Greece is less a nation than a long, sun-drenched ribbon of coastline, shimmering where water, stone and light collide. Think white-pebbled coves in the Ionian, volcanic crescents in the Aegean, and that improbable pink-sand lagoon on Crete – each a reminder that nature still paints in primary colors.
With thousands of shoreline miles and more postcard beaches than anyone could reasonably sample in one lifetime, choosing standouts verges on the impossible – so we did it for you. The 53 stretches that follow, many honored on international shortlists, are the country’s most splash-worthy, visually arresting, naturally glorious places to lose a day (or several). Some remain wild and remote, others come fully serviced; all are the sort you’ll replay in mid-winter reveries.
Whether you’re chasing surf, solitude or the perfect frame for your feed, there’s a patch of sand here with your name on it – just be prepared for company in high season. Aim for dawn, dusk or the shoulder months if serenity tops your wish list.
Ionian
Lefkada
Porto Katsiki
The poster child of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki is a brilliant white ribbon of sand tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs. Its name means “Goat Port,” a nod to the steep terrain, once accessible only to sure-footed animals. Today, travelers descend 100 dramatic cliffside steps or arrive by boat from Nidri or Vasiliki to discover water in the purest shade of turquoise — one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean.
Kathisma
A long, wide stretch of white sand fringed by steep cliffs and impossibly blue water, Kathisma blends raw natural beauty with full summer infrastructure. Umbrellas, loungers, beach bars, watersports, and even paragliding are on offer. In earlier decades, it drew nudists to its wilder corners, but today it welcomes everyone with its electric energy and cinematic setting.
Mylos
A wilder and more elemental beach, Mylos is known for its coarse golden sand and luminous turquoise depths. Accessible via a footpath from Agios Nikitas or by small boat, it feels remote despite its growing popularity. Out of season, you’ll find campers tucked under the cliffs, drawn by the clarity of the water and the untamed vibe of the landscape.
Egremini
Perhaps the most dramatic of Lefkada’s beaches, Egremini stretches for nearly two kilometers beneath white chalk cliffs. Its surreal turquoise water and soft sand have earned it a place among Europe’s best. Getting there means descending 350 steps — or boarding a boat from Nidri or Vasiliki — but the sense of arrival is unmatched, especially in the glowing hours of early morning or late afternoon.
Antipaxos
Vrika & Voutoumi
These two beaches on the tiny islet of Antipaxos are pure paradise — luminous turquoise water, fine white sand, and a backdrop of low cypress trees that brush the shoreline. Vrika has a slightly more golden tone to its sand, while Voutoumi is famously soft and pale, giving the water a surreal aquamarine hue.
In between the two lies Mesovrika, a smaller cove with the same painterly palette but fewer crowds. Boats from Paxos and Corfu bring daily visitors, so aim for early arrival or off-season serenity.
Kefalonia
Myrtos
Kefalonia’s Myrtos is nothing short of epic. The sweeping crescent of white pebbles, set between steep forested hills, drops into an otherworldly sea that shifts from indigo to milky blue depending on the light. The view from above is iconic — a favorite for postcards and drone shots — but the experience of swimming in its crystal water is equally unforgettable. Stay for sunset; it’s pure gold.
Corfu
Canal d’Amour
On Corfu’s north coast, Canal d’Amour is less about lounging and more about exploring. Soft sandstone cliffs form narrow passages, sea caves, and mini fjords carved by time and salt. Legend has it that if you swim through the tunnel-shaped canal, you’ll find your soulmate on the other side. Whether or not the myth holds, the aquamarine water and sculptural coastline make it one of Corfu’s most photogenic spots.
Cyclades
Mykonos
Paradise
Once a remote crescent called Kalamopodi, this beach gained international fame in 1969 when the Paradise camping site opened and the hippie wave took over. Today, Paradise is a full-blown party mecca, with world-renowned beach clubs, pounding DJ sets, pool bars, boutique hotels, and a cosmopolitan crowd that doesn’t mind sharing the sand. The water remains crystal clear, the sand fine and pale, and the energy — pure Mykonos.
Super Paradise
Tucked into a sheltered bay with water so translucent it seems lit from beneath, Super Paradise delivers an intense beach experience, from its emerald shallows to its famed sunset parties. Once a hideaway for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s now an inclusive, all-out celebration of summer, with high-end beach clubs, nonstop dancing, and a dazzling color palette that continues underwater. Even with the crowds, the natural beauty holds its own.
Milos
Sarakiniko
No beach in Greece — or possibly on Earth — looks quite like Sarakiniko. Bleached volcanic rock sculpted by wind and sea forms a blinding white moonscape, sliced through by a narrow cove of still, turquoise water. It’s not just a place to swim but a site to wander, photograph, and marvel at. Swim out toward the open Aegean and you’ll find sea caves, a half-sunken shipwreck, and surreal shadows across the sculpted rock.
