Greece is known for its delicious and healthy food, ancient history, and magnificent islands. Those planning a trip here often make the most of all three, spending their morning visiting ancient ruins and well-curated museums, the afternoon sunbathing on the best sandy beaches in Greece, and the evening enjoying its delicious restaurants.
If you’re about to head to this country for a well-deserved vacation, you are probably figuring out the top areas to explore. This article will help you decide by giving you a list of the best beach areas in Greece, with some extra tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Greece, a Paradise for Beach Lovers
Before exploring the best areas in the country, let’s briefly explain why this is the place to go for those craving a beach vacation.
Plenty of water activities
Greece has plenty of beaches suitable for all sorts of watersports thanks to the strong winds and excellent water conditions present on its islands. You will surely find the ideal spot to level up your surf game, get a diving license, or simply have fun kiteboarding or windsurfing.
An island for everyone
Greece is unique compared to other Mediterranean countries because of its many islands. Those who want more privacy and fully immerse themselves in nature away from tourists can head to Syros, Astypalea, or Folegandros. Tourists wishing to enjoy Greece’s nightlife and meet other travelers can head to Santorini, Corfu, or Mykonos. In other words, there is a perfect option for everyone.
On top of this, while there are similarities, each island has its unique history and culture, meaning you’ll never run out of things to do and areas to explore.
Perfect water conditions
Greece also boasts excellent water conditions. Most of its islands are relatively small and located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, away from huge metropolises. This means waters tend to be clean all year round.
On top of this, it’s rare to find dangerous animals. Swimming here is mostly safe except for a few jellyfish and the occasional sea urchins.
Plus, the lack of ties makes these waters ideal for beginners. That said, the sea can always be dangerous when there are strong currents and waves. So, always exercise caution. But where are the best beaches in Greece?
Best Beach Areas in Greece
Here is a list of the best beach areas in Greece. No matter where you book your luxury villa, if you opt for these places, you will have plenty of amazing beaches to choose from.
Lefkada
Have you ever heard of Lefkada? While widely known among Greeks, foreigners often ignore this small paradise on Earth. Its west coast is home to dramatic cliffs and big grain sandy beaches, ideal for those who can’t stand fine sand. Some of the best places to visit include Porto Katsiki, renowned for its gorgeous cliff, Egremni, ideal for snorkeling, and Kathisma, equipped with tourist facilities.
Pros:
- Lots of locals
- Big grain sandy beaches
- Budget-friendly options
Cons:
- It can get crowded in the summer
Zakynthos
One of the largest islands in Greece, Zakynthos has activities for all types of tourists. You’ll find great hiking trails, delicious restaurants, and plenty of accommodations. The most popular beach in this area is probably Navagio Beach. Why? This unique stretch of land is home to a shipwreck, with a massive cliff serving as background. Unfortunately, this beach is inaccessible nowadays, but locals organize boat trips to see this impressive location.
Pros:
- Activities for all tourist types
- Amazing beaches
Cons:
- High prices
- Crowded
Corfu
Particularly loved by Italians and those living in the Balkans, this island is the perfect choice to mix relaxing days at the beach with wild nights in local clubs. Some of the best beaches to visit include Paleokastritsa Beach, renowned for its cliffs, and Agios Gordios Beach, among the most family-friendly options. This island can also be the perfect choice for those looking for a luxury holiday, as there are plenty of Corfu villas to choose from to elevate your stay.
Pros:
- Perfect for a luxurious vacation
- Amazing beaches
- Great nightlife
Cons:
- High prices
- Crowded
Folegandros
This is one of the most underrated islands in Greece and is the ideal choice if you want to avoid tourists and truly immerse yourself in the most authentic Greek culture. Here, you’ll find secluded beaches, traditional villages, and delicious small tavernas where locals cook traditional dishes. Some of the best beaches here include Agios Nikolaos Beach and Katergo Beach.
