23 best beaches in greece
The Greek Islands are home to some of the most diverse and stunning beaches in the world. Found in all shapes and sizes, sand and rock, an easily accessible and adventurous journey to get to, every Greece beach is truly one of a kind. While every beach is vastly different, one thing always remains constant. The striking beauty is undeniable.
The wide array of Greek beaches offers sights so idyllic they will stick with you for the rest of your life. Whether you’re at the pink sands of Elafonisi Beach, the best beach in Crete. Taking in the unbelievable nighttime views of the star filled Greek sky at Porto Katsiki. Or soaking in some rays under the Greek sun at Balos Beach. There’s no denying the best beaches in Greece are among the best beaches in the world.
Keep scrolling to see the BEST BEACHES IN GREECE!
1.) Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania is a cute little inlet with plenty of personality. With rocky mountains, friendly goats, and rocks to jump off of into the water, this spot is full of fun!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A bit of a hike to get down to the water
– Rocky mountains surrounding the cove
– Fun and friendly goats
– Parking on site before the walk down to the water
Pro tip- Get there early, as the beach and parking lot can fill up fast.
2.) Elafonisi Beach
Unlike any other beach in the country, the pink fluffy sand along the shore makes this one of the best beaches in Greece and one of the best beaches in the world!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Fluffy sand with a pink hue
– The main bay beach site can get busy, but there’s still plenty of room
– Calm waters in the bay and clear soft waves on the open ocean shore
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Head to the other side of the sand dune for an open ocean pink shoreline, scarce with people!
3.) Kedrodasos Beach
Just a 10-minute drive from Elafonisi Beach, this spot is a much more secluded and relaxing shore. Your troubles will melt away after a peaceful day at Kedrodasos Beach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A bunch of areas to hike around and discover
– Sprawling sandy beach
– Dozens of trees giving shade
– Parking on site
Pro tip- You can find small fish swimming near rocks along the shore! 🐟
4.) Balos Beach
The rocky 5-mile road forcing you to drive at a snail’s pace is a bit of a tougher journey compared to other Crete Island beaches. But with waters as beautiful as Balos Beach, it’s well worth it!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– White sandy shoreline
– Large 2 sided beachfront
– A slow, beautiful cliffside drive to the beach
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Bring a decent pair of shoes for the rocky path down to the beach.
5.) Matala Beach
A former hippie hideaway in the 60s, today you can explore the ancient caves or enjoy the soft sandy bliss of the beach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Sandy beach with lounge chairs to rent
– Next to a large rock wall with ancient caves
– A very accessible beachfront with a few trees for shade
– Multiple parking lots on site
Pro tip- Feel free to climb up and explore the millennia old caves honeycombing the cliffside.
6.) Vai Beach
Another one of the many unique Crete beaches, this spot is a perfect paradise. With a restaurant on the sand, a cliff to climb and take in the view, and the only palm tree forest in the Greek Islands and all of Europe, this beach has it all!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Mostly sandy beach with rocks at the far end
– Tall palm trees near the entrance
– Several beach activities available
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Head up the cliff on the right-hand side for a spectacular view of the beach and palm tree forest.
7.) Porto Katsiki
The most famous of the gorgeous Lefkada beaches, this spot is almost too picture-perfect to believe. Smooth rocks (more comfortable than it sounds) line the shore under a towering white cliff. This is what Greece beaches are all about.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Can get quite crowded, but there’s still plenty of room
– Massive wall providing shade to escape the sun
– Smooth white rock beach
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Waiters walk around the beach and will deliver food right to your spot!
8.) Egremni Beach
If you’re not afraid of a workout to reach sandy heaven, then you have to check out this beach! Clear water and a shoreline that seems to stretch forever make this a must when in Lefkada. Plus, it’s not far from Rachi, the best restaurant in Lefkada. See a full review of Rachi and the best restaurants in Greece! (COMING SOON)
WHAT TO EXPECT
– One of the best beach sunsets in Greece
– Long sandy beach
– Around 400 stairs to reach the waves
– Parking on site before the walk to the beach
Pro tip- From the parking lot, head to the right for a cliff providing an unbelievable view
9.) Ammoussa Beach
If you’re looking for Greek Island bliss, you’ve found it. Delightfully floating through still water so clear you would think you’re in a pool is what island life is all about.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– An island view you dream of
– Small rocky beach
– Crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Sunrise is the best time to visit this beach. With the shore all to yourself, still and peaceful waters, plus a colorfully painted sky… what more could you ask for?
