The 24 Best Beaches in Greece in 2023 [East, West, Islands]

Greece is known for many things. Its history and culture have kept the country at the top of many people’s must-see lists.

However, Greece isn’t all about ancient ruins and art. Greece has miles of coastline between the mainland and its islands, and the locals take their time by the water very seriously. The result is numerous pristine beaches for you to have a perfect getaway. To help you choose, we’ve looked at all the options to narrow down Greece’s best beaches.

Map of the 24 Best Beaches in Greece

The 10 Best Beaches in West Greece

1. Agios Gordios Beach, Corfu

Agios Gordios Beach is a hidden gem that has somehow managed to fly under the radar for most tourists. The beach is both soft sand and pebbly, with each end of this stretch of the coast showing a different landscape. You can stick to the side you prefer, or you can experience both with just a relaxing, luxurious walk.

The sandy end draws more tourists. It’s also where you’ll find more beach establishments and places where you can rent beach chairs and sunbeds. However, even on the pebbly side of the beach, you won’t be far from anything you might need.

The water is generally quite clear as the island’s shipyards aren’t particularly close to this part of the beach. The water is also shallow, but, as usual, be careful as it can get deep a bit more rapidly if currents have shifted the sand quite a bit.

2. Agios Ioannis Beach, Lefkada

Agios Ioannis Beach is yet another beach that’s a mix of sand and pebbles that give the coast a very natural and wild feel. With the beach lined with thick, green trees, it’s the perfect place if you want to feel like you’ve found yourself in an island paradise.

The beach’s water usually doesn’t have a very strong current and isn’t dangerously deep while close to the shore. However, despite that, you can still go surfing or kite surfing since you can typically count on there being waves just a short distance into the water.

The beach has a very secluded feel, but you’re not in the middle of nowhere. There are still a few cafes and eateries you can go to if you need if you decide not to pack a picnic lunch to bring with you on your beach day.

3. Antisamos Beach, Kefalonia

Antisamos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kefalonia, and it’s not hard to see why. The beach is gorgeous and pristine, despite its crowds on busy days.

You can wander on the sand and splash in the water for hours. The sand is comfortable and soft, so you can take long walks or sunbathe without worrying about getting uncomfortable. However, there are a few things the beach has to offer that you might want to do some extra planning to enjoy.

You can book beach tours that let you see the rocks and caves in the most remote areas of the beach. These areas would be incredibly difficult to get to without having a professional guide to help you. Once you’re done with the tour, you’ll be all set to take a dip in the inviting water.

4. Chomi Beach, Corfu

Chomi Beach has affectionately earned the nickname “Paradise Beach” among locals and tourists alike. With a moniker like that, expectations are very high, and for a good reason. The beach is lined with dramatic and picturesque cliffs that create scenic views that you expect out of a movie or a postcard.

The beach is secluded and perfect if you want to escape city life’s hustle and bustle. In fact, you can’t even access the beach on foot. You have to charter or rent a boat in order to get to the beach’s shores. As such, it usually doesn’t get that crowded or loud.

It has some of the softest sand you’ll find on any of Greece’s islands. The water is crystal clear and bright blue. Even though boats come to and from the shore at various intervals, the water remains clear of pollutants.

5. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach is the perfect place for hiking lovers to go for a little time by the coast. That’s because you can enjoy this stunning stretch of the Greek coast from 2 different levels. If you can’t stand being more than a few steps away from the water, you can spend your day on the sand, where you can take a dip whenever you want.

However, if you want a truly remarkable view, you can hike the cliffs that line the shore. The cliff sides let you overlook the coast so you can see how truly gorgeous Myrtos is with its bright blue water.

This view has earned the beach the title of one of the most dramatic beaches in the country. The beach is lined with white pebbles that look like sand from far away, though they glimmer in the sun.

6. Shipwreck Cove (Navagio Beach), Zakynthos

Navagio Beach is perfect for people who have always dreamed of finding a treasure island. The beach is curved and has an exposed cove which has given rise to stories of pirate smugglers. You don’t have to worry, however. If you explore the beach, the only things you’ll find are shells and scenic views you’ll definitely want to make sure you catch on camera.

