Not all Greek beaches are created equal. Some are postcard-perfect but packed by midday, while others trade white sand for space, calm water, and the kind of quiet you actually came for.
This guide focuses on Greece’s best sandy beaches – not just the most famous ones, but the beaches that are genuinely enjoyable to swim at, easy to spend a full day on, and worth choosing over the pebbled alternatives Greece is often known for.
Pack a lightweight towel, SPF 50, and your curiosity: you’re about to beach-hop like a pro.
Top Sandy Beaches To Bookmark Now
Elafonissi Beach, Crete (Pink Sands And Shallow Lagoons)
Elafonissi is the beach you’ve seen on postcards and then some. Wind-sculpted dunes lead to blush-pink sand and ankle-deep lagoons that feel like nature’s infinity pools. Go early (before 10 a.m.) to beat tour-bus crowds from Chania. Rent a car for flexibility (about €40–€70/day) or join a day tour. Sunbeds range €20–€30 per set: bring water shoes if you plan to wade toward the islet.
Balos Lagoon, Crete (Turquoise Sandbar At The Edge Of The Aegean)
Balos looks unreal, turquoise shallows, a sandbar curling beneath a fortress-like cape. The rough road requires a confident driver (small cars can make it: parking fee ~€1–€2), or take the ferry from Kissamos (~€30–€40 round trip). Arrive by 9 a.m. for light that makes the lagoon glow. Facilities are minimal, pack snacks, shade, and a bag for your trash.
Simos Beach, Elafonisos (Twin Bays Of Powder-Fine Sand)
Two mirrored crescents of sugar-fine sand cradle neon-clear water you’ll never want to leave. Simos is blissfully simple: a couple of beach bars, sunbed sets (~€15–€25), and space to breathe. Reach Elafonisos via ferry from Pounta (5 minutes: cars allowed). Best wind conditions are mornings: by afternoon the meltemi can kick up light chop, a plus for SUP lovers.
Voidokilia Beach, Peloponnese (Perfect Omega-Shaped Cove)
From above, Voidokilia is an omega symbol traced in white sand. On the ground, it’s calm, shallow, and protected, bring a picnic: there are no services on the beach itself. Hike up to the Old Navarino Castle for a panorama you’ll replay in your head for years. Base yourself in Pylos or Gialova: arrive early for parking and shade from the dunes.
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos (Pine-Fringed Gold Sand)
A golden arc backed by fragrant pines and a protected wetland, Koukounaries blends beauty with convenience. The sand is soft, the shelf gentle, great for kids and floaties. Easy access by local bus from Skiathos Town (every 15–20 minutes in summer). Expect more amenities here: water sports, cafés, and organized sunbeds (~€15–€25). For quieter vibes, walk to neighboring Banana or Mandraki.
Agios Prokopios & Plaka, Naxos (Endless Dunes And Calm, Clear Water)
Naxos is where you stretch out and exhale. Agios Prokopios offers glass-clear, waveless water perfect for easy swims, while Plaka’s long dune-backed beach invites long walks at sunset. Choose a chic beach club near Agios Prokopios or go DIY on Plaka with your own umbrella. Naxos Town is 10–15 minutes by bus: sunbed sets run about €20–€30.
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti), Paros (Soft Sand And Gentle Surf)
True to its name, Golden Beach is a honeyed sweep with shallow entry and steady breezes, kitesurfers love it, but it’s friendly for swimmers, too. Rent gear or keep it simple with a lounger and freddo espresso. Stay in Naousa (30 minutes by car) for nightlife, then return in the morning before the wind picks up. Family-friendly, with cafés and restrooms convenient.
Pori Beach, Koufonisia (Electric-Blue Water On A Tiny Island)
On tiny Koufonisia, Pori is a revelation, electric-blue water that begs for an all-day float. There are minimal services, so bring shade, water, and snacks. Walk or cycle from town (25–35 minutes), or hop a small boat taxi that circuits the beaches. If you can swing a weekday in shoulder season, you may share the bay with only a handful of fellow bliss-chasers.
Gerakas Beach, Zakynthos (Soft Sand And Sea Turtle Sanctuary)
Gerakas is part of the National Marine Park, home to nesting loggerhead turtles. You’ll see roped-off sections and signs, do not plant umbrellas in the dunes or near nests. Facilities sit back from the sand: no loud music or night access. Swim in warm, shallow water, watch for ranger briefings, and leave only footprints. It’s beauty with purpose.