10.) Porto Timoni Beach
To get to the best beach in Corfu, you will have to do a bit of adventuring, but that’s what makes it fun! A short hike through foliage and uneven rocks to get to a small beach bridge creating 2 coves makes this beach that much better!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A hike through uneven rocks and foliage
– 2-sided rocky beach
– A large bay, usually secluded
– Parking on site before the hike
Pro tip- The rocky hike offers excellent views of the Porto Timoni beach and the Agios Georgios beach
11.) Cape Drastis Beach
Sitting on the northern tip of Corfu, this secret cove of towering white cliffs surrounding a small beach is the best hidden gem in Corfu!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Small sandy beach
– Very secluded
– One of the most unique spots on the island
– Limited parking before the path to the water
Pro tip- Stick around for one of the best sunsets on Corfu.
12.) Agios Georgios Beach
Easily accessible is a fabulous place to watch the sunset over the bay or enjoy the many nearby restaurants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Fun beach activities available
– Decent-sized rock/sand beach
– Chairs to sit and soak in the sun
– Limited parking on the street near the site
Pro tip- You can swim to the nearby Porto Timoni beach for a peaceful escape.
13.) Canal d'Amour Beach
The most popular beach in Corfu (and for good reason), here you can find a wonderful beach of 2 halves. Sit and relax in the sand on one half, or climb to tan/jump from the 10-20ft high cliffs on the other half of the beach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Half normal sandy beach, half narrow canal with cliffs
– Can get quite busy
– Caves and tunnels to swim through
– Limited parking on site with plenty of lots in town
Pro tip- Legend says those who swim through the canal will stay in love forever. ❤️
14.) Agios Spiridon Beach
The beach is almost an afterthought here, but that’s not a bad thing. Hiking up the cliff overlooking the cove or swimming to the Nausika’s Cave sea cave takes attention away from the beach in all the right ways!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Soft sandy beach
– Plenty of nearby restaurants
– Calm crystal clear water
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Hike up the nearby cliff for a gorgeous view of the beach and surrounding coastline!
15.) Erimitis Beach
Often overlooked due to its remote location, this massive rock wall cove is the best beach in Paxos and one of the best beaches in all of Greece!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– White rocks under a towering white cliff
– A small, coarse shoreline
– A steep, rocky, and uneven hike down to the beach
– Limited parking on site
Pro tip- Stay until evening for an unforgettable Greek Islands sunset. 🌄
16.) Marmari Beach
With an open beachfront, a calm and relaxing cove, and twisting olive trees, this is a true Greek beach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A small rocky beach
– Spots to relax under the shade of olive trees
– There’s a great restaurant nearby
– Small parking lot on site
Pro tip- Get here early to avoid the crowds.
17.) Paralia Koukounaries Beach
The soft sand and multiple beach bars make this the spot for the best nightlife on the island.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– A long sandy beach
– Dozens of lounge chairs to enjoy the view
– Small parking lot near the beach
– Plenty of things to do
Pro tip- Head here after the sun goes down for a night you won’t forget.
18.) Krifi Ammos Beach
Away from the crowds, this Skiathos hidden beach gives you the feeling of a private paradise. There’s even a small tavern on the water!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Set of stairs to get down to the water
– Soft and sandy beach
– Quiet off the beaten path
– Very limited parking along dirt road near the site
Pro tip- Make sure to bring cash, as the Restaurant doesn’t take card.
19.) Kastro Beach
Hike down a short, winding path to the slow and peaceful waves found in the inlet of Kastro Beach.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Rock and sand mixed beachfront
– A cliff to hike and enjoy the sights
– Restaurants on the water
– Limited parking
Pro tip- Hike up to the nearby historic church for a great view of the cove!
20.) Agios Ioannis Beach
This small rocky cove is a great place to cool off and enjoy the view of the nearby Mama Mia church, one of the best things to do in Greece.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Calm rock/sand cove
– Nearby restaurant to grab a meal after soaking in some sun
– Large rocks in the water to jump off of
– Very limited parking on site
Pro tip- Climb to the top of the church for a great view of the cove and surrounding sea.
21.) Limnonari Beach
Tons of beachfront, crystal clear water, and a couple of fun beach bars right on the sand make this spot a great place to spend a day on Skopelos.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Mostly sandy beach
– A long beachfront curving around the bay
– Plenty of beach chairs to relax
– Parking on site
Pro tip- Virtually no waves make this a solid spot to snorkel.
22.) Amarandos Cove
One of the most underrated spots in the Greek Islands, this rocky peninsula full of sea life isn’t so much a beach as it is an incredible place to swim and explore!
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Very secluded
– Not what you would call a normal beach
– Caves and tunnels to swim and explore
– Very limited parking along dirt road near the site
Pro tip- Bring snorkel gear so you can see all of the wonderful sea life! 🤿
23.) Paralia Kastani Beach
Right in the heart of a lovely string of West Skopelos beaches, this sandy, decent-sized space is definitely worth a visit.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Coarse rock/sand mix
– A nice bar right on the water
– Pine forests on either side of the beach
– Parking lot on site
Pro tip- Venture up and down the coastline, exploring hidden beaches along the way.
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