10 Breathtaking Beaches in Greece, Grouped by the Vibe You’re Chasing

Greece has enough beaches to make even your favourite Bintan resort feel like a sandbox. With thousands of islands and more coastline than you could ever realistically explore, it’s a paradise for every kind of beach-goer. Whether you’re planning a post-grad Eurotrip, a honeymoon to remember, or just daydreaming during office hours, this beach list’s for you. Here are the 10 best beaches in Greece, sorted by vibe, so you don’t have to scroll endlessly or “see where the ferry takes you.”

Also read: 6 Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

For the Instagrammers

1. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most iconic beaches in Greece. Surrounded by steep white cliffs and vivid blue waters, it’s known for the rusted shipwreck that sits dramatically on its white-sand shore. The beach itself is only accessible by boat, while an inland viewpoint offers a panoramic view from above.

TripZilla Tip: The beach gets extremely crowded in peak season. For a quieter experience and the best photos, go early in the morning or outside the summer months.

Getting there: Boat tours depart from Zakynthos Town and Porto Vromi. The viewpoint is signposted between Anafonitria and Volimes, best reached by car.

2. Elafonisi, Crete

Elafonisi is known for its distinctive pink-tinged sand, clear shallow waters, and wide open shore. During low tide, you can wade across a narrow strip of water to reach the small islet just offshore, often forming a mirrored double beach. While undeniably beautiful, the beach can get overcrowded in summer and its limited infrastructure struggles with the peak season volume.

TripZilla Tip: Visit in the shoulder months (May–June or September) for a quieter, more sustainable experience.

Getting there: Located on Crete’s southwest coast, Elafonisi is accessible by car, bus from Chania, or seasonal boat from Palaiochora.

For the Nature Escapists

3. Seychelles Beach, Ikaria

Seychelles Beach is a small, secluded cove tucked beneath marble cliffs on the southern coast of Ikaria. Its rounded white pebbles, turquoise waters, and dramatic rock formations make it one of the island’s most scenic beaches. There are no facilities, and reaching it requires a short but steep hike down an unmarked path.

TripZilla Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. The trail down can be slippery, especially in summer.

Getting there: Park near the tunnel on the road to Manganitis and walk about 15 minutes down the ravine.

4. Voidokilia Beach, Messinia

Shaped like a perfect semicircle, Voidokilia is bordered by sand dunes and shallow, calm waters that feel untouched by development. The area is protected and free of built-up infrastructure, with no sunbeds or cafés in sight. The beach is also linked to Homeric myth, believed to be the “sandy Pylos” mentioned in The Odyssey.

TripZilla Tip: Bring your own water, snacks and shade. There are no amenities nearby.

Getting there: Reachable by car from Gialova, followed by a short walk from the Paleokastro parking lot. You can also hike in from Petrochori.

Also read: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Folegandros, a Little-Known Island in Greece

For the Water Sport Enthusiasts

5. Apella Beach, Karpathos

Backed by steep cliffs and pine-covered hills, Apella Beach is known for its clear blue water and quiet atmosphere. The beach is mostly pebbly, though the water is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There is a taverna above the beach, but few other facilities, which keeps it relatively peaceful even in peak season.

TripZilla Tip: The easiest and most scenic way to reach Apella is by boat. Roads are narrow and winding.

Getting there: Boats depart from Pigadia, the island’s main port. Driving is possible but less recommended.

6. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, with a wide arc of white pebbles and bright blue water framed by cliffs. While it looks sandy from above, the beach is actually made of small white stones, which give the water its electric hue. There are sunbeds and parasols for rent, but the beach fills up quickly.

TripZilla Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and calmer water.

Getting there: Located near the village of Divarata. Buses run from Argostoli, or you can drive and park at the cliffside lot.

For the Social and Sporty

7. Platys Gialos, Mykonos

Platys Gialos is one of the most popular beaches on Mykonos, lined with restaurants, sunbeds, and water sports facilities. It’s a convenient, well-organised beach that appeals to visitors looking for a full day out — you can rent jet skis, go paddleboarding, or simply spend the afternoon at a seaside café. Despite the crowd, the beach is clean and the water is calm and swimmable.

TripZilla Tip: If you’re visiting in peak season, reserve sunbeds in advance or arrive early to get a spot near the water.

Getting there: Easily reached by bus from Mykonos Town (Fabrika station).

8. Falassarna, Crete

Falassarna is a long, open beach on the west coast of Crete known for its wide sands, clear water and excellent sunset views. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than some of Crete’s other developed beaches, but still offers rental sunbeds, casual beach bars, and a range of water sports like windsurfing. The beach is divided into several coves, so it’s easy to find a spot away from the main crowd if you prefer.

TripZilla Tip: The southern end, also known as Big Beach, is the most accessible and popular. For more space, walk further north.

Getting there: About 90 minutes by car or public bus from Chania. Parking is available above the beach.

Also read: 10 Picture-Perfect Airbnbs in Mykonos, Greece

For Families and Chill Days

9. Paleokastritsa, Corfu

Paleokastritsa is a resort area on Corfu’s northwest coast, made up of a series of small bays with clear, shallow water. The main beach is backed by olive groves and cliffs, with sunbeds, cafés and boat rental kiosks lining the shore. It’s a good spot for families, with calm water and easy access to nearby facilities.

TripZilla Tip: The area gets busy in summer. Arrive early if you want a sunbed or parking near the beach.

Getting there: Regular buses run from Corfu Town. The beach is also accessible by car, with nearby parking available.

10. Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

Set between two forested headlands, Koukounaries is a long stretch of soft sand shaded by pine trees. The beach is well-organised, with sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports operators, but still manages to retain a calm and relaxed feel. The shallow water makes it especially suitable for children.

TripZilla Tip: Koukounaries sits within a nature reserve. Stick to marked paths and avoid littering to help preserve the area.

Getting there: Buses run frequently from Skiathos Town. The beach is a short walk from the final bus stop.

Final thoughts

Greece’s beaches are famous, yes. But don’t go to chase a name or tick off a list. The moments that stay with you are often the quiet, ordinary ones you barely noticed at the time.

That’s the thing about beaches. Unlike landmarks or historical sites, they don’t offer plaques, timelines, or stories carved in stone. What you’ll probably remember most is the soft, gentle waves lapping on the shore on a lazy afternoon. So don’t worry too much about finding the best beach in Greece. Just find one that gives you room to pause…and stay a little longer than you planned.