Best Beaches in Greece

Are you wondering what are the best beaches in Greece to visit for breathtaking views, clear waters, and unforgettable experiences?

Planning your trip can be overwhelming with so many options, but we’re here to help.

At Civilisable, we curate expert guidance on the best beaches in Greece, highlighting crystal-clear waters, iconic coastlines, and hidden gems, so you can choose the perfect seaside destinations for relaxation, adventure, and authentic Mediterranean experiences.

During my visit to Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, the combination of towering cliffs, white pebbles, and crystal-clear water left me in awe.

It felt like a paradise untouched by time, offering the perfect blend of peace and natural beauty.

Join us as we explore the best beaches in Greece! Let’s start.

Top 10 Best Beaches in Greece

1. Navagio Beach (Zakynthos)
   Known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is famous for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, surrounded by high limestone cliffs. Accessible only by boat, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Zakynthos, offering incredible views and photo opportunities.
2. Elafonissi Beach (Crete)
   Located on the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonissi is famous for its pink sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming. The beach is protected by a nature reserve, offering a tranquil environment to enjoy the sun.
3. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia)
   This breathtaking beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers crystal-clear waters that contrast perfectly with the white pebbles. It’s one of the most iconic beaches in Greece and is perfect for a relaxing day or photography.
4. Balos Lagoon (Crete)
   Balos is a mix of white sand and shallow blue waters, accessible by boat or a hike. The lagoon is known for its scenic beauty and unique color contrast between the white sand, turquoise waters, and the surrounding mountains.
5. Voutoumi Beach (Antipaxos)
   A hidden gem on the island of Antipaxos, Voutoumi is known for its crystal-clear water and secluded atmosphere. It’s a quieter, less crowded alternative to other beaches, making it perfect for those seeking peace and serenity.
6. Lindos Beach (Rhodes)
   Located near the ancient town of Lindos, this beach offers clear waters and a backdrop of ancient ruins. It’s great for a mix of history and relaxation, with many restaurants and shops nearby for convenience.
7. Koukounaries Beach (Skiathos)
   Famous for its long sandy shore and shallow waters, Koukounaries is a family-friendly beach located on Skiathos. The area is lined with pine forests, offering a relaxing, natural environment for beachgoers.
8. Paleokastritsa Beach (Corfu)
   Known for its green hills and blue waters, Paleokastritsa Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Corfu. The area is perfect for those who love water sports, including snorkeling and kayaking.
9. Agios Prokopios Beach (Naxos)
   Agios Prokopios is a long sandy beach with calm, clear waters, making it perfect for families and those who love water activities. It’s one of Naxos’ most popular beaches, offering plenty of amenities and accommodation options nearby.
10. Simos Beach (Elafonisos)
    Famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, Simos Beach is ideal for those looking to relax or indulge in some light water sports. It’s located on Elafonisos, a small island off the coast of the Peloponnese.

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5 Best Beaches for Families

1. Elafonissi Beach (Crete)
   This family-friendly beach is known for its shallow waters, making it perfect for children. The beach has ample space for picnics and games, and its protected environment ensures a safe place for families to spend the day.
2. Koukounaries Beach (Skiathos)
   Koukounaries offers calm, shallow waters and plenty of amenities for families. Its proximity to restaurants and water sports makes it ideal for a day trip with young children.
3. Agios Prokopios Beach (Naxos)
   The long stretch of soft sand and clear waters makes Agios Prokopios a great spot for families to relax and swim. It also offers facilities such as sunbeds and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day by the sea.
4. Lindos Beach (Rhodes)
   In addition to its historical value, Lindos offers shallow waters and smooth sand, perfect for families with small children. The area has a lot of restaurants and shops, ideal for a comfortable family outing.
5. Paleokastritsa Beach (Corfu)
   A quieter beach with calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere, Paleokastritsa offers easy access to snorkeling and a few cafes to enjoy some downtime after playing in the water.