Once again, this is a great beach if you want seclusion. Unfortunately, you can’t access the shore on foot, and you need to take a boat to get there. The cove is also great for adventurers, as you need to do a bit of swimming to get to its entrance.

Hot Tip: Make sure you pack a meal if you plan to eat on the sand as there aren’t any restaurants around for you to go to.

7. Paleokastritsa, Corfu

If you’re an adventure-seeker at heart, but you still want to make sure you relax while you’re on your beach getaway, head to Paleokastritsa. The beach is surrounded by lush, gorgeous wilderness and dramatic cliffs that keep the beach protected from winds that might alter its landscape.

People have noted its beauty for years. In fact, it’s said to be the location of many Greek epic myths and tales. While you’re on the sand, you’ll expect to see a Greek god or mythological creature come around the corner.

Even from the sand, you’ll be struck by the water’s color. Near the beach, the water is lighter in color, almost sky blue. However, along the steep cliffs, the water is often a darker blue. Though this is one of the most well-known beaches in Corfu, don’t miss your chance to see it for yourself.

8. Paralia Dafni, Zakynthos

Paralia Dafni offers visitors miles of gorgeous white sand to enjoy all year round. The beach can get quite warm during the summer months, but you don’t have to worry about that since there are trees lining the entire length of the shore that can give you shade.

You also don’t have to worry about walking on scalding sand to get to the water. The beach is long but narrow, so you can get to the water in just a few steps. The water itself is warm enough to swim in for hours, but you can also get some relief from the steamy humidity that can plague the country during the late summer.

Even on busy days, there aren’t too many crowds, so you have plenty of space to stretch out and peacefully relax without being on top of other beach-goers.

9. Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

For many years, Porto Katsiki was nearly impossible to reach. Locals said only goats were able to make it down to the water, and even boats rarely made it to the shores. While those days are over, the beach is still one of the best for people who are looking for a little peace away from civilization.

The beach is known for its extremely blue water that will mesmerize you and just beg for you to go for a swim. The landscape that frames the beach is also one of the most dramatic. The cliffs are pale and covered in thick greenery, and the sand is even and soft.

The beach still takes some planning to get to. The easiest way to get to the shore is by boat. Boats run more regularly during the summer. However, you should still find one during the off periods as well.

10. Vrika Beach, Antipaxos

If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach for a nice, calm beach vacation, Vrika Beach is the place for you. The water is gentle and typically doesn’t have very strong waves close to the shore. It also doesn’t get deep very suddenly, so small or inexperienced swimmers don’t have to worry about getting out of their depth.

The beach is also covered in soft sand that is comfortable to walk and sunbathe on or build some sand castles if that’s what you prefer. If you’re looking for a beach that’s full of excitement, this might not be your top choice. It’s not too secluded, but you won’t encounter many parties or events on the sand unless you visit during the busiest seasons.

You will, however, be sharing the beach with a few other beach-goers. You can even rent an umbrella or sunbed if you want.

The 14 Best Beaches in East Greece

1. Ammólophoi, Nea Peramos

If your main goal when you go on your beach vacation is to relax and not have to worry about planning too much, Ammólophoi is an ideal option for you. The beach is near multiple snack bars and other eateries, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out what or where to eat while you’re on vacation.

There are also many sunbeds and umbrellas you can rent, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything other than a towel. You can be in the shade and get comfortable without lugging around a ton of equipment. If you’d rather lay directly on the sand, it’s extremely soft and makes an excellent natural cushion for your lounging.

The water is also crystal clear, warm, and refreshing for you to go for a swim during the warmer months of the year.

2. Ancient Lindos, Rhodes

Ancient Lindos may not seem like the first place to go for a beach day, but it should still be on your must-visit list. Very few other places in the world will mix paradise with ancient history the way Ancient Lindos does. You will truly be able to feel the stories and history emanating from the ruins as you lounge on the sand.

The water is clear blue and has a very gentle current, so it’s the perfect place to bring your young children to give them a dose of culture while on vacation.

The ruins are a bit of a trek from the beach, but if you pack some comfortable shoes, you should make the hike without any trouble. It’s also well worth the effort, as the views will truly leave you breathless. However, since the ruins are delicate, check that they’re open before your visit.

