If your dream vacation to Greece has to do with visiting the gorgeous beaches then get ready to add some of the best Greece beaches to your itinerary.
We’ve put together a stellar list of the best Greece beaches, so make the most of your vacation in this Greek paradise! You will find beautiful beaches in Mykonos as well as stunning Santorini beaches.
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The Best Greece Beaches to Visit this Summer
1. Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia
By Paulina of ukeveryday
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is considered one of the best beaches in the world. Crystal clear water and scenic location make it a perfect place to explore during your holiday in Greece.
Tall cliffs surrounding the beach and zig-zag roads leading to it provide excellent views of the Greek coast.
The beach is located a 40-minute drive from the Argostoli in Kefalonia. However, you can also visit it during a day trip from Zakynthos. The car park by the beach is not very big so make sure to arrive there early.
There are a few scenic viewpoints by the road for taking incredible photos from the top of the cliffs. Turquoise water and white pebble beach look incredible on a sunny day.
However, Myrtos beach is not recommended for kids, because it is quite deep. This is definitely an amazing place for those who can swim or just want to relax at the beach.
Access to Myrtos beach is via steep zig-zag road so the best way to get there is with a tour company that will take you to the bottom of the beach. You will not find many facilities there, just a small bar with snacks and drinks.
Myrtos Beach is one of the best attractions in Kefalonia. It has been chosen as the best Greek beach multiple times. Famous from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin movie and breathtaking views will make you fall in love with Greece. Just make sure to also visit Myrtos Cave which is hidden at the bottom of the beach.
2. Papafragas Beach
By Mary from Be Right Back by Mary
Papafragas beach is one of the best beaches on Milos Island. Although still quite unknown to the world, Papafragas offers some of the most unique landscapes and features in Greece.
The beach of Papafragas is a small thin white sand beach stuck between two high cliffs of volcanic rocks which form a sort of narrow canal leading into the sea. Although it is marked as a dangerous site, tourists walk down to the beach to admire this unique sight.
On top of the beach, there are several volcanic caves that overlook the beach as well. The caves have been carved by the wind and time.
Further, towards the West side of the site, you’ll find a big hole dug into the volcanic grounds, resembling a cenote, and quite impressive!
Papafragas beach is quite easy to access but you will need your own mean of transportation such as a car, a scooter, or an ATV. You can easily rent one of those on the island for a few hours, a day, or your whole trip.
When arriving at Papafragas beach, slow down and watch for the parking spots on the side of the road. This is the only carpark there is and it is safe to park there. From there, you will need to cross the road and walk either towards the West or the East.
The west entrance leads to the caves whereas the East entrance leads to the beach and cenote. You can reach one from the other but it is a bit easier and faster to walk on the side of the road than on the volcanic rocks.
Note that there are no facilities at the beach so it is recommended to bring plenty of water, especially during summer.
3. Piperi beach on Paros island
By Carine & Derek – We Did It Our Way
Located on the island of Paros, within the Cyclade islands of the Aegean Sea, there is the amazing beach of Piperi.
Unlike the other beaches on Paros, Piperi is very conveniently located right by Naoussa town’s best restaurants and bars.
It’s easy and convenient to get to, and it’s the perfect place to hang out on a beautiful sunny day.
Piperi beach features clear blue waters that are sometimes calm, and sometimes wavy.
It has a mix of small pebbles and sand, which make it perfect for lounging around on your towel.
There are a few parasols for rent, as well as a restaurant and a hotel or two on the beach.
What we loved the most about this beach in Greece was the access to shade. There is a little forest in the back, where you can hang out in the shade.
Considering how expensive lounge chair rentals can get, between 15-20 euros, this shaded area on Piperi beach is a dream come true for budget travelers!
Piperi beach is quieter than the other party beaches in Greece. , but what we loved about it was that it was quiet, and had shade… free shade! You’ll notice that most beaches will charge you 10-15 euros for a parasol and some lounge chairs.
Another great thing about Piperi beach is that it’s the best spot on Paros to catch a sunset.
Either straight from the beach or on the little hill overlooking it, you will be able to watch the sunset, turning the sky into a beautiful mix of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
If you make it to Paros, be sure to check out this Piperi. Considering all the amazing features it has, it’s one of the best beaches in Greece.
4. Fakistra Beach
By Annelies of Travelers and Dreamers
One of the best beaches in Greece for adventurous types is Fakistra beach. Fakistra beach is located on the Pelion peninsula on mainland Greece.
The Pelion peninsula is known for its rugged beauty, lush greenery, and rocky cliffs and that is exactly what you will find visiting Fakistra beach.
