Updated: March 20, 2026
Greece › Best Beaches
By Santorini Dave
See Also
• Where to Stay in Santorini
• Where to Stay in Mykonos
• Where to Stay in Naxos
• Where to Stay in Paros
• Where to Stay in Milos
• Where to Stay in Crete
• Where to Stay in Athens
My favorite beach in Greece is Elafonisi Beach in southern Crete. A magical lagoon-like setting with great sand and a wonderful swimming area. Mykonos has the deserved reputation as a beach paradise with a vibrant nightlife. While Naxos is great for beach lovers looking for a quieter, more relaxed island. Santorini is the most remarkable island in Greece but not because of its beaches. Go to Santorini for its views, tours, hikes, food, and wine.
Greek Beaches – My Advice
- Greece has some of the best beaches in Europe, with everything from long sandy family beaches to dramatic pebble coves and wild swimming spots.
- The Greek islands with the best overall beach scenes are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. But almost every island has at least a few very good swimming beaches.
- Best island for classic sandy beaches: Naxos. Best for beach clubs and nightlife: Mykonos. Best middle ground: Paros, which combines great beaches with lively towns and some nightlife.
- Santorini is one of Greece’s most remarkable islands, but it is not a top beach island. Go for the caldera views, luxury hotels, food, wineries, and boat tours – not for soft-sand beach days.
- My favorite beach in Greece: Elafonisi Beach on Crete. It is stunning, but in peak summer it gets very crowded, so go early or late in the day if you want a calmer experience.
- Best beaches for families: Agios Georgios (St. George) in Naxos Town, plus Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Ornos on Mykonos. Look for shallow water, sandy entry, and easy access to shade, food, and bathrooms.
- Best beaches for partying: Paradise and Super Paradise on Mykonos, with Psarou for a more upscale beach-club scene and Mylopotas on Ios for a younger, more casual party vibe.
- Best beaches for a quieter vibe: Plaka and Kastraki on Naxos, Faragas on Paros, and many beaches on Antiparos and Serifos. These are not always empty in summer, but they feel much calmer than the big-name beach club beaches.
- Best beaches on mainland Greece: Halkidiki, especially if you want clear water, sandy beaches, and an easy beach trip without taking a ferry.
- Organized vs unorganized beaches: Some Greek beaches are fully organized with sunbeds, music, and restaurant service; others are partly organized or completely natural. If you care about shade, bathrooms, and food service, check before you go.
- Beach beds and beach clubs: On the most popular beaches and clubs in Mykonos – and on the busiest stretches of Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini – reserving ahead can be smart in high season.
- Wind matters: In July and August, the Meltemi can make north-facing beaches rough and unpleasant. On windy days, head to the south side of the island for calmer water.
- Best time for beach weather: late May to early October. For the warmest sea and the most reliable swimming weather, aim for mid-June through September. June and September are usually the sweet spot for great weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
- Sand vs pebbles: If you want soft sand, focus on Naxos, Mykonos, Ios, and Skiathos. If you do not mind pebbles or rocky entry, islands like Santorini, Kefalonia, and parts of Corfu have some of Greece’s most dramatic beaches. Water shoes are a good idea on pebble beaches.
- Best beaches without a car: Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna on Naxos; Platys Gialos, Ornos, and Paradise on Mykonos; Perissa on Santorini; and much of the Athens Riviera. These are all easy to reach by bus, taxi, water taxi, tram, or short walk from town.
The fantastic Agios Prokopios Beach in Naxos.
