15 Stunning Beaches in Greece Worth Planning an Entire Trip Around

From pink sands and turquoise lagoons to secret coves and cinematic beauty, these 15 gorgeous beaches in Greece are in a league of their own.

There’s a reason the Greek Islands keep topping “most beautiful in the world” lists — and it’s not just the whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches.

Greece is blessed with some of the most jaw-dropping beaches you’ll ever sink your toes into.

Think pink-sand lagoons, dramatic cliff-backed coves, glowing turquoise water, and shorelines so cinematic they’ve starred in blockbuster films.

Whether you’re into remote hideaways you can only reach by boat, party beaches with endless cocktails, or calm bays perfect for a lazy float, Greece has you covered.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Here are 15 stunning beaches in Greece so spectacular you might just plan your next summer trip around them.

1. Elafonisi Beach, Crete

On Crete’s southwest coast, Elafonisi Beach dazzles with shallow turquoise waters, soft white sand tinged with pink, and a wild, natural setting.

It’s not just one of the best beaches in Greece — Tripadvisor even named it the most beautiful beach in the entire world.  The pink hue, created by crushed shells and coral, is most vivid in the right light.

Depending on the tide, Elafonisi can even transform into “Elafonisi Island” when a shallow channel separates part of the beach from the mainland.  Facilities are minimal — just a few kiosks and umbrellas — so it still feels unspoiled. 

Get There: By car from Chania, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The roads to Elafonissi can be challenging, with hairpin turns and steep drops. If you’re not comfortable driving, consider taking a tour like the top-rated Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks.

Where to Stay: The best hotel options in the area are Lafo Rooms and the Glykeria Hotel, but I highly recommend staying in the charming town of Chania.

Read More: Remote Elafonisi Beach in Greece is the Best in the World (& You’ve Never Heard of It)

2. Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

Lalaria is easily one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in my life (and I’ve been to 175 countries, so that’s saying a lot!). 

With its sheer white cliffs, sea caves, and smooth white pebbles, Lalaria is a true postcard scene. The turquoise water is so clear it feels unreal — and a swim here is unforgettable.  There are no facilities, so pack everything you need for the day.

Get There: Lalaria is only reachable by boat, so you’ll need to book a day trip to get there, like this Cruise to Lalaria, Kastro, and Tsougris. 

Where to Stay: Stay in Skiathos town for easy access to boat trips to Lalaria and other lovely beaches. La Piscine Art Hotel is a stylish, adults-only hotel known for its lovely pool area, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from town.

Read More: With 60 Beaches (& an Airport!) Skiathos is the Ideal Greek Islands Escape

3. Koufonisia (yes, the whole island)

This tiny Cycladic gem might have more stunning beaches per square mile than anywhere else in Greece. The island’s east side is lined with unspoiled, quiet coves linked by a scenic coastal path.

Start with a water taxi to Finikas, then walk north past sandy coves like Fanos and Italida before ending at Pori Beach for lunch at its beachfront taverna. Don’t miss the Natural Pool between Italida and Pori.

Get There: Tiny Koufonisia is actually completely walkable. But it’s easier to take a water taxi to the island’s eastern side and begin your beach hopping from there. Two companies run boats around the island about every 30 minutes, and tickets are just 5 EUR.

Where to Stay: If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it at the Aeris Suites Pori in a beautiful 2-bedroom villa with a sparkling pool and sea views. In town, the sleek Keros Art Hotel and the delightful Myrto Hotel are both great choices.

Read More: Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)

4. Kolymbithres, Paros

The most unique beach on Paros, Kolymbithres looks like nature’s own sculpture garden. Here, smooth granite boulders — shaped by centuries of wind and waves — form a series of tiny sandy coves filled with shallow, crystal-clear water.

It’s a favorite with families for its calm seas, but it’s just as popular with photographers drawn to its surreal rock formations.

Get There: Kolymbithres is just a short drive from Naoussa, or you can hop on a water taxi from the harbor.

Where to Stay: Stay in charming Naoussa for easy access. A Member of Design Hotels, the stylish Parilio Hotel Paros is a serene oasis located between Naoussa and Kolymbithres Beach.

Read More: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love with the Greek Island of Paros This Summer

5. Kolona Beach, Kythnos

The impossibly narrow stretch of golden sand connects two hillsides and is surrounded by clear, turquoise water on both sides. Let’s just say it’s a stunner. 

Despite its fame, it’s often remarkably quiet — even in July — with only a few yachts anchored offshore.  There’s no shade and almost no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need for a beach day.

Get There: It’s possible to drive to Kolona Beach, but part of the road is unpaved and some rental car companies won’t let you drive on it. The easiest way to get there is by taxi boat from the port town of Merichas. The taxi boat runs several times daily in summer and costs just €14 round-trip.

