Posted by 🏝️ Travel Guide for Your Dream Vacation
Greece is a paradise for beach lovers. With over 13,000 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of islands, you’ll find everything here: endless sandy beaches, hidden coves, turquoise waters, and spectacular rocky coasts. Some beaches are world-famous, others are true hidden gems that can only be discovered with a little insider knowledge.
In this guide, we’ll show you the 10 most beautiful beaches on the Greek islands – including tips on how to get there, amenities, and the best time to visit.
🌅 1. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos – The Legendary Shipwreck Bay
Location: Northwest coast of Zakynthos
Special Feature: Famous photo opportunity with white sand, turquoise water, and a stranded ship
Navagio Beach (also known as “Shipwreck Beach”) is one of the most famous beaches in Europe. The steep limestone cliffs surrounding the small bay, the deep blue water, and the old smuggler’s ship on the beach make it a true highlight.
Tips for your visit:
🌊 Getting there: Only accessible by boat, e.g., from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos.
📸 Viewpoint: Be sure to visit the viewpoint above the bay – this is where the famous Instagram photos are taken.
🕐 Best time to visit: May to October. It’s still quiet here early in the morning.
👉 Extra tip: Combine your beach visit with a boat trip to the Blue Caves.
Beaches in Greece
🏖️ 2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete – Caribbean feeling in the Mediterranean
Location: Southwest Crete, approx. 75 km from Chania
Special feature: Pinkish shimmering sand, shallow turquoise water
Elafonissi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The fine sand shimmers in shades of pink, the shallow water is perfect for families with children, and the small offshore island is easily accessible on foot.
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: By rental car from Chania (approx. 1.5 hours) or with organized day trips.
🏝️ Facilities: Sun loungers, restrooms, and a small kiosk are available.
☀️ Best time to visit: May to September – arrive early in the height of summer, as it gets crowded quickly.
👉 Extra tip: Just a few meters away, you’ll find smaller, quieter coves – ideal for a picnic or snorkeling.
🏝️ 3. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia – Dramatic scenery and turquoise water
Location: Northwest Kefalonia
Special features: Spectacular beach nestled between high cliffs, crystal-clear water
Myrtos Beach is a picture-perfect dream beach. Nestled between steep cliffs, it boasts stunningly blue water. The colors are especially vibrant in the late afternoon.
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: By car via a winding road – parking is available at the bottom.
🏊 Note: The water drops off quickly and steeply, making it less suitable for young children.
📷 Photo spot: Stop at one of the viewpoints on your way to the beach – the view is spectacular.
👉 Extra tip: There are several traditional tavernas with sea views nearby – perfect for watching the sunset.
🌊 4. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos – A lunar landscape by the sea
Location: North coast of Milos
Special features: White volcanic rocks, turquoise water, surreal landscape
Sarakiniko isn’t your typical sandy beach, but rather a spectacular natural setting of white rocks reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Nestled among the rock formations, you’ll find small coves perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Beaches on Milos
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: Easily accessible by car or scooter.
🏝️ Amenities: No facilities – bring your own parasol, water, and snacks.
📸 Photo tip: Especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
👉 Extra tip: For those feeling adventurous, you can jump directly into the water from the rocks.
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🌴 5. Simos Beach, Elafonissos – Double beach in the turquoise sea
Location: Island of Elafonissos (Peloponnese, accessible by ferry from Neapolis)
Special features: Two stunning sandy coves, clear water, and dunes
Simos Beach is a true hidden gem among beach lovers. It consists of two crescent-shaped coves separated by a sand dune. The water is crystal clear and shallow – ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Tips for your visit:
🛥️ Getting there: Ferry from Neapolis to Elafonissos (approx. 10 minutes), then continue by car or scooter.
🏖️ Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols are available for rent, and there’s a beach bar.
🏄 Activities: Popular with windsurfers and stand-up paddleboarders.
👉 Extra tip: Stay until evening – the sunset over the sea is spectacular.
