The best resorts in Greece. Sandy beaches in Greek: the best places to relax

When going on vacation to the sea, choose not a hotel, but a beach. And only then housing near it. It is the seashore that will make your vacation unforgettable or ruin it.

Greece has the best beaches in Europe, almost four hundred of them have been awarded the Blue Flag - an award awarded for cleanliness and preservation of natural balance.

Writing about everyone, even the most beautiful and popular ones, is an impossible task. Let's talk about those that will definitely turn any vacation into a fairy tale.


Beaches of the Greek Islands

The best of the best - this can be said about the beaches of the numerous islands of Hellas.

Small, surrounded by greenery, sheltered on their coasts by long sandbanks and modest picturesque bays, the Greek islands are considered a paradise for lovers of a leisurely holiday.

The sandy beaches of mainland Greece are beautiful, but truly unique beaches, combining the amazing brightness of nature and the sea, are, of course, found on numerous Greek islands.

Crete

Balos Beach, Crete

Balos beach. Perhaps this is the least crowded beach in tourist Crete.

It is located northwest of (15 km).
It can only be reached by ship, which goes to the beach from the port of Kissamos, or by car along a country road through the village of Kaliviani.

There are no taverns or bars near Balos, and there are practically no sun loungers on the beach.

But the spectacle that opens up to stubborn travelers justifies the long journey: the beach is located in the bay of the same name, in which all three seas washing the island meet.

This makes the landscape here almost alien, the sand is snow-white, and the blue of the sea shimmers in three different shades.

A boat from Kissamos to Balos Bay will take you for 26 euros (children under 12 years old - 13 euros), but you can see all this beauty more fully if you travel by car.

The car is left in a free parking lot, which is located a 15-minute walk at a leisurely pace from the bay.

Elafonisi Beach. The famous beach with pink sand, brought here by the current from the Sahara.
There is clean, cool water, a gentle entrance to the sea and shallow depth - in general, an ideal place for relaxing with children.

True, there is almost no greenery on Elafonisi, so the only way to hide from the sun is under an umbrella.


The beach is located far from the noisy centers of Crete, but the holiday cannot be called secluded - rather, just comfortable and calm.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete

You can get here by car: along the National Road you need to move towards Kissamos, turn off it following the sign - and after a short time you will be there.

Holidays on Elafonisi are expensive: taking an umbrella and a sunbed for one person will cost 3 euros, toilets are also paid - 50 cents.

It would be useful to know that it is forbidden to pitch tents and light fires on the beach, as it is a protected area with rare plant species.

Santorini

Kamari Beach

This island is the epitome of the picturesqueness of Greece, which also applies to its beaches: they amaze guests with white, black and even red sand.

Kamari– a beach with black volcanic sand and very developed infrastructure, 10 km from the capital of the island. By the way, from it, like from other towns of Santorini, regular buses run to Kamari.

Here, vacationers have access to all types of water sports, including windsurfing. Parents can leave their children in a special children's area, where there are not only attractions (3 euros), but also attentive animators who will entertain and supervise.

A set of two sun loungers and an umbrella costs 6 euros per day. Kamari is the cleanest beach in Santorini, despite the fact that there are always a lot of people there, and along the beach there are dozens of bars, taverns and shops.

Red Beach, Santorini

Red Beach- a remote place surrounded by red-brick rocks and sand of the same shade.

Getting to the beach is not very convenient: from the village of Akrotiri by car or bus, and then on foot for 10-15 minutes, or from the same village by boat.

Red Beach is small in size, but the scenery and cleanliness of the sea make these inconveniences unimportant.

There is a rental of sun loungers (6 euros), and several cafes are carved right into the rock. Prices in cafes on the beaches of Santorini are a little high, but you can find set lunches of salad, meat dish and drink for 8 euros.

Rhodes

Green, hospitable Rhodes boasts one of the most popular sandy beaches in the country, as well as small picturesque corners for lovers of silence.

Faliraki. A long strip of sand (4 km) is located next to the most “party” city of the island, so there is nowhere for apples to fall here during the season: music thunders in bars day and night, taverns invite visitors, people engage in various sports on and under water.

Greek coffee in beach bars can be ordered for 3 euros, beer - 5 euros for 0.5 liters, cocktails - from 6 euros. Bottle of water – 1.5 euros.

Despite the fact that the entrance to the sea here is gentle and comfortable, and the water is clean and there are rarely waves, families with children are not advised to relax on Faliraki; it is rather the territory of active youth, and besides, part of the beach is given over to nudists.
By the way, their part of the beach is no different from the usual one: the same changing cabins, toilets, rental of sun loungers and umbrellas (on average 3 euros per person).

You can get to this part of the beach through a small pass if you go straight from the center of the village of Faliraki.

Anthony Quinn Beach. Very small, in a secluded bay, it has long gained worldwide fame.

Firstly, part of this land was given to the American actor Anthony Quinn for his love of Rhodes.

Secondly, the beach named after him is incredibly picturesque, with golden sand, a lot of greenery and fenced off from the wind by rocks.

Despite the modest size of the coast, there is all the infrastructure here; for 7-8 euros you can rent sun loungers and an umbrella.

You can have a snack in a tavern just above the beach, where there is grilled fish (25 euros per piece), pita gyros - 3 euros, baked eggplants or grilled peppers - 6 euros, 5 euros - a cup of cappuccino.

This is an excellent place for scuba diving enthusiasts (50 euros for one dive with the necessary equipment).

