Greece is home to many of the world’s best beaches known for crystal blue waters, beach coves and lively sea-side restaurants and taverns.

With thousands of beaches to choose from on the inhabited Greek islands and waters of the Ionian and Aegean Sea, Greece is a beach lovers paradise.

Here are Greece’s 10 best beaches:

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

Navagio Beach, sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove,” is on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian islands of Greece. Visitors can only visit the island by ship to see the famous shipwreck lying on sand close to the water. The wreck of “Panagiotis” has been on the island since 1980 and is visited by millions of tourists.

Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko is also known as Moon Beach, due to its clear waters surrounded by moonlike white landscapes, cliffs and coves. Located on the north shore of the island of Milos, the volcanic rock has been shaped over time by the northern winds creating a moonscape. The locals refer to the beach as Lunar.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete

Elafonisi in Crete is a popular tourist destination known for its pink sand beach and clear, blue waters. Tiny deposits of microorganisms living in a symbiotic relationship with native seaweed in combination with ocean movement create the pink beach sand. The beach is part of the Natura 2000 Protection Program to protect the seashells and natural wonders of the island. 

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia

Voidokilia Beach, Messinia is a nature lovers paradise and only a 2.5 hour trip from Athens. This beach has symbolic meaning naturally carved in the sand dunes. The sand on the beach forms a semi-circular strip of dunes in the shape of the Greek letter Omega, symbolising endings. Very close to Voidokilia beach, a lagoon with over 254 species of birds is considered an important bird sanctuary. 

Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos

Voutoumi Beach in Antipaxos is a blue oasis with rock formations and cypress trees to resemble the true Mediterranean spirit. Situated in the Ionian islands in the city of Corfu, the beach has two small taverns perfect for an evening out after a day by the beach.

Plaka Beach, Naxos

Plaka Beach on Naxos is a popular choice as it’s quieter than other tourist destinations on the Greek islands. Covered in milky white, soft sand and surrounded by trees called “tamarisks,” the Plaka beach is an exotic relaxing destination by the ocean. 

Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos

Platys Gialos Beach on the popular Greek island of Mykonos is a family friendly and scenic place to relax. Located approximately 5km from the town centre, this lively beach is close to other popular beaches in the area and close to good hotels.

Balos beach, Crete

Balos beach in Crete is a shallow blue lagoon suitable for all ages. The sand leads all the way to a rocky mound resembling an ancient fortress. To visit the beach, a ferry will take you from Kissamos to Balos, where you can spend the day exploring. 

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Paleokastritsa beach on the island of Corfu is known as one of the best beaches in the area for its emerald water and surrounding, deep green trees on the hills. With bars and food located on the beach front, it’s a place to kick up your feet and treat yourself to an ocean side day.  

Astir Beach, Athens

Astir Beach is a private beach in Athens approximately 20 minutes from the airport. The beach is surrounded by pines along a 400 meters long sandy beach. 

Source: Escape.