The Best Beaches in Greece

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Greek Beaches

The beaches in Greece are considered the finest in Europe.
Complete-Day Trip of French Riviera (from Cannes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco)
Naxos has the finest beaches (but little nightlife). Mykonos has the best beach clubs (and nightlife). For a mix of the two – amazing beaches and some nightlife – Paros is perfect.
This page discusses luxury accommodation on Santorini island, Greece though they are located on the caldera cliffs not the beach.
Elafonisi Beach on Crete is regarded as the best beach in Greece.
The finest beach in Greece for families is St. Georges Beach on Naxos.
One of the premier beach locations for lively nightlife on the Greek island of Mykonos is Paradise Beach.
The best beach in Greece offering tranquility and solitude is Plaka Beach on Naxos.
The finest beaches in Mainland Greece are found in Halkidiki).
Here are some of the best beach hotels in Greece for an idyllic beach getaway: Ios Palace Hotel & Spa in Ios. Iria Beach Hotel in Naxos. Branco Mykonos in Mykonos. Mykonos Blanc in Mykonos.
Mykonos has the highest number of accommodations directly on the beachfront.
To reserve beach chairs on the most popular beaches and beach clubs in Mykonos, Santorini, Ios, Naxos, and Paros you can use beachdibs.com. Though generally it’s fine to just show up and find something available.

The following hyperlink contains information about the optimal times to visit Greece based on weather conditions and water temperatures: Recommended Periods for Experiencing Greek Beaches

The 19 Best Beaches in Greece

1. Elafonisi, Crete

The finest shoreline in Greece is located on the southern shoreline of Crete called Elafonisi. There isn`t much else nearby besides a handful of small inns so most travelers do a day trip from Chania or Rethymno. Suggested Lodging near Elafonisi: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family (budget-friendly) – Xasteria (budget-friendly) – The lovely town of Paleochora is a one hour boat ride from Elafonisi. Suggested Paleochora Lodging: Caravella Luxury Apartments (budget-friendly) – Aris Hotel (budget)

2. Plaka Beach, Naxos

The island of Naxos contains numerous excellent beaches and should be at the top of your list if you want a place with a diverse selection of coastal areas to visit. The town of Naxos is remarkably charming and St George beach, a brief walk away, makes a great option near accommodations. But further along the picturesque southwest shore there are several others that are even superior, such as Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, and Pyrgaki – and arguably the finest among them is Plaka Beach. I suggest staying in Naxos Town and using the frequent bus transportation to access the more secluded beaches further down the coastline. Recommended Hotel Options near Plaka: Medusa Resort (mid-priced range) • Stella Naxos Island (mid-priced range) • Recommended Accommodations in Naxos Town: Nissaki Beach Hotel (luxurious) • Korali Boutique Hotel (mid-priced range) • Xenia Hotel (budget-friendly)

3. Platys Gialos, Mykonos

The finest shoreline on Mykonos island and surrounded by lodging and restaurants. A fun relaxed vibe throughout the day becomes a romantic/trendy atmosphere at night. Recommended Beach Hotels in Platys Gialos: Branco Mykonos (luxury, directly on the beach) • Petasos Beach Resort & Spa (luxury) • Myconian Ambassador (luxury) • Petinos Beach Hotel (mid-range)

4. Ornos Beach, Mykonos

Though there are various gay-friendly lodgings in Fort Lauderdale Beach, the most energetic LGBT scene can be found in Wilton Manors, a few miles inland. Wilton Drive is the main route, lined with LGBT+ friendly companies, bars and dining establishments. The neighborhood is also home to the Pride Center at Equality Park, Broward County’s LGBT community center, and the annual Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival, held every June. Some of the better hotels here include Inn On The Drive,Island Sands Inn and Casa Hermès.

5. Faragas Beach, Paros

Paros Island has many excellent beaches – some like Golden Beach, Pounda, and Piso Livadi can be quite crowded. Faragas is situated in the south (protected from the meltemi winds) and away from the main towns. I suggest staying in Parikia and making a day trip to the beaches on the east and south coasts. Recommended Hotels in Parikia: Argonauta Hotel (midrange) • Captain Manolis (budget)

6. Sarakiniko, Milos

This area questions whether it is a beach or not. Many do not seem to know or care. However, Mylos has numerous charming coves well-suited for swimming and sunbathing. Sarakiniko is amongst the finest locations to relax in the water and sun. (Though a highlight of Milos is certainly a boat excursion along the coastline.) Recommended Milos hotels: Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa (luxury) – Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel (luxury) – Eiriana Luxury Suites (boutique)

