Though by no means a large country in terms of land area, Greece has a surprisingly large amount of coastline–over 15,000 kilometers (9,320) miles of it, depending on who you’re asking. As a point of reference, this is similar to much larger countries including Mexico, India, and even Brazil. Couple this with the nation’s location jutting deep into the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ve got the recipe for some of the best beaches to be found anywhere in the world.
If you’ve recently been dreaming of your ideal Greek beach vacation, allow us to help you out–here is our list of the fifteen best beaches in Greece:
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Myrtos Beach, Cephalonia
Thanks mostly to its dramatic location between the feet of two soaring mountains, Myrtos Beach is well-known as one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches and regularly appears on lists such as this one! A dozen times voted the best beach in the country, there’s no doubt that it deserves a spot here. That said, it’s not perfection–what appears to be sand from far away is actually small white rocks, and as such shoes are generally recommended for the beach until you reach the sandy seabed. But regardless of any tiny inconveniences, Myrtos Beach is doubtlessly one of the nicest around.
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Elia Beach, Mykonos
If what you’re expecting from your Greek beach vacation is peace, serenity, and a chance to sit back and think, then let it be known–Elia Beach is not what you’re looking for. Rather this is one of the most active and popular beaches on the island of Myknonos, known as the Greek Ibiza for its club and nightlife scene. Additionally, if you’re into nude sunbathing with a host of like-minded neighbors, this would be a fine spot for you to hang out. If you’re squeamish about things like that, well… it’s best you avoid this one.
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Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos
This stunning cove features not only a beautiful beach in and of itself but also one of the world’s most picturesque shipwrecks nestled in its white sand. The story here is that the ship was running illegal cigarettes and whisky from Turkey for the Italian mafia and, while being pursued by Greek naval vessels in nasty weather, ran aground in the shallow water. In order to avoid prosecution by the authorities, the crew decided simply to abandon the ship and made a run for it. Whether this is all true or not we can’t say, but it certainly does make for a good story.
panoramio.com
Vrika Beach, Paxos
The small island of Paxos is located some 20 kilometers off the Greek mainland and is only reachable by boat or ferry–there’s no airport here. That said, this relative isolation is really part of the draw–the island’s slow pace of life and relatively unspoiled nature are what draw many visitors here in the first place. That is, in addition to the beaches! In reality, Vrika Beach is just one of many picturesque stretches of white sand bordered by crystal clear water that ring this island. If you’re looking to escape from it all, this might be the place for you.
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Red Beach, Santorini
The Greek isle of Santorini is full of so many natural and man-made wonders that at times the presence of its stunning beaches gets overlooked. But don’t worry–that’s where we come in! One of Santorini’s most visually striking beaches is appropriately named Red Beach, the color of which comes from the rust-colored iron present in the rocks here. Though the beach here can get somewhat crowded, a visit is still certainly worth it–and if you get sick of the crowds, head out into the water for some of the region’s most impressive snorkeling opportunities.
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Porto Katsiki, Lefkada
Found at the foot of a long, steep cliff, the name of this beach translates literally to “Goat Port”–it was said that for a long time it was only the goats that could make it down here. Nowadays, a staircase has been carved into the cliff leading down from a parking lot above. Additionally, you can always arrive by boat! This is one of Greece’s–and the world’s–most stunning locales, and a day spent here can feel like a dream. This place is truly something special.
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Sarakikino Beach, Milos Island
Is this technically a beach? There’s not much sand in sight, but regardless, we’re going to say the definition just barely manages to apply. The north facing coastline on Greece’s Milos Island has been beaten over the centuries by wind and waves, resulting in the strange bone-white rock formations that define the landscape today. Though this might not be the ideal place for lounging around and taking in some sun, it remains a popular spot nonetheless–some say it’s the most photographed area in the Aegean region.