See Also
- Best Beaches in Andros
- best Beaches in Corfu
- Best Beaches in Kefalonia
- Best Beaches in Mykonos
- Best Beaches in Naxos
- Best Beaches in Paros
- Best Beaches in Santorini
- Best Beaches in Skiathos
- Best Beaches in Skopelos
- Best Beaches in Syros
- Best Beaches in Tinos
- Best Beaches in Zakynthos
The 19 Best Beaches in Greece
1. Elafonisi, Crete
The best beach in Greece: Elafonisi on the south coast of Crete. There isn’t much else nearby besides a few small hotels so most people do a day trip from Chania or Rethymno. Recommended Hotels near Elafonisi: Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family (midrange) • Xasteria (midrange) • The wonderful town of Paleochora is a one hour boat ride from Elafonisi. Recommended Paleochora Hotels: Caravella Luxury Apartments (midrange) • Aris Hotel (budget)2. Plaka Beach, Naxos
Naxos is loaded with great beaches and if you’re looking for an island with a large variety of beaches it should be at the top of your list. Naxos Town is wonderfully charming and St George beach (a short walk away) is a great town beach. But down the southwest coast there are many others that are even better: Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, Pyrgaki – and perhaps the best of the lot, Plaka Beach. I recommend staying in Naxos Town and taking the frequent buses to the beaches down the coast. Recommended Beach Hotels in Plaka: Medusa Resort (midrange) • Stella Naxos Island (midrange) • Recommended Hotels in Naxos Town: Nissaki Beach Hotel (luxury) • Korali Boutique Hotel (midrange) • Xenia Hotel (budget)3. Platys Gialos, Mykonos
One of the best beaches on Mykonos and backed by hotels and restaurants. A fun busy vibe through the day becomes romantic and trendy at night. Recommended Beach Hotels in Platys Gialos: Branco Mykonos (luxury, right on the beach) • Petasos Beach Resort & Spa (luxury) • Myconian Ambassador (luxury) • Petinos Beach Hotel (midrange)4. Ornos Beach, Mykonos
The most family friendly beach on Mykonos. Great sand and calm relaxing water with a shallow slope. Kostantis restaurant serves incredible food right on the beach. It’s 10 minutes by bus from Mykonos Town. Recommended Beach Hotels in Ornos: Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel (luxury – great for honeymoons) • Santa Marina Resort & Villas (luxury – great for families) • Mykonos Blanc (luxury – my favorite, fantastic location on the beach)5. Faragas Beach, Paros
Paros has many great beaches – some of them like Golden Beach, Pounda, and Piso Livadi can be a bit too popular for my tastes. Faragas is located in the south (protected from the meltemi winds) and away from the main towns. I recommend staying in Parikia and making a day trip to the beaches on the east and south coast. Recommended Hotels in Parikia: Argonauta Hotel (midrange) • Captain Manolis (budget)6. Sarakiniko, Milos
Is this a beach? Who knows, who cares. Mylos has many great little coves for swimming and sunning. Sarakiniko is one of the best spots to swim and relax. (Although the true highlight of Milos is a boat tour along the coast.) Recommended Milos Hotels: Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa (luxury) • Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel (luxury) • Eiriana Luxury Suites (boutique)7. Mylopotas Beach, Ios
Wonderful sand and a quick drop-off for people who like to swim. Stay at either Mylopotas Beach or in the fun main town (Chora) up on the hill (lots of nightlife if you want it, easy to avoid if you don’t). Recommended Hotels: Ios Palace Hotel & Spa (luxury, pictured above) • Levantes Boutique Hotel (midrange)
The semi-private beach at Calilo Hotel in Ios.
8. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Often cited as one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece, Myrtos is a stunning arc of white pebbles set between the feet of two mountains. The water color is an electric blue that has to be seen to be believed. Recommended Kefalonia Hotels: Myrtos Bay Apartments (midrange – great place but you do need a rental car) • Kefalonia Grand (the best hotel in Kefalonia)9. Paleokastritsa, Corfu
Paleokastritsa is a fantastic 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 the several great beaches on Skopelos. Recommended Hotel: Poseidon Hotel (midrange – easy walk to Stafylo Beach)11. Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos. Absolutely beautiful. Two fantastic hotels are within walking distance of the beach: Skiathos Palace Hotel (midrange) • Mandraki Village Boutique Hotel (midrange)12. St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes
The beach is small but this is still one of my absolute favorites. It’s great little swimming spot near the castle at Lindos. The east coast of Rhodes (where St Paul’s is located) is protected from the wind and sprinkled with great beaches (including Faliraki and Lindos). Anything west of Rhodes Town will be very windy. I love staying in beautiful Rhodes Town and busing to the east coast beaches on short day trips. 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 – a quiet island in the western Cyclades – has a handful of great beaches. Vathi and Platis Gialos may well be the best on the island but I love the quaint charm of Kamares. Backed by mountains and a small charming Greek village the beach feels like a throwback. The water is shallow and perfect for kids and there are loads of tavernas and hotels nearby. The ferry port is walking distance from the beach. Recommended Hotels near Kamares Beach: Delfini (midrange) • Nymfes Hotel (midrange)14. Livadakia, Serifos
Fantasic beach with great swimming. Lowkey and affordable Coralli Seaside Resort (midrange) has a nice pool, bar, and restaurant. The port and tavernas of Livadia are a short walk away.15. Balos Beach, Crete
Balos Beach in northwestern Crete is famous for its shallow turquoise lagoon, white sand, and spectacular mountain setting – one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Best visited on a boat tour from Chania.16. Faneromeni Beach, Antiparos
Faneromeni Beach on Antiparos feels wonderfully remote – a quiet, protected cove with clear turquoise water, pale rock, and (often) just a handful of swimmers. Antiparos has several fantastic beaches.17. Vai Beach, Crete
The best beach in eastern Crete and backed by a unique palm forest (the only one in Europe). Vai is a nice day trip from Sitia. Good Hotel in Sitia: Sitia Beach18. Perissa Beach, Santorini
The nicest beach and sand on Santorini. Great restaurants and low-key bars are spread along the waterfront down to Perivolos Beach. A taxi-boat connects Perissa with Kamari Beach (the trip takes 10 minutes and is quite fun). Recommend Hotels in Perissa: Istoria Hotel (luxury) • Meltemi Village Hotel (midrange)19. Athens Riviera, near Athens
The best beaches near Athens are in the Vouliagmeni area. It is about a 30 to 45-minute taxi ride from the city center depending on traffic. Best beach resorts near 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 (St. George) Beach on Naxos is my top pick for families with young kids. It is an easy walk from Naxos Town, the sand is soft, the water is shallow for a long way out, and there are plenty of tavernas, umbrellas, and hotels nearby. If you want a beach holiday without needing a car, this is one of the easiest and most stress-free choices in Greece.
