For seaside lovers, it doesn't get significantly better than Greece. Boasting lots of of inhabited islands and 1000’s of miles of shoreline, the nation is dwelling to an astonishing variety of golden stretches of sand, lapped by the crystalline waters of the Ionian and Aegean Sea. Whether or not you're in search of a spot effectively suited to youthful swimmers, a preferred strip of sand with a little bit of a buzz, or a secluded cove to flee the crowds, right here's our decide of the very best seashores in Greece.
1. Paleokastritsa, Corfu
The favored resort space of Paleokastritsa, 23km northwest of Corfu City, stretches for practically 3km by means of a sequence of small, picturesque bays. Craggy mountains swathed in cypress and olive timber tower above. The true deal with comes on the resort's finish, the place an beautiful little seaside is alleged to be the place the weary Odysseus washed ashore. Boat journeys from the jetty embody Paradise Sundown. Be warned: the seaside is extraordinarily standard throughout peak season and securing a sunbed or patch of sand to put your towel could be a problem, regardless of how early you arrive.
The best way to get there: There are quite a few public bus and shuttle companies to Paleokastrista from Corfu City and the coastal resort of Kerkyra.
2. Falassarna, Crete
Crete's finest sunsets are refracted into hundreds of thousands of vermillion sparkles at Falasarna, a rising seaside city with an alluring – and standard – lengthy seaside. This broad sweep of pink-cream sand is taken into account among the many island's most interesting and is legendary for its gorgeous sunsets, clear water, rolling waves and watersports. It will get busy from mid-July to mid-August, primarily with day trippers from Hania and Kissamos. Unfold your towel on the Large Seaside (Megali Paralia) on the southern finish or decide a spot in one of many coves separated by rocky spits additional north.
The best way to get there: Falassarna will be reached from the favored resort city of Chania in 90 minutes through public bus. There are a number of automobile parking areas above the seaside too.
3. Apella Seaside, Karpathos
Nonetheless, decided you could be to succeed in the village of Olympos, enable time to take the precipitous spur street that drops seawards from the east coast freeway 17km north of Pigadia. Right here, you'll discover award-winning Apella Seaside; Backed by a cascading hillside of wildflowers with towering cliffs to the north and south, it’s the most interesting seaside within the Dodecanese. It's usually described as “sandy,” though it was pebbly after we went there. Nonetheless, it's beautiful. There's an excellent taverna on the street's finish, simply above the seaside.
The best way to get there: The winding street all the way down to the seaside shouldn’t be for the faint-hearted. One of the simplest ways to succeed in Apella is by boat from Pigadia.
4. Navagio Seaside, Zakynthos
The blockbuster of Greek seashores, Navagio on the island of Zakynthos actually does have all of it. Framed by towering vertical cliffs, the seaside boasts azure waters, pure, good sand and, simply to provide it an additional little bit of character, like a magnificence spot on a face, a shipwreck. However identical to any nice Hollywood manufacturing, Navagio attracts crowds. Journey low season to have the very best likelihood of seeing the seaside at its most very good – a precarious lookout platform signposted between Anafonitria and Volimes presents bird-eye views.
The best way to get there: The seaside can solely be accessed by boat, however in summer time, the waters instantly offshore are chock-a-block with sightseeing cruises.
5. Voidokilia Seaside, Messina
Messina's Voidokilia Seaside with its good sandy crescent and clear waters is presumed to be Homer's “sandy Pylos,” the place Telemachus was warmly welcomed when he got here to ask sensible previous King Nestor the whereabouts of his long-lost father, Odysseus, King of Ithaca. There are not any sunbeds or parasols right here so that you'll have to carry your individual provides.
The best way to get there: Observe the indicators to Paleokastro and stroll the lagoon-side observe labeled “Nestor's Cave” from the Paleokastro automobile park (20 minutes) or method by street from the village of Petrohori, 4 miles (6km) north of Gialova off the street to Chora.
6. Platys Gialos, Mykonos
Considered one of Mykonos' hottest seashores, this broad stretch of white sand is lined with eating places. It has a wonderful water sports activities middle the place you may take pleasure in actions similar to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and extra. You would simply spend the day right here by renting sunbeds and parasols, whereas snacking on contemporary fruit from the seaside distributors or with meals from the cafes and mini markets close by.
The best way to get right here: Buses head right here from Hora's Fabrika station.
7. Koukounaries Seaside, Skiathos
Framed by electric-green pine timber, two forested headlands and a small salt-water wetland, Koukounaries' silky 3937ft-long (1200m) sweep of bleach-blonde sand is Skiathos' – and one of many nation's – most sparklingly stunning, with seaside bars, sunbeds and water sports activities making a buzzy vibe. The entire space is a protected nature reserve however nonetheless will get very busy in summer time.
