The best Greek island beaches with pristine lagoons, sea caves, colorful villages and Turtle Center
You don't have to book tickets to faraway islands to have a delightful beach vacation. Paradises with gorgeous coastlines are closer to the center of Europe than you might think. You'll find stunning beaches in Greece to enjoy during your summer vacation. They are also some of the cleanest beaches in the world: 617 beautiful beaches in Greece have been awarded the Blue Flag, an international award that recognizes beaches and marinas for being environmentally friendly, clean and safe for swimming.
Many exciting experiences await you here. Whether you are a windsurfer, kayaker or paddle boarder or want to explore the underwater beauty and shipwrecks and then sit back with a cocktail at a beach bar and get a great tan, you will find great beaches in Greece where you can make your dreams of a perfect vacation come true.
Whether it's a quiet harbor away from the crowds, a remote beach or a lively stretch with lots of entertainment, choosing the best beach destinations in Greece is not easy, as there are so many to choose from. To make it easier for you, here are the top 6 best beaches in Greece where you can find your Mediterranean paradise.
1. Agia Pelagia, Western Crete
One of the best Greek island beaches for the whole family is located on the western side of Crete, just 20 minutes along the coast from Heraklion. It is a quiet and peaceful place that is well-suited for swimming. It is protected from the wind by a tree-lined bay, so a long stretch of beach is washed by calm waves. The shoreline is narrow, but the descent into the water is easy. The water here is clean and clear, as there are no big waves. There are changing rooms, toilets, deck chairs and umbrellas.
While vacationing on the most beautiful Greek beaches, pay attention to the charming villages and towns around. The town of Agia Pelagia, a former fishing village, is near the beach. There are several operators offering equipment for outdoor activities on the water. You can diversify your vacation on the beach with various water sports or scuba diving and snorkeling to try to explore the sea caves along the coast or to find coves that are inconspicuous at first glance.
This beach in Greece is also famous for the sights left behind from the Venetian period on the island. Explore the traditional village of Rogdia and the nearby monastery of Savvatiana, built in the 5th century. It is located at an altitude of 440 meters, so it offers incredible views of the sea and the picturesque villages. Accommodation in Agia Pelagia ranges from affordable to luxury hotels and private villas. There are cafes and restaurants, bustling tavernas and small supermarkets along the seafront.
2. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Myrtos has gained worldwide popularity and is among the most beautiful beaches not only in Greece but also in the whole world. It is located 29 km away from Argostoli and is surrounded by huge green hills and impressive white cliffs with vegetation on the tops. The semicircular-shaped beach is steep and covered with white pebbles, so you should bring your swimming shoes. The combination of the white crescent coastline, bright blue water and white cliffs creates a magnificent picture. Its natural beauty makes it one of the most photographed places in all of Greece, with the record for the number of Blue Flag awards not being surpassed by any of the Greek beaches.
The road leads up a steep mountain slope high above the sea to the village of Divarata, offering magnificent scenery. There is a viewing platform in front of it, from which you can see the beach itself and the descent to it. Most of it is landscaped with umbrellas, sun loungers, changing cabins and showers, but there is also a completely untouched area for a secluded quiet vacation. Overnight stays near this famous beach in Greece are available in villas and apartments in Divarata or in the picturesque historic village of Asos, a 20-minute drive from the 16th-century castle of the same name.
3. Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
The ideal spot for active beach lovers is on this longest beach in Skiathos. The silvery coastline is surrounded by a pine forest, a lake and a nature reserve. It is considered one of the Greek beach destinations that have managed to preserve unspoiled nature and is listed among the best in the country. But it is not the natural scenery that attracts most travellers but the lively and fun atmosphere, so this place is usually very crowded. Couples and families like to come here on vacation as big waves are rare, the depths are smooth and the bottom is soft, so the beach is well suited for swimming with children. There is a pine grove, where you can hide from the heat and have a picnic. A little further away is the Strophilia Lagoon, home to black swans and other birds. This place is considered a protected area, so you can take a break from the noise here.
