Beaches
The best beaches in Greece, island by island
Greece has more beaches than you could visit in a lifetime. These are the ones that stand out, from the lagoon at Balos to the white rocks of Milos, and the island to base yourself on for each.
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The boat from Kissamos rounds the headland, and the lagoon at Balos opens up: shallow water in three shades of blue, a spit of sand and mountains all around. People go quiet on deck. It is rare for a place to match its photographs.
Greece has around six thousand islands and islets and thousands of beaches, so the real question is not where the best ones are but what kind of beach you want. Some sit beneath cliffs and can only be reached by boat; others have sunbeds and a taverna at the water's edge. Here are the standouts, grouped by island chain.
Short answer: which are the best beaches in Greece?
Balos and Elafonisi on Crete, Myrtos on Kefalonia and Porto Katsiki on Lefkada are the most celebrated, and rightly so. Sarakiniko on Milos is the most unusual. Travelling with children? Plaka on Naxos and Koukounaries on Skiathos are excellent.
Best for colour: Balos, Crete
Best for families: Plaka, Naxos
Best view from above: Myrtos, Kefalonia
Best for something different: Sarakiniko, Milos
Best near a village: St Paul's Bay, Lindos
The Ionian Islands: cliffs and turquoise water
Myrtos on Kefalonia is a bay of white pebbles beneath steep mountainsides, and the water glows turquoise because the stones reflect the light. Stop at the viewpoint on the road above before you drive down.
Porto Katsiki on Lefkada lies under tall limestone cliffs at the island's southern tip, reached by a long flight of steps. Bring water and food, as facilities are basic.
Navagio, the Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, is one of the most photographed places in Greece. Landing is currently banned because of rockfall risk, but you can see it from the clifftop viewpoint and by boat.
On Corfu, head to Paleokastritsa on the west coast: small coves of clear water, monasteries on the hills and boats to the sea caves.
Casa Delfino
The courtyard at Casa Delfino, Chania.
Crete: lagoons and palm trees
Balos in north-west Crete is a lagoon so shallow you can wade far out. Reach it by boat from Kissamos, or by dirt road followed by a half-hour walk down. Come early or late, as it is packed at midday.
Elafonisi in the south-west has sand tinted pink by crushed shells, and shallow water that suits children. The area is protected, so bring what you need and take everything home.
Falassarna on the west coast is long and wide, with room for everyone and sunsets straight into the sea. Preveli on the south coast is a river mouth lined with palms, where you can swim in fresh and salt water on the same afternoon.
Casa Delfino: a mansion by Chania's harbour
Casa Delfino occupies a Venetian mansion by the old harbour in Chania, with a pebble-paved courtyard. From here, Balos and Falassarna make easy day trips. For travellers who want beach days and town life together.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Casa Delfino
The Cyclades: white rock and long sandy beaches
Sarakiniko on Milos looks like another planet. Wind and waves have smoothed its white volcanic rock into rounded shapes, and you swim from the rocks into deep blue water. There is almost no sand, so bring a mat.
Plaka on Naxos is a long sandy beach with dunes and few buildings, shallow enough for children. Naxos generally has better beaches than its more famous neighbours.
On Paros, Kolymbithres has small pools between granite formations, and the water stays calm even when the meltemi wind blows.
Lindos Blu
The pool and sea view at Lindos Blu, Rhodes.
Rhodes and the Sporades: bays beneath history
St Paul's Bay at Lindos on Rhodes is almost enclosed by rocks, with the acropolis above and a small chapel on the beach. Few Greek beaches sit this close to a historic village.
Koukounaries on Skiathos has fine sand and pine forest down to the water's edge, ideal for families. From Skiathos, boats run to Lalaria, a cove of white pebbles with a natural rock arch.
Lindos Blu: sea views near Lindos
Lindos Blu stands on the hillside near Lindos, adults only, with pools looking out over the sea. St Paul's Bay and the village are a short drive away. For couples who want calm after a day on the beach.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Lindos Blu
When is the best time to go?
June and September are best: warm sea, open tavernas and fewer people than in July and August.
The meltemi blows in summer: this northerly wind whips up waves on the north side of the Cyclades. Head for south-facing beaches on windy days.
Arrive early at the famous beaches: Balos, Elafonisi and Myrtos are crowded at midday in high season.
Bring water and shade: many of the finest beaches have few or no facilities.
Greece's beaches: your questions answered
What is the most beautiful beach in Greece?
Balos and Elafonisi on Crete, Myrtos on Kefalonia and Navagio on Zakynthos are among the most beautiful. The best for you depends on whether you want sand, pebbles or a boat trip.
Which Greek island has the best beaches?
Crete has the widest variety, while Milos and Naxos have some of the finest in the Cyclades. Kefalonia and Lefkada are best for dramatic scenery.
Can you visit Navagio Beach on Zakynthos?
Landing on the beach is currently banned because of rockfall risk. You can see it from the clifftop viewpoint or from a boat.
Which beaches in Greece are good for children?
Elafonisi on Crete, Plaka on Naxos and Koukounaries on Skiathos have shallow water and sand, which suits families.
When is the sea warmest in Greece?
The sea is warmest from late July to September. It is swimmable in June, though fresher.