possible to combine it with a visit to the Ionian islands.
4. Elafonissi
Elafonisi (Greek:
The beach itself is mostly white with some tints of pink on certain areas. The color comes from millions of microscopic pink shellfish called benthic foraminifera that mix with the white sand and create this magical, enchanting beach. It’s worth mentioning that the sand on the beach is not always pink, it depends on many things such as the light, time of day, and the weather.
This beach is a paradise that attracts visitors from all over Greece and beyond. It’s very popular with families with kids due to its shallow and safe waters, but it’s also a favorite among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. It’s also quite popular with travelers who rent a car in Crete or book tours to visit this corner of heaven.
If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit this heavenly place is early May or October when the weather is still warm and the beaches are practically empty. However, the beach is a popular destination so you can expect to find it crowded, especially during peak season.
The easiest way to get here is by renting a car in Chania and driving to the southwest coast of the island. The drive is around 1 hour from Chania and offers you the chance to admire Crete’s mountains and charming towns. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also join a tour from Chania to visit this beach and the nearby Falasarna beach.