Tsambika Beach, Rhodes (Wide, Warm, Family-Friendly Stretch)
Tsambika is a generous, golden runway of sand with calm water and plenty of space. It’s ideal for kids, casual swims, and a lazy, perfect beach day. The monastery viewpoint above rewards a short climb with sweeping photos. You’ll find parking, tavernas, and sunbeds (~€15–€25). Combine with a stop in Lindos for whitewashed lanes and rooftop dinners.
How To Choose Your Perfect Greek Beach
- Vibes and crowds: Prefer hush over hubbub? Pori and Voidokilia skew tranquil: Koukounaries and Tsambika are lively with amenities.
- Accessibility: You’ll reach Balos via dirt road or boat: Elafonissi is an easy drive. Islands like Paros and Naxos offer frequent ferries and buses.
- Amenities: Families often appreciate organized beaches with lifeguards, cafés, and restrooms (Koukounaries, Agios Prokopios). If you crave solitude, bring your own shade and supplies.
- Water conditions: For silky-calm swims, aim for mornings and wind-sheltered coves. Surfy breezes pick up in the afternoon on Paros and Naxos.
- Base and logistics: Pick one island hub per region to minimize transit. Example: Base in Chania for Elafonissi and Balos: Naousa (Paros) for Golden Beach: Naxos Town for Agios Prokopios/Plaka.
When To Go And Key Logistics For U.S. Travelers
- Best months: Late May–June and September are the sweet spot, warm water, open businesses, fewer crowds. July–August bring peak heat and prices: still glorious, just plan early starts and siestas.
- Getting there: Fly into Athens (ATH) for most routings. Seasonal directs to Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini help you skip a connection. Athens to Crete or Rhodes can be $60–$140 one-way on Aegean/Sky Express if booked early.
- Ferries: High-speed ferries link the Cyclades (Paros, Naxos) in 3–4 hours from Piraeus (~€45–€85). Book popular routes 2–4 weeks ahead for summer.
- Island hopping: Stick to one cluster (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian) to avoid long transfers. A 7–10 day trip pairs nicely as: Paros + Naxos: Crete only: or Rhodes + Symi.
- Getting around: Renting a car unlocks the harder-to-reach spots (from €35–€70/day: automatic costs more). On-island buses are reliable on Naxos, Paros, and Skiathos.
- Beach day costs: Sunbed sets typically €15–€30: simple lunch €10–€18: espresso €3–€4: liter of water €1 at markets. Cash is handy for small kiosks, though cards are widely accepted.
- Etiquette quick hits: Music volume low, no smoking near families, pack out trash, and keep drones away from nesting zones and crowded areas.
Responsible Beach Etiquette (And How To Protect Turtles)
- At turtle beaches like Gerakas, obey roped-off areas, avoid walking on dunes, and never place umbrellas near marked nests.
- No lights at night: Bright light disorients hatchlings. If you’re staying nearby, use warm, low lighting and keep beachfront curtains drawn after dark.
- Leave no trace: Bring a reusable bag for your trash, skip single-use plastics, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
- Respect seagrass: Posidonia meadows stabilize sand and shelter fish, don’t anchor boats there and avoid churning it up.
- Quiet is kindness: Keep speakers off, especially at protected coves. Wildlife, and fellow travelers, will thank you.
Conclusion
If your version of happiness is sun-warmed shoulders and clear water, Greece delivers in ten different dialects of bliss. From Crete’s watercolor lagoons to Koufonisia’s electric-blue bowl, you’ll find your spot, lively or low-key, organized or wild, and you’ll measure time in swims instead of minutes.
Travel Tips
- Aim for mornings: Softer light, calmer water, easier parking.
- Pick a hub: One island base per region keeps logistics smooth.
- Pack smart: Quick-dry towel, hat, reef-safe SPF, collapsible cooler.
- Book the big stuff early: Summer ferries, rental cars, and a couple of great dinners.
- Be a good guest: Leave no trace, and give space to wildlife.
With a little planning, and a lot of floating, you’ll see why these are the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece, and why you’ll be plotting your return before your hair even dries.