The 10 Best Greek Islands for Beaches—From Party Spots to Peaceful Shores

Crete offers 650 miles of beautiful coastline, with hundreds of idyllic stretches of sand that make it one of the best Greek islands for beaches, many of which are perfect for swimming. Some are secluded, while others are well-equipped with loungers, umbrellas and a wide range of facilities. Elafonissi is one of the most famous, tucked into the island’s southwestern corner. Often named among the world’s best beaches, it’s a breathtaking stretch of pristine white sand tinged pink from crushed red coral.

Don’t Miss: Balos is another favorite, located northwest of Kissamos on the west side of Gramvoussa Cape. A vision to behold, its swirling white sands are bordered by brilliant turquoise waters at the base of the Platiskinos Mountains. You can reach it by boat tour or by a short but steep hike. To fully appreciate its beauty, I recommend hiking in—arriving early to catch the colorful sunrise and avoid the crowds. In between beach days, there’s plenty more to explore, from hiking rugged canyons and mountains to stepping back in time at Knossos Palace, one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites dating back to 1700 BC.

Naxos has been getting a lot of attention lately for its impressive sea- and farm-to-table food scene, but it’s long been renowned for its white sandy beaches. You’ll find some of the best in the Greek islands here, including Plaka, a 2.5-mile stretch just a short distance from Naxos Town. Thanks to its length, you’ll find both secluded areas where you can toss down your beach towel and enjoy the peace, as well as organized sections with facilities like watersports, loungers, bars and restaurants. No matter where you go, the translucent turquoise water is perfect for swimming.

Don’t Miss: For an even more peaceful setting, head about 3.5 miles south to Kastraki. This wide, two-mile-long stretch of soft sand is backed by rugged mountains and offers plenty of tranquility, along with the same surreal blue waters ideal for swimming. Facilities are limited, but you’ll find a few tavernas nearby.

Mykonos beaches are world-famous, with a stretch suited for nearly everyone. Most feature white powdery sands, with some serving as the heart of the party scene, like Paradise Beach, where the music and festivities go nearly 24/7 during peak summer months. It draws a mostly young crowd and is home to popular beach bars where DJs spin tunes, including Tropicana and the clifftop Cavo Paradiso, which also boasts an outdoor pool and stunning views.

Don’t Miss: Elia Beach is a great choice for swimming and watersports like parasailing, water skiing, and windsurfing, while Ornos is perfect for families—it’s home to Pasaji, the most family-friendly beach club on the island. If you’re seeking seclusion, head to the north side of the island, where you’ll find more remote beaches like Fokos. There are no beach clubs or facilities aside from one taverna, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more tranquil spot.

Paros is another beautiful Cycladic island, tucked between Naxos and Sifnos. Its beaches are the main attraction, offering everything from windsurfing and watersports to peaceful stretches perfect for relaxation. Photogenic Golden Beach is popular for its lessons and rentals, while Laggeri offers a more secluded escape, with soft sands and dunes surrounded by cedar trees for privacy and shade. Marcello is a standout, with a white crescent shoreline and turquoise waters that resemble a giant natural swimming pool. Koymbithres has become Instagram-famous for its craggy coves and unique rock formations that make for a breathtaking visual. As a series of small beaches, it offers both private sunbathing spots and well-equipped areas with umbrellas and loungers.

Don’t Miss: In between beach sessions, be sure to wander through Parikia. It’s home to charming Cycladic architecture and the famous 4th-century Byzantine Church of Ekatontapiliani, often called the Church with the Hundred Doors.

The southernmost island in the Cyclades, Milos is best known for its more than 75 beaches. They range from pebbly and sandy shores to the iconic Sarakiniko, with its lunar-like landscape of smooth, chalk-white rock formations. It’s a must-see, dramatically contrasted by water that shifts in color from deep emerald to electric blue. Kleftiko is another standout, known for its striking rock formations, but it can only be reached by sea, so you’ll need to book a boat tour to experience it. Many tours also include a stop at natural hot springs right along the shore.

Don’t Miss: If you’re looking for sand, head to Firiplaka. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Milos, with crystal-clear turquoise water, a beach bar, watersports facilities, umbrellas and loungers. For a bit of adventure, make your way to hidden Tsigrado, accessible only via ropes and ladders—just be sure to arrive early, as the small sandy cove fills up fast.

Koufonisia (also known as Koufonisi) is located between Naxos and Amorgos and is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the Aegean, including dazzling, secluded stretches. Fronting Chora, Ammos is a long sandy beach with clear aquamarine waters and spectacular views of Keros. Between sunbathing and swimming, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many seaside tavernas.