It’s a beautiful beach by the Aegean sea, with no crowds, and the perfect beach in Greece to live out your Robinson Crusoe dreams.
The beach has no facilities. There are no restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, or even a toilet. The reason you come to Fakistra beach is for its pure natural beauty and crystal-clear turquoise water.
Fakistra beach is a remote beach and, because of its off-the-beaten-path location, it requires some effort to get here. Firstly, you will have to make your way to the Pelion peninsula.
This is the easiest done by having your own vehicle. There is no public transport to Fakistra beach and taking a taxi will cost a lot.
The best base town on the peninsula to visit Fakistra beach is called Damouchari, a cute seaside settlement a little further near the Aegean sea.
From Damouchari, you have two options on how to get to Fakistra beach. You can walk for two hours over the mountainous terrain that separates Damouchari from Fakistra beach or you can take the car following the directions to Fakistra Beach on google maps.
You will arrive at a small parking lot. On the right hand of the gazebo at the parking lot, you will see a small pathway. Get ready for a steep 200 meters walk down on pretty mountainous and rocky terrain.
People who are afraid of heights might have trouble descending the pathway but you are guaranteed to be rewarded by an amazing beach!
5. Red Beach Santorini
By Kerry Hanson of VeggTravel
Red Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Aegon island of Santorini. Located at the base of the southern town of Akrotiri, it’s a long stretch of black and red sand that is formed from the red cliff faces and volcanic rock of the Caldera.
Whilst the red beach is one of the most popular, it is also one of the most dangerous. The area has had several landslides, making this beach smaller than other areas due to other parts of the beach now being inaccessible.
Some people just visit the red beach to admire its beauty, while others will sunbathe the day away.
Parking is free and easy, although the drive down is windy and bumpy. However, in a few mere footsteps, you will arrive at this beautiful beach where you can rent sun loungers and parasols, or just enjoy a walk along the shore.
The water can be choppy but on calmer days then the ocean is perfect for snorkeling due to its interesting rock formations.
If you’d prefer to gaze at the beach from the ocean, then you can enjoy a Santorini sunrise kayak tour that departs from nearby white beach.
Whether you plan on just visiting or spending a long day basking in its beauty, a trip to red beach needs to be on your Santorini Itinerary.
You will not find any other beaches on this island that are as colourful and striking as this one.
6. Kastani Beach
By Alina of World of Lina
A small bay of white sand surrounded by lush vegetation – this is
Kastani Beach on Skopelos. It is not only one of the best beaches in
Greece but one of the many Mamma Mia filming locations on the island!
Kastani beach is not that easy to access, there’s only one bumpy road
leading down from the main road.
The beach was already famous among tourists and locals but ever since it was featured in the musical Mamma Mia, it gained even more attraction.
Maybe you’ve seen the movie and remember the scene where Sophie and Sky
sing ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’? Well, it was filmed right at this place. Exactly like the scene where a friend of Sky feels attracted to Donna’s friend Tanya who completely rejected him while singing and dancing to ‘Does Your Mother Know’
Today, the island’s sandiest beach is just 18 km from Skopelos Town and
lures with crystal clear turquoise water.
It’s a very organized beach with many rows of sunbeds, a hip beach café, and watersports rentals.
Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear, you can spot many different
species of fish in the clear water.
7. Secret Stegna (Grande Blue) Beach, Rhodes
By Nadine Maffre of Le Long Weekend
The beautiful long stretch of sand at Stegna Beach is one of the best beaches in Rhodes, but just around the corner lies another, a lesser-known beach that’s even more spectacular!
Known as “Secret Stegna” or “Grande Blue” (after the restaurant that sits above the bay), this beach takes a little more effort to get to, but it’s well worth it.
To get there, drive almost to the end of Stegna Beach, and take the last road on your right. This steep and narrow road winds up the hill before looping back to the hill above where you just came from.
Park at Grande Blue restaurant (parking is limited, so aim to arrive early), and follow the long zigzag staircase down to the bucolic cove before you.
Equipped with a beach bar, sun loungers, and parasols to hire, a tranquil bay for swimming, and safe rock pools for the little ones, it’s a true piece of paradise.
Bring your snorkel, as there are plenty of fish to spot between the underwater boulders.
And if on the rare occasion, the bay is too busy, you can wander over the rocks to the hidden Archangelos Cave for an even more secluded swimming spot.
Secret Stegna Beach is ideal for those looking for the true Greek Island Beach experience, away from the bustling resorts and hoards of tourists.
