9 Best Greek Islands for Beaches: The Lovers Guide

Greece has over 6,000 islands and roughly 16,000 kilometers of coastline. That's an absurd amount of beach. And honestly? Not all of it is great. Some Greek beaches are pebbly, windswept, and best described as "character-building." Others will genuinely make you question why you've been going anywhere else on holiday.

The tricky part is that beaches vary dramatically from island to island. The Cyclades have volcanic moonscapes and hidden coves. The Ionians have Caribbean-blue lagoons backed by dramatic cliffs. Crete has everything from pink sand to palm-lined shores. And most travel guides lump them all together as if "Greek beach" is one category.

It's not. Not even close.

So here's the guide I wish I'd had before my first Greek island trip—a proper island-by-island breakdown of which islands actually deliver the best beaches, what type of beaches they have, and which specific shores are worth rearranging your itinerary for.

Quick Answer: Best Greek Islands for Beaches

In a rush? Here's the short version:

Best beaches overall: Milos – 70+ beaches including volcanic landscapes you won't find anywhere else on Earth

Best sandy beaches: Naxos – Kilometers of golden sand with turquoise shallow water

Most dramatic beaches: Lefkada – Towering white cliffs meeting impossibly blue water

Most famous beach: Zakynthos – Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) needs no introduction

Best beach variety: Crete – Pink sand lagoons, palm forests, dramatic gorge beaches

Best for beach + culture combo: Rhodes – Beautiful shores plus a UNESCO medieval town

Now, the full breakdown...

How I Ranked These Islands

To keep this fair, I looked at five factors:

Beach quantity – How many genuinely good beaches does the island have? One stunning beach doesn't make an island a "beach destination."

Beach diversity – Does the island offer variety? Sandy, pebble, volcanic, hidden coves, organized, wild?

Water quality – Clarity, color, temperature, swimming conditions.

Accessibility – Can you actually get to the beaches without a yacht and a rope ladder? (Looking at you, Milos.)

The "wow" factor – That moment when you arrive and think, "Are you serious? This is real?"

With those criteria, here are the best Greek islands for beaches, ranked:

The 10 Best Greek Islands for Beaches

1. Milos – The Beach Island That Broke the Mold

Beach count: 70+ Beach type: Volcanic, surreal, multicolored Best for: Adventurous beach lovers, photographers, geology nerds

Milos earns the top spot because it has beaches unlike anything else in Greece—or arguably, the world. This volcanic island creates landscapes that look photoshopped: lunar-white rock formations, sea caves glowing turquoise from reflected light, beaches with red, white, orange, and black sand. All on one island.

The star beaches:

Sarakiniko – The most photographed beach in Greece, and for good reason. White volcanic rock sculpted into smooth, lunar formations, with a small turquoise cove for swimming. Arrive at sunrise and you'll feel like you've landed on another planet.
Kleftiko – Boat-access-only sea caves and crystal-clear swimming. This is a full-day boat trip destination, and it's spectacular.
Firiplaka – Dramatic red and orange volcanic cliffs meeting turquoise water. Organized with sunbeds but still feels wild.
Tsigrado – Tiny hidden cove accessed by climbing down a ladder. The water inside is almost unreal in color. Adventurous but unforgettable.
Papafragas – A narrow inlet between towering rock walls. The water is deep, clear, and sheltered.
Paliochori – Volcanic beach with naturally heated sand in spots. Yes, the earth is warm beneath your towel.

The catch: Many of Milos's best beaches require hiking, scrambling, or boat access. It's not an island for those who want to park next to a sunbed. The adventure IS the point.

My take: Milos is the island that made me rethink what a Greek beach could be. If you care about beaches at all, this should be on your list.

Find hotels in Milos

Book a Milos full-day boat trip

2. Naxos – King of the Sandy Beach

Beach count: 30+ Beach type: Long golden sand, shallow turquoise water Best for: Families, traditional beach lovers, those who want sand between their toes

If Milos wins for uniqueness, Naxos wins for pure, classic beach perfection. The southwest coast has arguably the best stretch of continuous sandy beach in all of Greece—kilometers of golden sand with crystal-clear water that stays shallow forever.

