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The best beaches in Greece, ranked

We have judged the sand across Crete, Zakynthos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini and put the genuine article ahead of the famous name. Here are the 32 best beaches in Greece, ranked, each with the honest verdict and the single thing to know before you go.

Beaches ranked

Islands judged

Early

For empty sand

Honest

Verdicts

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Photo: Raquel Gomez via Google

Published 11 April 2026. Last reviewed 28 April 2026

The verdict

Who it is for. Travellers choosing one Greek island for the beaches and wanting the truth about which sand actually delivers, not the same five famous photographs.
The pick. Balos in northwest Crete takes the top spot for its lagoon shallows and pink tinged sand. For pure swimming, Porto Limnionas on Zakynthos runs it close.
The one thing to know. The most famous names are the weakest swims. Navagio is a clifftop view more than a beach, and the Red Beach on Santorini is best skipped for Vlychada.

The brief

Why these made the list

A ranking of Greek beaches is only honest if it is willing to rate the swimming over the scenery. Greece has more famous coastline than almost anywhere, and a good deal of it is a viewpoint rather than a beach. I have weighed each shore on the water first, then the sand, the setting, the access and the value, and let the genuinely great places rise above the merely photographed ones. The result spreads across Crete, Zakynthos, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

Two patterns hold across the whole list. The wild lagoons and coves of Crete and Zakynthos beat the celebrated volcanic strips of Santorini on water quality every time, and the most beautiful beaches reward an early arrival more than any other decision. Where you want a daybed and a long lunch rather than a wild cove, the scene concentrates in a few places: the Mykonos beach clubs around Psarou, the Santorini beach clubs along Perivolos, the Rhodes beach clubs near Lindos and Faliraki, the Crete beach clubs on the organised north coast, and the Zakynthos beach clubs around Laganas. Everywhere the headline beach is overrated, I say so and point you to the better stretch nearby.

The ranking

The best in Greece, in order

Ranked on the water first, then sand, setting, access and value, with the famous names held to the same standard as everywhere else.

Photo: Raquel Gomez via Google

Chania, Crete

Balos

Nothing else in Greece combines a shallow turquoise lagoon, pink tinged sand and a wild headland the way Balos does, which is why it takes the top spot over every famous name below it. The water sits warm and waist deep across a huge flat, perfect for wading and for children, and the rough track down or the boat from Kissamos keeps the merely curious away. Arrive before the first tour boats and you have the best beach in the country almost to yourself. Bring shade and water, because there is little here but the view.

LagoonPink sandWade in

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Photo: Bianca Schmitt via Google

Chania, Crete

Elafonissi

Elafonissi has the same pink sand and lagoon shallows that put Balos first, and on colour alone it is arguably prettier. It sits one place lower only because its fame has caught up with it: by midday in summer the sand disappears under towels and the car park overflows. Cross the sandbar to the far islet and the crowds thin to almost nothing. Judged at eight in the morning it rivals Balos, and judged at two in the afternoon it does not.

Pink sandShallowsSandbar

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Photo: Danilo Francioni via Google

Chania, Crete

Kedrodasos

Ten minutes on foot from Elafonissi and a world quieter, Kedrodasos is the reward for anyone who will trade a snack bar for solitude. Juniper trees run almost to the waterline, the sand gives way to smooth rock and clear deep water, and there is not a sunbed in sight. It ranks above several prettier beaches because it still feels found rather than processed. Bring everything you need and you will wonder why the masses stay next door.

WildJunipersNo facilities

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Photo: Rodrigo Branchini via Google

Zakynthos

Porto Limnionas

There is no sand here at all, and it still beats most of the sandy beaches below it. Porto Limnionas is a narrow rock inlet on the wild west of Zakynthos where the water glows an improbable blue and runs deep enough to dive straight in. A taverna on the cliff does the rest. It places this high because pure swimming quality is the hardest thing to fake, and few beaches in Greece swim better.

