Many say that the Greek coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. Fortunately, there’s plenty of it! Here are 13 Greek beaches from 13 islands!
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13 most beautiful Greek beaches
Elafonissi (Crete)
Elafonissi beach is a beautiful lagoon in western Crete, where other wonderful beaches can also be found. However, this one stands out among them all! It’s no wonder it has been named Europe’s most beautiful beach!
Colors play a key role here too. Its shore is pinkish, thanks to coral remnants mixed with white sand. Combined with the crystal-clear water, it offers a fantastic sight.
The beach is well-developed, so always be prepared for crowds. If you want a quieter spot, walk across the lagoon to enjoy relaxation on an island.
Elafonissi beach is particularly recommended for families with children, as the water is about one meter deep at its deepest point.
A few days in Crete – Two wonderful beaches and cities
Myrtos (Kefalonia)
When we talk about Kefalonia, this is likely the first beach that comes to mind. No wonder, as it has been chosen as Greece’s most beautiful beach multiple times.
The unique color of the water is due to the limestone from the mountain behind being washed into the sea by the waves. The snow-white sandy-pebbly beach can also be admired from above, as several viewpoints have been built on the main road leading to it.
These factors result in Myrtos being wonderful primarily due to its variety of colors. The turquoise water, white shore, and grayish-black mountain create an unparalleled color combination.
Kefalonia attractions, beaches
Navagio Bay (Zakynthos)
This isolated bay is perhaps the most famous Greek beach. Many boats dock in the semicircular bay, as people want to see the white sandy beach with the high cliff behind it.
The immense interest and popularity are evidenced by the fact that Navagio is one of the most photographed beaches.
Another attraction is the shipwreck in the bay. Legend has it that this was a smuggler’s ship that sank in a storm in the 1980s. Of course, nothing proves this story, but it has become an integral part of Navagio Bay’s existence.
Many prefer to drive to the area above the cliffs, which offers a fantastic view of one of the most beautiful Greek beaches.
2023 update: authorities do not allow boats to dock due to rock falls. So for now, the bay can only be admired from boats!
Zakynthos attractions, beaches
Porto Katsiki (Lefkada)
Lefkada island might be a bit overshadowed by the most famous ones, even though it’s accessible by car from our country.
Porto Katsiki beach, located in the northwestern part of the island, is somewhat similar to Myrtos in Kefalonia. The turquoise water, pebbly shore, and the mountainside rising behind it also offer a wonderful panorama for tourists.
Tsampika (Rhodes)
The environment of this beach is also impressive. There’s a monastery at the top of the mountain peak, which is associated with a local tradition: those who walk up barefoot will be successful in conceiving children. Give it a try!
From above, you can clearly see Tsampika, which lies at the foot of the mountain and is one of the best, some say the best, beach on the island. Its shore is sandy and gradually deepening, making it ideal for families with small children.
Lalaria (Skiathos)
Skiathos island has many great beaches, but Lalaria is worth highlighting because it can only be accessed by boat. The beach’s snow-white, pebbly shore attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The blue water, white shore, and gray cliff behind offer a fantastic sight even as you approach the beach.
Simos Beach (Elafonisos)
Elafonisos is a small island between the Peloponnese and Kythira island. Its area is only 18 square kilometers.
Simos Beach has fine sand, crystal clear water, and since the bay is shallow, it’s an excellent bathing spot for children. It’s not a developed beach, you can’t drive directly to the shore, so you can almost only hear the waves of the sea.
Sarakiniko Beach (Milos)
Sarakiniko is exceptionally not famous for its wonderful sandy beach, but for its „moonlike” landscape. The grayish-white rocks have been shaped into unique forms by wind and waves.
Everyone can find the right part of the shore: there are sandy and rocky areas, as well as shallow and quickly deepening water sections.
Ios Papa Beach (Ios)
I don’t know if anyone has heard of Ios island. It’s located roughly halfway between Athens and Crete. It’s a perfect location for both party-goers and those seeking quiet relaxation.
One of its most beautiful beaches is Ios Papa Beach. It’s located in a small bay, quite hidden, and this seclusion makes it unique. The crystal clear water and the many palm trees around the beach create a wonderful environment.
As the water deepens quite quickly from the shore, it’s not ideal for families with small children.
Kolona Beach (Kythnos)
Kythnos is part of the Cyclades island group, not far from the Greek mainland.
Kolona Beach is a narrow sandy isthmus that separates two sea bays. It offers a special experience as it’s surrounded by water on both sides, creating a wonderful sight.
The island is not crowded even in summer, and the beach is not easily accessible, making the sandy shore perfect for quiet relaxation.
Kamares Beach (Sifnos)
The beach of the capital of this island, located about halfway between the mainland and Santorini, lies in a wonderful environment.
What makes it one of the most beautiful Greek beaches is the combined view of the mountains surrounding the bay and the crystal clear water. The white houses of the small town, Kamares, make the beach even more beautiful.
The shore is fine golden sand that deepens slowly, making it particularly attractive for families and children.
Voutoumi Beach (Antipaxos)
Antipaxos is a small island in the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu. It’s most easily accessible by boat from Paxos.
The water at Voutoumi Beach is extremely clean and transparent, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The water color ranges from light blue to turquoise, offering a special sight.
The shore is covered with fine white sand and pebbles, with various rock formations in the background. As its water is shallow, it’s ideal for children too.
Saliara Beach (Thassos)
Thassos is also called the greenest island, where sea waves have created a wonderful beach with rounded marbles.
Also known as Marble Beach, Saliara or Marble strand is one of the island’s attractions. The shore covered with white marble stones is tucked away in two bays, which can be reached by boat or car.
