Top 10 Best Beaches in Greece (photos)

The beaches of Greece have won awards and earned Blue Flags for their turquoise waters, paradisiacal sand, impressive volcanic formations or powder smooth pebbles.
Choosing the best beaches in a country with one of the longest coasts in the world is not easy, there are endless exotic beaches both on the mainland or on the islands. Here is a list of the ten most loved beaches of Greece for you to discover.

Sarakiniko Bay, Milos

Described by many as a surreal moon-like landscape, the impressive pumice rock formations do resemble a place out of this world. The beach itself is just a narrow strip of pebbly and soft light sand at the foot of a shallow bay with clear turquoise water. Besides the striking landscape, abandoned mine caves and tunnels can be accessed from the narrow gorge behind the beach.

Elia Beach, Mykonos

This picturesque seaside spot with crystal clear waters is one of the largest beaches on Mykonos. It is easy to access and not more than 10 km away from Mykonos Town. The beach is known to be gay-friendly. Elia also counts with a separate nudist area while yachts are allowed to anchor on its coast.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Many travel magazines put Myrtos among the best beaches in the World. The beach is in the region of Pylaros, on the northwest coast of the island. The bay is surrounded by tall, green cliffs and is made by millions of white small pebbles. The color of the sea goes from turquoise to dark blue and the landscape unique.

Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

This beautiful beach can only be reached with a boat and it is completely exposed to northerly winds, so the first thing to check when planning a visit is the weather forecast, waves tend to be high under bad, weather conditions. It is precisely the north wind which carries the white rocks of the steep slopes at sea level and the sea constantly carves the white pebbles (or Lalaria) into perfect shapes.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete

Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, about 75 kilometers from the town of Chania, this small islet can be reached from the main beach sometimes even without touching the water. Pinkish sands and clear blue waters add a touch of exotic colors to the landscape. The island is a Natura 2000 protected area. Elafonisi is a piece of land with sporadic vegetation contrasting against the bare Cretan mountains.

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Also known as Anafonitria or the Shipwreck beach, Navagio has been claimed to be the most beautiful coastal area in the world. However, many visitors agree to claim that the beach is indeed beautiful when viewed from the edge of the cliff surrounding it. Otherwise, if looked at from the sea level, it might lose some of its charms.

Paleokastritsa, Corfu

Paleokastritsa is located 25 km northwest of Corfu Town. There are six sandy and pebbled beaches scattered around the area. The seaside is surrounded by olive tree groves that create a wonderful combination of green shades over the water. From its picturesque harbor, excursion boats depart for the nearby isolated beaches. The main beach of Paleokastritsa is quite small but with delicious cold waters that are fantastic during the hottest months of the season.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada

Located at the foot of an immense hill, Porto Katsiki is one of the main beaches of Lefkada and among the 10 best beaches of the Mediterranean. The natural beauty of Porto Katsiki consists of breathtaking white cliffs that create a unique contrast against the deep blue waters of the Ionian.

Balos Beach, Crete

One more exotic beaches on the island of Crete, Balos is considered by many as the most beautiful beach of the Mediterranean. It is located on the west of the island and it can be reached either driving over a difficult path or by boat. The sand offers pink shades that contrast with the striking light blue waters. The nearby islet of Gramvousa and its Venetian fortress add a touch of exotic charm to the area.

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia

Known as Voidokilia Bay but also Curve or Cove, this is beach is counted among the prettiest of the Mediterranean Sea. This sheltered bay is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and archaeologists believe it as a port in antiquity. Voidokilia is 12 km from the city of Pylos. Its impressive shape seems to be have been traced with a compass. The crystalline waters and fine sand offer a perfect environment that’s also protected from the winds.