Other excellent family-friendly beaches:
- Naxos: Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are also wonderful for families, with soft sand, clear water, and lots of places to eat. They are a little more beach-resort-like than Agios Georgios. Alyko is beautiful and quieter, but it is less convenient and better for families with a car.
- Paros: Monastiri Beach is a great choice for younger children because it sits in a sheltered bay with calm, shallow water. Golden Beach is better for older kids and teens, especially if they want paddleboarding, windsurfing, or more space to run around.
- Antiparos: Psaralyki Beach is close to town, easy to reach on foot, and usually calm. It is one of the easiest family beaches in the Cyclades if you want a relaxed, low-key island.
- Mykonos: Ornos Beach is the best family beach on the island. It is sandy, sheltered, and convenient – though in peak summer it can get busy and expensive.
Family tip: For toddlers and preschoolers, prioritize beaches with a long shallow entry, nearby shade, and easy access to bathrooms and food. For older kids, beaches like Golden Beach in Paros or parts of Naxos are better if they want watersports and more space.
Read: The Best Islands in Greece for Families
What is the best beach for partying?
Paradise Beach on Mykonos is still the classic answer. If you want a famous party beach with DJs, beach bars, and a young crowd, this is the place. Super Paradise is similar but often feels a little more exclusive and intense, while Psarou is the upscale, high-spending beach-club version of a party scene.
Other strong party-beach picks:
- Ios: Mylopotas Beach is the best party beach outside Mykonos. It is younger, more casual, and usually much less pretentious.
- Paros: Punda Coast is the island’s main day-party beach club scene, with pool parties, DJs, and a younger crowd.
- Santorini: Perivolos is not a true party beach in the Mykonos sense, but it does have stylish beach bars and a lively day-drinking atmosphere.
Reality check: If you want big-name, all-day beach clubs, Mykonos is still in a different league from the rest of Greece. If you want fun without the cost and attitude of Mykonos, Ios is usually the better fit.
What is the best beach for quiet and solitude (on a popular island)?
Plaka and especially Kastraki on Naxos are my favorite answers for travelers who want long sandy beaches without the heavy beach-club scene. Ambelas in Paros is another good call if you want somewhere relaxed and low-key rather than dramatic or glamorous.
Other quieter options:
- Naxos: Kastraki is usually quieter than Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, or central Plaka. Mikri Vigla is gorgeous, though one side can get windy and attract windsurfers.
- Paros: Lageri is beautiful and much less developed, but it is not the easiest beach to reach and has little to no infrastructure.
- Milos: Agathia and Triades feel remote and wild, but they are better for confident travelers with a car and realistic expectations about rough roads and limited services.
- Santorini: Baxedes is a good choice if you want a quieter beach than Perissa or Kamari, though the entry is rougher and it is not ideal for small children.
Important: Truly quiet beaches on famous islands usually come with a trade-off: fewer tavernas, less shade, rougher access, or a need for a car. If you want both convenience and quiet, go in June or September.
How do the Meltemi winds affect which beach I choose?
In July and August, the Meltemi – a strong northerly wind – is one of the biggest factors in choosing the right beach. On windy days, exposed north-facing beaches can be rough, choppy, and unpleasant, even when the weather looks sunny and perfect.
