Where Are The Best Sandy Beaches In Greece..Let Us Show You

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Post author Gabi

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Lots of people ask, “Are there sandy beaches in Greece?” – Yes! There are! Here is the list of where to find the best sandy beaches in Greece.

Greece Travel Blog_Where To Find The Best Sandy Beaches In Greece

Home to the largest coastline in Europe, with over 13,600 kilometers of shore and hundreds of islands, there’s no shortage of stunning beaches in Greece.

Many people ask, “Are there sandy beaches in Greece?” – Yes, there are! The country features some of the most fabulous sandy beaches in Greece, with crystal waters and all shades of turquoise and emerald.

In general, the best beaches in Greece are very safe, not really deep or wavy, and to make things even better, there are no dangerous or poisonous fish to spoil such a unique landscape.

Consequently, thousands of tourists flock to Greece every summer to swim in some of the most pristine waters in the Mediterranean.

In this article, we will show you the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece and some of the most popular Greek Islands. Many of them frequently rank at the top of many lists featuring the best beaches in Europe.

We’ve included white, golden, and pink sandy beaches in Greece. You will also find a list of the best Greek islands for sandy beaches, where there are so many beautiful shores that it is almost impossible to describe them all.

You will find both organized beachscapes and hidden coves, secluded beaches that only locals know about, and some of the most famous beaches in Greece. Bear in mind that the Blue Flag Program yearly ranks Greece as a country with top-quality beaches and coasts, and many beaches have often received the Blue Flag award.

When To Visit The Beaches In Greece

Hydra Island - Donkey on Greek island

Greece enjoys mild Mediterranean weather with very long summers, hot and not really rainy. That means the Greek beaches are at their best between May and October when the sea temperature is great for a long, relaxing swim! Though Greece in winter is great too if you want to enjoy the quieter side.

The Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches In Greece

Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos Island

This is a dreamy shore on the beautiful Island of Skiathos, which belongs to the Sporades Islands. This Greek white sand beach features a crescent bay surrounded by a lush green background.

Koukounaries every year rates among the top ten beaches in the world, and it would be a pity not to visit if your spending some time in Skiathos,

Balos Beach, Crete

Are There Sandy Beaches In Greece - Balos beach at Crete island in Greece

This fantastic white and pink sand beach in Greece is one of the most visited places on Crete Island and for a great reason. Surrounded by a magnificent mountainous scape, this beach is a sea lagoon with super shallow emerald waters that give you the impression of being in the Caribbean.

It’s possible to reach Balos either by boat or after a fun car ride on the border of a cliff and a 20-minute hike under the sun, so don’t forget to bring your hat and cold drinks to make the walk there easier.

Plaka Beach, Naxos Island

Sandy Beaches in Greece - Sunbeds on Plaka beach, Naxos island, Greece

Stretching for approximately 4 kilometers, Plaka Beach is a wonderful place to get away from it all. While some areas are serviced by sun-loungers and parasols, the majority of its considerable length remains untouched and unorganized, allowing you to enjoy both the scenery and your own slice of paradise. During high season, while it can be busy, it still manages to remain much quieter than two of Naxos’ other most popular beaches – Agios Prokopios and Santa George.

Mylopotas Beach, Ios Island

Ios is often considered as a young island to party and have fun at half the price you would on a more exclusive beach such as Mykonos. However, the Island of Ios has some unforgettable shores worth discovering, safe enough for the whole family.

One of such beach is Mylopotas Beach, a unique bay featuring a long stretch of golden sand and impressive crystal-clear waters of all the shades of blue and emerald.

The beach is easy to reach since it’s not far from the Island’s capital, and several cafés and taverns also offer organization, umbrellas, and sunbeds to rent for the day.

Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos Island

Are There Sandy Beaches In Greece - Agios Prokopios beach in Naxos island, Greece

Stunning golden sun and a fantastic turquoise sea are part of the landscape that welcomes you only 5 km south of Naxos port. Agios Prokopios is a long sandy beach with beautiful shallow waters and is often included among the top ten beaches in Greece.

There are beautiful bars and cafés along the seaside for you to spend the whole day, so you will only need to pack your sunscreen since the place is really well organized. It’s possible to practice water sports such as snorkeling and windsurfing in the area.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia Island

Another remarkable beach on the Ionian coast, this is a place loved both by those who love to swim and sunbather as well as by those into more active beach holidays,

The place, adored by snorkelers, has a magnificent submarine landscape featuring caves and hidden spots with clear water.

Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos Island

Are There Sandy Beaches In Greece - Voutoumi beach, Antipaxos island, Greece

Travel all the way to the Ionian to explore the magnificent coast of Antipaxos, only a short boat ride from Corfu. The Island is surrounded by impressive green cliffs and an exotic atmosphere, while the water is so transparent and pristine that the dozens of boats that dock on the bay seem to float on the surface of the sea.

You can reach Antipaxos with a taxi boat from the small nearby island of Paxos, or you can book a holiday in paradise and disconnect from the rest of the world with a stay in Antipaxos.

Kalamos, Ios Island

Located on Ios‘ eastern coast, 10km from the port, the pristine beach of Kalamos offers its visitors a stunning retreat. From soft golden sand to crystal waters and rocky cliffs adorned with almond and olive trees, it is ideal for those looking to escape the bustling crowds in Chora. Whether you’re keen to explore beneath the waves or simply wish to relax on secluded shores, Kalamos is an ideal spot for adventure.

Falassarna Beach, Island Of Crete

Falassarna - Chania Beaches, Crete - Best Beaches On Chania

Located 58km west of Chania, Falasarna Beach in Kissamos is praised for its magnificent beauty. Not only does it offer a gorgeous turquoise sea, but it also has an incredible sunset view. Made up of five beaches, two, in particular, are the most popular with locals and travelers alike. It’s been awarded many accolades due to its wonderful amenities and services; swimmers can enjoy the crystal clear water, and plenty of umbrellas and sun beds are available for hire. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the beach bars, purchase snacks, or participate in beach volleyball.

Armenistis Beach, Sithonia

Sandy Beaches in Greece - Aerial view of Armenistis beach on the Sithonia peninsula

Armenistis Beach is definitely deserving of its reputation as one of the top camping beaches in Greece. Its kilometer stretch of sand and shallow waters make it ideal for a range of activities, from lounging in the sun to water sports like swimming, surfing, or kayaking. In addition, there are plenty of options for refreshments, like a beach bar and seafood restaurant, plus convenience stores, coffee shops, and toilets. With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that this beach holds the Blue Flag rating. And with such an expansive shoreline, you’ll never feel cramped here – there’s always space for your towel!

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada Island

Maybe the best-known beach in the Ionian Sea, Porto Katsiki, is located on the Greek Island of Lefkada, on the southwestern region. To reach the beach, you need to hike down a small cliff while enjoying the impressive views of the bay and the sea.

The beach features deep blue waters, a white pebble coast, and some sandy areas. The shore is not really shallow, but the landscape is simply amazing.

Voidokilia Beach, In The Peloponnese Region

Sandy Beach In Greece - View of Voidokilia beach and Divari lagoon in the Peloponnes

Staying on the mainland does not mean you’ll be missing the beautiful Greek beaches; on the contrary! Only three hours from Athens, the Peloponnese region offers some of the most stunning shores in the country.

There are awesome shores all over the region’s West Coast, but none beats this unique beach’s spectacular symmetry. Voidokilia is located in Messinia, and it’s a fantastic beach to discover, often recognized as among the most stunning seaside places in the world.

This sandy beach has the shape of a perfect half-circle with unique turquoise waters, safe and shallow for all the family.

Elafonisi Beach, Island Of Crete

Guide To Where To Stay In Crete, Greece - Elafonisi Lagoon

Elafonisi is another top place in Crete, Greece’s biggest island, and it is a unique sandy islet connected to the southern coast of Crete by a shallow reef. You can cross to the islet walking as the waters are shallow, never reaching more than half a meter deep.

To get to Elafonisi, you can drive from Chania, crossing the impressive White Mountains, or ride a boat that travels all the way from another great Cretan seaside resort, Paleochora.

Lalaria Beach, Skiathos Island

Another top beach in Greece, again in Skiathos, is Lalaria. This paradisiac spot can only be reached with a boat, which adds a touch of wildness to the whole experience of spending a day on this shore.

The beach is found in the northern part of Skiathos and features crystal clear waters surrounded by immense whitish cliffs. There’s minimal organization, so remember to pack all your beach essentials for a visit.