The best way to get there: Koukounaries is definitely accessible by bus from Skaithos City.
8. Myrtos Seaside, Kefalonia
From the street that zigzags all the way down to it, you'll perceive why Myrtos Seaside in Kefallonia is touted as one of the breathtaking seashores in all of Greece. From afar it's actually a surprising sight, with electric-blue waters offset by what seems to be searing-white “sand” (in actuality it's white pebbles). Sunbeds and parasols can be found to rent however most are snapped by effectively earlier than midday.
Sadly, a scrappy automobile park reasonably spoils the idyll. Even so, it's a ravishing spot and when you're within the sea it's heavenly – come early within the morning to see it at its most serene. The closest village is Divarata, which has a few tavernas, together with Alexandros.
The best way to get there: Buses run from Argostoli to Myrtos each day.
9. Kokkini (Crimson) Seaside, Santorini
This gorgeous, surreal seaside in southwestern Santorini is backed by rust-and-fire-colored cliffs, making it one of the photogenic stretches of sand within the nation. Arrive early in peak season to attain a great place. There are not any amenities on the seaside, however you'll usually discover seaside distributors promoting contemporary fruit and drinks throughout peak season.
The best way to get there: You’ll be able to entry the seaside by boat or bus from Akrotiri or through a brief stroll (sturdy footwear beneficial!) down from the close by church, the place there are parking areas and a handful of excellent eating places.
10. Elafonisi, Crete
Tucked into Crete's southwestern nook, this symphony of wonderful pink-white sand, turquoise water and mild rose dunes appears to be like like a magical dreamscape. Because the water swirls throughout the sands, rainbows shimmer throughout its floor. Off Elafonisi's lengthy, broad strand lies Elafonisi Islet, sometimes linked by a skinny, sandy isthmus, which creates a beautiful double seaside; in any other case, it's simply reached by wading by means of 50 yards (50m) of knee-deep water.
Alas, this pure gem is lower than idyllic in excessive summer time, when lots of of umbrellas and sunbeds clog the sand, placing monumental stress on this delicate ecosystem and on the minimal infrastructure, particularly the bogs. Contemplate a visit out of season for an general extra tranquil, and sustainable, go to.
The best way to get there: You’ll be able to attain Elafonisi through boat from Palaiochora or by bus from Chania.
11. Potami Seaside, Samos
The lengthy, tranquil seaside of colourful shells and crystal-clear water within the mouth of a mountain river is among the Northern Samos' most engaging; Potami's seaside bar is among the finest, too. Trekking up the river, you'll attain a series of waterfalls and swimming pools, in addition to a taverna hidden within the woods.
The best way to get there: Potami is accessible by public bus in excessive season.
12. Possidi Cape, Kassandra Peninsula
An absolute great thing about a seaside lies hidden at Possidi Cape within the Kassandra Peninsula. Miles of sand is lapped by crystal-clear waters, and it's a uncommon place to seek out peace and quiet (although little shade) in the summertime months. It's a pleasure year-round and is backed by a lighthouse and a pine forest. There are not any amenities right here so carry the necessities with you. Concentrate on harmful currents at this seaside; there isn’t a lifeguard, so swim at your individual danger.
The best way to get there: Possidi Cape is finest reached by automobile or 4×4.
13. Seychelles Seaside, Ikaria
The small, gorgeous Seychelles Seaside is 1.9 miles (3km) east of Manganitis on the island of Ikaria. Its marble pebbles, emerald water and large rocks polished by the waves make you’re feeling you've been teleported into the center of the Indian Ocean – therefore the identify.
The best way to get there: To achieve it, trek from the car parking zone by the tunnel on the street to Manganitis, down an unmarked path leaning to the left aspect of the ravine. Don't put on flip flops.
14. Prasonisi Seaside, Rhodes
Accessible through a windswept street that snakes 10km south from Kattavia, Prasonisi Seaside extends to type a tenuously slim sandy isthmus that connects to Cape Prasonisi, Rhodes' southernmost level, in summer time. The Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean right here, creating excellent wind and wave circumstances for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Outfitters assist with all the pieces from rental gear and classes to in a single day lodging in surfer-dude-style hostels, however it all closes down in winter.
The best way to get there: One of the simplest ways to succeed in Prasonisi is by automobile ferry from the Port of Rhodes or Port of Kos.
This text was tailored for digital from our guidebook on the Greek Islands, written by Kate Armstrong, Stuart Butler, Peter Dragicevich, Trent Holden, Anna Kaminski, Kate Morgan, Isabella Noble, Leonid Ragozin, Kevin Raub, Simon Richmond, Andrea Schulte-Peevers and Greg Ward.
