The best beaches on the Greek Islands

As summer is approaching at full speed, we have asked our members to share a few of the best beaches on the Greek islands. Read on and see which ones you have visited before, or perhaps which ones you would like to visit on your next trip to Greece.  

Balos Beach, Chania, Crete 

Chrysoula of Travelpassionate

Balos Beach in Crete is a beautiful lagoon located just under 60km from Chania, close to the town of Kissamos. It is one of the most famous and most photographed beaches in Crete thanks to its incredibly turquoise water and powder white sand. The shallow waters flow over the soft banks and allow people of all ages to enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea.

Other highlights of the area around Balos Beach are the rocky outcrops, the Ancient Greek ruins on a nearby hillside and the old crumbling church that overlooks the bay. This gives visitors plenty to do even when not lounging on the beach or swimming in the ocean.

While there are small areas of organised beds and parasols, the beach is largely untouched, allowing visitors to pitch up wherever they like. The only downside of this rugged, open landscape is that there isn’t much shade, so you’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen or an umbrella of your own.

Balos Beach can be accessed by boat from Kissamos (morning ferries leaving daily throughout the summer), or by α 4Χ4 car or motorbike. After you leave your car at the parking you need to walk downhill for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Bisti beach, Hydra

Katerina of Limitlesstravelling

If you like small and secluded beaches located in a pine grove and surrounded by clear turquoise waters, then Bisti beach on the island of Hydra will exceed all your expectations.

This small piece of paradise is located about 8 km from the port of Hydra and can only be reached by a beach boat or water taxi. 

Despite the fact that the beach is quite small, there are plenty of sunbeds for everyone, even during the high season.  If there are no free umbrellas left, you can always relax under the shade of pine trees. You will find a little bar on the beach, but keep in mind, there is no good internet connection.  

The water in Bisti Bay is incredibly clear with emerald-turquoise colors. Therefore, here you will have a great pleasure to practice diving or SUP and even find several secluded wild beaches not far from Bisti beach.

Chios

Rania of Bachelor of Travel 

Chios is an island that belongs to a cluster of islands in the northern Aegean Sea. While not as well known, Chios will surprise everyone with the rich cultural heritage, excellent local products and more than fifty beaches on offer.

The most popular beach on the island and one of the best beaches on the Greek islands, in general, is Mavra Volia. Located in the southern part, this is not your typical sandy beach. The sea bed is the result of unique geological formations and consists of large volcanic pebbles. Prepare to dive into deep, dark and refreshingly cold waters and witness how the black colour of the rocks reflects on the water. An eerie and unique beach experience.

The large stones can be a challenge to navigate, so it is best visited early in the morning or later in the day to avoid scorching your feet on the burning rocks. In addition to sunbathing, you can use the rocks for a quick hot-stone massage!

“Tis grias to pidima” Beach in Andros

Tzina of  Love for Travel

The name of the beach translates as the jump of an old lady and besides its amusing name, it is the most popular and characteristic beach of Andros and is located right next to Korthi. The beach is considered inaccessible due to its location and the route through the narrow streets of Korthi which confuses and disorients the visitor who is visiting these  places for the first time. To get to the beach, you will have to drive north from the bay of Korthi to the port of Vinci. At the intersection, with Rogos you will continue straight for a while. The last part of the route takes through a dirt road but it is passable. From this point, the beach is not visible and if there are no other cars parked, there is a risk of missing the location  without realizing it. You have to leave the car and find the path that will take you down to the beach. The view from above is absolutely unique!

Elafonissi Beach in Crete: the paradise model

Celeste of  Family Experiences in Greece Blog

“To me Elafonissi is the model God made before creating heaven…The realization of why nature is so divine and why less is more”

Elafonissi beach is located in the Southwest end of the prefecture of Chania, approximately 70 km from the city of Chania on Crete island. The easiest and fastest way get to Elafonissi beach is to drive or take a taxi.

