12 White Sand Beaches on the Greek Islands
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For beachgoers, it doesn’t get much better than the Greek Islands. From long stretches of coastline with sandy beaches to hidden coves with secluded sands, beautiful beaches are everywhere. With turquoise waters and impressive surrounding landscapes to match, the Greek islands are a beach paradise.
Arguably, the best beaches in the Greek islands are those with soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic views. To give you an idea of the best white sand beaches the Greek islands offer, here are 12 of the best white sand beaches. These beaches provide an abundance of white sand, blue waters, and epic views.
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Elafonisi Beach, Crete
The first beach on our list is Elafonisi Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand best known for its varying sand colors. While Elafonisi Beach mainly consists of white sand, it also features bright pink sand. These two colors and transparent turquoise waters create a stunning scene you don’t want to miss.
When you’re not admiring the impressive views or strolling along the coastline, jump in the shallow lagoon for a swim or participate in watersports. Popular water sports activities at Elafonisi Beach include windsurfing and paddle boarding. Alternatively, rent an umbrella and sun lounger and sunbathe, or buy a refreshing cocktail at one of the beach bars.
Read also: Seaside Greek Towns That Are Not on Islands
Balos Beach, Crete
With fine white sand, beautiful scenery, and shallow crystal-clear waters, Balos Beach is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and have fun. Found near Chania on the island of Crete, Balos Beach offers travelers Caribbean flair in the Greek islands. Apart from the beautiful seawater and soft sand, Balos has an attractive landscape that features the island of Gramvousa, where you can find a medieval castle.
You can reach Balos Beach by car and boat from Chania, and there are nearby amenities throughout the year. Amenities you’ll often find include snack bars, toilets, umbrellas, and sun loungers. You’ll likely spend your time at Balos floating in the sea, sunbathing, and exploring the surrounding landscape.
Read also: Most Expensive Cities to Live in Greece
Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
Sarakiniko has only a tiny area of white sand, but it makes this list because of its unique geographical profile, which draws thousands of visitors yearly. Located approximately 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) from the picturesque town of Plaka, this beautiful beach has a fascinating lunar landscape vastly different from almost every other shore in Greece.
Strong waves driven by northern winds have shaped the white volcanic rock into unbelievable shapes. The area boasts numerous caves, smooth rocks, and, in typical Greek island fashion, turquoise water. This beach also has an exciting story to tell. Quite brilliantly, the place is believed to have been named after Saracen pirates who once used it as a base.
Read also: Amazing Landmarks in Greece
Lalaria Beach, Skiathos
Only reachable by boat from the port of Lalaria on the northeastern tip of Skiathos island, Lalaria Beach is a dream-like destination with a secluded stretch of white sand and pebble beach. Famed for its incredible beauty, Lalaria Beach is a remote paradise much loved for its laid-back atmosphere, scenic cliff face, and crystalline waters.
Admittedly, there’s not much to do on the coastline, but that’s the beauty of it. Lalaria Beach is the perfect place to escape the daily grind, unwind, relax, and forget about everything back home. Having said that, if you don’t want to lie on the beach all day, snorkeling in coral reefs found off the shore is possible.
Read also: Secluded Greek Islands for Private Getaways
Stafilos Beach, Skopelos
Stafilos is one of the closest beaches to Skopelos, making it a popular destination for beachgoers. This picturesque beach welcomes you with a narrow yet long stretch of soft white sand framed by forested hills and turquoise waters.
At Stafilos Beach, spend your day swimming in the sea, sunbathing, and admiring the scenery. After relaxing, head to the local taverna or bars for something delicious to eat and drink, or head to the far right side of the beach and participate in watersports. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect beach day.
Read also: Cheap Warm Destinations in October
Kyra Panagia, Karpathos
The next beach on our list lies in a small cove 8.6 miles (14 kilometers) north of Panagia. Sandwiched between the mountains, this place stands out for its exotic blue waters, soft white sand, smooth pebble beach, and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Like most beaches on this list, Kyra Panagia is an excellent place to relax and unwind.
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This area is accessible by car and boat from Panagia, and there are plenty of amenities on the beach or nearby. This includes accommodation options, tavernas, bars, umbrellas, and sun loungers. If you’re looking for the best views, walk up to the Chapel of Kira Panagia. The place is named after this red-roofed chapel and offers spectacular views.