You can’t get to the bay on foot - you have to either follow the sea or drive from Faliraki towards Ladiko and turn left in time following the signs.

Zakynthos

Navagio Bay. The bay is located in the northwestern part of Zakynthos. Its beach is considered the best on the island. Small and beautiful, from time to time it is included in the top ten most beautiful places on the planet.

Navagio Bay, Zakynthos

You can only get here by water. The most convenient way to do this is by boat from the port of Volimes; such a trip costs 15 euros per person. And from the port of Agios Nikolaos to the bay it takes 1 hour by ferry, 8 euros for adults and 4 euros for children under 12 years old.

Surrounded on all sides by cliffs, with a shipwreck of smugglers that was once wrecked, and with a sea of ​​incredible azure hue, Navagio Beach is undoubtedly the main pride of the island.

It is impossible to stay here all day: the beach is absolutely wild, the sun only illuminates it until lunchtime, and in general it is rather an excursion attraction. However, visiting Zakynthos and not swimming in Navagio Bay is a crime. The cost of an excursion to the bay is 10 euros.

Kos

Paradise Beach, Kos

Paradise. Located in the southwest of the island, the beach fully confirms its “paradise” name: convenient entrance to the clearest sea, warm white sand, small waves.

Here you can also observe a unique phenomenon: volcanic gas comes to the surface from the bottom of the sea, so bubbles rise from the sand at the very edge of the water - a kind of natural jacuzzi.

The beach offers sun loungers for rent (3 euros). There are showers with fresh water.

There is a beach bar, soft drinks are brought directly to the sun loungers (frappes - 4 euros, beer - from 4 euros), and lovers of water activities can go banana boating (15 euros) and water skiing (20 euros - 10 minutes).
There is also a complex of water slides and attractions right by the shore (from 3 euros).

How much does a visa to Greece cost and other useful information about what documents are needed to enter the country?

Paradise offers almost all water activities, there are taverns and bars nearby, so you definitely won’t get bored here.

The cheapest way to get there is by rented car, since taxis are expensive here (from the city of Kardamena - 12 euros one way), and excursions that take you specifically to Paradise Beach cost 35 euros per person.

From the island's capital, Kos, you can get to the beach by one of the buses that run in all directions from morning to evening (tickets cost from 1.30 to 3 euros).

Tigaki Beach, Kos

Tigaki. Ten kilometers of soft sand, a warm and shallow sea, and the absence of waves - all this makes the longest beach on the island of Kos an ideal place for families with children.

The entire coast is surrounded by greenery, the infrastructure is well developed: tourists have endless cafes, taverns, bars, beach and souvenir shops.

Of course, umbrellas and sun loungers, as everywhere else, are paid, or you will need to order soft drinks at the beach cafe: beer - 3.5 euros, cocktails - from 5 euros. Buying a bottle of water at a beach cafe costs 1-1.5 euros.

The beach is located at the resort of the same name in the north of the island. Vacationers in Tigaki can get here on foot, and from the town of Kos (11 km from the resort) you can get to the beach by regular bus in 25-30 minutes, the ticket price is 2 euros.

Kefalonia

The island in the Ionian Sea is famous for its beaches, some of which have been featured in Hollywood films.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos Beach. Myrtos is located 30 km from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. Narrow, with snow-white sand mixed with small pebbles, and with stunning views. It is regularly included in the top ten best vacation spots according to various guidebooks. Greece has recognized Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia as the most beautiful beach in the country.

Naturally, such a “titled” place is popular among tourists and is equipped with everything necessary: ​​from sun loungers (4 euros) to a team of rescuers.

True, you can only get to it by rented car (20 minutes from the city of Asossa through the village of Divarat). The area is a protected area, public transport does not operate here. From the village of Divarata, there is a winding three-kilometer dirt road that will take you straight to the beach.

It is not recommended to vacation on Myrtos with small children: sometimes dangerous currents arise in calm waters, and on the outskirts of the beach you can meet nudists sunbathing.

Emblisi Beach, Kefalonia

Emblisi. A small beach near the village of Fiskadro is surrounded by chalk cliffs on the sea side and centuries-old pine trees on the shore.

The sandy coast turns into large white pebbles, which are perfectly visible at the bottom even at great depths.

Despite its stunning beauty, Emblisi is rarely crowded with people. The place is quiet and peaceful, safe for children and attractive for scuba diving enthusiasts.

From Fiskardo it can be reached on foot or in a few minutes by car. A pair of sunbeds at Emblisi costs about 8 euros, but in high season there may not be any free ones.

Lefkada

Another beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, the coast of which attracts connoisseurs of beach holidays from all over Europe.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Porto Katsiki. This beach, located 35 km southwest of Lefkada town, is washed by amazing bright blue water. It contrasts with a huge white cliff hanging over the shore and emerald grass on the rocks.

In fact, for the whimsical nature of its natural architecture and riot of colors, the beach regularly receives awards and titles as the most beautiful beach in Europe.

Porto Katsiki is very small; one might say that it is a strip of sand and pebbles, reclaimed from the sea and rocks, which only adds to the romanticism of these picturesque places.

Getting to the beach is not easy: you can take a ferry from the cities of Vasiliki or Nydri (ticket from 5 euros), or you can arrive by car if you follow the road along the western coast of Lefkada to the village of Athani and then follow the signs. Experienced tourists advise visiting Porto Katsiki either early in the morning or late in the evening to watch the stunning sunset.

