The Best Beaches in Greece

Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets and a coastline of nearly 8,500 miles, making choices for the country’s best beaches a competitive one. And while travelers no doubt have personal preferences as to what makes a Greek beach actually swoon-worthy, the following have been vetted for their sand, surf, history, and hidden locations. Happy beaching.
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    Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

    Why we love it: Sheltered by cliffs, Navagio is only accessible by boat, and draws its name (“Shipwreck”) from a freighter that ran aground, was abandoned, and still rests in the beach’s white sands today.

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    Sarakiniko, Milos

    Why we love it: Large, sun-bleached rocks eroded by saltwater stretch out over the sea, and give the impression that you're standing on the moon.

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    Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

    Why we love it: Though visitors can now park atop the cliff and walk down 80 steps to the sand below, this beach translates to “Goat Port,” since previously, goats were the only ones able to reach the area.

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    Lalaria, Skiathos

    Why we love it: Lalaria is the Greek word for pebbles, which line the beach and give it its name. Just don't dream of taking a white pebble home for a souvenir: Authorities on Skiathos have threatened fines of up to $1,100.

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    Balos Beach and Lagoon, Crete

    Why we love it: White (and up close, pink) sand stretches surround shallow pools of saltwater, making for a beautiful, secluded spot; Prince Charles and Princess Diana reputedly spent part of their honeymoon here, floating on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

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    St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes

    Why we love it: St. Paul reportedly landed here in the year 51 A.D. to preach Christianity to the island’s citizens, and the picturesque bay has since become popular for another sort of religious experience—albeit the kind with warm water and golden sand.

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    Myrtos, Kefalonia

    Why we love it: Its hard-to-reach location—between two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, backed by steep limestone cliffs—doesn’t deter travelers from hiking down to the turquoise water.

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    Voidokoilia, Messinia

    Why we love it: In the shape of the Greek letter omega (Ω), Voidokoilia has had the same name since ancient times—Homer even referred to it in his poems.