The Best Beaches in Greece to Visit This Summer
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The best beaches in Greece can be hard to narrow down—but we did it anyway. With a coastline of nearly 8,500 miles, the country is blessed with many stretches of sand that face the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. Most of the beaches on this list are found on one of Greece’s 6,000 islands and islets, and as a result, you may need a boat or two to get to your intended locale. But worry not. They’re all worth the trek.
If you want a vacation at the beach, late May to early October is the best time to visit Greece; just be mindful that July to September is when peak season is in full swing—the waters may be at their warmest, but you’ll be fighting for a place on the coast with plenty of other tourists. That said, you can always retreat to one of many gorgeous Greek island resorts that offer the best of the area; some can even arrange visits to the spots on this list, which you could call some of the best beaches in Europe too. Here are the best beaches in Greece, along with the best places to stay nearby.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Katherine LaGrave.
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Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Located on Zakynthos, one of the best Greek islands to visit in 2025, this pristine beach is accessible only by boat. As you sail on sapphire-blue waters, you'll be met with an impressive view: an abandoned freighter that ran aground on the white-sand shore, which gives this secluded hideaway its name (the word shipwreck in Greek is ναυάγιο). As for the best place to stay on this Ionian isle, that would be Porto Zante Villas & Spa, featured on our Gold List in 2024. The 10 villas here come with an impeccable staff, plus a bookable yacht, which you can take all around island, including Navagio.
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Sarakiniko, Milos
On the northern end of Milos sits this bone-white beach that many locals and travelers compare to the surface of the moon. This volcanic rock landscape has been whittled by the wind and waves into striking shapes, and the sun only makes the place gleam brighter. Bring sunglasses when you visit. Among the best things to do on Milos is booking a room at Domes White Coast Milos, just an eight-minute drive away, from Sarakiniko; this adults-only hotel’s 30 sea-view suites attract many honeymooners and the Michelin-starred restaurant is a fantastic option for dinner on Milos.
GettyPorto Katsiki, Lefkada
The Greek word for goat is κατσίκα, and this seaside swathe is named as such because, historically, only the goats of Lefkada could reach this narrow beach bordered by extremely deep cliffs. These days, tourists can descend 80 steps to the sun-bleached pebble beach and turquoise waters below after parking near the elevated viewpoint above. A mere 15-minute walk away from the beach is Eunoia Porto Katsiki, where accommodations come with their own pools, private kitchens, and large terraces from which you can appreciate the breathtaking sea views. Nearby too is the Cape Lefkatas Lighthouse, which promises even more unbelievable vistas.
AlamyLalaria, Skiathos
When you’re here on Skiathos, those travelers’ words to live by that say “take only photographs, leave only footprints” should come with a footnote: And definitely don’t take pebbles. Because if you do, especially one from this beautiful rocky beach that was featured in Mamma Mia!, the island’s authorities may hit you with a fine of about $1,100. For the best place to check into on Skiathos, head to the opposite end of the isle (just 30 minutes away by car; it's a small island) and grab a room at the sleek and gorgeous Elivi Skiathos, one of the best resorts in Greece.
GettyBalos Beach and Lagoon, Crete
From afar, you might think Balos is just another of Greece’s many bright-white beaches (a Champagne problem, as it were). But come closer to this spot on the most western end of Crete and you’ll find that the coast here is actually a hue of light pink, a result of the crushed reddish shells of marine organisms that have mixed in with the sand. If you want to stay overnight nearby, there are some hotels in the town of Kissamos, a 40-minute drive from the beach. But for one of the best in all of Crete, base yourself near the village of Plaka at the gorgeous Phāea Blue Palace, a Gold List pick and Readers’ Choice Awards mainstay.
AlamySt. Paul’s Bay, Rhodes
On the eastern coast of Rhodes sits this coastal pocket named after the Biblical apostle Paul, who is said to have made landfall here in the year 51 CE while on a missionary journey, en route back to Jerusalem. The nearby town of Lindos has some historic sites of interest, like the ruins of an ancient theater and its own well-preserved acropolis (reachable by foot or, if you prefer, donkey) that dates back to 408 BCE. But you’ll appreciate taking the 30-minute drive to stay in the resort village of Kolympia up the coast, specifically at the supremely elegant Casa Cook, with its private pools and views of the hills.
AlamyMyrtos, Kefalonia
Sandwiched between two magnificent mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, the drive to the beach of Myrtos is offers rocky Greek scenery at its finest, making the view of the ever-stretching azure blue sea all the more impactful when you get there. If you can arrive early in the day, take a moment to explore Myrtos Cave at the southern end of the beach for a moment of solitude. To stay nearby, there are some cute rental options in the valley. But for the best of the island, check into the wellness-oriented retreat F Zeen Kefalonia, an hour’s drive away on the southern coast.
AlamyVoidokoilia, Messenia
This horseshoe-shaped beach (or, since we’re talking about Greece here, Ω-shaped) is so old that it’s even mentioned in ancient poems attributed to Homer. In Greek mythology, Telemachus was searching for his father, Odysseus, when he was met by King Nestor of Pylos—a classical city, the remains of which are found south of Voidokoilia—on “sandy Pylos.” And sandy it remains today, as well as a great beach option for the boat-averse; you can reach this spot easily by car as it’s on the Peleponnese mainland. Plus, it’s near Costa Navarino, a new-ish resort area with plenty of luxury hideaways ripe for the picking. One of our favorites is Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, featured on our Hot List in 2024.