Polyaigos
This uninhabited islet, reachable only by boat from Kimolos or Milos, hides some of the purest and most untouched beaches in Greece. Expect luminous waters ranging from emerald to deep sapphire, ringed by white or rust-colored cliffs and underwater caves. The beaches here are utterly unspoiled — no umbrellas, no bars, no noise, just raw island beauty. If the Cyclades had a private hideaway, this would be it.
Serifos
Vagia
A serene bay with olive-green water and pale pebbles, Vagia offers a minimalist version of paradise. Calm and clean, it invites slow swims and long naps beneath the tamarisk trees that fringe the shore. The wild landscape around it remains blissfully undeveloped, allowing the elemental beauty of Serifos to take center stage.
Ganema
On the southern coast, Ganema sprawls across a wide bay with golden sand, glimmering green-blue water, and enough space for everyone. The long shoreline offers a mix of organized areas and quieter spots, with shade provided by low trees. It’s a favorite among locals and loyal visitors, yet never feels too crowded.
Lia
For snorkeling lovers, Lia is a hidden jewel. A quiet cove with crystalline water, smooth pebbles, and a wide view of the islet of Vous just offshore, it feels deliciously remote. There are no facilities, so come prepared with shade and water. The seabed here teems with life, and the silence is only broken by your own breath in your mask.
Santorini
Red Beach
Backed by towering cliffs of volcanic rock in shades of red and ochre, this striking beach offers a dramatic contrast between the dark pebbles and the glowing teal sea. It’s a photogenic, otherworldly place, reachable by footpath or boat. You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, along with sea kayaks and pedal boats for exploring the coastline.
Perivolos
Perhaps the most organized and glamorous stretch of sand on Santorini, Perivolos is where you’ll find stylish beach clubs, DJ decks, signature cocktails, and celebrity sightings. The sand here is soft and charcoal-gray, the water clear and refreshing. Despite its popularity, the beach is spacious enough to find your own sun-drenched rhythm.
Paros
Laggeri
A quiet, unspoiled cove near Santa Maria, Lageri is Paros’ best-kept secret. Fine sand, shallow turquoise water, and a peaceful, naturist-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for those seeking privacy and calm. There are no facilities, so bring shade and supplies. Access requires a short walk through low dunes, but the reward is pure serenity.
Kolymbithres
A series of small sandy coves tucked between sculpted granite rocks, Kolymbithres feels like a natural sculpture park by the sea. The shallow, clear water is perfect for families and snorkeling, and a few coves offer loungers and watersports. Popular and easily accessible from Naoussa, it gets busy—come early to claim a quiet spot.
Ios
Mylopotas
Ios’ most famous beach, Mylopotas, wraps around a vast bay with water as blue and transparent as blown glass. The beach is soft, golden, and long, and has evolved into a hub for all-day beach clubbing and upscale sunbed lounging. Its Blue Flag status guarantees cleanliness, while the all-day parties and young international crowd promise summer at full volume.
Kythnos
Kolona
A natural marvel in the Cyclades, Kolona is a sandbar that stretches between Kythnos and the islet of Agios Loukas, creating two mirror-image bays on either side. The effect is surreal: swim on one side, then stroll a few steps to dip into the other. Best reached by boat or adventurous off-roading, it’s the kind of place you never forget.
Ano Koufonisi
Italida
This stunning stretch of golden sand and aquamarine water lies on the eastern edge of Ano Koufonisi, facing the uninhabited islet of Keros. Italida is unorganized, wild, and blissfully beautiful — with calm, shallow waters and no trace of development. A short coastal walk from town brings you here, where shoes come off and time stops.
Andros
Achla
One of the most remote and visually striking beaches on Andros, Achla lies on the northeastern coast, where the island’s mountains pour into the sea. Fine white pebbles, transparent blue-green water, and a small riverside chapel create a timeless scene. A river running from the mountains ends here, forming freshwater pools shaded by plane trees — perfect for post-swim forest bathing.
Tinos
Ai Ioannis Porto
A wide, sun-drenched sandy bay on Tinos’s southeast coast, this beach is both family‑friendly and a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing. From late morning, reliable northern winds sweep across the water, creating ideal conditions for freestyle, wave, and long‑distance riders. Several beach bars offer gear rentals and lessons, while tavernas just beyond the sand serve refreshments. In calmer spots and early hours, the shallow turquoise water is perfect for casual swimmers — but by afternoon, you’re likely to see colorful kites riding the breeze.
Pachia Ammos
Imagine a stretch of golden dunes sliding into a bay of teal-green water, framed by sculpted rocks shaped by centuries of wind and salt. Pachia Ammos feels like a touch of the Sahara dropped into the Aegean. With no shade or facilities, it remains raw and wild, perfect for free-spirited swimmers seeking solitude and sublime light.