3. Baxedes Beach, Santorini

If you want to relax and unwind on your vacation, there’s no better place to do so than on Baxedes Beach in Oia. Oia is a gorgeous village, so it’s no wonder its beach is also worth visiting.

Since you have to either take a boat or hike to get down to the sand, the shore doesn’t typically get too overcrowded. That’s true even when the island is full of tourists during the spring and summer seasons.

The sand is dark and comfortable to walk on despite the interspersed pebbles you’ll also find along the shore. The water is also shallow and perfect for wading. Even on the rockier stretches of the beach, the water helps make the terrain comfortable.

You can lay out on the sand, but if you’d prefer a little extra comfort, there are also usually umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.

4. Golden Beach, Thassos

Golden Beach is a versatile stretch of the Greek coast that’s perfect for different people depending on the day.

On calm days when the water is limpid, it’s a great place to go with kids. On those days, the current is gentle, and the water is very shallow, close to the shore. It’s so safe and calm, it’s even a great place to teach your youngest travelers how to swim.

However, on windy days, the beach is susceptible to more waves. On those days, you might not want to head to the water with children, but if you’re a surfer, you’ll fall in love. The waves might not be consistent, but when you can find them, they’re some of the best on this side of the country. Of course, you can’t forget the soft golden sand that gives the beach its name.

5. Kalafati, Mykonos

Mykonos has gained a reputation as being one of the biggest party locations in Europe. However, if that’s not what you’re looking for from your vacation, you’re in luck. Kalafati is a calm and relaxing beach area that’s not in the center of the chaos you might find elsewhere on the island.

You’ll still be able to find plenty of bars and restaurants where you can spend your days and evenings, but you can also lay out on the beach and relax in peace and quiet.

On top of the peace, the water is extremely clear and blue — perfect for wading or swimming. You’ll also love the white sand beaches. The white sand is notoriously soft, and Kalafati is no different. If you’re looking for a pristine beach that doesn’t see too many crowds, this is an option you should definitely consider.

6. Kallithea Beach, Kallithea

Kallithea Beach is perfect if you’re wary about open water, but you’ve always wanted to have a true beach vacation. Unlike many beaches in Greece, this stretch of the coast is completely sandy, so it’s comfortable to walk on, and you don’t have to worry about slipping on a wet pebble.

If you’re feeling up to going into the water, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by that as well. The water is generally nice and warm, especially during the spring and summer. It also starts shallow and gradually deepens.

You don’t have to worry about suddenly not being able to touch the seafloor. Since the water is clear, you can also see below the surface easily, which can greatly reduce anxiety for new beach-goers.

Bottom Line: It’s a calm, relaxed environment for you to spend some time by the coast and find peace. You’ll find yourself rapidly unwinding.

7. Lemonakia Beach, Samos

Lemonakia is one of the smaller beaches in Kokkari, but it’s still worth visiting. The sand is surrounded by greenery that not only offers shady protection from the sun but also keeps the beach from looking too over-commercialized.

The beach is the focal point of a small village that has a few places to eat and shop, but also isn’t too far from other, larger cities with more amenities you might need. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. If the latter makes you nervous, don’t be. There aren’t many pebbles, so you shouldn’t have to worry about them causing discomfort while you walk or lounge around.

The clear water makes any discomfort you might encounter worth it. It’s almost like glass, and you can easily see below the surface without worrying about any pollutants. It’s also nice and warm.

8. Nea Chora Beach, Crete

The Old Venetian Port of Chania is a surprisingly underrated village on the coast. However, you have to visit, especially if you can manage to make it before the tourism industry catches wind of this gem. No matter what time of day or what season you visit, you’ll be struck by how beautiful the town is. However, the best time of year to visit is during the summer if you plan to go in the water.

To the west of the town is Nea Chora Beach, with excellent ocean views on a long stretch of sand. The water is clean and shallow, so perfect for little swimmers. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants so you can stay on the beach all day with ease.

9. Panormos Beach, Mykonos

Panormos Beach is a secluded beach that is great for a break from the excitement the rest of the island has in store. The beach is curved, creating a protective inlet that keeps away the strongest currents and waves from reaching the water closest to the shore.

