Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Your Guide to the Very Best Beaches in Greece to Visit This Summer
“Mythological” doesn’t even begin to to describe these eye-wateringly blue destinations.
When planning a beach vacation, sometimes it’s helpful to remain hyperfocused on geography. After you’ve exhausted your exhaustive searches based on sand color—pink, black, white—and obscurity, it’s time to commit to a country—let’s call it Greece. The ancient country, where Western Civilization got some of its greatest ideas (see: Democracy), sits between the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian seas and while beaches elsewhere might offer the standard-issue sun and sand, the Greek ones are steeped in history and mythology. You’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere as dense with sun-soaked sand and ancient spirits as the mainland and its hundreds of mythical islands.
For Misty Belles, an executive at luxury travel consortium Virtuoso, the Greek island with the best beaches is Santorini. “The volcanic rock provides a diversity in color and composition with red, white, and black shores,” she says. The country also has no shortage of luxury beach resorts like the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, in Messinia, which opened recently. And for those seeking more than natural beauty, solitude, and stuffing their faces with taramasalata, some of the Greek islands, Belles reminds us, are well known for their Dionysian nightlife. Mykonos, anyone? But at the end of the iméra, whatever your vibe—or vice—at least one of these 15 Greek beaches will fulfill your needs.
Voidokilia Beach, Messinia
For the Before Midnight fans out there, this amphitheater-shaped beach is located in the heart of the Peloponnese. In addition to its aesthetic bona fides, the beach is said to be the home of Nestor’s Cave, the place where the deceitful god Hermes kept the cattle he stole from his half-brother Apollo. And the cherry on top of a visit here is staying at the long-awaited new Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, located 20 minutes away by car.
Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
Sarakiniko is a surreal lunar landscape of white volcanic rock contrasting with the deep blue of the Aegean. It’s a solid 10 on the rugged-otherworldly-beauty-o-meter.
Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
Tucked away on the tiny island of Antipaxos, Voutoumi does a number on your eyeballs with its crystalline waters and powdery white sand, surrounded by lush green cliffs. It’s almost too perfect.
Seychelles Beach, Ikaria
It turns out that the Seychelles are closer than Expedia might have you believe. Named after its resemblance to the shores of the East African archipelago, this rugged beach on the island of Ikaria is a good choice for those looking to stray from the beaten path.
Elafonissi Beach, Crete
We’ve seen a lot of white sand so far, but if pink is still your color after the Barbiecore craze beat it to death, then Elafonissi is for you. Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, the beach looks like it’s been super-soaked in Whispering Angel.
Plaka Beach, Naxos
On the western coast of Naxos, Plaka Beach is white sand and azure waters framed by rolling dunes and towering cliffs. It’s also a haven for nudists, so if you’re going for the full bronze statue look, Plaka awaits.
Paliorema Beach, Milos
Paliorema is more than the sum of its red cliffs and clear turquoise waters. In fact, the beach is home to the remnants of an abandoned 19th-century sulfur mine. Between sunbathing sessions, you can explore the ruins of the still-extant facilities.
Possidi Cape, Halkidiki
When the Aegean Sea gives you the finger, you should be happy. Possidi Cape in Halkidiki is a digit-shaped stretch of seemingly untouched coastline, perfect for beachgoers seeking just a little more solitude than usual.
Kolimvithra Beach, Tinos
Kolimvithra blends natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Sun-stroked visitors can take a break to check out ancient ruins and traditional Tinos villages.
Astir Beach, Athens
Away from the urban din of Athens center lies Astir, a ritzy private beach club along the Athenian Riviera. Beyond the beach, the food offerings are righteous, and there are numerous historic sites nearby, such as the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, just 50 minutes away by car.
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Framed by towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat, Navagio, on the island of Zakynthos, is a flex. Getting there shows commitment, but once you’ve arrived, the social media content creates itself.
Apantima Beach, Antiparos
Apantima is synonymous with unspoiled beauty and cultural heft. It’s surrounded not just by rugged cliffs, but also by ancient ruins and charming villages steeped in tradition.
Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos
The party starts and ends here. Platys Gialos on Mykonos epitomizes Greek island luxury. It’s the height of glam, perhaps why celebrities gravitate to it.
Balos Beach, Crete
Venturing to the northwestern coast of Crete gets you to the Balos, a beach endowed with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. Nearby, there are historic sites aplenty, including the ancient city of Aptera, which features Minoan and Roman ruins, ancient walls, and a cistern.
Red Beach, Santorini
Better dead than red? Not in Santorini! Come for the dramatic crimson landscape of Red Beach, where its towering lava cliff frames a crescent of dark sand on the Aegean.
LEARN MORE
Charles Curkin is ELLE Decor's Articles Editor, covering everything related to luxury watches, design, and travel, and has previously written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Paris Review.
12 Seriously Spooky Abandoned Hotels
The 15 Best Spas in New York City
15 of the Best Destination Spas to Visit Now
The Ultimate Milan Restaurant Guide