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The star beaches:

Plaka Beach – My personal favorite beach in all of Greece. Four kilometers of golden sand, dunes with cedar trees for natural shade, water so clear it hurts. The southern end is quieter (and clothing-optional).
Agios Prokopios – Regularly voted among Greece's best beaches. Organized with sunbeds and tavernas, but still beautiful.
Agia Anna – Smaller, charming, excellent for families. The beach blends into Plaka as you walk south.
Mikri Vigla – Two distinct beaches split by a headland—one calm, one with wind for kitesurfing. The drive-up sunset views from the headland are extraordinary.
Kastraki – Continuation of Plaka but emptier. You can walk for ages without seeing another person.
Aliko – Wild beach backed by a cedar forest, with the ruins of an abandoned hotel adding an eerie beauty.

The catch: Naxos beaches face west, which means afternoon wind (meltemi) can kick up in July-August. Mornings are usually calm and magical.

My take: For pure "lie on beautiful sand, swim in perfect water, eat at a beachside taverna" days, Naxos is unbeatable. It's also far more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos.

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3. Lefkada – The Caribbean of Greece

Beach count: 20+ Beach type: Dramatic white cliffs, turquoise water, white pebble Best for: Beach chasers who want jaw-dropping scenery

Lefkada consistently delivers the most dramatic first impressions of any Greek beach island. The west coast is a wall of towering white limestone cliffs plunging into water so blue it looks digitally enhanced. There's a reason this island keeps winning "best beach" awards internationally.

And here's the practical bonus: Lefkada is connected to the mainland by bridge. You can drive there.

The star beaches:

Porto Katsiki – Towering white cliffs, turquoise water, steep stairs down. One of the most photographed beaches in Greece and genuinely as impressive in person. The colors at midday are almost aggressive.
Egremni – Rivals Porto Katsiki in beauty but is harder to reach (earthquake damaged the original stairs; now accessible by boat or a rebuilt path). Wilder, emptier, magnificent.
Kathisma – More accessible (road access, parking), long white pebble beach with bars and sunbeds. The best "easy" beach on the island.
Milos Beach – Not to be confused with Milos island. Stunning small bay with dramatic cliff backdrop.
Agiofili – Small cove with crystal water, reached by a short walk or water taxi from Vasiliki.

The catch: Most Lefkada west coast beaches are pebble (very fine white pebble, but still pebble). Bring water shoes. The wind can be strong on the west coast, creating waves. Access to the best beaches often involves steep stairs.

My take: If you want those "wow, is this actually Greece?" photos, Lefkada delivers. The west coast drive with stops at Porto Katsiki and Kathisma is one of the best beach road trips in Europe.

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4. Kefalonia – Cinematic Beaches with Character

Beach count: 30+ Beach type: White pebble, dramatic backdrops, diverse Best for: Nature lovers, Captain Corelli fans, families with older kids

Kefalonia has beaches that look like movie sets—because they literally are. This Ionian island combines stunning shores with dramatic mountain backdrops and fascinating geology (caves, underground lakes, sea turtle habitats).

The star beaches:

Myrtos Beach – The postcard. The icon. A sweeping crescent of white pebbles beneath 300-meter limestone cliffs, with water that shifts between turquoise, cobalt, and deep blue depending on the time of day. Consistently rated among the world's best beaches.
Antisamos – White pebble beach surrounded by green hills. Featured in Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Calm, clear water excellent for snorkeling.
Xi Beach – Completely different from the rest—red-orange sand backed by white clay cliffs. Shallow water, perfect for swimming. Unique.
Petani – Dramatic west-coast beach with cliffs, deep blue water, and fewer crowds than Myrtos.
Makris Gialos & Platis Gialos – Two sandy beaches near Argostoli. More developed but great for easy beach days.
Skala Beach – Long sandy stretch on the south coast. Family-friendly, shallow, with facilities.

The catch: Myrtos has a steep drop-off and strong currents—beautiful but not the safest for swimming (especially with small children). Many beaches are pebble. Getting between beaches requires driving on winding mountain roads.