There are parking lots and eateries where you can try local cuisine (lunch for one with a bottle of wine will cost at least 25 euros).
Several massage rooms (20-25 euros for 30 minutes).

But there is no place to stay overnight, and camping is also not allowed.

It will cost 3 euros to park your car in front of the entrance.

Egremni. Also quite narrow (about 50 m), but long (2.5 km) beach.

It is one of the most visited in Greece, despite the fact that it is quite remote from all the towns of the island of Lefkada.

Egremni Beach, Lefkada

You can get to it along the road that runs along the west coast of the island to the more famous Porto Katsiki beach.

After passing the village of Atani, you will see the road to Egremni.

Picturesque rocks, snow-white sand mixed with small pebbles, as well as clear azure water are what attract tourists here. And even the 325-step staircase to the beach from the parking lot doesn’t scare them, because with every step a panorama opens up that you won’t see anywhere else.

There is a bar on the beach, the opportunity to pitch a tent, and rental of sun loungers (4 euros each).

Corfu

Sidari, Corfu

Sidari. This beautiful place is located 36 km from the capital of Corfu. Several sandy headlands divide the long coastal strip, forming small quaint coves.

Connecting two of them is a small stretch of sea, called the Canal of Love, young couples must swim across together so as not to be separated for the rest of their lives.

While relaxing on Sidari Beach, everyone who knows how to float on the water tries to swim along the Love Canal, paying tribute to a long-established tradition.
In general, the beach is considered a vacation spot for young people; in coastal cafes and bars, loud music plays around the clock.

Particularly popular among locals are the restaurants surrounding the beach where you can taste fresh fish and seafood, where grilled red mullet or sea bream will cost 9 euros. Seafood mix – 20 euros.

You can get here from the capital by the Green Bus or by taxi (from 20 euros one way).

Agios Gordios, Corfu

Agios Gordios. The small resort town of Agios Gordios, 15 km west of Corfu, has a popular beach of the same name.

Most often, families with small children relax in this place; here nature has created all the conditions for them: shallow water with the purest water, fine white sand, green trees that provide shade in the heat.

For parents - rental of sun loungers and umbrellas (7 euros for two), as well as many cafes and taverns in close proximity to the beach.
There are showers and toilets on site (0.5 euros). There is a minimum of water activities on the beach, which only adds to its tranquility. There are often waves here, and if a red flag is posted, swimming far is prohibited.

The best beaches in mainland Greece

Tourists who choose to vacation on the Greek mainland most often do this so that between lying on the beaches they have time to explore as many historical monuments as possible, which are at almost every turn here.

But it is wrong to think that there are no decent beaches on the “mainland”. They are.

And very beautiful, maximally adapted for any type of recreation.

Athens

Lagonissi, Athens

The capital has the largest concentration of antiquities not only in Greece, but perhaps in the world. But this does not mean that in Athens you cannot relax on the seashore after excursions.

Lagonissi. The Lagonissi Peninsula is located 40 km from Athens, a 20-minute drive from the airport, where a taxi will take you there for 60–70 euros.

Opened in 2002, the beach instantly became popular due to its clear water and beautiful scenery.

Asteria Beach, Athens

Lagonissi has excellent diving opportunities (100 euros for a couple of dives during the day).

The sandy coast is also very clean; tourists are offered rental of sun loungers and umbrellas (about 10 euros per set), which already have a menu of local taverns attached. The order will be delivered directly to the place of rest.

There are two wooden piers built on Lagonissi, on one of which a swimming pool is built directly into the sea.

However, the title of the best beach in the capital affects the prices: both the beach and parking near it are paid, not to mention the inflated prices in taverns.

Lagonissi beach is located 40 km from the Greek capital, you can get to it by a regular bus that runs every hour (3.20 euros) or by yourself in a rented car along the Athens-Sounio highway (50 euros per day plus 1.8–2 euros petrol).

Asteria. An elite beach in the Glyfada area, where entry costs 5 euros on weekdays and 10 euros on weekends (50% for children).

Besides clear water and fine sand, Asteria is famous for its huge water park that is set right in the sea, making it a favorite children's beach in Athens.

There are bars and restaurants right on the shore.

From the center of the capital, Glyfada can be reached by tram, A2 bus and E2 express train.

Tourists are advised to get to Asteria and other beaches in the area by public transport, because parking a personal car may cause problems - there are a lot of cars, and parking is expensive (up to 3 euros per hour).

In addition to these beaches, there are several more near Athens - from fashionable to ordinary city ones.

Halkidiki

Chalkidiki Peninsula

There is an opinion that Halkidiki is the best resort in Greece. The peninsula has the shape of a trident, each of the “teeth” has its own name - Kassandra, Sithonia, Athos - and its own unique beauty.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, is located almost at the entrance to the peninsula, which also leaves its mark on the nearest resorts.

The resort of Halkidiki has more than five dozen breathtakingly beautiful beaches, turning one into another. Let's talk about just a few of them.

Kassandra Peninsula

Sled. Seven kilometers of perfect sand, a clear, well-warmed sea, varied greenery and a magnificent view of the legendary Mount Olympus visible in the distance - that’s what Sani Beach is.
This place is a private resort and is considered one of the most comfortable in Greece; it has the most expensive hotels on the peninsula, as well as a very developed infrastructure.
On the beach there are paid sun loungers and umbrellas (3 euros per piece), there are changing cabins, a toilet and a shower.

