Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean culture. From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, this sun-soaked destination combines archaeological wonders with pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Greece.
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- Iconic dramatic cove with turquoise waters
- boat trips
- cliff viewpoint
- photography tours
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)
Greece's most photographed beach, enclosed by towering white limestone cliffs with a rusted shipwreck on its powdery white sands. Accessible only by boat, making it feel secluded despite heavy visitor numbers in summer.
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- Shallow pink-sand lagoon perfect for families
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- snack bar
- parking
- shallow wading area
Elafonisi
A protected peninsula and islet connected by a shallow lagoon, famous for its pink-tinged sand created from crushed shells. Paddling across the ankle-deep lagoon to the island is a highlight, especially for children.
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- Remote turquoise lagoon with dramatic scenery
- sunbeds
- boat trips
- beach snack bar
- seasonal ferry service
Balos Lagoon
A stunning turquoise lagoon between two peninsulas featuring pink and white sand backed by dramatic rocky hills. Reachable by ferry from Kissamos or via a rough track, this UNESCO-listed site rewards the journey.
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- Dramatic cliffside beach with vivid blue water
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- parking
- seasonal snack bar
Myrtos Beach
Consistently ranked among Europe's most beautiful beaches, with striking white pebbles and impossibly vivid turquoise water enclosed by dramatic white cliffs. Best viewed from the road above before descending to the beach.
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- Lunar landscape moonscape beach
- natural swimming pools
- cliff diving spots
- photography
Sarakiniko
Unlike any other Greek beach, Sarakiniko's white volcanic rock formations create a moonscape landscape with shallow turquoise pools perfect for swimming. The white pumice forms natural pools and formations that make for extraordinary photographs.
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- Legendary party beach
- beach clubs
- sunbeds
- restaurants
- bars
- DJ music
- water sports
Paradise Beach
The most famous of Mykonos' south-coast beaches, renowned for its legendary beach parties, pumping music, and vibrant atmosphere. Beach clubs with sunbeds and cocktails line the golden sand, attracting an international party crowd from late morning.
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- Long black-sand beach with restaurants and bars
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- restaurants
- beach bars
- water sports
- parking
Perissa and Perivolos Beach
Santorini's longest black-sand beach stretches along the eastern coast, backed by a continuous strip of tavernas, beach bars, and accommodation. The dark sand absorbs heat but the dramatic volcanic backdrop and Mount Profitis Ilias views make it special.
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- Pine-backed family beach in a national park
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- watersports
- tavernas
- camping nearby
- parking
Koukounaries
Often called Greece's best sandy beach, this arc of golden sand is backed by a fragrant pine forest within a protected national park. The sheltered bay has calm shallow water excellent for swimming and a watersports centre.
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- Dramatic clifftop-descent beach with vivid water
- sunbeds
- umbrellas
- clifftop restaurant
- parking
- stairway access
Porto Katsiki
Accessed via a steep staircase from the clifftop, this stunning beach is enclosed by white vertical cliffs rising from vivid turquoise water. The clifftop restaurant offers spectacular views before the descent to the remarkable beach.
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- Exclusive celebrity beach with upscale amenities
- luxury beach club
- sunbeds
- restaurant
- bar
- watersports
- boat trips
Psarou Beach
Mykonos' most exclusive beach, with crystalline turquoise water, fine golden sand, and one of Greece's most glamorous beach clubs. Popular with celebrities and wealthy visitors who book sunbeds weeks in advance during high season.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Seek out lesser-known beaches on the Pelion Peninsula, Epirus coast, or the smaller Ionian islands like Meganisi and Kalamos. Early morning visits to popular beaches also guarantee tranquility before tour groups arrive.
Family
Family-friendly
Elafonisi in Crete and Koukounaries in Skiathos offer shallow water and calm conditions ideal for children. The Myrtos beach in Kefalonia has car park facilities and relatively calm water outside of windy days.
Sport
Active & sporty
Vassiliki in Lefkada is the windsurfing capital of Greece and hosts world championships. Naxos and Paros offer consistent winds for kitesurfing. Most large beach resorts offer water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing.
Social
Lively scene
Paradise and Super Paradise on Mykonos remain Greece's most legendary party beaches with all-day music and cocktails. Psarou is the celebrity scene. Platis Gialos and Platys Gialos on various islands have laid-back social vibes with beach bars.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Greece memorable.
Snorkelling
Greek waters are exceptionally clear with rich marine life including octopus, sea bream, and colourful fish around rocky headlands. Equipment is available for hire at most large beaches. The volcanic waters around Santorini and Milos have underwater lava formations.
Sarakiniko (Milos), Kolokotha (Nafplio), Plakaki (Lefkada)
Scuba diving
Greece has some of the best diving in the Mediterranean, with archaeological underwater sites, volcanic formations, and rich marine life. Legislation has relaxed on archaeological diving, and licensed dive centres operate on all major islands.
Alonissos Marine Park, Santorini caldera, Rhodes, Kefalonia Blue Caves
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Greece's consistent Meltemi winds from July to September create excellent conditions for board sports. Vassiliki in Lefkada is famous for its afternoon thermal winds, while Naxos and Paros attract kiters from around the world.
Vassiliki (Lefkada), Mikri Vigla (Naxos), Golden Beach (Paros)
Sea kayaking
Exploring the Greek coastline by sea kayak reveals hidden sea caves, secluded coves, and coastal villages inaccessible by land. Guided multi-day kayak tours operate around Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, and the Sporades.
Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Alonissos
Boat trips
Daily boat excursions from major ports visit sea caves, remote beaches, and neighbouring islands. Private speedboat hire allows fully customised island exploration. Glass-bottom boat tours operate at several locations revealing underwater life.
All main island ports; particularly popular from Zakynthos and Kefalonia
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
May-Oct (peak July-Aug). Best swimming conditions June-September when sea temperature reaches 26C. April and November possible on southern islands.
Getting there
Most beaches are public and free. Sunbed/umbrella hire typically €10-20 per set per day on popular beaches. Some private beach clubs charge entry.
On-beach facilities
Major tourist beaches have sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and beach bars. Remote beaches often have no facilities - bring water, food, and shade.
Costs to budget
Free beach access required by law in Greece. Sunbed sets €5-25 depending on location and season. Water sports vary: windsurfing from €30/hour, kayak hire from €10/hour.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.