Livada
The most untamed beach on the island, Livada faces the full force of the northern winds and often roars with waves. Its granite boulders resemble abstract art, and the surrounding hills feel otherworldly. A river flows into the bay, where you’ll sometimes find seasonal pools tucked beneath towering trees. Reaching Livada involves a bumpy ride or a hike — but the rewards are real.
Dodecanese / N. Aegean
Ikaria
Seychelles
Carved accidentally by a landslide during tunnel construction near Manganitis, this cove feels like a happy geological accident. White pebbles, dramatic cliffs, and jade-green water give Seychelles its tropical nickname. The swim through its translucent shallows, framed by sculptural rock, is unforgettable. Reach it by a short hike or boat, and bring everything you need — there’s no sign of commercial life here.
Nas
Where the Halaris River flows into the Aegean, Nas combines mythology and wilderness. The ruins of the temple of Artemis Tauropolos perch at the edge of the sand, while freshwater pools ripple among tamarisk trees. The beach is narrow, wild, and beautiful — especially when the sea is calm. On windy days, powerful waves roll in, and swimmers should watch for strong currents.
Livadi
Just west of Armenistis, Livadi is one of Ikaria’s most accessible beaches, offering golden sand, soft surf, and relaxed beach bars. Though popular in peak season, it still feels authentic, and its shallows make it great for long, lazy swims. When the north wind blows, expect dramatic waves and a touch of the island’s raw, untamed energy.
Anafi
Roukounas
Anafi’s most famous stretch of sand, Roukounas is long, golden, and backed by low hills and tamarisk trees. It’s a favorite of campers, naturists, and anyone seeking space and solitude. The beach splits into two main sections — Megalos and Mikros Roukounas — with smaller coves beyond, reachable by swimming or walking the rocky coastline. There are no beach clubs or facilities, just wind, sea, and silence.
Rhodes
Lindos & Megalos Yialos
The town of Lindos sits above this large and popular beach, a cosmopolitan stretch of fine golden sand and shallow, calm water. With rows of sunbeds, beach bars, and tavernas right on the sand, it’s a classic, full-service destination — ideal for those who want an easy day in the sun, followed by a sunset stroll through the ancient village above.
Prasonisi
At the southern tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi is a sandy peninsula where two seas meet. On one side, the Aegean crashes in with surfable waves; on the other, the Mediterranean lies flat and still. In summer, a narrow sandbar connects the mainland to a lush offshore islet. A magnet for windsurfers and kiteboarders, this natural amphitheater of wind and water is as exciting to watch as it is to experience.
Karpathos
Apella
Regularly named among the best in Europe, Apella blends towering pines, vertical cliffs, and glass-clear turquoise water in a single, unforgettable bay. The mix of pebbles and sand is perfect underfoot, and the clarity of the sea makes it ideal for snorkeling. A small taverna and sunbed area serve summer visitors, but much of the beach remains blissfully undeveloped.
Sporades
Koukounaries
One of Greece’s most famous beaches, Koukounaries in Skiathos offers a long curve of golden sand backed by a lush pine forest — part of a protected wetland ecosystem. The water is shallow, warm, and dazzlingly clear. All beach services are available, but the surrounding nature reserve and wide shoreline help preserve a sense of natural grandeur despite its popularity.
Chios
Mavra Volia
South of the medieval mastic village of Pyrgi, Mavra Volia is a set of three striking beaches where jet-black volcanic pebbles meet cobalt-blue sea. The contrast is mesmerizing — especially under the midday sun. The volcanic origin of the beach gives the water a particular depth of color and clarity, making it a favorite for swimming and snorkeling.
Crete
Elafonissi
Known for its surreal pink-tinted sands and shallow, lagoon-like waters, Elafonissi lies at the southwestern tip of Crete. The colors shift with the light — rose, turquoise, ivory — and the entire area is part of a protected Natura ecosystem. Move away from the organized section to discover dreamy little coves that feel like private sanctuaries. Despite the crowds, the beauty remains untouched.
Balos Lagoon
Possibly the most photogenic beach in Crete, Balos is a tidal lagoon where white sand and warm turquoise water stretch across the Gramvousa Peninsula. Reached by boat or dusty dirt track, it’s a showstopper from every angle. From the ridge above, the views are beyond cinematic — two rocky islets frame the bay like guardian sculptures, and the sand glows under the midday sun.
Falasarna
Three kilometers of soft sand and shallow water, edged by dunes and ancient ruins, make Falasarna one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. The water here is dazzling and the horizon seems endless. Though development has increased behind the beach, its sheer scale preserves a feeling of openness. Sunset here is a ritual — pure gold melting into the Libyan Sea.