Rock coveDeep blueTaverna

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Photo: Paul Smit via Google

Chania, Crete

Falassarna

A long and genuinely sandy west coast beach that does what Balos cannot: stay broad and usable even when busy, and deliver the best sunsets in Crete. The water is clean and the swimming easy, with enough room to escape the loungers at the southern end. It ranks below the lagoons because it lacks their drama, not their comfort. For a full day on real sand with a sundowner to close it, little in Greece is better.

Long sandSunsetsEasy swim

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Photo: M B via Google

Zakynthos

Navagio

The most photographed beach in Greece, and the one most likely to disappoint at sea level. Navagio is a stunning sight from the clifftop viewpoint, but on the sand it is a cramped strip reached by a packed day boat, and recent rockfall has at times closed landings entirely. It earns its place on spectacle alone. See it from above for the famous frame, treat any landing as a bonus, and do not build a day around it.

ShipwreckCliffsBoat only

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Photo: Mikael Boustedt via Google

Zakynthos

Gerakas

A graceful curve of soft golden sand backed by crumbling ochre cliffs, and one of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. That protection is the point: no buildings, restricted hours and a calm the party beaches nearby have lost. It ranks here for combining real natural beauty with genuine swimming. Respect the nesting markers and the evening curfew and you get Zakynthos at its most dignified.

Golden sandTurtlesProtected

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Photo: Vera Boneva via Google

Chania, Crete

Seitan Limania

A dramatic slash of a fjord where jade water funnels between sheer cliffs, reached by a steep and genuinely demanding scramble down. The setting is extraordinary and the water unreal, which is why it ranks this high despite a tiny patch of sand that fills fast. It is not for the unsteady or for a midday crowd. Arrive early, wear proper shoes, and accept that the descent is part of the price.

FjordJade waterSteep walk

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Photo: Norbert Zlöbl via Google

Rethymno, Crete

Preveli

Where a palm lined river meets the Libyan Sea, Preveli offers a rare double act: freshwater pools and oleander upstream, open sea below. A fire damaged the palm grove years ago and it has since recovered, and the walk down keeps numbers sensible. It ranks above the resort beaches for sheer originality of setting. Swim in the sea, then wade up the river into the shade, which almost no other Greek beach can offer.

Palm riverLibyan SeaWalk in

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Photo: Dirk Adriaensens via Google

Faliraki, Rhodes

Anthony Quinn Bay

A small rocky cove of vivid clear water named for the actor who filmed here, and the best swimming and snorkelling on Rhodes. It ranks this high for water clarity alone. The catch is size: the cove is tiny, the entry is over rock, and by late morning in season it is shoulder to shoulder. Come at opening, bring water shoes, and you will see why it is the island's most loved swim.

Clear waterSnorkelTiny cove

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Photo: Erzsébet Fejes-Oravecz via Google

Lindos, Rhodes

St Pauls Bay

An almost enclosed circle of turquoise water beneath the acropolis of Lindos, as close to a natural swimming pool as a sea beach gets. The setting, with the whitewashed village and ancient citadel above, is the finest on Rhodes. It sits just below Anthony Quinn Bay because the sand is thin and the calm water warms and crowds quickly. For a postcard swim under a genuine monument, nothing on the island matches it.

Natural poolAcropolisTurquoise

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Photo: Oksanderus via Google

Rhodes

Tsambika

A long sweep of fine golden sand and shallow warm water below a hilltop monastery, and the most straightforwardly enjoyable sandy beach on Rhodes. That is exactly why it ranks here rather than higher: it is comfortable and lovely but lacks the drama of the coves above it. Organised with sunbeds and tavernas, it suits a relaxed day with children. Pair it with the climb to the monastery for the view down the coast.

