Best Beaches in Greece You Must Visit

Whether it's Greek weather, Greek food, or Greek history - there are tons of great reasons to visit Greece across the year. That said, if there's one thing that tops the lists of most of the SIMOVO team looking for Mediterranean breaks away, it's Greece's glorious beaches. 

But, given the fact that the sun shines down on the region and its islands across the year, what is it that really separates the best beaches in Greece? In this guide, we take a close look at the best-looking sandy stretches across the country and break down what to expect when you land.

Chances are if you've been to Greece before, you've enjoyed strolling down at least one or two of these beaches - but if not, feel free to add some more to your must-visit list!

Best beaches in Greece overview

Greece is one of the luckiest countries on the planet when it comes to sunshine and sparkling waters, and it's all the more reason to add its best beaches to your own Greece itinerary. However, what separates the best beaches in Greece varies in terms of what they're used for, their proximity to other attractions, and features such as panoramic views.

Chances are, you'll be looking for a Greek beach breakaway if you're a keen diver or swimmer, if you want to catch up on some sunbathing, or if you just want the chance to enjoy some pure sunshine for a little while. From secluded bays to open tourist spots, there's a wide choice for almost every beach lover out here.

So, don't always assume that all the beaches here will tick all the right boxes. We recommend that you take on board our advice, of course, but also to check out what other travelers have to say and recommend when it comes to beach exploration. And, naturally, one of the best ways to pick the best beach for you is to just get out there and explore it for yourself!

Most beautiful beaches in Greece

The SIMOVO team agrees that the list of the best beaches in Greece really could go on and on. However, we have narrowed our top picks right down to Navagio Beach, Myrtos Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, Porto Katsiki, Red Beach, and Elafonissi Beach. Let's dive into why each of these spots are well worth you taking towels and parasols to.

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Navagio Beach is commonly referred to as the Shipwreck Beach, and that's because it's home to the dramatic ruins of a rusting ship that wrecked up here some 40 years ago. It's considered one of the most dramatic-looking beaches in Greece, with an impressive lookout across the waters pitched high up on its incredible cliffs. There's a reason it's one of the most-visited beaches in the region.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach is another sandy stretch that demands just looking at up close, let alone experiencing on foot. It's famous for its dynamic blue waters and white pebbled sand, and while it may be a little off the beaten track for some travelers, it remains a bit of a tourist hotspot. In fact, many people recommend the area for sunset watching - it's otherwise a fairly bare-bones beach resort that's purely for sun lovers.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko is a must-visit if you're sailing out to Milos during your Greek adventure, with gorgeous white rocks and sparkling waters. It balances a nice, sandy stroll with dramatic cliffs, and it's not too far a drive away from local towns and attractions. Sarakiniko tends to get forgotten among the bigger beach names on this list, so make sure to give it some love the next time you're in the Mediterranean.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Porto Katsiki is another beach that, while perhaps overlooked in the main, certainly has a firm spot in the hearts of SIMOVO's Greece adventurers. Known by many as the “Goat Port”, this Ionian escape offers tremendous limestone cliffs and genuinely clear blue waters. It's something of a secret escape for many, as while it can get busy here, getting here can be a challenge for some people.

Red Beach, Santorini

Otherwise known as Kokkini, Red Beach is so-called because of the color of its cliffsides, and it's considered a great example of picturesque sandy stretches that Greece has to offer. It's truly one of the most dramatic landscapes you'll get to enjoy across the islands, and it's a rare beach escape for anyone holidaying in Santorini.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete

We wouldn't leave this list incomplete without Crete, and Elafonisi Beach is our pick for the island's best sandy stretch. It's long, wide, and truly dreamlike to look at during off-season - as it becomes extremely popular when tourist season descends. Traveling via the road to get here is sometimes a little tricky, but honestly worth it to see the pinkness from the coral and shells up close.

Best Greek islands for beaches

If you've already started looking into different Greek sailing itineraries, there's a good chance you'll want to know which islands in Greece are the best for beaches. As you can see from our list, we feel the best sandy stretches are available in Lefkada, Crete, and Milos, but your tastes may vary (and, let's face it, there's a lot of choice).

For example, if you're looking for family-friendly beach adventures, you're likely to get a lot out of trips to Paros or Naxos. Paros is often well-regarded as an island with a party beach scene, too, meaning if you really want to let your hair down, that's the spot to prioritize.

But, again, it's always a good idea to just explore the best beaches in Greece and its various islands at your leisure - you will likely have preferences and must-haves in mind, and who are we to stop you from making sure the beaches here tick all the right boxes?

Best time to visit beaches in Greece

If your Greek adventures revolve around exploring its best beaches, we recommend checking out the islands around September time. It's here when the weather is still bright and much of the tourist crowds have splintered away, meaning you can expect a more laid-back trip.

If you actually prefer the crowds and the Mediterranean heat, then you should by all means book a trip at the height of summer. It's during this time that the water will be its warmest and most comfortable for diving, too. If you'd prefer to save money, travel off-season in spring or fall, but don't expect all attractions to be open, or for the weather to be smiling on you quite so nicely (it'll still be sunny!).

Tips for visiting beaches in Greece

Let's finish this guide with some must-try tips for visiting Greece's beautiful beaches.

• Never rent a lounger or deckchair when you can take your own! You'll likely be charged high prices to hire equipment.
• Make sure you have an eSIM for Greece loaded on your phone so you can access GPS easily, or stream music and read books while enjoying the sun.
• Make sure to pack ample amounts of sunscreen and, where possible, beach or water shoes so you're protected against urchin stings.
• It's also very important to avoid touching wild marine life - make sure to obey safety warnings and keep close to the water's edge unless you are a seasoned swimmer or diver.