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Simos Beach, Elafonisos Island
This beach on an island off the southern Greek mainland is slightly less popular with tourists but remains among many Greeks’ favorite spots. Though the beach itself is a major draw and you could easily pass the entirety of your day (or vacation) right here, the island of Elafonisos also has plenty to see and do. One of the coolest tourist sites is the local church, which is actually on a separate tiny island connected to Elafonisos via a short bridge. It’s definitely interesting enough to visit if you’re looking for something different to do.
www.santabarbara.gr
Perissa Beach, Santorini
If you’ve been paying attention, you might be noticing a trend here–the first beach we mentioned from the island of Santorini was red, and now this one is black! As it turns out, Santorini might very well be the most colorful Greek isle. Whereas most of the country is known specifically for its beautiful white sand beaches–which Santorini does have as well–it is these other colors that one can find here that make the island so unique and so totally enchanting for visitors. Perissa Beach is located next to a very small town with tourist facilities for you to enjoy, but not much else.
www.villagalinilindos.com
Lindos Beach, Rhodes
This ancient city, found towards the southeast on the island of Rhodes, is a tourist draw not just for its lovely beach but also for its history. And we’re talking real history here–10th century BC history! Nowadays, once you need a break from the beach, you can check out the town’s many historic and architectural attractions including those of its acropolis featuring Doric, Roman, and medieval constructions. Of course, if you’re not interesting in any of this, you don’t have to leave the beach at all… It was only a suggestion!
skopelos.co.uk
Stafilos Beach, Skopelos
Located just east of the Greek mainland in the Aegean Sea, the island of Skopelos is renowned as a vacation and retirement spot mostly enjoyed by people from the northern European countries. It’s also one of the greenest islands in the region–and we’re not talking about environmental-friendliness, but rather the actual plant life! You might be able to tell from the above picture that Stafilos Beach features much more vegetation than most beaches on our list. If you want to enjoy some local animal and plant life during your trip, Stafilos Beach on the island of Skopelos might be a good option.
fivostravel.gr
Balos Lagoon, Crete
This beach accessible from Crete is especially interesting is that it’s not really part of Crete’s coast at all–rather, it is formed by a narrow strip of sand stretching from Crete itself to a small neighboring island. It expands and contracts pretty drastically with the tides, and the turquoise waters lap at it from both sides, allowing for double the swimming opportunities! Without a doubt one of Greece’s most unique beaches, the Balos Lagoon is something you certainly shouldn’t miss if you find yourself visiting Crete.
santorinidave.com
Kamares Beach, Sifnos
If you’re looking for a pleasant, laid-back Greek beach destination for the entire family, Kamares Beach on the island of Sifnos could be your place. The water here is shallow and calm, perfect for young children to enjoy safely, while the town itself offers a number of dining and lodging options appropriate for all members of the family–including some charming old-school taverns for adults looking to relax for a little while. For one of Greece’s most well-rounded beach destinations, check this one out.
panoramio.com
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
This beach on the island of Skiathos is popular with both locals and tourists, and for good reason. The sand is soft and white, the water calm and clear, and the greenery provides some options for shade that are simply unknown throughout most of the Greek isles. The beach is also a fine place to participate in certain water sports, including water-skiing. Off the beach, there are lodging and dining options for nearly all price levels, including fairly-priced but still high quality hostels for budget travelers.
www.thetoc.gr
Vouliagmeni Beach, Athens
Now we’re not going to lie to you and say that this is Greece’s most beautiful beach, and if we’re being honest we must also add that the crowds here can get a little bit nuts during certain parts of the year. That said, we also understand that not all visitors to Greece have the means or the time to hop from island to island searching out some of the world’s best beaches! So, if you’re headed to the Greek capital and are simply looking to spend a little bit of time out in the sun or swimming around, Vouliagmeni Beach is a fine option for you. Less than an hour out of the city center, this makes a great Athens day trip for any visitor.
Credit: http://www.traveltips4life.com/the-15-most-breathe-taking-beaches-in-greece/15/
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