The inlet also keeps out most of the wind from the sea. However, it can still be quite breezy. The beach seems to stretch out for miles, so if you’re looking for a nice place to take a luxurious walk on the beach, this is a great spot for that.

A few bars and restaurants lead right to the sand, so if you’re nearby, you’ll likely be treated to their music or entertainment. Other than that, however, you’ll be able to easily find some peace where you can just listen to the waves if you want.

10. Paralia Almirou, Magnesia

Paralia Almirou is a great beach destination if you want the calm and quiet of some seclusion but don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere.

The beach gets its name from the tiny village that borders it. The town gets a few tourists every year, particularly during the spring and summer, but it’s fairly quiet and calm as most people prefer the bigger cities.

As such, you’ll mostly be sharing the sand with locals and won’t have to deal with too many crowds. Don’t overlook the beach, however. It has soft sand that’s pristine and well-maintained naturally, and the water is clear blue, warm, and perfect for swimmers of all ages.

Since there aren’t many visitors on the shore at once, you also don’t have to worry about the water becoming murky with sand being kicked up by other swimmers.

11. Plaka Beach, Naxos

Plaka Beach is 2.5 miles of paradise on Greece’s coastline. Unfortunately, it’s gained some popularity over the years, so it’s no longer a secret spot that only a select few tourists know about. However, it’s still worth visiting, even on busy days.

You’ll still likely be able to find enough room to set up a towel or a small beach chair for you and your travel party. In a worst-case scenario, if you feel a little too overcrowded, you can always go for a nice, long walk.

There’s plenty of scenery to admire, from the hilly sand dunes to the crystal blue water and even the soft, golden sand. You’ll have plenty of picture-perfect moments. The hills protect the beach from most of the area’s wind, but be prepared to deal with a few gusts on particularly windy days.

12. Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos

Super Paradise Beach is where all the action is in Mykonos. This section of the island’s beach isn’t public and is, instead, part of a beach club where you can have fun all day and into the night.

If you want to spend time on the sand, you can absolutely do that. Just head out to the beach and lay out for a few hours. However, you’ll likely want to make sure you stick around the main area. There might be crowds, but for a good reason.

There’s plenty of music to dance to, so you can have the beach party vacation of your dreams. You can also head out to the water to participate in some water recreation, from surfing to water skiing. Or you can just people-watch or simply go for a swim if you’re not comfortable being an adrenaline junkie yourself.

13. Toroni Beach, Toroni

Toroni Beach is a great option if you don’t want to have to choose between a stretch of the coast where you’ll have luxuries and one where you’re in charge. There are places on this beach where you can rent an umbrella or a beach chair and have someone come by to make sure you have everything you need.

However, if you’re a more spontaneous person, or you don’t see yourself sitting still for too long, you can opt for the public areas as well. No matter which option you choose, this beach is great for families and travelers of all ages.

You can find spots where it’s peaceful and quiet so you can unwind and listen to the waves or read a book. You can also find areas full of people where there’s more bustling around and entertainment if you prefer that.

14. Tsigrado Beach, Milos

Tsigrado Beach isn’t for the faint at heart, but for thrill-seekers who love a little adventure, it’s a perfect place to head for a beach day.

The beach is similar to some of the others on this list in that it’s almost impossible to access by land. That’s due to the cliffs that shield and surround the shore. However, this beach has an exception. You can climb down to the sand via a rope ladder.

The ladder is stable; you don’t have to worry about it falling, but it can be a little daunting to make your way down on breezy days. However, the soft sand and sapphire blue water are well worth the effort if you’re up for it. The water can also be a bit deep in areas, so this isn’t the most family-friendly spot. However, it will definitely leave you with many memories.

Final Thoughts

Greece has some of the most gorgeous beaches in Europe. It’s no wonder it’s become a top vacation destination for people all over the world.

You won’t go wrong visiting any of the beaches on this list, and there are plenty of others that just barely missed the cut that will guarantee you have a fantastic trip. You’ll fall in love with Greece’s coastline, so you’ll definitely be back again for future vacations to see them all.