Elafonissi is a very special beach because of its exotic topography and natural beauty. It consists of a long and narrow peninsula with white sandy beaches on both sides, full of white lilies and sandstones. It is almost like a small island inside a natural lagoon. To reach the island you have to walk through the sea. 

Elafonissi is a protected area, it is included in the Natura 2000 Protection Program and was listed in CNN’s Worlds Best Beaches of 2019.

Elafonissi’s heavenly landscape, the shallow turquoise waters and its long stretches of fine white and pink sand (made of crushed shell powder) create a magical atmosphere that is unique in Greece.

Kids will love Elafonissi beach for its natural adventure, its little coves that are ideal for snorkeling, its rocks full of sea life such as sea urchins. The warm lagoon waters are shallow making it a safe place for children to swim and play. 

Elafonissi is a must-visit with the family in Crete, if you want to find out how to plan your visit and when is the best time, have a look at Elafonissi Beach in Crete; the paradise model. 

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Amber of Provocolate

One of the usual suspects on a list of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Porto Katsiki is famous and popular. But the crowds of other adoring fans should not stop you from going there – it’s big enough for everyone, and it’s famous for a reason. This dramatic beach on the Island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea curves around a particularly lovely slice of the Ionian. Very high white cliffs surround the beach. Those cliffs are how the beach got its name. “Katsiki” doesn’t mean cliff though; it means “goat” – the only creatures who used to be able to reach this remote spot. Now, there are stairs – many of them (some say 80). 

You’ll see some cantinas at the parking lot and before you head down. They’re handing out fliers and you should definitely take one. Because the cantinas offer beachside service – someone will climb down the stairs with a club sandwich and a couple of cold beers for you if you call them. This feels like the ultimate in luxury after an unbelievable swim. Bring whatever else you might need with you – plenty of water, towels, sunscreen, a hat, and even an umbrella. Depending on the hour, you may not find much shade from those luminous white cliffs. 

The cliffs are matched by a beach of blinding white smooth pebbles – not sand. I’m a fan of pebble beaches – they’re so clean! Also, the white of the sea floor makes the water here an almost unbelievably intense blue. The water is fantastic for swimming, and along the right side of the beach you can swim right into some small open caves. 

As with other beaches in Lefkada, this can get wavy – although it was calm when we visited. 

Porto Katsiki is well worth the drive, and the small climb. This beach earns its gold star reputation. 

Simos Beach in Elafonisos 

Callie & Kathy of Anthomeli

Elafonisos is a small island opposite Pounta village in Laconia, Peloponnese, and you can visit it by ferry. Even though it is small and it is inhabited only by almost 750 people, it is famous for its beaches and especially for Simos Beach, which is considered as one of the top beaches in Greece and around the world.

Actually, Simos Beach is consisted of two beaches, Megalos Simos (Large) and Mikros Simos (Small) . A narrow stretch of sandy land separates the two beaches making a distinct scenery for the tourists. These two beaches are gifted with exotic turquoise waters which are also very popular to wind surfers and yacht owners. A small part of the beach is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, music and drinks but because of the length there are plenty of areas where you can use your own beach equipment. However, be prepared for some walking as it needs some walking to reach the ideal spot from the parking lot. 

The crystal-clear blue waters are ideal for all ages as the depth is also suitable for families with kids. There is also a campsite next to the beach! Don’t forget your swimming gear to explore the underwater area and plenty of sunscreen as you are not going to leave the beach until late in the evening.  I assure you it is going to be a special and unforgettable swimming experience! 

Polyaigos, Cyclades 

Elena of Passion for Greece

The island of many goats, as the name “Polyaigos” implies, is located a boat ride away from Kimolos and Milos where you can hike up to an old Monastery, swim in the most beautiful crystal-clear blue water — and witness the magic of the Galazia Nera (Blue Waters). The island is also know for its remarkable geological and ecological value and is included in the European Network of Natura 2000. It is also home to the largest population of Mediterranean Monk Seal. There are several boat trips that you can opt for that will take you to this special hideaway.