My take: Myrtos alone would put Kefalonia on any beach list. But it's the variety—white pebble, red sand, calm coves, dramatic cliffs—that makes the island special. Combine with the Melissani Cave boat ride for a perfect day.

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Book a Kefalonia beaches boat tour

5. Crete – More Great Beaches Than Any Other Island

Beach count: 100+ Beach type: Everything. Literally everything. Best for: Beach variety seekers, long trips, those who want options

Crete doesn't just have good beaches—it has more genuinely excellent beaches than any other Greek island. Being the largest island means more coastline, more variety, and more chances of finding something spectacular.

The star beaches:

Elafonissi – Pink-tinged sand and lagoon-like shallow water. This is the beach that makes people rebook flights. Walk across the shallow lagoon to the peninsula for quieter spots.
Balos – A lagoon where three seas meet, creating gradients of blue you didn't know existed. Accessible by boat or a steep hike. Bring water—there's no shade.
Falassarna – Wide, golden, with proper waves. Voted best beach in Europe multiple times. Sunsets here are extraordinary.
Vai – Europe's largest natural palm forest meeting a sandy beach. Genuinely tropical vibes.
Seitan Limania – A hidden cove accessed by a scramble down a steep path. The water color inside is almost violent in its beauty.
Preveli – Palm-lined river meeting the sea, backed by a gorge. You reach it by hiking down or by boat. Utterly unique.
Matala – Famous hippie beach with caves in the cliffs. Historic and beautiful.
Kedrodasos – Wild cedar forest beach near Elafonissi. Quieter alternative to its famous neighbor.

The catch: Crete is enormous. The best beaches are scattered across the island, and getting between them takes serious driving time (Chania to Elafonissi alone is 75+ minutes on winding roads). You can't "do" Crete's beaches in a long weekend.

My take: If you're spending a week or more in Greece and beaches are your priority, Crete gives you the most variety of any island. Pick a region (west Crete for Elafonissi, Balos, and Falassarna is unbeatable) and explore deeply.

Find beachfront hotels in Crete

Book a Balos & Gramvousa boat trip

Rent a car in Crete

6. Zakynthos – Home of Greece's Most Famous Beach

Beach count: 30+ Beach type: Sandy, dramatic cliffs, sea caves Best for: Bucket-list chasers, photography lovers, sea turtle enthusiasts

Zakynthos is home to Navagio Beach—arguably the single most famous beach in Greece and one of the most photographed in the world. But beyond that one iconic shore, the island has genuinely excellent beaches across its coastline.

The star beaches:

Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) – A rusting freighter on white sand, surrounded by 200-meter limestone cliffs, accessible only by boat. The viewpoint from above is Greece's most photographed spot. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's still jaw-dropping.
Gerakas Beach – Protected sea turtle nesting site. Golden sand, shallow water, natural beauty. Swimming with turtles is possible (with respectful distance).
Porto Limnionas – Not a beach exactly—a rocky inlet with deep turquoise water perfect for cliff jumping and snorkeling. Atmospheric taverna perched above.
Xigia Beach – Unique sulfur springs create a natural spa effect in the sea. Small, pebbly, interesting.
Laganas – Wide sandy beach, party reputation, but also the main loggerhead turtle nesting area. Worth visiting in the early morning before the crowds.
Porto Zoro – Smaller, quieter, sandy beach with rock formations. Good alternative to the bigger beaches.

The catch: Zakynthos has a tourist infrastructure problem—the south coast (Laganas area) is heavily developed and party-focused, which clashes with the natural beauty. The best beaches (Navagio, Porto Limnionas) are on the west coast, away from most accommodation. Navagio can only be viewed from above or reached by boat.

My take: Navagio is a must-see, full stop. But Zakynthos's real magic is in its quieter corners—Porto Limnionas at sunset, swimming near turtles at Gerakas, the Blue Caves in the north. Rent a car and explore beyond the resort strip.