7. Mylopotas Beach, Ios

Fantastic beach with a quick drop for swimming lovers. Stay either at Mylopotas Beach or in the lively central town (Chora) on the hilltop (lots of nightlife if wanted, easy to avoid if not). Recommended Hotels: Ios Palace Hotel & Spa (luxury, pictured above) • Levantes Boutique Hotel (mid-range)

8. Mytros Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos beach on Kefalonia. Recommended hotels in Kefalonia: Myrtos Bay Apartments (moderate costs – great location but a rental vehicle is needed) • Kefalonia Grand (the finest hotel in Kefalonia)

9. Paleokastritsa, Corfu

Paleokastritsa is a fantasic series of bays and beaches on beautiful Corfu. Recommended Hotels: Akrotiri Beach Hotel (luxury – great views) – Zefiros Traditional Hotel (midrange – steps from beach) – Bella Venezia (luxury hotel in Corfu Town)

10. Stafylo Beach, Skopelos

Stafylo is one of several excellent beaches on the island of Skopelos. Recommended lodging: Poseidon Hotel (mid-priced – convenient walk to Stafylo Beach)

11. Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos. Absolutely beautiful. Two excellent hotels are within walking distance of the beach: Skiathos Palace Hotel (mid-priced range) • Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel (mid-priced range)

12. St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes

The beach is compact yet still one of my absolute favorites. It’s a great short swimming location near the castle at Lindos. The eastern coast of Rhodes (where St Paul’s is situated) has shelter from the wind and is sprinkled with wonderful beaches (like Faliraki and Lindos). Anything west of Rhodes Town will experience very strong wind. I enjoy staying in beautiful Rhodes Town and taking short day trips by bus to the east coast beaches. Recommended Hotels: Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort And Villas (luxury – near Lindos) • Spirit Of The Knights Boutique Hotel (luxury – Rhodes Old Town)

13. Kamares Beach, Sifnos

Sifnos is a tranquil island in the western Cyclades with a handful of wonderful beaches. Vathi and Platis Gialos are potentially the finest on the island but I enjoy the charming village ambiance of Kamares. Backdropped by mountains and a little charming Greek town, the beach feels reminiscent of times past. The waters are shallow and perfect for kids and there are numerous tavernas and hotels nearby. The ferry dock is within walking distance of the beach. Recommended Hotels near Kamares Beach: Delfini (mid-range) • Nymfes Hotel (mid-range)

14. Livadakia, Serifos

15. Matala Beach, Crete

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16. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos

Accessible by small boat for a day trip. Take one of the smaller operators to the beach and you’ll be able to explore some caves. The beach is always crowded but the magical setting makes it worthwhile. Recommended Beach Hotels: Porto Zante Villas And Spa (luxury, Tragaki) – Astir Palace Hotel (midrange, Laganas)

17. Vai Beach, Crete

`The finest beach in eastern Crete and backed by a novel palm forest (the only one in Europe). Vai is a good day trip from Sitia. Good Hotel in Sitia: Sitia Beach.`

18. Perissa Beach, Santorini

The beach of Perissa on Santorini has some of the finest white sand and shoreline scenery. Numerous quality restaurants and relaxed bars are spread along the waterfront extending to Perivolos Beach. A short boat connects Perissa to Kamari Beach, taking only 10 minutes in a fun trip. Recommended Hotels in Perissa: the upscale Istoria Hotel and moderately priced Meltemi Village Hotel

19. Athens Riviera, near Athens

The best beach near Athens and about an hour’s trip by public transportation and 30 minutes by taxi from the city center. Top seaside resorts close to Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel (5-star, pictured above) – Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (4-star)

What are the best beaches for kids in Greece?

Agios Georgios Beach on the island of Naxos provides an excellent setting for families with children. It lies a brief stroll from the charming main town and harbor. An expansive and gently sloping seabed extends far into the calm, protected waters, crafting a safe environment for young swimmers. Several dining and lodging establishments can be found in close proximity. Additional beaches on Naxos worthy of consideration for kids are more secluded. Heading south from the town center, the beaches grow more tranquil and less developed, though most feature at minimum one or two tavernas. Nearby islands such as Paros and Antiparos likewise offer kid-pleasant beaches and shorelines.

Read: Best Greek islands for families to visit

What is the best beach for partying?

Paradise Beach on Mykonos is not for everyone. The category was Party Beach and this defines Paradise. Water sports, young people, sand, sun, and drinks wherever you look. Punda Beach on has an equally established reputation for partying.

What is the best beach for quiet and solitude (on a popular island)?

The beaches Plaka Beach in ” Naxos” and Ambelas Beach in ” Paros” are described as quite tranquil, even though the islands are popular destinations. Visitors outside the peak summer months of July and August could experience either beach without large crowds. Sufficient local restaurants and lodging are available near the beaches

What is the best beach close to Athens?

