Best Beaches to Visit in Greece
Greece is home to the largest coastline in Europe, with over 13,600 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of beautiful islands, there is no shortage of stunning beaches to visit in Greece.
Greece is a magnificent country and is visited by millions of tourists every year from all around the world. Being easy to travel to, whether by car, ferry or by air, it can make for a truly wonderful holiday.
The beaches we have chosen below we feel represent Greece to its fullest and offer something for everyone, whether it be a fun filled kitesurfing break to Naxos or a slower paced sun kissed beach holiday to Crete, these beaches have it all!!
If you’re planning to visit Greece, read on to discover the best beaches to visit in Greece we think you should pay a visit to.
1: Balos Lagoon, located near to Kissamos on the west coast of Crete
Situated on the west coast of Crete, Balos Lagoon is an amazing spot to visit, a must see when visiting Crete, however getting there isn’t easy but that shouldn’t put you off. It is recommended that you hire a 4×4 to drive here as the track road is rough and full of holes.
Once you have arrived at the car park, the hike down is easy, takes around 20 minutes going down, and around 30 to 45 mins to get back up. It has many times been described as one of the best beaches in the world, and it is easy to see why. With its turquoise shallow waters and white sands, it draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Balos Lagoon is top of our list of Best Beaches to Visit in Greece in 2024.
2: Myrtos Beach, located on the beautiful island of Kefalonia
Myrtos Beach is in the region of Pylaros, in the northwest of Kefalonia, in the Ionian Sea of Greece. The beach lies between the feet of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros.
Myrtos Beach has been described as “one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece”, with its mile-and-a-half long arc of dazzling white pebbles. The beach has been voted twelve times the best Greek beach while it regularly features in best beaches lists. It was used as the location for the mine explosion episode in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
This is a beautiful beach that you will not want to miss a trip to.
3: Navagio Beach, located on the Ionian Isle of Zakynthos
An exposed cove, sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove”, Navagio Beach is located on the coast of Zakynthos.
On the 2nd of October 1980, the coaster MV Panagiotis, ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island on Navagio Beach during stormy weather and bad visibility. Rumours claim the ship was smuggling contraband; however official sources did not confirm this, and the captain was not convicted for such offences.
“Enough history you say”…this beach is fantastic whether you want to top up your tan, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters or take that perfect Instagram selfie!
A truly stunning beach well worth the visit.
4: Anthony Quinn Bay on the east coast of Rhodes, the Island of the Knights
Rhodes may well be known as the Island of the knights but with over 300 days of sunshine per year, it makes for that perfect beach holiday! There are so many beautiful beaches on Rhodes, it was hard for us to decide as to which beach would make it into our “best beaches to visit in Greece” blog.
Anthony Quinn certainly showed fantastic taste when he fell in love with the miniature bay. The beach, located around 4kms south of Faliraki, is known today by the actor’s name as he bought this part of the island when filming “The Guns of Navarone” here.
It is a beautiful bay with lush green vegetation which surrounds the beach. The crystal-clear water here makes Anthony Quinn Bay one of the best beaches for snorkelling in Rhodes and although the beach is pebbly and not ideal for the elderly, it certainly is one of the most picturesque beaches you will visit in Rhodes, located only 20 minutes from Rhodes airport.
5: Mikri Vigla Beach, located on Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades Islands
The largest of the Cyclades Islands, Naxos is known as a windy island which makes it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Mikri Vigla is a very popular beach destination because of the advantage of the two sides that allow the guests to swim and relax no matter if the wind is coming from the north or the south.
Parthenos to the north side of the village is where you need to be if you are looking for kitesurfing or windsurfing. Limanaki situated on the south side of the village is protected from the north wind, that is why it is considered ideal for families and beach goers alike.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional honing your surfing skills, Parthenos to the north side of Mikri Vigla offers the perfect conditions.
If like us you have no intention of hitting the waves, be sure to visit Limanaki to the south of Mikri Vigla to top up that perfect tan and relieve those daily stresses.
To find out more about Greece as a whole, visitourgreece.com and start booking your Greek Adventures today.
These recommendations were updated on January 16th 2024 to keep you updated on what we think are the best beaches to visit in Greece.