Vai
Fringed by Europe’s largest natural palm grove, Vai in Lasithi is a one-of-a-kind destination on Crete’s far eastern edge. The beach is broad and sandy, with Blue Flag waters and exotic flair. The palm forest is made up of Theophrastus date palms, native to Crete, and protected as a Natura reserve. The contrast between the tropical greenery and the Cretan landscape is part of Vai’s magic.
Preveli
Set at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis River, Preveli is a lush, river-fed beach framed by cliffs and a famous monastery above. A forest of palms lines the riverbanks as it flows into the Libyan Sea, creating a freshwater lagoon before spilling into the salt. The walk down from the cliffs offers a breathtaking panorama of one of Crete’s most exotic coastal scenes.
Agios Pavlos
A raw and elemental trio of coves south of Rethymno, Agios Pavlos is part beach, part desert, part sanctuary. Massive sand dunes slide down to a calm bay with crystal-clear water. The easternmost cove offers modest amenities, while the others are wild and windblown — ideal for those who want nature without compromise.
Triopetra
Named after three towering rocks jutting out of the sea, Triopetra is a massive stretch of sand that feels like a hidden piece of Africa transplanted into the Libyan Sea. The setting is mystical, especially at dusk when the rocks cast long shadows on the waves. People come here to meditate, do yoga, or simply lose track of time.
Pelion
Mylopotamos
Tucked into a rocky coastline of eastern Pelion, Mylopotamos is a double beach separated by a dramatic stone arch. Surrounded by forest and cliffs, it has aquamarine waters and fine, white-pebbled sand. A beach bar hums in summer, but the setting retains a mythic power — best appreciated in the early morning when the sun catches the archway just right.
Papa Nero
A long, generous stretch of sand just beyond Agios Ioannis, Papa Nero is framed by dense greenery that reaches down to the sea. The water is glassy and pure, with shades that shift from green to sapphire. With tavernas and small hotels above the beach, it’s easy to spend a full day here — especially if the north wind stays away.
Peloponnese
Elafonissos – Simos
Consistently ranked among Europe’s finest, Simos Beach in Laconia is a vision of white dunes, aquamarine seas, and delicate coral-pink undertones along the tide line. The beach splits into two sweeping bays — Sarakiniko and Fragos — separated by a low sandbar. Behind them lies a protected cedar forest, making this corner of Elafonisos feel wild and otherworldly.
Voidokilia
Perfectly round and edged by pale sand, Voidokilia in Messinia looks like it was drawn with a compass. One of the most iconic beaches in Greece, it curves around a shallow bay with turquoise water, backed by dunes and the protected Gialova Lagoon. Off-season, it’s pure magic — tranquil, bird-filled, and soaked in myth. The tomb of Nestor and the ancient cave of Hermes sit in the cliffs above.
Kalogria
A beloved beach near Stoupa in Messinian Mani with the feel of a natural swimming pool. Its white sand and emerald water are hemmed in by trees and rocky hills, giving it a laid-back, tropical vibe. Everything is at your fingertips — sunbeds, beach bars, tavernas — but the setting never feels overbuilt. A calm, family-friendly bay that’s equally popular with snorkelers and sunset chasers.
Stoupa
Just beyond Kalogria, Stoupa’s main beach is wide, golden, and consistently bustling. With Mount Taygetus as a backdrop and a full spread of restaurants and hotels lining the shore, it’s the social heart of the village. Often nicknamed the “Miami of Mani,” it offers a blend of cosmopolitan ease and Peloponnesian charm.
Halkidiki
Kavourotripes
Hidden among pine trees and sculpted rocks, the six coves of Kavourotrypes deliver serious wow factor. The sand is white and soft, the water bright turquoise, and the rock formations along the shore are worthy of poetry. One cove even has a carved mermaid etched into the stone. Though once a nudist hideaway, the beaches now welcome all — and each cove feels like a secret worth sharing.
Karidi
Near Vourvourou, Karidi is one of Sithonia’s most photogenic beaches — a blend of chalk-white sand, shallow emerald water, and sculpted rocks straight from a dream. The pine forest creeps close to the shoreline, offering natural shade and perfume. Several coves invite exploration, and the soft seabed is ideal for kids and floating in absolute peace.
Nea Potidea
Lying at the narrow base of the Kassandra peninsula, Nea Potidea stretches along a wide, sandy shore west of the historic canal that links the Toroneos and Thermaic Gulfs. The water is clear and calm, perfect for lounging or gentle swims, while the wider beach area is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and watersports for visitors seeking comfort or activity. A peaceful counterpoint to the crowds of southern Halkidiki, it still offers tavernas nearby and the bonus of a subtle archaeological backdrop from the ancient canal environs.