Here you can have a snack with a fresh bun (2 euros) and coffee (3 euros), as well as have a more substantial lunch in a coastal tavern (on average 40 euros for two).
Sani has professional children's animation and increased attention from rescuers to little guests. In addition to tourists staying in the Sani hotel complex, those who came with a tent can relax on the coast - entry to the beach is free for everyone. From Thessaloniki airport to the resort of Sani – just over 70 km.

Kallithea. The name of the beach is translated from Greek as “beautiful view,” and that says it all: snow-white sand, clear water, the entrance to the sea is convenient, and the sea itself is calm.

The beach is located next to the lively town of Kallithea at the foot of a green hill, which makes the air even fresher and there are more opportunities for evening entertainment.

Kallithea Beach offers tourists a variety of water sports; a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella costs 6 euros.

Kallithea is a popular resort on the Chalkidiki peninsula, located 90 km from Thessaloniki, you can get there either by regular bus (4 euros per ticket) or by taxi (from 120 euros).

Sithonia Peninsula

The second “prong” of Halkidiki is considered an ideal place for a quiet family holiday: its beaches are mostly small and cozy, and there are not as many clubs and bars as in the towns of Kassandra.

Nikiti- an ideal public beach in the capital of the same name, Sithonia (100 km from Thessaloniki), it is easily accessible on foot, there is a wide variety of entertainment for adults and children, many taverns and restaurants nearby.

At the same time, there is fine warm sand, the sea is calm and very clean, the entrance to it is gentle and convenient. The beach is recommended for families with children.

Sunbeds for tourists are free if they order drinks from nearby beach bars or restaurants (water - from 1 euro, coffee - 2 euros, cocktails - from 3 euros, fresh juices - 5 euros).

Cavourotrypes (or Portocali)– the beach consists of several rocky bays scattered along one coast, between which there are islands of white fine sand. It is on these “pieces” of the beach that lovers of secluded recreation sunbathe.

On the main, largest beach of Kavourotripes there is a bar of the same name and sun loungers, the rest of the beaches are not equipped with anything, many of them are chosen by those who like to relax in tents.

Some parts of Cavourotrypes are generally adapted only for swimming - there is no place to sunbathe.

Kavourotripes is remote from civilization (23 km from the town of Vourvourou and 150 km from Thessaloniki), but families with children still often relax in its bays, since the water here is perfectly clean and warms up perfectly in the shallows. There are toilets and a fast food stand on the beach.

The best way to get there is from the village of Sarti: by car (you need to follow the coast to the north and turn onto the country road near the tree on which the sign for Portokali hangs, about 200 meters from the turn), or by bus. The bus from Thessaloniki to Sarti runs 5 times a day, the ticket costs 20 euros.

The Athos peninsula is the most beautiful of the three “fingers” of Halkidiki, in addition, there is a huge number of monasteries. But in this regard, a family holiday on the peninsula is possible only up to the border of Sithonia with Athos - until the beginning of the territory of the Monastic Republic. Women are prohibited from entering at all, and men cannot visit Mount Athos without special permission.

A quick overview of the best beaches in Greece cannot be complete without saying a few words about beaches for children and young people. After all, what is good for a young couple is a ruined vacation for the same couple with a child.

Convenient for families with children

Egremni Beach, Levkas

It’s safe to say that any child will enjoy most Greek beaches with a bang.

However, let us once again list those where the sand is especially fine and soft, the entrance to the sea is most convenient and pleasant, and the water warms up better and is not fraught with dangerous currents.

  • Elafonisi, Fr. Crete;
  • St. Georgios beach, o. Naxos;
  • Agios Gordios, Fr. Corfu;
  • Kamari, o. Santorini;
  • Asteria, Athens;
  • Valtos, Parga, northwestern coast of Greece.

Beaches for young people

Kavourotripes, Chalkidiki

For tourists without children, and with the desire to have a fun and active holiday, several Greek beaches are ideal, some of them, in terms of entertainment, are compared with Ibiza itself.

  • Faliraki, o. Rhodes;
  • Super Paradise Beach, o. Mykonos;
  • Sidari, o. Corfu;
  • Adelianos Kambos, Fr. Crete.

Watch some of the beaches described in the review on video:

Greece, like no other European country, can offer a whole range of beaches to suit every taste. All that remains is to choose.

If upon arrival it turns out that the choice was made incorrectly, then another undoubted advantage of Greece will come to the rescue: its miniature size. Another beautiful beach is always within walking distance.

It is difficult to choose the best beach in Greece. Which beach is best for families with children? Where is the best place to swim? Which beach is best for parties? Which beach is best for scuba diving?

Everyone has their own criteria for an ideal beach. Add to this the fact that many Greek islands have 20 or more beaches, how can you avoid making a mistake with your choice? I will help you.

First you need to get a visa. It is better to entrust the issuance of a visa to Greece to a company providing visa services.
This will relieve you of unnecessary hassle and simplify the process of getting ready for your long-awaited vacation.

19 of the best and most beautiful beaches in Greece

Elafonisos - sandy beach on the island of Crete

Perissa Beach, Santorini

Long and wide beach with crystal clear azure water. There are many inexpensive restaurants (taverns) near the beach where you can eat delicious food. Be careful, on this beach the bottom disappears very quickly, closer to the smaller rocks. The sand here is black, so, again, towels, swimsuits, everything can get stained, rent sun loungers, fortunately, they are inexpensive here - 5 euros per day. Don’t wear light-colored shoes either, even though there are paths all along the beach, walking barefoot on black sand is very hot.