🐢 6. Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos – Family-friendly and seemingly endless
Location: West coast of Naxos
Special features: Long sandy beach, shallow water, excellent infrastructure
Agios Prokopios Beach is one of the best family beaches in Greece. The sand is fine, the water crystal clear and shallow, and there are numerous tavernas, cafes, and water sports facilities right on the beach. Beaches on Naxos
Tips for your visit:
🚌 Getting there: By bus or rental car from Naxos Town (approx. 15 minutes).
🍹 Amenities: Sun loungers, showers, restaurants, and water sports centers are available.
🏖️ Ideal for: Families, couples, and water sports enthusiasts.
👉 Extra tip: Take an evening stroll along the beach promenade to enjoy the sunset.
🏄♂️ 7. Kolymbithres Beach, Paros – Rocky Cove with Natural Pools
Location: Near Naoussa, north coast of Paros
Special Feature: Small bathing coves nestled among bizarre granite rocks
Kolymbithres Beach is unlike any other beach in Greece. Small sandy coves lie nestled between smooth, polished rocks that form natural pools – perfect for swimming and exploring.
Tips for your visit:
🛶 Getting there: By water taxi from Naoussa or by car.
🏖️ Amenities: Some sun loungers and small beach bars are available.
🌅 Tip: Arrive early, as the small coves fill up quickly.
👉 Extra tip: The rock formations are a great subject for holiday photos.
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🐠 8. St. Paul’s Bay, Rhodes – Picturesque bay below the Acropolis
Location: Lindos, Southeast Rhodes
Special Feature: Small bay with turquoise water and a historic panorama
St. Paul’s Bay lies directly below the famous Acropolis of Lindos and is one of the most beautiful swimming bays on the island. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water is particularly calm and clear.
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: Easily accessible by car or bus, parking available.
☀️ Amenities: Sun loungers, parasols, and a small taverna right on the beach.
📍 Sights: After swimming, a stroll through the village of Lindos is worthwhile.
👉 Extra tip: It’s especially quiet here early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
🏖️ 9. Golden Beach, Thassos – Golden sand and crystal-clear water
Location: East coast of Thassos
Special feature: Long, fine sandy beach with a family atmosphere
Golden Beach lives up to its name: The fine sand shimmers golden in the sun, and the water is shallow and warm – perfect for families with children or for stand-up paddleboarding.
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: Easily accessible by car or bus.
🏖️ Amenities: Sun loungers, tavernas, water sports.
☀️ Best time to visit: June to September.
👉 Extra tip: The surrounding forests are perfect for short hikes with sea views.
🌅 10. Porto Katsiki, Lefkada – Spectacular cliffs and turquoise waters
Location: Southwest coast of Lefkada
Special feature: Picture-perfect beach nestled beneath impressive cliffs
Porto Katsiki is one of Greece’s most famous beaches – and rightly so. A staircase leads down to a narrow sandy cove beneath steep limestone cliffs that plunge into turquoise waters.
Tips for your visit:
🚗 Getting there: By car via winding mountain roads; parking is available at the top.
🏖️ Amenities: Small beach bar at the top of the stairs; no facilities at the bottom.
📷 Photo tip: The light is perfect for photos in the afternoon.
👉 Extra tip: Combine your beach visit with a boat trip to the nearby Egremni and Kathisma beaches.
🧭 Conclusion – Greece’s Dream Beaches for Every Taste
Whether you prefer rugged rocky coastlines, family-friendly sandy beaches, or secluded natural paradises, Greece’s islands offer incredible diversity.
For spectacular scenery: Navagio, Porto Katsiki, Sarakiniko
For families: Agios Prokopios, Golden Beach
For snorkeling enthusiasts and nature lovers: Simos, Kolymbithres
For photography lovers: Elafonissi, Myrtos
The beaches are at their most beautiful from May to October, when the water is pleasantly warm and the sun shines almost every day. And no matter which one you choose, your vacation is guaranteed to be unforgettable.