Super Paradise, Mykonos

Best sandy beach in Greece - Super paradise beach on the greek island Mykonos, Greece.

Don’t get confused! This beach is indeed THE place famous for the noisy parties and club atmosphere; however, it features one of the most stunning coasts on Mykonos’ island and is the best sandy beach in Mykonos. 

The sand is soft and golden, and the sea is more on the deep side. It’s possible to visit the beach either by a boat departing from Ornos or with a bus leaving from the center of town; those who want to stay in the area can check the several options for hotels and studios that are available in the area.

Mylopotamos Beach, Pelion

The Greek region of Thessaly has some beautiful beaches to enjoy on the mainland. Although not really a sandy beach, Mylopotamos is often among the country’s most gorgeous beaches.

It features white, soft pebbles and a unique crystal clear sea of breathtaking beauty. The beach has a contrasting background of dark green pine trees that make the landscape really exotic and fresh and fragrant atmosphere.

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu Island

Sandy beaches of Greece - Paleokastritsa beach, Corfu Island

One of the most beautiful emerald seas in Greece are the ones you’ll find in this magnificent seaside resort on the island of Corfu, in the Ionian.

The area is surrounded by an amazing green and lush landscape with intriguing caves that you can easily explore with a pedal boat. There are a few different beaches in the area, some of them quiet and secluded, while others are more popular and with plenty of facilities, including tavernas, beach bars, and umbrellas to rent.

Stafilos Beach, Skopelos Island

There are beautiful beaches to enjoy for those spending their holidays in Skopelos. Stafilos Beach is one of them, and it’s pretty easy to reach since it’s not really far from Skopelos Town.

The bay has unique grey sand, smooth pebbles, and crystal clear and shallow waters, ideal for all families.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos Island

The best sandy beach in Greece - Navagio Beach - Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece

CURRENTLY CLOSED

Authorities in Zakynthos announced on 15.03.23 that this iconic beach will remain closed to tourists this summer due to landslides. Following a regular safety check at the site on March 8, a team of experts from the Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) recommended prohibiting access to the Navagio beach. The beach will be assessed again in a few months to decide if and when it will reopen

Although its original name is Agios Giorgos, this beach became known to everyone as the Shipwreck Beach or Navagio. The main landmark on this isolated spot is the old boat that sank on the coast and that has been there for decades.

Probably among the most photographed beaches in Greece, Navagio is protected by high white cliff walls while the waters are impressively turquoise and the sand clear.

The place can be reached with a boat trip departing from the nearby Porto Vromi.

Seychelles Beach, Ikaria Island

The unique Island of Ikaria, on the Eastern Aegean Sea, is a traditional Greek Island famous for its wine, its gastronomy, and the longevity of its inhabitants. What you might not yet know is that Ikaria also hosts one fabulous beach worth discovering.

The name already tells a whole story, doesn’t it? Seychelles Beach is in a very private cove with shallow waters and mazing pebbles. It’s surrounded by impressive cliffs and rock formations and offers a one-of-a-kind landscape for lovers of nature and photography fans too!

Tsigrado Beach, Milos Island

Tsigrado beach, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece - Sandy Beaches In Greece

This small sandy cove, hidden and unique, si one of the most stunning beaches on the southern coast of Milos. Known by the name of Tsigrado, this small sandy cove is a perfect place to dive, swim, and to practice snorkeling, thanks to the crystal clear waters.

Although Tsigrado is not really easy to reach, it remains among the favorite beaches in the Cyclades. To get to the beach, it’s necessary to go through a rocky passage, but once you’re on the sand, you’ll soon realize that the effort was really worth it.


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What Are The Best Greek Islands for Beaches

As you can see, there are amazing beaches scattered all over the Greek territory, and although all the islands have been equally blessed with impressive landscapes and unique nature, not all of them are the best places for a beach holiday in Greece.

For instance, we all love Santorini, and despite all the marvelous things you can do there, the unique volcanic landscape, the traditional atmosphere, and the whitewashed houses and churches, it’s not the best Greek Island when it comes to beaches.

On the other hand, places such as:

  • Crete
  • Skopelos
  • Lefkada
  • Milos
  • Naxos

are islands that are perfect for those who only dream of spending some time on a paradisiac beach when dreaming about their next Greek holiday!

Comment

  1. We’ve made so many notes from your blog, it has been so helpful for us in planning our Balkans adventure.

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