The beaches along the Athens Riviera offer enjoyable swimming and are located about 30-40 minutes from Athens. It can become crowded on weekends but if you`re stuck enduring the heat of Athens you won`t complain once at the coast. Or stay at premier beach resorts in the Athens Riviera area: Four Seasons Astir Palace or Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

When is the best time to visit Greece?

The best time to visit Greece ranges from late May through early October.July and August are typically the hottest and most crowded months. June and September generally provide near ideal conditions with the primary difference between them being that ocean temperatures are warmer in fall while inland areas are greener in spring. Early May and late October can still yield warm weather and sunny days but come ready for potential rain and overcast skies – and pack something warm for cooler nights. Along Crete`s southern coast, swimming has been known to continue into early November.

What are the Best Greek Islands?

The Best Locations: Mykonos • Naxos • Paros • Milos • Crete
The Best for Natural Wonders:Santorini and Crete
The Most Romantic: Santorini
Best for College-Aged Socializing: Ios
The Best for 20 to 30-Something Partying: Mykonos
The Best for Families: Naxos
The Best for Outdoor Activities and Historical Sites: Crete and Santorini
The Best for Quiet, Untouristy Beaches: Antiparos island.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands?

The Greek Islands have splendid beach conditions from late May until early October – the climate is warm, the skies are azure, and there’s very little precipitation. July and August are the hottest but also sees the most significant crowds and the highest prices. By most loved time to visit is September and early October when the climate is still consistently hot and the sea is at its warmest. Bathing and sunbathing are possible in early May and late October but you are taking a bit of a risk if you visit at these times with the intention of hitting the shore – but they’re great times if you’re here to hike, sight-see, and wine and dine)..

I Only Have 1 Week in Greece, Where Should I Go?

I would allocate 4 days on the island of Santorini and 3 days exploring one of the less crowded locations, such as Naxos, Milos or Folegandros. (Alternatively, if nightlife and dancing are a priority, Mykonos or Paros could each accommodate a few evenings.)

I Have 2 Weeks in Greece, Where Should I Go?

I would still spend four or five days on Santorini. Then three days each on three of the following islands: Naxos (beaches, hikes, traditional villages), Paros (beaches, partying), Antiparos (beaches, tranquility), Mykonos (beaches, partying, beautiful port town), Folegandros (hikes, beaches, non-touristy island), and Milos (beaches, full-day boat tours, unique scenery).

Booking Hotels on the Greek Islands

As is evident from the comments below, getting more inquiries on lodging than any other topic seems to be common. From late June to early September, islands tend to be packed and hotels often full. It is advisable to book early.

Reserve your hotel before booking the ferry – The sizable standard ferries rarely have no available space even during the peak summertime period. Lodgings, alternatively, fill up weeks and months prior to the planned date. Purchasing ferry tickets only a handful of days ahead from your present location in Greece typically gives enough time to safely obtain a basic economy ticket. Some individuals book ferry tickets initially and then cannot locate a hotel they like and must compromise. Hotel initially, then concern yourself with the ferry.
Booking.com/Greece is the best website to search for accommodations in Greece. It has the greatest selection and I appreciate that you can reserve and cancel rooms without any charges. This allows you to reserve multiple hotels, settle your plans, then drop the rooms you don’t need.
When ferries arrive at a Greek island`s port, owners of small hotels and private rooms often greet passengers looking for lodging. For those without advance accommodations, this can be an easy way to find inexpensive rooms for the night. The drawback is that such rentals tend to be situated far from town centers (explaining the owners` presence at docks). Still, it beats sleeping on the beach.
When planning a Greece holiday, popular island hotels fill up fast during summer. Aim to book accommodations at least 3 to 8 weeks beforehand. Over the past decade, Greece has grown from a widely enjoyed summer getaway spot to an exceedingly busy one each year, making it more difficult to find lodging on short notice upon arrival.
The bigger the group the further in advance accommodations should be booked. A solo backpacker might be able to find lodging in Corfu with little notice. A family of 5 will have great difficulty if they haven’t reserved well ahead.
Flipkey.com is superb for locating island villas and house rentals in Greece.
For many islands arrangements to travel need not be made in advance outside of the months of July and August. Upon arrival by ferry,several hotel owners are likely waiting to welcome you. This arrangement works well for solo or couple backpackers. Not as well for families, groups, or luxury travelers searching for the finest hotels.
Santorini – Book hotels well in advance for the period of June to September
Athens – Book accommodations well in advance from April to October
Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete – Book accommodations well in advance for the period from late June through early September
Advanced booking of accommodations was advised for the summer months of July and August in the islands of Naxos, Paros, Milos, Lesvos, Samos, Chios and Kefalonia.

I hope that helps.
Good luck,
Dave

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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