“15 beaches in Greece with the Bluest Water You’ll Ever See”
Greece is arguably one of the best countries when it comes to beaches. A gold mine of golden beaches is witnessed in the country due to the hundreds of islands available alongside its extensive coastline, which can be visited to swim in the bioluminescent waters of the Aegean Sea or the Ionian Sea. From beaches ideal for younger swimmers to a busy beach with some fun or a quiet bay where you can relax away from the hustle and the noise, here’s a list of the finest beaches in Greece.
Paleokastritsa, Corfu
The famed vacation destination Paleokastritsa is about 23 km northwest of Corfu Town and extends for nearly 3 km through various small picturesque bays. To the side of the area are rugged mountains covered in cypress and olive trees. The most fantastic part is located at the end of the resort, where an exquisite little beach lies, which is said to be the place where Odysseus was washed ashore. Trips from the jetty include Paradise Sunset boat trips. Note that the beach is famous during peak season, and claiming a sunbed or a patch of sand to place your towel on becomes very difficult no matter what time you reach there.
How to get there: From the coastal resorts of Kerkyra and Corfu Town, there are many public bus and shuttle services to Paleokastrista.
Falassarna, Crete
The beach town of Falasarna is quickly gaining popularity for its lavish long beach and sand-covered seashells, which glimmer like diamonds during the stunning sunsets of Crete. The sweeping pink and cream sand is said to be some of the finest in the region due to the beautiful rolling waves and clear water and the plethora of watersports available. Aiming to visit by mid-July to mid-August guarantees a crowd of song-loving beach-goers, specifically from Hania and Kissamos. When you are at Falasarna, don’t forget to visit the Big Beach (Megali Paralia), located at the region’s southern end. A set of diwans and coves in the north are piled in between rocky spits.
How to get there: Getting to Falassarna from Chania is extremely easy, with a public bus system that covers the trip in just 90 minutes. If you’re taking a car, multiple parking lots are available above the beach.
Apella Beach, Karpathos
Regardless of how determined you are to reach the village of Olympus, you should set some time aside to take the steep spur road that descends towards the sea from the east coast of Highway 17, 13 km north of Pigadia. The famous Apella Beach is set here and described as the cleanest in the Dodecanese. Accompanied by a cascading hillside of wildflowers with towering cliffs towards the north and south, this beach is the best in the region. Though pebbly when we visited, it still retained its beauty. It’s often referred to as “sandy,” though. There’s a good taverna at the road’s end, commanding an admirable view above the beach.
How to get there: The road that leads to the beach is not fit for the timid. The best method of reaching Apella is by boat from Pigadia.
One of the world’s beaches, Navagio, is located on the island of Zakynthos, and it could not be more beautiful. The beach has crystal clear waters, sheer vertical cliffs for a backdrop, and sand so white it looks almost untouched by man. To add that little bit more majestic charm is the shipwreck that sits on the shore. Just like other great movies, Navagio is a sight that captures many. The beach is best appreciated from a lift view between Anafonitria and Volimes, which has a sign. The area can get extremely overcrowded, so visiting outside during peak seasons will ensure the best experience. If you are willing to bear the freezing waters, sightseeing cruises are available beside the shore in the summertime.
How to get there: The beach can only be accessed by boat, but in summer, the offshore waters are chock-a-block with sightseeing cruises.
Voidokilia Beach, Messina
Now for the iconic Messina’s beach. It is known for its well-kept crescent-shaped sand and surrounding clean waters. In the Homer novel, Messina’s ocean water is believed to be the setting of sandy Pylos. In the story, Pylos served as a cozy resting point on Telemachus’s long journey to Nostos, where he met Grandpa Nestor and asked him for information about his dear father, Odysseus, who is rumored to be King of Ithaca. You will not find any sun loungers or sun shields on the beach, so do make sure you pack everything you will need as it is surrounded by nature.
How to get there: If starting from Paleokastro, follow the signs to the car park and proceed to the track next to the lagoon, signposted ‘Nestor’s Cave.’ This will take about 20 minutes to walk. Alternatively, you can drive from the Petrohori village, 6 km north of Gialova, just off the road to Chora.
Platys Gialos, Mykonos
One of Mykonos’s most recommended and visited beaches, the broad stretch of white sand beach is scattered with restaurants. It has an excellent water sports center, jet ski rides, paddles, windsurfing, and much more. For relaxation, you can rent sunbeds and parasols. Light snacks are available at the beach shop as well as at the nearby cafes and mini-markets.
How to get here: Buses come here from Hora’s Fabrika station.
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
Koukounaries is bordered by two green pine forest headlands, a small saltwater wetland, and its 3937 ft long bleach blonde sandy beach. Skiathos, Greece’s most famous and beautiful island, has its famous Koukounaries beach, where people can find beach bars, sunbeds, and water sports for a more buzzy feeling. This entire region also serves as a protected nature but gets busy during the summer.