Pros:
- Secluded
- Amazing beaches
- No Tourists
Cons:
- Lacking nightlife
Santorini
Similarly to Corfu, this is the place to go if your idea of a holiday is about partying and enjoying a luxurious experience. Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece and offers a variety of services to tourists. This is a famous couple’s destination thanks to its fine-dining restaurants, romantic villages, and beautiful beaches. Some of the best options include Red Beach, known for its red cliffs, and Kamari Beach, with plenty of nearby food options and cafés.
Pros:
- Perfect for couples
- Perfect for a luxurious vacation
- Amazing beaches
Cons:
- High prices
- Crowded
Now that we’ve established the best areas for a vacation, let’s address the elephant in the room. Where are the best sandy beaches in Greece?
Best Sandy Beaches in Greece
If you’re going on holiday with your toddler or don’t like cobble beaches, here are five of the best sandy beaches in Greece.
Paradise Beach, Mykonos
Paradise Beach in Mykonos is renowned for being one of the top partying spots in Greece. During the day, you can enjoy its calm waters and sunbathe under the strong sun while sipping a refreshing cocktail. In the late afternoon, the party starts.
This site has plenty of beach clubs to choose from, where world-renowned DJs perform their music while crowds of people enjoy their time. The ultimate party destination! If you plan to stay in Mykonos, don’t forget to check out our Mykonos villas for the ultimate luxurious trip.
Golden Beach, Paros
This is the ideal option for those heading to Greece for some watersports. Not by chance, this is where the Professional Windsurfing World Cup is held every August. Golden Beach is popular among windsurfers, but you can also practice other water activities here, such as surfing. Here, you will also find basic amenities for visitors, including a few cafés where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or have a bite before surfing the waves.
Balos, Crete
This is one of the most scenic beaches in Greece. This lagoon has shallow waters and white, fine sand. Famous celebrities, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, visited this popular spot due to its unique beauty. Balos Beach is also a great option for families with young kids or beginner swimmers as here the water is often calm.
Schinias Beach, Athens
Of course, you don’t have to head to an island to make the most of Greece’s beaches. There are plenty of options also near famous cities such as Athens. Schinias Beach is one of these. This beautiful area is located within the Schinias-Marathon National Park. Apart from the usual fine sand and crystal-blue water, you will also find protected pine tree forests, making it perfect for bird watchers. Facilities, including restaurants and cafés, are located within walking distance.
Gomati, Limnos
Last on our list is Gomati Beach in Limnos. Here, you will find white sand, crystal-blue waters, and – most importantly – no tourists! Family-friendly and with a few nearby restaurants to choose from, this is the perfect option for those wanting to escape mass tourism. Here, you will only find some locals, so you can enjoy a relaxing day without dealing with loud tourists and massive crowds.
Tips for Exploring Beaches in Greece
Before ending this article, let’s discuss a few tips that will make your life easier during your stay in Greece.
What are the best months to go to Greece?
If you’re planning a beach vacation, your best option is to visit during the summer. While this is considered the high season, meaning more tourists and higher prices, Greece has so many islands to choose from that you will surely find something that suits your needs.
In general, June and September are still warm enough for you to enjoy the water but tend to have fewer tourists. If you’re curious about the best months to go to Greece, we created a full guide to help you decide.
Transportation in Greece
Greece has a well-developed network of ferries connecting even the most secluded islands. While some popular destinations have airports, this is not always the best option. Visitors should also consider renting a car as, apart from ferries, relying on public transportation in Greece, especially on the islands, can slow you down and prevent you from reaching some of the best tourist sites.
What to wear in Greece
Unlike the countries facing the opposite side of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is a fairly liberal country. This means you can wear whatever you want on your trip without covering your legs or shoulders. We suggest you bring something warm for your evenings out, as the wind can be quite chilly. If you’re interested in knowing more, you can check out our guide, which will give you plenty of seasonal packing tips for your trip to Greece.
Language barrier
While people in Greece working in the tourism sector speak English, not everyone living in the country does. Learning a few basic Greek words will help you a great deal, especially if you are traveling to secluded destinations.