Golden sandShallowFamily

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Photo: Giovanni Ghigliotti via Google

Lasithi, Crete

Vai

The largest natural palm forest in Europe backs this beach, and there is genuinely nowhere else in Greece that looks like it. That uniqueness earns its place. The trade off is that the novelty draws coaches, the sand is coarser than the lagoons, and the protected grove is fenced off. Go for the strangeness of swimming beneath real palms rather than for solitude, and arrive before the tour groups.

Palm forestUniqueBusy

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Photo: Mihails Sutirins via Google

Rethymno, Crete

Agios Pavlos

A remote pair of bays on the wild south coast where sand dunes tumble straight into deep blue water and the development stops at a single taverna. It rewards the long drive with the kind of emptiness the north coast lost decades ago. It ranks here for atmosphere and swimming rather than for facilities, of which there are almost none. Climb the dune to the hidden second cove that most day visitors never find.

RemoteDunesDeep blue

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Photo: Badis SDIRI via Google

Mykonos

Psarou

The best combination of water and scene on Mykonos: a sheltered bay of clear calm water that happens to host the island's most exclusive beach clubs. It ranks above its flashier neighbours because the swimming is genuinely excellent rather than an afterthought to the loungers. Expect to pay handsomely for a front sunbed in season. Browse the Mykonos beach clubs to book ahead, or come early and use the small public strip before the yachts arrive.

Calm bayClubsYachts

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Photo: Dr. Mauro Bello via Google

Santorini

Vlychada

The one Santorini beach that earns a high ranking on its own merits rather than its island's. Wind and water have carved the pale cliffs behind Vlychada into shapes like a lunar sculpture, and the dark sand runs long and uncrowded by Santorini standards. It ranks far above the Red Beach because it is both more beautiful and actually usable. For the real Santorini beach day, ignore the famous names and come here.

Carved cliffsDark sandUncrowded

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Photo: Ana Fernández via Google

Mykonos

Super Paradise

Clear deep water and a long arc of sand make Super Paradise a genuinely good beach before you factor in the party it is famous for. It ranks here because the swimming holds up even as the afternoon music builds. By day it is calmer than its reputation, and by late afternoon it becomes a dancefloor. Decide which you came for and time your visit accordingly.

Deep waterPartyLong sand

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Photo: Monica Pozzebon via Google

Mykonos

Elia

The longest beach on Mykonos and the most relaxed of its organised southern shores, with calm water, ranks of sunbeds and space to breathe. It places above the smaller party coves for anyone who wants to actually swim and stretch out. The far end is quieter and traditionally the most easygoing. Take the boat from Platis Gialos for the prettiest approach.

Longest beachCalmSunbeds

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Photo: Petra #Peter via Google

Rhodes

Prasonisi

A rare double sided beach where a sandy isthmus joins an islet to Rhodes, calm on one side and whipped by wind on the other. It is the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the island, which is precisely its appeal and its limit. It ranks here for uniqueness and for swimmers who want a sheltered side with a spectacle alongside. Non surfers should stick to the lee and watch the kites.

Double bayWindsurfSpectacle

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Photo: Massimiliano Zaccardi via Google

Mykonos

Agios Sostis

The honest counterpoint to the club beaches, Agios Sostis has no sunbeds, no music and no entry fee, just clean sand and clear water on the quieter north coast. It ranks above several developed beaches precisely because it has kept what they sold. The taverna above it is a local institution. Bring your own shade and everything else, because there is nothing here but the beach, which is the point.

No sunbedsQuietLocal

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Photo: Lukáš Jelšík via Google

Santorini

Perivolos

The long black sand strip of Perivolos is where Santorini's beach club scene actually lives, with stylish loungers and a proper swim once you are past the steep entry. It ranks above the Red Beach and Kamari for combining a real scene with usable water. The dark sand gets fiercely hot, so footwear matters. See the Santorini beach clubs for the daybeds worth booking.