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Book a Navagio & Blue Caves boat trip

7. Skiathos – 60+ Beaches on One Small Island

Beach count: 60+ Beach type: Sandy, pine-backed, green and lush Best for: Families, easy beach hopping, pine forest shade lovers

Skiathos is small but absurdly beach-dense. Over 60 beaches packed onto one manageable island, most connected by a single bus route through pine forests. The Sporades islands feel different from the Cyclades—greener, lusher, more wooded—and the beaches reflect that.

The star beaches:

Koukounaries – Regularly voted among Greece's best beaches. Golden sand backed by a protected stone pine forest. The combination of forest and beach is unique in Greece.
Lalaria – Dramatic white pebble beach with natural rock arches, accessible only by boat. The water is stunning.
Banana Beach – Popular, sandy, with some sections quieter than others. Good for young travelers.
Agia Eleni – Natural pine shade, sandy, quieter than the famous beaches.
Vromolimnos – Water sports hub with good facilities.
Mandraki – Secluded sandy beach reached by a walk through the forest.

The catch: Popular with package tourists in summer, so the main beaches can get packed. Limited variety—the beaches are beautiful but similar (sandy, pine-backed). It's not the Cyclades; the vibe is different.

My take: Skiathos is perfect if you want a "beach holiday" without thinking too hard. Grab the bus, hop off at a beach, spend the day, hop back on. Combine with a boat trip to Skopelos (Mamma Mia! island) for variety.

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8. Paros – Beautiful Beaches with Everything Else Too

Beach count: 30+ Beach type: Sandy, granite formations, diverse Best for: Couples, social travelers, those wanting beach + village life

Paros isn't just a beach island—it's a complete destination where beautiful beaches come with excellent restaurants, charming villages, and great nightlife. But the beaches absolutely hold their own.

The star beaches:

Kolymbithres – Bizarre granite rock formations sculpted by wind and sea, creating natural pools and coves. Unlike anything in the Cyclades. Instagram gold.
Santa Maria – Two beaches (the organized main one and the quieter one behind the headland). Clear Caribbean-esque water.
Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti) – Long stretch popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. Consistent wind, golden sand.
Faragas – Small, pretty, well-organized with a good beach bar.
Marcello – Connected to Krios by a coastal path, calm water, views of Parikia.

The catch: The most popular beaches get busy in July-August. The meltemi wind affects north-facing beaches. Sandy beaches are on the east/south coasts—the west coast is rockier.

My take: Paros delivers beautiful beaches without asking you to sacrifice everything else. You can spend the morning at Kolymbithres, afternoon exploring Naoussa, and evening at a rooftop cocktail bar. Balance.

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9. Rhodes – Beaches Plus a Medieval City

Beach count: 40+ Beach type: Sandy east coast, pebble/dramatic west coast Best for: Families, history lovers who also want beach time, all-inclusive seekers

Rhodes deserves its spot because it offers something rare: genuinely good beaches PLUS a UNESCO World Heritage medieval town. Most "beach islands" are just beach islands. Rhodes gives you both.

The star beaches:

Tsambika – Golden sand, shallow turquoise water, backed by a mountain with a monastery. One of the best all-around beaches in the Dodecanese.
Anthony Quinn Bay – Named after the actor who fell in love with the cove during filming. Small, rocky, but the water is impossibly clear for snorkeling.
St. Paul's Bay (Lindos) – Heart-shaped bay beneath the Acropolis of Lindos. Calm, photogenic, romantic.
Faliraki Beach – Long sandy beach with every facility imaginable. Great for families wanting convenience.
Prasonisi – Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Windsurfing paradise at the island's southern tip.

The catch: East coast beaches are calmer but can be resort-heavy. West coast is windier and less developed. The island is big—driving times between beaches are significant.

My take: Rhodes is the best choice if you want excellent beaches but don't want beaches to be the ONLY thing you do. Spend mornings at the beach, afternoons in the medieval Old Town. That combination is hard to beat.

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10. Ios – Beaches, Beach Bars, and Sunset Vibes

Beach count: 30+ Beach type: Sandy, golden, party atmosphere meets quiet coves Best for: Young travelers, social beach vibes, party-to-beach lifestyle

Ios has reinvented itself in recent years. Still known for nightlife, it's also developed a sophisticated beach bar scene and has genuinely beautiful beaches that rival its more famous Cycladic neighbors.

