The 12 best beaches in the Greek Islands

We’re kicking things off on the island of Kefalonia, one of the lushest Greek Islands with incredible beaches around every corner. Myrtos is the most popular – and most recognisable – spot on Kefalonia, just outside the village of Assos. The crescent-shaped beach boasts pure white sand and deep blue waters, set against the towering backdrop of forested cliffs. If you head to Myrtos in the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing dip before kicking back to watch the magical sunset.

Yep, we know, looking at these photos it’d be easy to confuse Porto Katsiki for Myrtos. It’s not surprising these beaches have similar looks, with both Lefkada and Kefalonia being known for their natural beauty. Porto Katsiki is another stunning spot for a dip, with a white-pebbled beach set against verdant cliffside and BEAUTIFUL turquoise water to swim in.

Agios Prokopios is considered one of the best beaches in Greece, thanks to its soft golden sand and still turquoise waters. This calm beach, just outside the town of Naxos, is the perfect place for a relaxing day by the sea.

 

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Another treasured beach from the island of Kefalonia, Petani is nestled in the lush green hills near the town of Lixouri. Though the turquoise and deep blue swirl of the water looks relaxing, the beach is known for its depth (the sand quickly plummets just after the shoreline) and it has bigger waves than some beaches along the island. So it’s an epic beach for avid swimmers.

 

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Often compared to a lunar moonscape, Sarakiniko Beach is actually made up of several different banks and alcoves jutting in between rocks. The blue waters, and the contrasting bright white volcanic rock, make Sarakiniko one of the most photogenic beaches in the Greek Islands.

The famous bay of Navagio is known more commonly as ‘shipwreck beach’ thanks to the rust-coloured ruins of an old ship on the shore. You can only reach the secluded cove by boat, but plenty of ships leave Zakynthos Town (and many other towns and villages) to explore the bay every single day.

If you could transport us anywhere in the world right now we’d pick Agiofili – a beautiful beach just outside the Vasiliki Port. Snorkelling, swimming and good vibes are waiting for you in this quaint little bay. With clear waters, colourful wildlife and immaculate white pebbled sand, this is what Greek Island dreams are made of!

 

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In stark contrast to the light and bright Agiofili, Red Beach in Santorini is famous for – you guessed it – deep red sand and red cliffs that surround the small inlet. It’s a popular sight to see, so can get a little crowded during peak season, but the striking colours and inviting waters make the trip from Akrotiri town worth it.

 

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Another famous spot, Elafonissi is actually an islet off the southwest coast of Crete. Keen beachgoers wade out across the shallow lagoon to reach the island, where they can kick back on the pale pink sand and swim in the crystal clear waters.

 

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Another bay with exclusive access, Gidaki can only be reached by boat from the Port of Vathy in Itaca (or by a really, really long walk through the greenery). But a day trip to this picture-perfect beach is worth a spot on your bucket list. Thanks to the limited access, the shore remains relatively untouched with a clean white pebbled beach and crystalline waters to float along.

 

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A short drive from the town of Skopelos you’ll find this idyllic beach stretched along the shoreline of leafy green hills. The grey pebbles along the beach may not be the most ~comfortable~ to lie on after a dip, but with crystal clear waters like this, a little pebble is no bother. And if the water isn’t enough to satisfy you, the pretty views should do the trick!

 

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Another popular spot from Crete, Balos is a secluded beach up in the north end of the island. Soft white sand with a pinkish tint, hues of blue and green in the water and seemingly endless swimming space make this beach a must-visit.