Where to Stay: YOU the Kolona Concept – Adults Only – This small, luxury boutique property is the only hotel within walking distance of Kolona Beach. All suites here have private balconies with sea views, and many also have private pools. This one is a great choice for couples or beach lovers.

Read More: Tiny Kythnos Island Has Thermal Hot Springs and One Seriously Dreamy Beach

6. Balos, Crete

Located on Crete’s northwest coast, Balos is famous for its swirling white sand and bright turquoise lagoon. It’s one of the best beaches in Greece for pure “wow” factor, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll never forget it.  

Many day trips include a stop at nearby Gramvousa Island, home to a shipwreck and a hilltop Venetian castle.

Get There: Driving is not a great option as the road is unpaved. The easiest way to reach Balos is by ferry from the Kissamos port. For a more private experience, book the Balos & Falassarna Beach – Jeep Tour w/Loungers & Lunch. This full-day small-group Jeep Tour is one of the top-rated tours on the island.

Where to Stay: There are no hotels near Balos, so I recommend staying in the port town of Chania. The Captain Vasilis Hotel boasts a striking terrace and pristine location in the harbor.

Read More: The Dreamy Aquamarine Hues of Balos Lagoon Make it the Best Day Trip in Crete

7. Red Beach, Santorini

Santorini isn’t known for beaches, but it is home to one of Greece’s most unique beaches. Red Beach owes its unique landscape to the red and black volcanic rocks, which contrast beautifully with the aquamarine sea.

Red Beach sits on Santorini’s southern coast near the ancient site of Akrotiri. You can park nearby and take a short but steep path down to the sand. Arrive early in the day for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, and bring sturdy shoes — the trail is rocky.

Get There: You can drive yourself (warning, the parking lot fills quickly in the busy summer months!) or book a private island tour like the excellent First Impressions Private Santorini Day Tour.

Where to Stay: Hotels like Katikies Santorini, Canaves, and Cavo Tagoo Santorini are the stuff of honeymoon dreams, and you won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else in the world. But for a more affordable luxury experience, Kasimatis by La Perla is a great pick.

Read More: Yes, Santorini is an Expensive Honeymoon Destination (but it doesn’t have to be!)

8. Platis Gialos, Mykonos

One of Mykonos’ most popular beaches, Platis Gialos is a lively, golden-sand stretch lined with beach clubs, tavernas, and hotels that spill right onto the sand.

The clear, calm water makes it ideal for swimming, and you can also catch water taxis here to other famous beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise.

Get There: If you’re not staying nearby, the local bus is the best way to get here. You can drive, but parking is very limited in the summer months. Buses are frequent and inexpensive.

Where to Stay: There are plenty of great hotel options near Platis Gialos beach. My favorites are the Petinos Beach Hotel, the Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, and the Palladium Hotel.

Read More: A Visit to The Picture-Perfect Greek Island of Mykonos Inspired a Lifetime of Wanderlust

9. Manganari, Ios

On the quiet southern coast of Ios, Manganari is a peaceful alternative to the island’s busier beaches. Its wide bay is divided into several smaller coves, each with soft golden sand and shallow, calm water perfect for swimming.

A handful of tavernas and sunbeds keep things comfortable without spoiling the natural beauty.

Get There: The easiest way is by car or scooter, though local buses run here in summer from Chora.

Where to Stay: Located at Manganari, the 5-star luxury beachfront resort of Calilo is pure indulgence.

Read More: The Former Greek Party Island of Ios is Quietly Reinventing Itself (& it Shows)

10. Plaka Beach, Naxos

One of the best long stretches of golden sand in all of Greece, this is the best beach on Naxos, and it’s easy to see why.

Even during the high season months of July and August, there’s plenty of room to find a quiet spot to call your own on this 4km long sandy beach.

Plaka Beach is a hit with families, thanks to its shallow waters and ample space for kids to play. Part of the beach is well-organized with sunbeds and tavernas, while other parts are without facilities. 

Get There: If you have a rental car, you’ll find plenty of places to park along the road (but there’s no specific parking lot). If you’re staying in Naxos Town, there’s frequent bus service to Plaka Beach as well.

Where to Stay: My favorite Naxos hotels nearby are Seaside Naxos Holiday Villas and (if you’re looking for a splurge) the Naxian on the Beach. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s hard to beat the Amodari Studios on the Beach.

Read More: 7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for pretty much everything)

11. Sarakiniko, Milos

If you only have time to visit one beach on Milos, make it this one.

As the island’s most iconic beach, Sarakiniko should be the first stop on your Milos itinerary. With lunar-like white rock formations carved by the sparkling Aegean Sea, the whole landscape is truly out of this world.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, there are even a few good cliff-jumping spots at Sarakiniko.

For the less adventurous like me, there is a small sandy beach area. But most visitors just grab a spot on one of the smooth boulders anywhere along the sea.

