For seashore lovers, it does not get a lot better than Greece. Boasting tons of of inhabited islands and 1000’s of miles of shoreline, the nation is house 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 searching for a spot nicely 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 choose of the most effective seashores in Greece.
1. Paleokastritsa, Corfu
The favored resort space of Paleokastritsa, 23km northwest of Corfu City, stretches for practically 3km by a sequence of small, picturesque bays. Craggy mountains swathed in cypress and olive bushes tower above. The actual deal with comes on the resort’s finish, the place an beautiful little seashore is claimed to be the place the weary Odysseus washed ashore. Boat journeys from the jetty embody Paradise Sundown. Be warned: the seashore is extraordinarily widespread 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.
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 tens of millions of vermillion sparkles at Falasarna, a rising seashore city with an alluring – and widespread – lengthy seashore. This broad sweep of pink-cream sand is taken into account among the many island’s most interesting and is known 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 Massive Seaside (Megali Paralia) on the southern finish or choose a spot in one of many coves separated by rocky spits additional north.
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get there: Falassarna might be reached from the favored resort city of Chania in 90 minutes through public bus. There are a number of automotive parking areas above the seashore too.
3. Apella Seaside, Karpathos
Nevertheless decided you might be to achieve 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 will 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 seashore within the Dodecanese. It is typically described as “sandy,” although it was pebbly after we went there. However, it is attractive. There is a good taverna on the street’s finish, simply above the seashore.
get there: The winding street all the way down to the seashore just isn’t for the faint-hearted. One of the simplest ways to achieve 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 seashore boasts azure waters, pure, excellent sand and, simply to present it an additional little bit of character, like a magnificence spot on a face, a shipwreck. However similar to any nice Hollywood manufacturing, Navagio attracts crowds. Journey low season to have the most effective probability of seeing the seashore at its most very good – a precarious lookout platform signposted between Anafonitria and Volimes provides bird-eye views.
get there: The seashore can solely be accessed by boat, however in summer season, the waters instantly offshore are chock-a-block with sightseeing cruises.
5. Voidokilia Seaside, Messina
Messina’s Voidokilia Seaside with its excellent 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 clever outdated King Nestor the whereabouts of his long-lost father, Odysseus, King of Ithaca. There are not any sunbeds or parasols right here so you will have to deliver your personal provides.
get there: Observe the indicators to Paleokastro and stroll the lagoon-side monitor labeled “Nestor’s Cave” from the Paleokastro automotive park (20 minutes) or strategy by street from the village of Petrohori, 4 miles (6km) north of Gialova off the street to Chora.
6. Platys Gialos, Mykonos
Certainly 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 possibly can take pleasure in actions reminiscent of jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and extra. You may simply spend the day right here by renting sunbeds and parasols, whereas snacking on recent fruit from the seashore distributors or with meals from the cafes and mini markets close by.
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get right here: Buses head right here from Hora’s Fabrika station.
7. Koukounaries Seaside, Skiathos
Framed by electric-green pine bushes, 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 lovely, with seashore 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 season.
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 will perceive why Myrtos Seaside in Kefallonia is touted as probably the most breathtaking seashores in all of Greece. From afar it is definitely a surprising sight, with electric-blue waters offset by what seems to be searing-white “sand” (in actuality it is white pebbles). Sunbeds and parasols can be found to rent however most are snapped by nicely earlier than midday.
Sadly, a scrappy automotive park reasonably spoils the idyll. Even so, it is an exquisite 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.
get there: Buses run from Argostoli to Myrtos each day.
9. Kokkini (Crimson) Seaside, Santorini
This gorgeous, surreal seashore in southwestern Santorini is backed by rust-and-fire-colored cliffs, making it probably the most photogenic stretches of sand within the nation. Arrive early in peak season to attain a great spot. There are not any amenities on the seashore, however you will typically discover seashore distributors promoting recent fruit and drinks throughout peak season.
get there: You may entry the seashore by boat or bus from Akrotiri or through a brief stroll (sturdy footwear really useful!) 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 advantageous pink-white sand, turquoise water and delicate rose dunes seems like a magical dreamscape. Because the water swirls throughout the sands, rainbows shimmer throughout its floor. Off Elafonisi’s lengthy, large strand lies Elafonisi Islet, often linked by a skinny, sandy isthmus, which creates a beautiful double seashore; in any other case, it is simply reached by wading by 50 yards (50m) of knee-deep water.
Alas, this pure gem is lower than idyllic in excessive summer season, when tons of of umbrellas and sunbeds clog the sand, placing huge strain on this delicate ecosystem and on the minimal infrastructure, particularly the bathrooms. Contemplate a visit out of season for an total extra tranquil, and sustainable, go to.
get there: You may attain Elafonisi through boat from Palaiochora or by bus from Chania.
11. Potami Seaside, Samos
The lengthy, tranquil seashore of colourful shells and crystal-clear water within the mouth of a mountain river is among the Northern Samos’ most engaging; Potami’s seashore bar is among the finest, too. Trekking up the river, you will attain a sequence of waterfalls and swimming pools, in addition to a taverna hidden within the woods.
get there: Potami is accessible by public bus in excessive season.
12. Possidi Cape, Kassandra Peninsula
An absolute fantastic thing about a seashore lies hidden at Possidi Cape within the Kassandra Peninsula. Miles of sand is lapped by crystal-clear waters, and it is a uncommon place to seek out peace and quiet (although little shade) in the summertime months. It is a pleasure year-round and is backed by a lighthouse and a pine forest. There are not any amenities right here so deliver the necessities with you. Concentrate on harmful currents at this seashore; there is no such thing as a lifeguard, so swim at your personal threat.
get there: Possidi Cape is finest reached by automotive 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 got been teleported into the center of the Indian Ocean – therefore the title.
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 facet of the ravine. Do not 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 slender sandy isthmus that connects to Cape Prasonisi, Rhodes’ southernmost level, in summer season. The Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean right here, creating superb wind and wave circumstances for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Outfitters assist with all the things from rental gear and classes to in a single day lodging in surfer-dude-style hostels, however it all closes down in winter.
get there: One of the simplest ways to achieve Prasonisi is by automotive 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.