- Mykonos: Head to the south coast – Ornos, Platys Gialos, Psarou, Paraga, Paradise, and Super Paradise are all better bets than the island’s north coast.
- Naxos: Agios Georgios, Agia Anna, and Agios Prokopios are usually safer choices than more exposed beaches. Mikri Vigla famously has one calmer side and one windsurfing side.
- Santorini: Skip Baxedes and Cape Columbo on windy days. The southern stretch around Perissa and Perivolos is usually much better.
Simple rule: In peak summer, if the wind is strong, choose a south-facing beach or a beach in a protected bay.
Which islands have the best soft-sand beaches?
If soft sand matters to you, choose your island carefully. Greece has plenty of gorgeous beaches, but many of the most dramatic ones are pebbly, rocky, or better for swimming than lounging.
- Best for soft sand: Naxos, Mykonos, Ios, and Skiathos.
- Best for dramatic pebble or shingle beaches: Santorini, Kefalonia, and parts of Corfu.
- Best all-around variety: Crete and Milos, where you can find sandy beaches, pebble beaches, rocky coves, and unusual volcanic landscapes.
Tip: Bring water shoes for pebble beaches like Myrtos or for Santorini’s black-pebble beaches. They are not essential everywhere, but they make a big difference.
What is the best beach close to Athens?
The Athens Riviera is the best beach area near the city, especially from Voula and Vouliagmeni southward. The closer beaches are convenient, but in general the beaches improve as you head farther down the coast.
My top Athens Riviera picks:
- Vouliagmeni: The best all-around choice. Astir Beach is the most polished and glamorous private beach, while Vouliagmeni Beach is a more straightforward organized option. Lake Vouliagmeni is also worth a visit, though it is more of a scenic swimming stop than a classic beach day.
- Voula and Glyfada: Easy to reach from Athens and good for a casual swim, lunch, and a seaside afternoon, but not as special as Vouliagmeni.
- Schinias: If you have a car and want a real sandy beach day rather than an urban-coast compromise, Schinias is one of the best day-trip beaches from Athens.
Getting there: A taxi from central Athens is the easiest option. You can also take the tram toward the coast, but for the farther Riviera beaches you may need a transfer depending on the current tram pattern and any temporary service changes. For a serious beach day, a taxi or rental car is often worth it.
Where to stay: The Four Seasons Astir Palace is the most famous luxury beach resort on the Riviera. The Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is another strong option, and One&Only Aesthesis is one of the standout newer luxury resorts on the coast.
When is the best time to visit Greece for beaches?
Late May through early October is beach season in Greece. The most reliable beach weather is from mid-June through September.
- June: One of the best months overall – warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than July and August. Sea temperatures can still feel a little cool early in the month, especially outside Crete.
- July and August: Hottest, busiest, most expensive, and windiest months. Great beach weather, but you need to book popular hotels and beach clubs early.
- September: My favorite month for a beach holiday in Greece. The sea is warm, the weather is still excellent, and the crowds begin to thin out.
- Early October: Still very good in many places, especially Crete, Rhodes, and the Dodecanese. Less reliable for a pure beach trip in the Cyclades.
If swimming is your main goal, June and September are the sweet spot. If you are traveling in early May or late October, treat beach weather as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
What are the Best Greek Islands for a beach holiday?
- Best overall beach island: Naxos
- Best for beach clubs and nightlife: Mykonos
- Best balance of beaches, towns, and nightlife: Paros
- Best for variety and big landscapes: Crete
- Best for unusual scenery and boat trips: Milos
- Best for families: Naxos
- Best for a quieter beach trip: Antiparos or Serifos
- Most romantic island: Santorini – but go for the views and hotels, not the beaches.
Booking Hotels and Ferries for the Greek Islands
If you are traveling in July or August, book your hotel early. The best beach hotels and family rooms can sell out months in advance.
- Book your hotel before your ferry. Hotels are usually the more important reservation, especially on smaller islands and for families.
- Do ferries sell out? Sometimes, yes. Large conventional ferries often have availability until close to departure, but high-speed ferries, car spaces, and cabins can sell out well in advance in peak summer.
- Families should book earlier than couples. A couple can often find something decent at the last minute; a family of four or five looking for a great beach hotel cannot.
- Most popular beach islands: Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Milos all reward early booking for summer travel.
- Outside peak summer: In May, June, September, and early October you have much more flexibility, though I still recommend booking your first nights in advance.
About Santorini Dave