Koukounaries is the best Greek beach for water sports enthusiasts. Surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, banana boats, water skiing and motorcycles are all available. If you're new to such sports, you can take lessons at one of the local schools.
The beach has a great landscape with sun beds and umbrellas, equipment rental, bars on the beach and many taverns, bars and hotels nearby. Every half an hour there is a bus to the capital. After an active day on the beach, finish the day in the bars and taverns of Skiathos: you can even meet celebrities in these places.
4. Voidokilia Bay, southwest Peloponnese
The name of the bay of Voidokilia, on which one of the most amazing beaches in Greece is located, means "ox belly" in Greek. It is probably named so because of the uniquely symmetrical round shape of the shoreline, in which locals saw the shape of a buffalo's udder. Others, however, believe that it resembles the letter "omega" more. It is located a few kilometers from Pilos and is among the most impressive beaches of the Greek islands. It is also one of the most spectacular beaches in Greek mythology, as it is believed that Odysseus' son Telemachus docked at Voidokilia Bay.
This place looks like a white silky sandy semicircle framed by a lagoon, dunes and wooded hills. Many visitors consider it the best Greek beach for swimming as the bottom is sandy, the depth is not too deep and the water is very calm. The area around the coast is a protected natural site and is home to many wild animals. This is one of the best beach locations in Greece for a relaxing vacation with a rustic atmosphere. The beach is also a popular place for romantic walks and photo shoots. It is crowded in high season, so you should come in early summer or fall for privacy.
Grab a bite to eat at a café about a mile from the beach and then take a short drive to see architectural monuments such as the Palace of Nestor, built in 1300 BC.
5. Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu
Paleokastritsa beach is located near the village of the same name, 22 km from the capital. The coastal area technically consists of 6 sandy-pebble and sandy most beautiful Greek beaches hidden in coves. The main one has a truly mythical splendor: the horseshoe-shaped beach is hidden in an azure bay with many caves and hidden coves. There are also mountains surrounded by cypresses, pines and olive trees. This unique location creates ideal conditions for water sports and exciting underwater adventures. It is one of the best beach areas in Greece for diving and snorkeling on the Mediterranean coast. You can also rent a boat and take a tour to explore the caves, which can only be accessed from the water.
It is quite crowded in high season because this popular beach in Greece is favored not only by divers but also by families with children. The sea is warm, the sand is clean (Paleokastritsa has a Blue Flag award for ecology and water purity for a reason), and the descent is gentle. Like many of the best beaches to visit in Greece, the areas with good beach infrastructure are combined with unspoiled natural areas. Paleokastritsa has sunbeds, umbrella rentals, amusement rides, several beach bars and excellent restaurants, as well as many settlements with entertainment nearby. For example, the cliff-top café in Lakones offers fantastic sea views. Don't forget to make time to visit the 13th-century Byzantine monastery nearby.
6. Gerakas Beach, Zakynthos
This place is one of the most popular beaches in Greece, but it is known not for beach vacations but for its natural component. However, the quality of the beach is worth mentioning too as it has very soft golden sand and it is quite shallow, so the water warms up well and the entrance is gentle. These places are chosen by families with children, and the low cliffs around create a secluded atmosphere. Part of the beach is equipped with deck chairs and umbrellas. Lifeguards are on duty in the season.
However, the main visitors to this beach are not sunbathers and wave lovers but connoisseurs of wildlife and relaxing beach activities. Gerakas is one of the most "turtle-friendly" beaches in Greece. Loggerhead turtles, a rare and endangered species, come to lay their eggs on its shores during the summer nights. Therefore, there is a regime of silence there so as not to disturb the "main visitors". Access to the beach is not allowed at all an hour before sunset and an hour after dawn. The beach itself doesn't have any noisy places like cafes and bars (be sure to bring a snack or at least stock up on water) or loud water activities, but it is one of the must-see beaches in Greece. Do not forget to stop by the store and café at the nearby Zakynthos Turtle Rescue Center for a closer look at these fascinating animals.
The closest settlement to the beach is Vasilikos village, 5 km away. It is here that the main infrastructure for tourists is located, including dozens of hotels for every budget, cafes and taverns.