Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
-
- Sun loungers
- Umbrellas
- Showers
- Cafés
- Water sports
- Camping nearby
Batis Beach Kavala
-
- Sun loungers
- Umbrellas
- Fish tavernas
- Showers
- Parking
Kalamitsa Beach
-
- Free access
- Tavernas nearby
- Parking
Palio Beach (Kavala region)
-
- Organised beach section
- Cafés
- Showers
- Parking
Nea Peramos Beach
-
- Free access
- Taverna in village
- Calm clear water
Maronia Beach
-
- Sun loungers
- Tavernas
- Showers
Fanari Beach
-
- Wild beach
- Lagoon birdwatching
- Small hotel nearby
- Taverna
Porto Lagos Beach and Lagoon
-
- Quiet beach
- Parking
- Snorkelling
Monastiraki Beach Kavala
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.