Despite its Mediterranean olive trees and scrubland, Greece can sometimes feel like an atoll in the Maldives. Each more spectacular than the next, Greece’s beautiful beaches are famed for their imposing cliffs, bright blue waters and majestic ruins nestled in verdant greenery. We guarantee you’ll find the local tradition of enjoying a cold beer on the beach truly delightful. In fact, there are just so many fun things to experience in this beautiful country, such as its lively nightlife, which will make you want to stay forever!
If you’re not one for wilderness, don’t worry, Greece is also home to a number of sheltered bays and taverns offering amazing sunset views. Greece's best islands are home to a never-ending series of incredible bays and oases covered in white sand, where time flies and nature reigns supreme. It’s almost impossible to choose where to go first, but some spots should definitely come top of your list. Here are the 25 best beaches in Greece. Why not visit them on a magnificent Costa Cruise?
Balos
Balos Beach is like something out of a film, with its breath-taking lagoon and magical scenery. In fact, this particular oasis is located in an area of Crete that you can only easily get to by boat. Exploring this slice of paradise is definitely worth the effort, but before you can enjoy it in all its glory, you’ll have to take a dirt road through the wilderness, before walking the last bit on foot!
When you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the pink coral sand dunes. The seabed is both shallow and crystal clear, making it ideal for a swim without tiring yourself out. If you fancy it, you can even don a mask and head off for a spot of snorkelling nearby. What else is there to say: this place is bursting with exotic charm and is definitely one of the best beaches in Crete, especially if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
Look also:
Lassi
Lindos
Cape Drastis
Red Beach, Santorini
There’s no doubt you’ll have admired it in a photo or two, but seeing it in person is a whole different experience. You’ll hardly believe your eyes. Santorini’s Red Beach definitely doesn’t disappoint. Its brightly coloured sand and volcanic rocks will take your breath away, not to mention its crystal clear waters. It’s definitely one of Santorini’s best known and more photographed beaches., Hitching a ride on a sailboat is just one way to get here. And if you’re not afraid of a short walk, you can also reach it by foot. If the beach is crowded, we recommend a spot of snorkelling, as you’re bound to be captivated by the beautiful seabed. We also recommend a stroll to the village of Akrotiri, where you can watch the sun go down and admire the volcano caldera. The nearby archaeological site is also home to some very interesting ruins unearthed from volcanic ash.
Look also:
Ornos
Elafonissi
Saint Paul’s Bay
Shipwreck Beach
Myrtos
Myrtos Beach (the largest in Kefalonia) is one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Consisting of a strip of white pebbly beach, it emerges from the foot of steep cliffs and can be reached by boat or a winding coastal road towards Assos. The journey is a great opportunity to admire this beach in all its beauty, along with its amazing views. It’s a real sight to behold, especially as you watch the phosphorescent blue waters crashing against the seashore.
This is a fairly large coastal area that extends for about a kilometre and is home to a number of free beach areas, making it the perfect place to lay out your towel, even in high season. Myrtos is covered in white stones and fine sand, and its diverse seabed is home to a number alluring caves. There’s also no shortage of beach bars here, offering the perfect spot to relax with a drink while you enjoy the view. We recommend waiting for the sun to set, when the water warms up and the sky turns pink.
Paleokastritsa
Plaka
Paradise Beach
Perissa
Canal D'Amour
Fakistra
Tsigrado
Kleftiko
Kleftiko’s famous stacks are one of the many classic attractions you can admire on a boat tour of Milos. Standing tall in the middle of the sea, these giants rocks will definitely catch your eye with their nooks and arches. The rocky ravines are fun to explore in a dinghy and are also a great spot to dive into the water with your snorkelling mask on.
The bay is also known as Pirate Beach because it was once a great hiding place thanks its imposing rocks and hideouts. Legend has it that treasure is still hidden somewhere along the bay. Of course, swimming here – and exploring with a snorkel mask on – is, in itself, a unique experience. And its beauty is a real treasure. Unless you’re up for a long walk, you can only reach Kleftiko by sea. Make sure you book a boat trip – the memory will last a lifetime.
Kolona
Voutoumi
Lalaria
Sarakiniko
Kolymbithres
Agios Prokopios
Prassonissi
Visit Greece with Costa Cruises
Already chosen your favourite spot? With Costa, you can easily visit Greece’s best islands and beaches, hopping from one wonder to the next. And if dreaming about it all isn’t enough and you want to admire these gems up close, book your trip to Greece ASAP!