Part of our Greece guide.
Greece’s beaches span volcanic sands, hidden coves, and island-hopping bases, but the best way to see them is to pick a region and go. Below are eight stops from our coverage, each with practical specifics on what makes its shoreline worth your time.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Greece, Beaches In Caribbean, Beaches In France, Beaches In Philippines, Hidden Gems In Greece, and Where To Stay In Greece.
Milos Island's Sea Caves
Milos, part of the Cyclades, is known for sea caves you can snorkel through, with natural arches and underwater rock formations. The island’s western coast has several caves accessible only by boat, so book a half-day trip from Adamas port. For calm water, aim for the sheltered coves near Kleftiko, where the turquoise visibility is at its best in the late morning. Carry your own mask and fins—rentals on the small beaches run out by noon in peak season.
10 Breathtaking Beach Towns In Greece You Need To See
Beach towns in Greece vary from whitewashed alleys to working fishing harbors. On Mykonos, Chora’s narrow streets lead straight to the water, but for a quieter scene, head to the northern coast where tavernas serve catch-of-the-day without the crowds. On the mainland, the Pelion peninsula’s coastal villages mix mountain trails with pebble beaches. Each town has at least one beach bar that sets out loungers by 10 a.m., so arrive early if you want a front-row spot.
Tips For Sailing The Saronic Islands In Greece
The Saronic Islands sit close to Athens, making them a practical sailing choice for a short trip. A typical route starts from the port of Piraeus, with the first stop at Aegina—about 1.5 hours by ferry. From there, Poros and Hydra are each a few hours’ sail, and you can anchor overnight in Hydra’s harbor, which is protected from the meltemi winds. Book a bareboat or skippered charter from a Piraeus operator; most require a sailing license for bareboat, but skippered options need none. Fuel and mooring fees run about €30–€50 per day depending on the marina.
Hidden Gems: Beautiful Beaches Near Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, gives you quick access to beaches along the Thermaic Gulf. Perea, the closest, is a 20-minute bus ride from the city center and has a long sandy stretch with beach bars. Farther east, Nea Iraklia offers quieter sands—about 45 minutes by car—where the water stays shallow for a long way out. For a weekend trip, drive to the Chalkidiki peninsula’s third prong, where you’ll find the turquoise water of Karidi Beach, a 1.5-hour drive from Thessaloniki. Pack your own umbrella; rentals are sparse at the less-developed spots.
Visiting The Volcanic Island Of Nisyros, A Lesser-Known Greek Gem
Nisyros sits in the southeastern Aegean, a short ferry ride from Kos (about 45 minutes). The island’s main draw is its volcanic crater, Stefanos, which you can walk into—the path takes about 20 minutes down and back up. The crater floor is bare rock, so wear sturdy shoes. The island’s only town, Mandraki, has a few family-run tavernas and a small archaeological museum. For a swim, head to the beach at Pali, a pebble cove with clear water and a single taverna. Nisyros sees a fraction of the visitors that Santorini gets, so you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself.
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND, GREECE
Zakynthos, in the Ionian Sea, is best known for Navagio Beach—the shipwreck cove—but the island’s real draw is its loggerhead sea turtles, which nest on the sandy shores of the bay at Laganas. The nesting season runs from May to October, and local boats keep a strict distance from the nests. For a quieter beach, head to the northern coast’s Porto Roxa, where the water is clear and the crowds thin out after 2 p.m. The island’s history shows in its Venetian fort in the capital, Zakynthos Town, which dates to the 16th century. Rent a car to reach the interior’s mountain villages; public buses only cover the main routes.
How To Spend 7 Days Island-Hopping In Greece
A 7-day island-hopping route works best if you limit yourself to two or three islands. Start from Athens, take the ferry to Mykonos (2.5 hours), spend two nights, then a fast ferry to Paros (45 minutes) for two nights, and end with a ferry to Naxos (30 minutes) for the final three. Ferry tickets for this route run about €60–€100 per person for the three legs, depending on speed and class. Book the first leg in advance—the morning ferries fill up in summer. Keep your luggage to a wheeled duffel; you’ll carry it on and off ferries and through narrow streets.
Connecting On The Island Of Ios In Greece: A Travel Story
Ios, in the Aegean, is often reduced to its nightlife, but the island’s interior rewards those who walk it. The main town, Chora, sits on a hill with a maze of whitewashed alleys and a castle ruin at the top—a 20-minute uphill walk from the port. The beach at Mylopotas is the busiest, with sunbeds and water sports, but a 30-minute hike over the headland brings you to the quieter sands of Klima. The island’s history surfaces in the ancient ruins at Skarkos, a Bronze Age settlement on the hillside above the port. For a local meal, order the goat stew at a family taverna in Chora’s main square; it’s slow-cooked and served with potatoes.