Don’t Miss: Finikas is a quieter, longer and more unspoiled stretch, with soft sands edged by brilliant turquoise waters. Pori offers similarly crystalline waters and soft sands, while also being close to popular attractions like the Gala and Kyslompatis Caves. Visitors can also hop on a water taxi to Kato Koufonisi, which has even more idyllic spots—like the exotic Hawaii Beach, one of the best places for swimming.

The Ionian Islands, located west of the mainland, are also home to stunning beaches, but none more famous than Navagio Beach, often referred to as Shipwreck Beach for the rusted skeleton of a shipwreck that rests on its pristine white sands. Tucked between two soaring cliffs and lapped by brilliant Easter egg blue waters, it’s one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Be sure to capture a photo from above and join a boat tour to swim off its shores and explore the wreck up close.

Don’t Miss: Zakynthos has many other beaches worth visiting, including sandy Laganas, where you’ll find everything you need for a full day of fun in the sun. The longest beach on the island, it stretches over 5.5 miles and features shallow, turquoise waters ideal for little ones. With beach bars, umbrellas, loungers—and the chance to spot endangered Caretta Caretta turtles, which nest here—it’s a favorite for families. Old Alykanas on the east coast offers umbrellas, deckchairs and watersports rentals, while the other end remains quiet and often empty, perfect for peaceful seclusion. It’s also a fantastic spot to watch a colorful sunrise.

Kefalonia is the largest of the lush Ionian Islands—wild, unspoiled and home to many white sandy beaches. The most famous and photogenic is Myrtos, an idyllic spot for swimming and snorkeling. Nestled between dramatic white cliffs and framed by striking blue water that practically glows under the sun thanks to the marble sediment, it’s a vision you won’t soon forget. On the southeast coast, Poros is a long, pebbly stretch with shallow waters for swimming and all the amenities you’ll need, including umbrellas, loungers, bars and tavernas. For something more off the beaten path, head to Agios Sofia. With its transparent turquoise water, magnificent views of Ithaca and peaceful setting, it’s a serene spot where crowds are rare due to the lack of facilities.

Don’t Miss: Beaches near the village of Fiskardo are particularly good for snorkeling. Emblisi Beach features glistening white pebbles and crystal-clear blue water, while Foki Beach is surrounded by tall forest and framed by calm, sheltered waters. When you’re ready for a break from the beach, visit Mount Ainos National Park, which offers scenic hiking trails and wildlife spotting, including deer and wild horses.

Also part of the Ionian archipelago, Corfu receives more rainfall than the other islands, making it the lushest of them all. Its emerald mountains slope down to sandy beaches lapped by water that looks as if it were painted by an artist’s brush—shades of green and blue blending harmoniously. Most of the beaches here feature soft golden sand, umbrellas and loungers and water sports facilities. Paleokastritsa is one of the most famous, located 15 miles northwest of Corfu Town. The dramatic scenery—with towering green cliffs and sea caves—is a major highlight, and it also offers a diving center for those looking to explore the underwater world in more depth.

Don’t Miss: A few other favorites include Pelakas, a long stretch just eight miles west of Corfu Town, framed by caves and rocky cliffs. Glyfada, 10 miles southwest, is a lively, party-friendly beach popular among younger crowds, and has earned the Blue Flag for its crystal-clear water and excellent tourist facilities. Beyond the beach, be sure to explore Corfu Town itself, with its beautifully preserved, UNESCO-listed historic center.

Rhodes is best known for its medieval Old Town, home to one of the few examples of Gothic-style architecture in Greece and more than 2.5 miles of 15th-century walls. But it also boasts a long list of beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Over 20 have earned the Blue Flag for their pristine condition, with many offering loungers, umbrellas and water sports facilities. Some are more remote, giving you the chance to toss down a towel and relax in peace.

Don’t Miss: Lindos Beach lies below the 4th-century BC Acropolis of Lindos, with whitewashed homes spilling down the hillside. It’s actually made up of two beaches that sit side by side, with pale golden sands and calm, shallow waters. You’ll find umbrellas, loungers and a variety of rentals, including stand-up paddleboards. Beach bars and tavernas make it easy to stay until sunset. Tsampika is a long stretch of blonde sand edging emerald waters, with plenty of space and facilities—including a water park, perfect for hot summer days. On the more secluded southwest coast, Fournoi offers peaceful coves and caves to explore, along with a taverna and a handful of loungers and umbrellas.