Black sandBeach clubsScene

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Photo: r DomiXX via Google

Zakynthos

Xigia

A small cove where sulphur springs seep into the sea, leaving a faint milky swirl and a mineral smell that bathers swear softens the skin. It is a genuine curiosity rather than a classic beach, and it ranks here on novelty and clear water rather than on size or comfort. The entry is steep and the space tight. Come for the oddity and the swim, not for a full day.

Sulphur springsCoveCuriosity

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Photo: Michail Claudio Tentas via Google

Rethymno, Crete

Triopetra

Named for three rocks that rise from the sea off a long wild south coast sand, Triopetra is the kind of empty end of the road beach that Crete still does better than anywhere. It ranks for space, sunsets and clean swimming set against almost total quiet. Facilities are minimal and the wind can blow. For solitude with a sundown view, it is hard to better.

WildSunsetsEmpty

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Photo: Sven Temming via Google

Mykonos

Ornos

The most practical good beach on Mykonos: a sheltered shallow bay close to town, walkable, well served and calm enough for families. It ranks below the prettier southern beaches because it is more harbour than hideaway, with boats coming and going. What it offers is ease, swimming and dinner without a drive. Convenient rather than wild, and honest about it.

ShelteredWalkableFamily

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Photo: Mel via Google

Rhodes

Agathi

A crescent of soft golden sand and shallow clear gentle water below the ruined Feraklos castle on the east coast. It is one of the calmest swims on Rhodes and quieter than Tsambika next door. It ranks here as a reliable, pretty, family friendly beach rather than a showstopper. Climb to the castle for the view, then drop back down for the warm shallows.

Golden sandShallowCastle view

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Photo: Nino Pescatore via Google

Zakynthos

Marathonisi

A tiny uninhabited islet in Laganas Bay, shaped like a turtle and ringed by pale sand and clear shallows, reached only by boat. It ranks for the sheer charm of the setting and the chance of seeing a loggerhead on the crossing. It is a half day excursion rather than a beach to settle on, with no facilities and protected status. Go with a responsible operator and keep your distance from the turtles.

Turtle isletBoat tripShallows

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Photo: Tang WL via Google

Santorini

Red Beach

Santorini's most hyped beach, and the clearest example on this list of a famous name that no longer delivers. The red cliffs are striking in a photograph, but the beach is small, the sand coarse, and persistent rockfall has made the access path genuinely hazardous, with closures common. It ranks this low honestly. See it from the headland if you must, then go to Vlychada or Perivolos for an actual swim.

Red cliffsCoarse sandRockfall

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Photo: Jaras Kult via Google

Chania, Crete

Stavros

The near circular bay beneath the mountain made famous by the final scene of Zorba the Greek, where flat calm water sits below a dramatic rock face. The setting is the draw and the water is sheltered and friendly for children. It ranks here for atmosphere and calm rather than for the sand, which is modest. Come for the view and the easy swim, and the film history if it appeals.

Calm bayMountainFilm site

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Photo: Luca Cecchetto via Google

Lindos, Rhodes

Pallas Beach

The main beach below Lindos, a sheltered sweep of sand and calm water in the shadow of the acropolis, organised with sunbeds and water sports. It ranks here for a convenient scenic swim within walking distance of one of Greece's loveliest villages. It is busy and commercial in season, which keeps it off the higher places. Use it as the easy base for exploring Lindos, and the Rhodes beach clubs for a lounger day.

LindosShelteredWater sports

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Photo: Radek Safarik via Google

Lasithi, Crete

Voulisma

A photogenic strip of pale golden sand and bright turquoise shallows on the gulf of Mirabello, often called the prettiest beach in eastern Crete. The colour is the draw and the swimming is calm and shallow. It ranks here as an accessible organised beach rather than a wild one, and it fills in season. Arrive early for a front spot and the clearest water.

Golden sandTurquoiseOrganised

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Photo: Nikki Stacy via Google

Mykonos

Platis Gialos

A long organised south coast beach that doubles as the boat hub for the prettier coves beyond it, with calm water and a wall of restaurants and sunbeds. It ranks here for convenience and a reliable swim rather than for charm, of which the development has taken some. It suits families and anyone using the beach taxi boats. Treat it as the gateway to Paraga and Paradise as much as a destination in itself.