Plaka Beach, Naxos

The island of Naxos in Greece has many wonderful beaches. And if you are a beach lover, then you will like this island. Well, the best beach in Naxos is Plaka. A regular bus runs here from Naxos town every half hour. It is usually not crowded here, the sand is fine, smooth and beautiful, the water is clean and azure. If you move a little away from the “civilized” beach with sun loungers and taverns, you can strip naked and no one will see you.

Logaras Beach, Paros

Paros is one of my favorite islands. There are many beautiful beaches, such as Pounda and Piso Livadi, but they are very popular and there are always crowds of people. I like a more secluded holiday, so I chose Logaras. It is perfectly protected from waves and wind by a rock, so you can swim here calmly.

Paradise Beach, Mykonos

This beach is hardly suitable for a family holiday; it is primarily intended for young people. It's always fun here and there are a lot of representatives of sexual minorities. After 15-16 hours on Paradise, the music is turned on and the party begins. At night, parties take place here and famous DJs come here. Fancy Ibiza? Here's something similar. The beach itself is very good, coarse sand, beautiful water.

Ornos Beach, Mykonos

The most family friendly beach in Mykonos. Located just 10 minutes drive from the city. There is an excellent entrance to the water and beautiful sand. A quiet closed bay will reliably protect you from the wind, and this is an important point when choosing a beach in Greece. Ornos is crowded due to the proximity of the beach to the city and the entire space is filled with sun loungers, so if you like to lie on the sand for free, this is not your beach, it will be difficult to find a free place here.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Very beautiful beach with white pebbles. To be in Kefalonia and not see Myrtos is a serious crime. But with swimming everything is a little more complicated. The entry into the water is deep, it is better not to go here with children. Well, without special shoes it’s quite painful to go into the sea because of the pebbles.

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Another beautiful beach in Greece. It is small and cozy. There are many taverns with delicious food and you can take boat tours of the local caves.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then price statistics for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the lowest prices for holidays to Greece from leading tour operators.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

To be honest, this is not really a beach in the generally accepted sense of the word, rather a small sea pool. The landscape here is fantastic, white stones of bizarre shapes and emerald water between them. It's easy to get here by bus from Adamas. Be sure to visit the caves located next to the beach, they are very beautiful.

Stafylos Beach, Skopelos

This beach has fantastically clear and clean water. Very beautiful view, but difficult descent from the mountain. The beach is not equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas; you need to take everything with you. There are no trees nearby, which means there is no shade. You rarely see tourists here, but there are many locals. If you go a little further and climb over a small hill, there will be a nudist beach. The sea bottom is pebbly and there are many fish. But it's great for diving here.

Kamares Beach, Sifnos

Sifnos is a very calm island with many beaches and Kamares is one of the best. This beach is great for families with children; there are many taverns and hotels nearby.

Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

A golden beach in every sense. Here the golden sand and Koukounaries are truly beautiful. I advise you to arrive early, before 11, to grab all the best sun loungers. Lots of beach taverns, lots of water sports equipment. The entry into the sea is shallow, making it a great place to relax with children. There are pine trees around and the smell of pine needles is very tasty. There are a lot of vacationers.

St. Pauls Bay, Rhodes

Small cozy bay. There are no waves here and it is very pleasant to swim. There are 2 beaches in the bay itself, the one on the left is smaller and prettier. The bay is very beautiful and picturesque; it is also good for diving.

Matala Beach, Crete

Matala has quite a hippie atmosphere. The beach is large and beautiful, even when there are a lot of people, there is always a place here. You can sunbathe, explore nearby caves, swim underwater with a mask, looking at beautiful fish, and eat delicious food. The beach is pebbly and the caves are open until 19:00, entrance costs 2 euros.

Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Bay, Zakynthos

There are always a lot of people here, so it is better to come in the morning or evening. The beach is incredibly beautiful, you don’t want to leave here. It is better not to come with children, the water is cold compared to other beaches, strong currents and big waves. The bottom is pebbly, there are many beautiful caves around, there is a place to swim, and you can feed the fish underwater near the rocks. Find out the weather in Greece in advance; the best periods are considered to be from May to June and from September to October.

Vai Beach, Crete

Beautiful beach, shower, toilet, changing room - everything is standard. There is a nice palm grove nearby. The entrance to the water is rocky and deep. Vai Beach itself is relatively far away; you have to take a serpentine road to get there, but the atmosphere here is very pleasant. The sea is calm and warm. Not very crowded.

Vouliagmeni Beach, Athens

Athens also has good beaches. The water is clean, the bottom is beautiful, the service is at a high level, but you will also have to pay a lot, 18 euros, and not for the whole day, if you decide to leave the beach and then return again, you pay again. Showers and toilets are free here.

Greece is a country, as if specially created by the Gods for relaxation. The length of its coastline will impress anyone, because in Greek territories there are about 380 very diverse beaches. Which of them can be called the best?

Super Paradise

All the beaches in Mykonos are worthy of special attention. They are washed by azure and warm waters. Kept clean, they look like they just materialized from a magazine picture. Super Paradise Beach offers tourists all the necessary amenities. There you can rent an umbrella and sunbed, visit the locker room and shower, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Athens Riviera

The Riviera is located next to Athens. It can be called the unification of several beaches into a single complex. There are also children's entertainment with water slides and places where you can change clothes, have lunch and buy everything you need.