How to get there: Koukounaries is a bus accessible from Skiathos town.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Myrtos Beach is, without question, one of the most picturesque beaches in Greece, and the twisty view from the road leading to the beach provides enough explanation. The view is stunning; the sea has an electric-blue color, with white (or, more accurately, pebble white). On offer are sunbeds and parasols, but most places are taken well before noon.
Unfortunately, the scrappy parking lot dampens the otherwise idyllic experience. Still, it is a lovely place, and once you’re in the water, it’s truly wonderful60 minutes into the water, it’s just amazing. The antes of seaixtemos saemostian are truly heartwarming. The closest village is Divarata, which has a few tavernas like Alexandros.
How to get there: There are daily buses to Myrtos from Argostoli.
Kokkini (Red) Beach, Santorini
This extraordinary, idealistic beach in the SW region of Santorini, raised by fire color cliffs, makes it one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Remember to set the alarms, as peak times get a little busy. Quite strange, but this beach does not have facilities for visitors. During peak times, you usually spot beach vendors selling cold drinks and fresh-cut fruits.
Getting here: The beach can be reached by boat or bus from Akrotiri, and there is also a short hike, which is recommended from the nearby parking area, which has space available and a few decent restaurants.
Elafonisi, Crete
This strand of fine white-pink sand looks like a magical dreamscape with turquoise water and gentle grey rose dunes; these features make up the waterfall at the mouth of the Potami River located in the Northern Samos area. The wonder does not end there. The region is home to some of the top beach bars in the area. If you head up the river, you will come across some beautiful breathtaking waterfalls, swimming pools, and a tavern deep-rooted in the woods. The alluring wonder doesn’t stop there as you will also find exotic shells used to make up the long tranquil beaches of Potami, which enhance the clear body of water in the area. If you want to enjoy all this while avoiding all the hassle, I recommend going during the off-season.
How to get there: You can reach Elafonisi by boat from Palaiochora or by bus from Chania.
Potami Beach, Samos
Unfortunately, though, like most other beautiful sites, this one has downsides. During the summer season, the beauty of the area is masked with umbrellas, toilets, and sun beds everywhere. The natural wonder gets ruined and does not look appealing to most.
You can reach the area by boat from Palaiochora or bus from Chania for easier access.
How to get there: During peak season, the public bus routes include Potami as one of the stops. Potami can also be reached by public buses during the high season period.
Possidi Cape, Kassandra Peninsula
An absolute beauty of a beach lies hidden at Possidi Cape in the Kassandra Peninsula. During the summer, one can rarely find satisfaction and serenity in this part, as crystal-clear waters border blissful miles of sand. The stretch is lapped by a pine forest and a lighthouse, making it a joy throughout the year. No facilities are nearby, so one must remember to carry the essential items. Be aware of dangerous currents at this beach; there is no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk.
How to get there: The ideal commutation means cars and 4x4s.
Seychelles Beach, Ikaria
Manganites can be found 1.9 miles east on the islands of Ikaria from the small yet stunning Seychelles beach. The name is justified, as the massive rocks polishing the water make one feel like they are standing in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It’s emerald water and giant rocks dressed in marble pillows add to the allure.
How to get there: To get there, you must trek using the unmarked route to the left side of the ravine. I wouldn’t recommend wearing flip-flops.
Prasonisi Beach, Rhodes
A twisting road 10 km long south of Kattavia leads to one of the most exquisite beaches in Greece, Prasonisi Beach. In the summer, this beach becomes an isthmus connecting to Cape Prasonisi. It’s the southernmost tip of Rhodes. The Aegean Sea combines with the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in flawless waves and wind that are perfect for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Because the region is highly dependent on tourism, surfer-dude provides accommodation.
How to get there: The most convenient way to reach Prasonisi is by car ferry from either the Port of Rhodes or the Port of Kos.
Golden Beach, Paros
On the island of Paros, your piece of heaven can be found at Golden Beach. The beach is famous for its golden sparkling sand, which expands for half a mile, enabling you to wander and find your ideal relaxation spot. The beach is also known to host the Professional Windsurfing World Cup every August because of its strong winds.
The Best Beaches in Greece: Final Thoughts
Choosing one from the many available options is not that simple; however, we managed to narrow it down to 15 choices. All of them would serve as great holiday destinations.
But it is Elafonissi in Crete who takes the crown. Elafonissi differs from the rest of the Cretan beaches in that it possesses the ideal sense of Greek islands. Wishing you happy travels!
Quick Tip:Visit Elafonissi in Crete for a unique Greek island experience with stunning beaches and clear waters.