The star beaches:

Mylopotas – A long, sweeping golden sand beach with the perfect blend of organized (beach clubs, sunbeds) and natural sections. The beach bars here are legendary.
Manganari – On the south coast, wilder and quieter. Multiple connected coves with turquoise water. Worth the drive.
Kalamos – Remote, stunning, reached by a dirt road. The reward for the effort.
Psathi – Quiet beach near the port, good for a quick morning swim.

The catch: Ios still has a party reputation, which means Mylopotas can get loud and packed in summer. But walk to either end of the beach and you'll find space.

My take: If you want beautiful beaches with actual atmosphere—music, cocktails, social energy—rather than a silent stretch of sand, Ios delivers. And the quieter beaches are genuinely impressive when you want contrast.

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Quick Comparison: Beach Islands at a Glance

Island

Beach Quality

Beach Variety

Sand vs Pebble

Accessibility

Crowds

Wow Factor

Milos

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mixed/volcanic

Challenging

Low-Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Naxos

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

Sandy

Easy

Low-Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lefkada

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

White pebble

Moderate

Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kefalonia

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pebble/sand

Moderate

Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Crete

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Everything

Varied

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Zakynthos

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sandy/pebble

Moderate

High

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Skiathos

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

Sandy

Easy

Medium-High

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paros

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sandy/granite

Easy

Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rhodes

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sandy/pebble

Easy

Medium

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ios

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐

Sandy

Easy

Medium-High

⭐⭐⭐

Honorable Mentions

A few islands that nearly made the list:

Corfu – Beautiful beaches (Paleokastritsa, Sidari) but the west coast can be windy and pebbly
Koufonisia – Tiny island with Caribbean-style beaches, but very limited options
Ikaria – Seychelles Beach is spectacular, but overall beach count is lower
Folegandros – Romantic atmosphere, but beaches require real effort and are limited
Sifnos – Some lovely beaches (Vathy, Platis Gialos) but not enough to crack the top 10
Elafonisos – Simos Beach alone is world-class, but it's technically not an island you'd "stay" on

How to Choose Your Beach Island

Still deciding? Here's the decision framework:

You want unique, adventurous beaches → Milos. Nothing else looks like this.

You want perfect sand for lounging and swimming → Naxos. Traditional beach perfection.

You want jaw-dropping cliff scenery → Lefkada or Kefalonia.

You want variety and a longer trip → Crete. More great beaches than you can see in two weeks.

You want the iconic photo → Zakynthos. Navagio is a bucket-list beach.

You want easy beach hopping → Skiathos. Bus between 60+ beaches on one small island.

You want beaches plus nightlife/dining → Paros or Ios.

You want beaches plus history → Rhodes. UNESCO town meets golden sand.

You're traveling with small children → Naxos. Those shallow waters are unbeatable for families. (See our best Greek islands for families guide.)

Practical Tips for Greek Beach Hopping

Rent a car. On every island except Skiathos (bus system works) and Hydra (no cars). The best beaches are rarely walkable from towns.

Bring water shoes. Even on "sandy" islands, entries can be rocky. A €10 investment saves a lot of wincing.

Pack light for beach days. Sunscreen, water, snacks, towel, shade (many beaches have no natural shade). Many organized beaches offer sunbed and umbrella rental (€8-15 per set).

Go early or late. Greek beaches fill up by 11am in summer. The magic hours are before 10am and after 5pm—better light, fewer people, more peaceful.

Use ferry companies for island hopping. FerryHopper is the best platform for booking island-hopping ferry routes.

Don't skip the boat trips. Some of the best beaches (Kleftiko on Milos, Navagio on Zakynthos, Lalaria on Skiathos) are only accessible by sea.

For more detailed information, check out our guide to the 25 best beaches in Greece or take our Greece trip planning quiz to find the perfect island for your travel style.

Start planning your Greek beach island adventure

Last updated: January 2026