As far as facilities go, you’ll be pleased to know there are toilets on the beach, and you can order drinks and food right from your sun lounger!
8. Paros Beach
Missy Cahill of Travel With Missy
Paros is blessed with some of the nicest beaches in the Cyclades. In fact, as you start to traverse the island, you’ll discover beaches that often you’ll have entirely to yourself.
One of the most popular and beautiful beaches is Kolymbithres beach on the North West corner of the island. A family-friendly beach thanks to its shallow waters, a day spent at Kolymbithres beach is fun for everyone.
The water here is crystal clear and is perfect for wading, as the water remains thigh deep for quite some time.
With its calm presence in a quiet bay, Kolymbithres beach is perfect for families with small children. The sand is golden and there is ample shade to be found in the unique rock formations found around the beach.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent for the day for a small price. Two sun loungers and an umbrella are €10 for the entire day.
From the months of June to September, you’ll find a cocktail man who can make a range of cocktails from his ice chest.
A short three-minute walk from the beach there is three tavernas to choose from for an afternoon lunch. Bathroom facilities are available upon purchasing something from the taverna.
If arriving by car, make sure to get to Kolymbithres beach early to ensure a parking space in the small parking lot by the beach.
The beach is also easily accessible by a small ferry from Naoussa Harbor that runs several times throughout the day. The ferry also connects Naoussa with Monastariki Beach which is just around the corner from Kolymbithres beach.
9. Anthony Quinn Bay
By Zoe from Together In Transit
For a pretty, but unique Greek beach on the island of Rhodes, find yourself exploring Anthony Quinn Bay and the beach area.
Located on the East coast of Rhodes, Greece, this tiny little bay is perfect for those looking for something local.
It is fairly easy to access if you have a car, but a little trickier if you do not have a rental. If you are visiting Rhodes during the summer period, head to the Anthony Quinn Bay a little earlier than lunchtime to find yourself a cute, relaxing spot by the water’s edge.
There are a few sun lounges that you can also rent for the day from the local beach hut there, which is nice if you plan to stay for the whole day. Once in the water, you will see how clear the sea is and be able to enjoy the warm refreshing waters.
You can snorkel from the beach along the rock edge if you take also your own snorkel equipment with you. Most fish you can see here are small but still nice to see.
The beach is rather stony, so good to have either those waterproof sandals. For facilities, as well as some sun lounge rentals, there is a little snack bar for fresh food and drinks.
There are also bathrooms near the parking and top area of the bay. It is good to take your own drinks or snacks but to make sure to tidy up after yourself too. Leaving nothing behind is best so that Anthony Quinn Bay stays beautiful and clean.
10. Vlichada Beach – Santorini
By Ivan Kralj of Pipeaway
If one imagines seaside fun at Santorini, cave-like villas with built-in plunge pools come to mind quicker than a spectacular beach offer.
However, the most well-known volcanic island of Greece has some beaches that provide equally arresting experiences as bathing in a private villa with a champagne glass in one hand and a selfie stick in the other one.
Vlichada Beach, located in the south of the island, managed to remain away from the big touristic development Santorini is famous for. Protected by steep cliffs, this special marvel of volcanic geology is the total opposite of Oia.
It is not a place where you will have to elbow through the crowds. As a matter of fact, this long beach with proportionally dispersed visitors managed to secure a sense of privacy, thus becoming one of the best nude beaches in Grece.
No matter whether you prefer to bare it all or show off your newest swimwear, Vlichada is a welcoming stretch of black sand formed by thousands of years of volcanic activity.
Towered by almost artistically eroded white cliffs, it provides a rather unique set-up. If there would be beaches like that on the Moon, surely there would be even more space tourists fighting for NASA missions!
As Vlichada is somewhat disconnected from the general tourism business, most of it is wild, with no facilities. The exception is the part of the beach closest to the namesake village, where one can rent a sun lounger, a parasol, or even buy a snack.
One doesn’t really bump into Vlichada. It’s a destination for intentional travelers looking for a break from Santorini’s overtourism. Reachable by bus from Fira, it’s an easily accessible remedy, where you can enjoy all the benefits of being alone.
11. Sarakiniko Beach Milos
By Dymphe of Dymabroad
One of the best beaches in Greece is Sarakiniko Beach. This is a beautiful beach that you can find on the island of Milos.
This is an island that is part of the Cyclades islands group, and the island is near other famous islands such as Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos. It is very easy to reach the island from there by ferry.
Getting to the beach when you are on the island is very easy. You can find the beach on the north side of Milos. From the largest village on the island, Adamantas, you can reach the beach by bus, car, or taxi in a short amount of time. Furthermore, there are a lot of parking spaces next to the beach.