Get There: Sarakiniko is on Milos’ north coast, just a 10-minute drive from the port town of Adamas. There’s a small parking area right by the beach, and from there it’s an easy walk to the main swimming spots.

Where to Stay: If you’re seeking the “Santorini hotel experience” on Milos, the 5-star Cave Suites Milos is the hotel for you. Spacious suites here each come complete with a private pool.

Read More: The Tiny Greek Island of Milos is the Summer Beach Escape You’re Craving

12. Kastani Beach, Skopelos

Calling all Dancing Queens, if you loved the movie “Mamma Mia” this is one beach to add to your Travel Bucket List.  

Tucked beneath a pine-covered hill, Kastani Beach shines with crystal-clear waters and fine pebbles.

It’s the filming location for several beach scenes and musical numbers, including “Does Your Mother Know” and “Lay All Your Love on Me.” There’s a large beach club here where you can lounge on sunbeds or snorkel off the shore to spot colorful fish.

Get There: The local bus runs here frequently in the summer months. There’s also plenty of parking if you drive yourself. Many of the island’s top Mamma Mia tours make a stop here as well, like the Mamma Mia Highlights Tour of Skopelos Island and Your Mamma Mia Adventure on Skopelos Island.

Where to Stay: Located in Skopelos town, the Thea Home Hotel is a family-run spot with incredible views over Skopelos Town, comfy rooms, and a great pool. Located in Panormos, the Adrina Beach Hotel is a 4-star resort right on the beach with gorgeous views and a private beach.

Read More: Calling All Dancing Queens: Meet the Greek Island of Skopelos (the real-life Mamma Mia island!)

13. Navagio (Shipwreck), Zakynthos

Possibly the most photographed beach in Greece, Navagio — or Shipwreck Beach — is a dramatic cove framed by towering white cliffs and home to the rusting remains of a shipwreck from the 1980s. The turquoise water is impossibly vivid, and the contrast with the cliffs is breathtaking.

Get There: You can only reach Navagio by boat, and the top-rated tour is the One Day Small Group Tour to Navagio Beach, Blue Caves & Top View. For the famous overhead view, drive to the clifftop viewing platform near Anafonitria.

Where to Stay: In Zakynthos Town, the Phoenix Hotel offers a central base. Closer to the beach, Villa Poseidon has panoramic sea views and a peaceful setting.

14. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos is Kefalonia’s crown jewel, a mile-long arc of bright white pebbles set against sheer cliffs and vivid blue water. The view from above — as you wind down the coastal road — is one of the most famous in all of Greece.

Get There: Located on the island’s northwest coast, Myrtos is best reached by car. There’s a parking lot at the base of the cliffs, but be prepared for a steep drive down.

Where to Stay: Stay in nearby Assos at the charming Roi Boutique Suites, or base yourself in Agia Efimia at Odyssey Boutique Hotel, both offering easy access to the beach.

15. Papafragas Beach, Milos

This bottle-green cove is another unique beauty on Milos, and it completely took my breath away the first time I saw it.

A cave leads to a small sandy beach that leads to this brilliant natural pool sandwiched between soaring cliffs. A hole in the rock forms a natural arch where the waters of Papafragas flow into the sea.

From the road, you’d never even know it was there. But when you pull into the small parking lot and look down, it’s a real stunner.

Get There: Papafragas is on the island’s north coast, just off the main road between Adamas and Pollonia. There’s a small parking area, and from there you can walk to the cliff edge for the view before descending a narrow path down to the sand. Wear good shoes and take care, as the path can be slippery.

Where to Stay: Located just down the road from Papafragas, the Asterias Boutique Hotel is a solid choice.

Read More: The Tiny Greek Island of Milos has 5 Beaches You Have to See to Believe

Which beach will you add to your Summer Bucket List?

From volcanic red sands to pink-tinted lagoons, from secluded coves to glamorous, people-watching hotspots, Greece’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful.

Whether you dream of arriving by boat to a secret bay, hiking down to a wild stretch of coast, or simply walking out of your hotel room and straight onto the sand, there’s a beach here with your name on it.

The hardest part? Deciding which one to visit first.

But once you’ve dipped your toes in the Aegean or Ionian Sea, don’t be surprised if you start planning your next Greek summer before the tan even fades.

Looking for more fabulous Greek Islands to visit? Start here:

10 Irresistible Greek Islands to Visit This Summer (#8 is Greece’s Best-Kept Secret) ☀️

The 7 Best Greek Islands for Beaches (You’ve Never Heard of #4)

Car-Free Hydra is This Summer’s Chic Greek Island Escape

The Chic Greek Island of Sifnos is a Foodie Paradise (and you’ve probably never heard of it)

Get 3 Stunning Greek Islands for the Price of One With a Trip to the Sporades