Despite the proximity of Athens, the beaches by the sea are quite well maintained, and the water is clean and clear. Velvety sand is present everywhere. Sometimes there are pebble sections of beaches.

« The only danger of a Greek beach holiday is sea urchins. It's better not to step on them».

There are small hotels and inns on the beaches near Athens; entry to the beach area is free, since most beaches are municipal. They can be visited for free, even if the beaches are located next to the hotels.

Methoni

Methoni Beach is located on the Peloponnese Peninsula. The embankment there looks attractive, and the entrance to the sea is smooth, so people often go there to relax with children.

You can take something with you for a holiday on Methoni, but the most basic beach elements are present there in full. After all, this beach can hardly be called wild; it is equipped for a comfortable pastime.

Balos

Crete has a very special beach with white and red sand at the same time. Balos is famous for its beauty and gentle waves. On the island nearby there is a Venetian fortress, which you can visit as a landmark, combining passive and active recreation.

The uniqueness of Balos lies in the fact that the waters of the Ionian, Aegean and Libyan seas meet along its shores. Therefore, the color of the water often changes. Getting to Balos without a car is difficult. Small boats from Kissamos also go there regularly.

Recently, umbrellas and sun loungers were installed on the beach area. Tourists are brought to Balos in organized groups. Sometimes people get to this beach on their own to see its amazing scenery.

Tsambika

In Rhodes, Tsambika is considered the best beach. There are children's playgrounds on the beach. There is a club for older children. The entrance to the water is gentle, the coastal area is clean and well-groomed. There is also plenty of entertainment for adults. There are hotel complexes and mini-hotels near Tsambika.

Lambie

Kos Island is famous for its many beaches. On Lambi you can rent sports equipment for various types of water sports. There are also places on Lambi for a relaxing holiday with all the benefits of civilization.

Lambi is practically adjacent to the city, so it is filled with various shops, cafes and even dance floors. The party place is popular among both visitors and locals. Lambi is always crowded, especially late in the evening. Young people from all over the island vacation there.

Glyfada

Corfu Island is a good place to travel with children. There is an excellent water park on Glyfada beach, and the entrance to the water does not have large differences in depth.

Glyfada is a beach area that differs from others in its crowded conditions and pleasant atmosphere. The landscapes outside Glyfada are not deserted; mountains and pine forests can be seen in the distance.

Vasilikos

The chain of beaches in the Vasilikos resort is surrounded by cliffs and picturesque grottoes. The island of Zakynthos is home to rare Caretta Caretta turtles, which sometimes swim ashore to bask on the soft sand.

The sea near Vasilikos is shallow, warm and practically safe. The infrastructure is developed depending on the proximity of populated areas.

« The beaches of Zakynthos are aimed at families with children. There are hotels there with various children's activities».

Overall, the island and its coastal area are blessed with stable weather conditions as well as beautiful views.

Kamari

The small islands of Greece have excellent beach areas on their territory. The island of Santorini is famous for its Kamari beach. Kamari is only 7 km away from Fira. The coastline consists of sand and pebbles. There are places in the water where there are so-called granite slabs, on which you can walk, like in a swimming pool.

The beach infrastructure is well developed due to the proximity of the city. There is a regular bus service to Kamari. The place is popular and famous, so the beach there is never empty without visitors.

Monastiri

The island of Paros is located in the Saronic Gulf. Its Monastiri beach is considered isolated and very beautiful. Monastiri is surrounded on all sides by rocks. It can be reached by a rocky path or by sea.

The shallow waters of Monastiri are quite extensive. It extends 50 km deep into the sea and warms up perfectly under the scorching rays of the Greek sun. Families with children love to relax on the beach.

Despite the remoteness, the beach is equipped with comfortable recreation areas. Not far from it there is a bar with delicious food and a variety of drinks.

Vari

Compared to other Greek islands, Syros is a very small island without any special attractions. But its sand spit is cozy and clean. On the beach of the Vari resort there is a water park, a sports ground and a gentle entrance to the sea.

« Syros is an island where a few Greek Catholics live».

The sand on the beach is fine and white. There are places equipped with sun loungers, cafes and small shops are open. Vari is an ideal place for a family holiday. There is much more entertainment for children than for adults. The conditions of Vari are appreciated by both local residents and tourists from different parts of the world.

It's no secret that for several decades now, Greek resorts with sandy beaches have been extremely popular, both among local residents and among numerous tourists who come to vacation in this country from literally all corners of the globe.

What is the reason for such demand? What makes travelers buy tours to Greece, the prices of which are by no means cheap? Let's try to figure it out.

In general, this article is aimed not only at describing in detail the resorts of Greece with sandy beaches - we will also try to talk about their advantages, while simultaneously warning about possible difficulties and troubles.

Section 1. Alexandroupolis - the intersection of peoples and cultures

Alexandroupolis is the capital of Evros, which perfectly combines the distant past and the modern present.

Today the city has a port and a railway station, making Alexandroupoli an important commercial and tourist center. In addition, there are also the Church and Ethnological Museums.

A holiday at such a resort will be fun, rich in flavors and aromas, unique landscapes and a huge number of attractions. According to many experienced travelers, even the islands of Greece, which are very popular today, are in some way inferior to this locality.

