Sandy Beaches in Greece: Discover the Best Beaches for a Perfect Island Getaway

If you’re dreaming of the best beaches with white sand, crystal-clear water, and that magical Mediterranean vibe, then look no further than the Greek islands. Greece is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastlines —each offering its own blend of clear waters, soft fine sand, and local character. Or bays with pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise or emerald green water. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a fan of water sports, or just want to sip a cold drink at a good taverna, this guide has something for every beach lover.

From well-known hotspots like Mykonos and Zakynthos to lesser-known havens like Serifos and Koufonisia, here’s your ultimate island-hopping guide to the best sandy beaches in Greece.

2. Ios – White Sand, white churches, youngster parties

Ios blends vibrant nightlife (mainly for youngsters, where Mykonos caters to an older crowd) with calm, stunning beaches. Mylopotas Beach is the island’s crown jewel, offering a long stretch of white sand, shallow waters perfect for swimming, and plenty of water sports. It’s lively during the summer months, but early mornings and shoulder season months offer a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. Pair your beach day with a visit to a good taverna along the waterfront—many serve fresh fish and meze just meters from the sand. Ios can only be reached by ferry from Athens or neighboring islands.

3. Naxos – A Paradise of Sandy Stretches

If you’re looking for Greek islands with endless sandy beach options, Naxos won’t disappoint. It’s one of the few islands where you can actually stay RIGHT on the beach without being in a big hotel and resort, while having lots of very good restaurant and beach bars in front of you. And, in many cases, a regular bus line into Naxos town till after midnight. This is becase the beaches here are wide, family-friendly, and lapped by VERY BLUE, clear waters. Top choices include Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach, where the fine sand feels like silk under your feet. But another favorite of mine is Mikri Vigla. Or, the unorganized beaches around Alyko, or Agiassos. Naxos is also a haven for nature lovers. You can hike up Mount Zas and enjoy the green scenery, or take an olive grove tour, while local tavernas serve Naxian cheeses and homemade wine. Naxos can be reached via domestic flight from Athens, by ferry from Athens or by ferry when flying into the international airports of Santorini and Mykonos.

4. Koufonisia – The Dreamy Tiny Island

A rising star among the tiny islands of Greece, Koufonisia is a remote paradise that feels like a secret. The beaches here are untouched, with crystal-clear water and soft white sand that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. They’re unorganized, cause Koufonisia prohibits sunbeds on the beach. But that’s not a reason to skip this island: you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean. Pori Beach is the standout, with a wild, natural vibe and no commercialization. No water park or flashy beach bars—just you, the sea, and the sun. And, a natural rock pool around the corner. It’s perfect for couples and solo travelers wanting to escape the buzz. Koufonisia can only be reached by ferry. The distance to both Paros and Naxos is very short.

Autumn is also a great time to experience traditional (olive) harvest festivals in mainland Greece and sample local delicacies. If you’re a fan of culture and gastronomy, this could be your perfect time. You can often stay for free if you offer to be a volunteer for the olive harvest. Significant savings can be found on hotels, domestic flights and international flights during this period.

5. Paros – Every type of sandy beach you could wish for

Paros combines classic Cycladic charm with a very cosmopolitan vibe in Naousa and some of the best beaches in the region. It’s hard to find a pebble beach on this island. The sandy Golden Beach is a hotspot for water sports, including windsurfing and paddleboarding. If you’re more into lounging, (Mikri) Santa Maria, Monastiri and Kolymbithres offer fine sand, and Kolymbithres also unique rock formations. Even in peak season, Paros has quiet corners—especially if you explore the southern parts of the island by scooter or car. But even there you can find organization. Faragas is an amazing sandy beach in the south with a trendy beach club on it. My personal favorite beach is Agia Irini, a sandy bay with lots of palm trees on it. Looking for a beach bar that turns into a party? Check out Pounta beach and Cabana beach club! Paros can be reached via domestic flight from Athens, by ferry from Athens or by ferry when flying into the international airports of Santorini and Mykonos.

6. Serifos – Hidden and Underrated

Serifos is one of those smaller Greek islands that’s still under the radar, which is exactly why you should go. Psili Ammos is the star: soft white sand, no big hotels, and the kind of good taverna where the waiter’s grandmother probably made your lunch. But there’s lots of other organized and non-organized sandy beaches to choose from. What makes Serifos special is that it has a lively cosmopolitan vibe but is also still authentic. Compared to other islands, there’s not a whole lot more to do than beach during the day, and dinner and drinks at night. Either on the boulevard in the port town, or in the stunning Chora full of whitewashed houses and colorful decorations and chairs. Lots of Greeks go here for long weekends as well, cause it’s only a 2-hour ferry ride from Athens.