Boat hubCalmRestaurants

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Photo: Murat Yıkılmaz via Google

Santorini

Kamari

The longest of Santorini's black sand beaches, organised and lively below the dramatic Mesa Vouno headland. It ranks at the foot of the list because it is comfortable and well run but, like most Santorini beaches, more striking to look at than to swim from, with coarse dark sand that bakes underfoot. It suits a convenient resort day with tavernas to hand. For better water on the same island, go to Vlychada.

Black sandLivelyHeadland

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Honest notes

How I ranked them, and how to enjoy them

The single biggest divide in Greek beaches is between the natural lagoons of the west and south and the developed strips that fame and tour buses found long ago. Balos, Elafonissi, Kedrodasos and Porto Limnionas sit at the top because their water is the best in the country and because effort still guards them. The moment a beach becomes easy to reach and easy to monetise, the crowds usually outpace the charm, which is why several beloved names sit lower than their reputation expects.

Timing changes everything. Almost every beach above is calm and close to empty for the first hour and a scrum by lunchtime in July and August. Visit in June or September, arrive early, and you will often see a beach two places higher than its midsummer afternoon self. Where a beach holds up even when busy, like Falassarna or Tsambika, I have credited it for that.

Several of these places survive only because they are protected. Gerakas and Marathonisi are turtle nesting sites with restricted hours, the palm groves of Preveli and Vai are fragile, and Navagio and the Red Beach carry real rockfall risk. Conditions are typical rather than guaranteed, so follow the posted rules, keep off the dunes and unstable cliffs, and treat any swimming safety notice as the final word. The list stays this good only if visitors tread lightly.

Questions, answered

Common questions

What is the best beach in Greece?

For sheer quality of sand and water the best beach in Greece is Balos in northwest Crete, a shallow turquoise lagoon with pink tinged sand and a wild headland. For pure swimming, Porto Limnionas on Zakynthos and Vlychada on Santorini are close behind. The right answer depends on whether you want to wade in calm shallows or dive into deep clear water.

Which Greek beaches are overrated?

Navagio, the famous shipwreck cove on Zakynthos, is breathtaking from the clifftop but cramped and often closed for rockfall at sea level, so see it from above rather than landing. The Red Beach on Santorini is the other big name that no longer delivers, with coarse sand and a hazardous access path. For a real Santorini swim go to Vlychada or Perivolos instead.

Which Greek island has the best beaches?

Crete has the strongest all round collection, from the Balos and Elafonissi lagoons to the wild south coast. Zakynthos wins for dramatic coves and clear water, Rhodes for sheltered swimming bays, and Mykonos for the beach club scene. Santorini is the most striking to look at but the weakest for actually swimming.

When is the best time to visit beaches in Greece?

Late May to mid June and again in September into early October give warm seas with far thinner crowds and lower prices than the peak of July and August. Whenever you go, arrive early in the day for empty sand, calm water and a parking space. The most beautiful beaches fill fast after the first tour boats and coaches arrive.

Which Greek beaches are best for families?

For calm shallow water and easy facilities, Tsambika and Agathi on Rhodes, Ornos on Mykonos, Stavros on Crete and Voulisma in eastern Crete are the safest family choices on this list. They are organised with sunbeds and tavernas and the sea stays gentle. Balos is also superb for small children thanks to its warm waist deep flats, though it takes more effort to reach.

Do I need a car to reach the best beaches in Greece?

Many of the finest beaches, including Balos, Kedrodasos, Agios Pavlos and Triopetra on Crete, really need a hire car or a boat to reach. Navagio and Marathonisi on Zakynthos are accessible only by boat. On Mykonos and in Rhodes town you can reach plenty of good beaches by bus or beach taxi boat, so a car is useful rather than essential.

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