Cosmopolitan life, rare eco-tourism opportunities and popular ecological monuments have turned this Greek city into a wonderful holiday destination. Thanks to its very favorable geographical location - at the intersection of Greece with the countries of Europe, Asia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean - Alexandroupoli began to occupy a dominant place in Thrace and Eastern Macedonia.

This area offers tourists rare natural beauties, wonderful landscapes, the enchanting forest of Dadias, the splendor of the Euros delta and the delightfulness of the thermal springs of Trayanoupolis. The high intellectual level of the city is also emphasized by buildings of unique architecture - the Zarifios Academy and the school in the central square of Leontaridios.

The suburb of Alexandroupoli is also charming. For example, in the village of Feres you can discover the beautiful monastery of the Virgin Mary the World Savior, built in the 11th century, an ancient Byzantine aqueduct and the famous Great Fountain. In the nearby village. Souflis houses Kalesi's house, Brik's mansion and a silk factory.

The Pythian castle and the Byzantine fortress of Kale have been preserved in Didimoticho. In the Platanonoros area there is a Natural History Museum, and in the village of Avantas there is a cave, inside of which there is a chapel with amazing Byzantine frescoes.

Of course, from here you can go on an exciting excursion to another part of the country. Tourists, as a rule, very often choose the well-known island of Rhodes (Greece) as their destination.

Section 2. Thessaloniki - the most beautiful city in the country

Not everyone knows that Thessaloniki is a city that has the most important architectural and historical global significance.

There is everything an inquisitive modern tourist needs here: museums, monuments, ancient buildings, the symbol of the city on the sea embankment - the White Tower, the archaeological museum, the triumphal arch, the fortress walls of the Upper Town, the tomb of King Philip, the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, the astronomical observatory, the University of Aristotle and other archaeologically significant places.

By the way, the cultural and historical heritage of the three largest ancient civilizations is closely intertwined here: Roman, Ancient and Byzantine.

In Thessaloniki, rich excursion programs and shopping tours are constantly organized. And the Greek resorts with sandy beaches located in this area are known far beyond the country's borders.

Section 3. What is Halkidiki famous for?

The peninsulas and islands of Greece are very popular. And another confirmation of this statement is a settlement called Chalkidiki.

A holiday on this paradise peninsula will truly give you real pleasure at any time of the year.

Here alone the coastline with wonderful pebble and sandy beaches stretches for more than 500 km. And the crystal clear water of the Aegean Sea, caressing warmth, beaches with silky fine sand, centuries-old pine trees, green mountains, coves, lagoons and bays hidden in the rocks, stunning archaeological sites, well-developed tourist infrastructure will evoke a whole palette of feelings and emotions.

For the convenience of numerous travelers, excellent hotels and inns are scattered throughout the island. During the day there is silence here, and it seems that nothing will interfere with the beach bliss, and in the evening, cheerful music sounds everywhere, including the coastal area of ​​​​Porto Carras, and delicious food complements all this splendor.

It is impossible to imagine the enchanting nature of the peninsula without mysterious lush gardens and pleasant aromas of flowers.

Those who have already managed to go on tours to Greece (prices of 500-700 euros per week, by the way, allow you to make even several trips a year), often compare Halkidiki with the “trident” of the god of the seas, Poseidon. Why? The thing is that geographically this settlement is located in the region of Central Macedonia and is connected to the mainland only in the northern part.

Section 4. Thassos - a real emerald of the Aegean Sea

It is impossible to even imagine Greek resorts with sandy beaches without this amazing place.

The rich vegetation of the island has forever given it the status of the greenest Greek city. Here are lush valleys, olive groves, pines, fir, dogwood, cedars, centuries-old plane trees and many other representatives of the flora.

The coastline of the island with beautiful clean beaches and crystal water stretches for 115 km.

The emerald landscapes of the island, amazing waterfalls, rocks from which snow-white marble is extracted make up the rare uniqueness of Thassos.

The island is perfect for romantics and lovers of solitude, as well as for families with children.

Due to its climate, this corner of the globe is considered a wonderful place for healing the body. Summers here are very comfortable, and winter on the island is more like our spring.

Section 5. The legendary and mystical island of Crete (Greece)

It so happens that this place has long been called the real cradle of Europeans. What is the reason? The thing is that here, like nowhere else in the world, there is a surprising combination of mesmerizing landscapes, a delightful azure sea, ancient cities with a thousand-year history, gorges known from ancient Greek myths, unique museum complexes, a comfortable climate, an excellent upscale coastline, colorful traditions and excellent Mediterranean Kitchen.

Today we can say with confidence that the island of Crete (Greece) is the largest region of the country. Its coastline lasts more than 1000 km and its area is 8000 km2.

Section 6. Rhodes Island (Greece). Features of local recreation

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. Rhodes enchants and attracts travelers with its rare architectural structures, knightly buildings, wonderful squares, religious monuments, old streets and marvelous parks.

The area of ​​the island is approximately 1.5 thousand km 2. It should also be noted that Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Its resorts are famous all over the world for their luxurious hotels, magnificent beaches, various entertainment venues and the possibility of secluded relaxation.

The history of the geographical object goes back more than 2500 thousand years. The island's attractions include traditional villages, green hills, valleys and a proud history. By the way, not everyone knows that Rhodes is also called the Island of Knights.

Section 7. Corfu - home of the local nobility

Corfu is an equally famous and beautiful island of Greece. It is located in the Ionian Sea, has amazing natural beauty and a rich, centuries-old history. This locality is famous throughout the world for its turquoise waters and exotic beaches, orange orchards, olive groves and green forests.