7. Skiathos – 95% Sand

Skiathos might be small, but it punches above its weight in beach beauty. It has tens and tens of sandy beaches to choose from. 95% of the beaches on the island have sand. Koukounaries Beach is one of the most famous in Greece, and with good reason: golden sand, a beautiful backdrop of tons of trees, including a few that provide shade, and emerald green clear waters. It even has easy access and a decent car park nearby. A similar but less crowded option is Vromolimni. Or take a boat trip to the amazing Tsougria island, where waters are even bluer and more shallow. Skiathos has an international airport and receives charter flights from all over Europe, and of course Athens. There’s no ferry from Athens to Skiathos.

8. Corfu – Diversity in the Ionian

Corfu’s beaches range from pebbly coves to long sandy beaches. For sand lovers, the West Coast is the place to be. Just some examples: Arkoudilas, Issos Beach, Halikounas. And further up, the more organized Agios Gordios, Kontogialos and Glyfada Beach. In the north you can find Arillas, Agios Stefanos NW and Agios Georgios. They’re all excellent choices. Golden sand, clear water that starts out relatively shallow. Great for famulies. Issos offers dramatic sand dunes, while Halikounas has a lake behind it that receives flamingo’s on their journey a couple of times per year. The island is large and green, filled with olive trees, and makes a great choice during late May or June, when everything is (still) blooming and weather is pleasant. For warmer waters however, go in September. Corfu has an international airport and receives charter flights from all over Europe, and of course Athens and Thessaloniki. 

9. Zakynthos – Beyond the Shipwreck

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) may be Zakynthos’s claim to fame, but the island offers much more beyond the milky blue waters on the West Coast that are so typical for some of the Ionian islands. The Vasilikos peninsula is FULL of sandy beaches. Gerakas Beach is a tranquil, protected bay that’s ideal for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also a nesting site for sea turtles, so nature lovers will feel right at home. But you can also check out the greatly organized Banana Beach or Agios Nikolaos, both a haven for lovers of watersports. Of course we should not forget that the party-area of the island, Laganas, is the furthestmost point of a 9-kilometer sandy beach of which the Kalamaki part is very nice for families: shallow, warm waters and soft sand. Zakynthos has an international airport and receives charter flights from all over Europe, and of course Athens. But you can also take a bus from Athens (that will go onto the ferry).

10. Halkidiki – Mainland Magic

You don’t have to be on an island to enjoy the best beaches in Greece. Halkidiki, located in northern Greece, offers a trio of peninsulas with calm seas and beach variety. The first peninsula is called Kassandra, and offers long sandy beaches with fully organized resorts on them, that also offer nigthlife. Sani Beach is the most famous of them. Cape Possidi is another gorgeous spot that looks like the Maldives. On the second peninsula called Sithonia, you can find lush greenery (pine trees) and many tropical bays such as Paradise beach and Kavourotrypes. They have the most beautiful waters and backdrop of trees. Renting a boat to discover Diaporos island is also a must. To say that there’s crystal-clear waters everywhere would be an understatement. Most beaches are organized with sunbeds, beach bars, and sometimes even watersport rentals. Because of its northern location, it is best to go between June and September. In the summer months, Halkidiki is a Mediterranean dream. It’s around the corner from Thessaloniki so easiest is to fly there and then rent a car.

11. West Peloponnese – Off the Beaten Path

The West Peloponnese is a lesser-known coastal region with some of Greece’s quietest beaches. Kalogria Beach is long, organized, and backed by a forest of olive trees behind it. Apart from a couple of resorts there’s hardly any self-booked tourist here. SO stunning. Nearby there’s an even more hidden gem called Yanniskari, where a beach bar operates in summer months. If you book these resorts, a charter flight will fly you directly to the nearby Araxos airport. Apart from that, from Kyllini to Kyparissia, the whole West Coast of the Peloponnese is basically a sandy beach that goes on for hundreds of kilometers. This area is mainly visited by Greek tourists. You can drive here from Athens or fly to Kalamata from Athens and numerous European airports.

12. South of Kos – Paradise Found

Southern Kos offers some of the island’s finest and longest sandy beaches. Around and below Kefalos, you can find many amazing ones, such as Paradise Beach—appropriately named – and Agios Stefanos beach. Think golden sand, shallow waters, and soft waves perfect for swimming or water-based fun. The area is well equipped with resorts and hotels,  facilities for water sports, and easy-going beach bars. It’s ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Kos has an international airport and receives charter flights from all over Europe, and of course Athens.

When to Go: Early October vs. Peak Season

While the summer months (July to August) are popular and lively, June and September are the best months for beach holidays in Greece. In June, days are long and crowds are little, whereas in September, the peak of the season is over sea has warmed up, the sun still shines, and the sandy beaches are quiet and serene. If you want to truly enjoy the crystal-clear water without the crowds, shoulder season is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

From tiny islands like Koufonisia to iconic names like Mykonos and Zakynthos, Greece offers a beach for every kind of traveler. Whether you want to try water sports, unwind on fine sand, or enjoy grilled octopus at a good taverna, these destinations promise unforgettable moments by the sea. So grab your sunscreen, pack that beach towel, and get ready to discover the best beaches that Greece has to offer!