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5 Best Beaches for Water Sports and Activities

1. Koukounaries Beach (Skiathos)
   Known for its clear waters and winds, Koukounaries is a popular spot for windsurfing and water skiing. The beach also offers plenty of jet-skiing and kayaking opportunities.
2. Paleokastritsa Beach (Corfu)
   Paleokastritsa is ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, with numerous caves and underwater rock formations to explore. The beach also offers boat rentals for those wanting to explore more of Corfu’s coastline.
3. Navagio Beach (Zakynthos)
   Famous for its Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is a boat-accessible beach, offering opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring nearby caves.
4. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia)
   Known for its crystal-clear waters, Myrtos is great for swimming and scuba diving, where you can explore its rocky seabed and abundant marine life.
5. Elafonissi Beach (Crete)
   The shallow, calm waters of Elafonissi are perfect for kite surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The beach’s vibrant marine life is also ideal for beginner snorkelers.

4 Hidden Gem Beaches in Greece

1. Voutoumi Beach (Antipaxos)
   A quiet and secluded beach on the small island of Antipaxos, known for its crystal-clear waters and untouched beauty. Perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, Voutoumi offers a peaceful environment surrounded by lush greenery and rocky hills, making it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation.
2. Seitan Limania Beach (Crete)
   Located on the northwest coast of Crete, Seitan Limania is a hidden cove surrounded by towering cliffs. The dramatic setting and clear turquoise waters make it one of the most stunning and secluded beaches on the island, though it requires a steep hike to reach it.
3. Manganari Beach (Ios)
   Situated on the south coast of Ios, Manganari is a quiet, untouched beach with golden sand and shallow waters. Known for its tranquility and less touristy atmosphere, it offers the perfect spot for peaceful beach days, swimming, and sunbathing under the Greek sun.
4. Kalamitsi Beach (Lefkada)
   Nestled on the southern coast of Lefkada, Kalamitsi is a secluded beach surrounded by lush greenery and high cliffs. With its pristine, soft sand and clear blue waters, it’s a perfect spot to unwind, offering a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches on the island.

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When to Visit Greece

The best time to visit Greece depends on what you’re looking for. If you prefer warm beach days and vibrant festivals, the summer months of June to August are ideal. However, this is also peak tourist season, so it may be crowded and expensive.

For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, late spring (May) and early autumn (September and October) are perfect. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, and you’ll experience milder temperatures and lower prices.

Winter offers a completely different experience, great for hiking and exploring ancient ruins without the summer heat.

In general, visiting Greece’s islands in spring or early autumn gives you the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

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How to Reach Beaches in Greece

Greece’s beaches are accessible by boat, car, or local transportation, depending on the region. For island beaches, the most common way is via ferry from mainland ports such as Piraeus in Athens. Major ferry routes connect Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and other islands to the mainland and between islands themselves.

If you’re traveling to more remote beaches, consider renting a car or ATV (for places like Simos Beach on Elafonisos), where roads are less accessible. In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, public transport, including buses and taxis, can take you to the closest beaches easily.

Some beaches are located near popular resorts, making them easy to access on foot, but for secluded gems like Voutoumi Beach or Myrtos, renting a boat or hiking may be the best option.

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Tips for Enjoying Greece’s Beaches

• Arrive early or late: To avoid crowds, visit beaches early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Pack essentials: Many remote beaches lack shops, so bring sunscreen, snacks, and water.
• Respect nature: Always dispose of your trash properly and avoid damaging the local flora and fauna.
• Check local guidelines: Some beaches, especially in nature reserves, may have rules about access or activities.
• Bring cash: Smaller islands may not accept credit cards everywhere, so carry some cash for purchases.
• Wear comfortable footwear: Some beaches may require walking on rocky paths or uneven terrain.

According to Greece Travel Tips, Greece is generally a safe and traveler‑friendly destination with helpful locals and a welcoming atmosphere. Knowing local customs, packing appropriate clothing, and considering seasonal weather patterns can improve every trip. Planning visits during shoulder seasons like late spring or early autumn helps avoid peak crowds and offers more comfortable beach weather.

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Best Beaches in Greece: A Recap

Greece is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, each offering unique beauty and experiences. From the famous shores like Navagio Beach to hidden gems such as Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos, Greece has something for every beach lover.

The beaches range from family-friendly spots like Agios Prokopios to those perfect for water sports, such as Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos. One of my most memorable experiences was visiting Seitan Limania Beach in Crete.

After a steep hike down the cliffs, the stunning turquoise waters greeted me, and the isolation made it feel like a true hidden treasure. Whether you’re looking for serenity or adventure, Greece’s beaches offer something extraordinary.

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