This amazing island enchants tourists with its special, almost Venetian aura, unique architecture, wonderful villages and fabulous alleys.

Royalty, celebrities, and aristocrats prefer to relax in Corfu. It is also here that the Princess of Morocco, the sheikhs and emirs of Qatar and other richest people on the planet come to vacation every year.

True, recently the most ordinary travelers have begun to appear here, trying to escape the hustle and bustle of Athens, Heraklion and the settlement under the name Loutraki (Greece), which is difficult for the Russian ear.

Section 8. Ancient Pieria

Geographically, this settlement is located in the very center of Macedonia. About 40% of the region's territory is coastal zone (a plain rich in vegetation), and the south and west of the region are occupied by mountains.

By the way, not everyone knows that this place, thanks to Mount Olympus, is also called the home of the mythical gods.

It should be noted that three Greek mountain ranges end in Pieria: Pieria, Titara and Olympus. That is why there are many deep mountain rivers and modest rivulets in this area.

Katerini is the capital of Pieria, located in the valley between Olympus and the mountain range of the same name.

I would like to note that this is a very popular tourist destination, which, like the village called Glyfada (Greece), located in the suburbs of the capital of the state, combines the extraordinary beauty of majestic mountains and the clearest turquoise sea. There really is no shortage of tourists here.

Today, Katerini, thanks to its proximity to Thessaloniki, has very quickly turned into a modern developed city with a rich economy and a high-quality social and transport structure.

9. Kastoria

Kastoria is an ancient city that can boast amazing pictures of nature, clean air, charming churches, picturesque streets and the mirror surface of the Orestiada mountain lake.

This is a delightfully beautiful, tranquil town located at 650 meters above sea level, whose history has been lost since time immemorial.

By the way, this is where numerous shopping lovers come from Thessaloniki, Athens and Vouliagmeni (Greece). Why? The thing is that this is where, according to travelers, the cheapest and most original fur coats are sold.

Section 10. Revived mythology of Mykonos

Mykonos is a prestigious, fashionable and world-famous resort city. This is the place where the golden youth and successful representatives of the world's bohemians spend their summer.

Since ancient times, it has retained its natural beauty, but despite this, it has become the center of Mediterranean fashion. Travelers here will find not only natural beauty, but also highly developed infrastructure. By the way, in terms of the number of modern hotels, Mykonos is not inferior even to the suburb of the capital, a settlement called Loutraki (Greece).

This island is, in fact, not only a wonderful kaleidoscope of wonderful beaches and charming streets, but also a crossroads of modern fashion, fun and brilliant vacation ideas.

Section 11. Santorini Island - Lost Atlantis

Santorini is perhaps the most mysterious tourist island in Greece. Legends call it either the lost Atlantis or the Pompeii of the Aegean Sea.

This is the most romantic and most beautiful island on the planet. In the last few years alone, Santorini has received many popular tourism awards from the international media.

Today the island is considered a world pearl of tourism. The tourist season here lasts from the beginning of March to the end of November.

The city of Fira, the capital of the island, the picturesque Cape Akrotiri and the ancient village of Ia are also of great archaeological interest.

In 2017 394 greek beach and 9 marinas were marked with blue flags, which indicates their compliance with the highest standards of water quality and coastal ecology, as well as compliance with all safety requirements for vacationers. The largest number of beaches that have received the blue flag are in Crete, Chalkidiki, Peloponnese and Corfu.

But in addition to natural purity, Greek beaches are also extremely beautiful. According to reviews from a huge number of tourists on TripAdvisor, 3 of the top 10 most stunning beaches in Europe are in Greece. And the beach deservedly takes first place Navagio Beach(Shipwreck Beach) on the island.

The next beach deserves attention and is also included in top 10 beaches in Europe - Egremni Beach (Egremni) on the Ionian island of Lefkada. Due to its difficult accessibility, Egremni used to be a nudist beach, but recently it has been opened to absolutely all vacationers. The beach is famous for its snow-white sand, which makes the sea look crystal clear.

Pink sand beach - Elafonissi Beach in Crete, another beach from the top 10. Small pink shells mix with the sand giving it a pink tint. The beach is very popular among tourists holidaying in the western part of Crete, so it is often crowded with holidaymakers.

Myrtos Beach- the visiting card of the island. For many years, this wonderful beach has been recognized as one of the best in the world. The purest white sand, small pebbles and crystal clear waters, protected by a cliff with lush vegetation - all this creates a picture of unimaginable bliss.

Red beach- one of the most unusual beaches in Greece. Due to its volcanic origin, the pebbles on the beach have black and red shades. The steep red rock and the purest blue of the sea form an unimaginable combination, which is worth looking at from above from the cliff, and then going down to soak in the gentle sea.

Another masterpiece of nature - Balos bay on Crete. In this place, the waters of three seas merge, and in combination with the islands protruding to the surface, incredible combinations of colors are created, numbering 15 different shades of water. The road to this natural wonder is not entirely easy, but it is worth it to see this lagoon with your own eyes.

If you are traveling to Rhodes, this is the beach you definitely need to visit. Zambika beach. The beach is named after the small church of St. Tsambika, located on a cliff above the beach. A large sandy beach washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and protected on all sides by mountains - the best place to relax, swim and sunbathe in Rhodes is hardly worth looking for.