Read also: Top Things To Do in Santorini
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Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada
At first glance, Porto Katsiki Beach resembles the more famous Myrtos Beach found in Kefalonia. Both beaches are loved for their staggering natural beauty, but Porto Katsiki Beach steals the crown for us. Found on the Ionian island of Lefkada, this is a white sand, pebble beach set against a verdant cliffside and gorgeous turquoise waters.
This half-moon-shaped beach is busy in the summer, but you should be able to find a secluded slice of paradise to call your own for the day. Once you’ve found somewhere to relax, spend your day sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful landscape. Sunbeds and umbrellas are dotted along the beach, and a bar can be found at the entrance.
Read also: Best Time To Visit Greece
Petani Beach, Kefalonia
One of Kefalonia’s most treasured beaches is the gorgeous Petani Beach near Lixouri. Surrounded by lush green hillsides, this secluded area offers a beautiful stretch of soft white side covered in smooth pebbles and inviting turquoise waters. While Petani Beach is a lovely place to relax, it’s also one of the best swimming beaches in Greece.
Unlike other beaches in the Greek islands, Petani is known for its depth and bigger waves. The sand quickly drops after the shoreline, offering avid swimmers deeper waters. The place is surrounded by bars and tavernas, and there are toilet facilities close by, so you can easily spend a whole day enjoying the water, sunbathing, and drinking cocktails.
Read also: Best Day Trips from Athens, Greece
Marmari Beach, Kos
You’ll find the glorious white sands of Marmari Beach approximately 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) away from Kos City on the island of Kos. Famed for its rich history, scenic coastline, and lively nightlife, Kos is a vibrant island with many things to do. However, kicking back on Marmari Beach has to be our favorite.
The combination of pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and clear blue skies is divine. Better still, the beach has a variety of amenities for tourists to use. These include water sports facilities, sun loungers, umbrellas, bars, and traditional tavernas. Water sports activities you can try at Marmari Beach include paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing.
Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Pori Beach, Ano Koufonisi
Ano Koufonisi is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea southeast of mainland Greece. The island is best known for its mesmerizing beaches and tranquil turquoise waters. Arguably, the best beach on the island is Pori Beach. With emerald waters, fine white sand, and picturesque natural surroundings, it’s considered one of the best beaches in the Cycladic region.
Pori Beach is a two-mile (3.2-kilometer) walk from the town of Chora, or you can jump in a taxi. You’ll find several amenities, including umbrellas, sun loungers, and tavernas. You’ll likely spend your time swimming, walking, and eating traditional Greek cuisine.
Read also: Greek Islands You Can Easily Fly To
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Navagio Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Greece, but not necessarily because of its long stretch of white sand. Instead, Navagio, also known as ‘Shipwreck Beach,’ is best known for its shipwreck. This shipwreck is a fascinating sight, best viewed from the towering limestone cliffs surrounding Navagio.
When you add the soft white sand, impressive natural scenery surrounding the cove, and bright turquoise waters to the picture, you’ve found yourself the postcard-perfect destination. Arguably, the stand-out beach amongst all other shores on Zakynthos, this place can only be accessed by boat, and there are no amenities nearby. Therefore, make sure you take plenty of water with you when you visit.
Read also: Incredible Secret Spots on Greek Islands
Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
The final beach on our list of white-sand beaches on the Greek islands is Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos Island. Voutoumi is a charming white-sand and pebble beach located on the island’s northeastern side. It sits in a large cove surrounded by verdant rocks and is loved by locals and tourists.
To go with the white sand and lush scenery surrounding the area, Voutoumi Beach has the most amazing Caribbean-like sea. The sea here is an exotic blue. It’s also very shallow, so you can walk far out before swimming. This makes it possible for you to get closer to the caves to the right of the beach. If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, find a spot along the shore to sunbathe instead.
Read also: Naxos Travel Guide
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Your picks are always spot on, Georgia! Can’t wait to visit Sarakiniko Beach, looks like a moon landscape.
Elafonisi is a must! Worked from there last summer and the vibe is unmatched.
Are any of these beaches quiet enough for morning yoga sessions?
I’ve been to half of these beaches and honestly, they’re overrated. Too crowded.
This list is gold for my next van trip across Greece. Saving this!
Anyone knows if Petani Beach is good for families? Thinking about a trip next summer.
Is it true that Navagio beach got its name from a shipwreck?
Lalaria Beach sounds epic for a swim