What’s special about the beach is how it looks. The beach consists of white volcanic stone that was shaped by the wind and sea. The stone has a lot of round curves because of this.
Moreover, the beach looks a bit like the moon, and many people refer to the beach’s appearance as looking Lunar. The landscape of the beach is very unique and looks very beautiful, especially next to the bright blue color of the sea.
Lots of people visit this place to swim in the water or relax on the stone next to the water. However, you should keep in mind that it can get very hot at the beach and there isn’t a lot of shade. Also, there aren’t a lot of facilities at the beach.”
12. Balos Lagoon
By Elena of Travel Greece Travel Europe
The picture-perfect Balos Lagoon tops the list of the most famous beaches in the world. Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful and must-visit beaches in Crete.
Located on the northernmost corner of Chania, just a little over an hour’s drive from Chania’s Old Town, this heavenly, sandy beach overlooks the islet of Gramvousa.
There are two ways to visit the beach, either via a rocky dirt road that requires a 20-minute hike to reach the beach or by boat that departs from the port of Kissamos and also takes visitors to the Gramvousa islet.
For those who decide to travel by road, most car rental companies don’t allow you to take the car there, thus renting a Jeep is the best way to get to Balos.
Balos Lagoon is part of the Natura 2000 network, there are some sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent but there are no canteens on the beach, therefore bringing your own beverages is recommended.
As this is one of the most visited beaches of Crete, it usually gets extremely crowded therefore if you wish to enjoy the solitude we recommend coming here very early in the morning.
13. Trani Ammouda Beach in Halkidiki
By Yulia Saf of Miss Tourist
The gorgeous sandy Trani Ammouda beach is located in Halkidiki, just an hour and a half’s drive from Thessaloniki in northeast Greece.
Trani Ammouda, also known as Ormos Panagias, is famous for its calm shallow waters and huge expanse of sand, perfect for families to relax carefree under the Greek sun.
The turquoise waters are blue flag certified and quite warm year-round so kids will love bouncing and sliding around the two seawater parks that can be found here, allowing the grown-ups to unwind with a cocktail at one of the many relaxed beach bars dotted along the sand!
What’s more, Trani Ammouda beach couldn’t be easier to access, whether you only have time for a day trip, or want to stay in one of the beachfront accommodation options, a stop by this beach is one of the most unmissable things to do in Halkidiki!
Something that makes Trani Ammouda so special is that despite the fact it is so easily accessible with plenty of street parking right by the sand, the beach is huge. This means there is plenty of space for everyone to have their own piece of quiet sandy paradise.
And aside from the beach bars, you have the option to rent an umbrella or sunbed on the sand, however, if you prefer not to pay, there are also plenty of places where you can bring your own and set up your site for the day for free. Just note that there are no services outside of the bars and resorts nearby for which you must be a customer.
14. Pori beach, Koufonisia
Contributed by Alex from Just Go Exploring
For a stunningly beautiful Greek beach that you can enjoy almost entirely to yourself, head to Koufonisia.
Ano Koufonissi is a tiny island in the Lesser Cyclades, off the south-east coast of Naxos. On its north-eastern shore, there is a crescent moon-shaped bay that contains one of the most incredible beaches in the country.
Here you’ll find a long, curving stretch of fine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and very few (sometimes no) other people. The sea here is shallow and sheltered, perfect for swimming and paddling.
This is definitely one for people who prefer their beaches natural and undeveloped. You won’t find rows of deckchairs, lively beach bars, or crowds of other people. It’s peaceful and wonderfully unspoilt.
In the summer season (June-September), there’s a little taverna that sells food and drinks, but that’s about it. Outside of these months, there are no facilities at all. Bring your own umbrella.
If you plan to visit Pori beach outside of the summer season (i.e. between October and May), be sure to pack enough water and other supplies with you. You won’t be able to buy any at the beach, and there is very little shade.
To access Pori beach from the island’s main (and only) town, you can take one of the regular water taxis that leave from the main harbour.
Alternatively, there’s a 4 kilometre walking trail that runs around the eastern shore of the island. It’s not signed, but is fairly easy to follow and takes about an hour. Along the way, you will pass several other beaches, caves, and the “Devil’s Eye” – an incredibly picturesque natural swimming pool.
Best Greece Beaches Conclusion
These Greece beaches are pure paradise and are some of the best beaches in Europe. From adventure-seekers to families, or couples looking for a spectacular getaway – Greece beaches have it all. These Greece beaches definitely need to be added to your travel bucket list.
