20 Best Greek Beaches You Must Visit in Early Summer 2026

With the arrival of summer 2025 in Greece, the Greek City Times (GCT) team is excited to share its list of the 20 best beaches in Greece for the season (in no particular order). As Europe recovers from last year’s unforgettable vacations, now is the perfect time to plan your next beach adventure in Greece, renowned for its crystal clear waters, golden sands, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Balos Lagoon, Crete

Balos lagoon on the west coast of Crete is an amazing spot to visit. It's a must-see if you are in Chania, and there is little wonder why it is known as one of the best beaches in Greece. The area is built like a lagoon with very shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children.

Sarakiniko beach, Milos

With beautiful white rocks and clear turquoise waters, Sarakiniko beach is by far the most spectacular in Milos. It is worth the walk to get there, so make sure you take your sunscreen, water, and walking shoes—believe us—it is worth it!

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos is the beautiful beach at Myrtos Bay, on the Ionian island of Kefalonia. It is backed by steep limestone cliffs. It boasts a mile-and-a-half-long arc of dazzling white pebbles that cut deep into a cliff on the island’s northwest coast. From the moment you catch a glimpse of Myrtos from the coast road high, you will instantly fall in love.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes

Anthony Quinn features the clearest and cleanest green turquoise water and is located in Varies's small, picturesque, quiet cove. Located relatively close to Rhodes town, the surrounding rocks with clear waters, has a small jetty for small boats and is ideal for scuba diving lovers.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

By far one of the most beautiful Greek beaches, Porto Katsiki is also on top of the lists of the best beaches in Europe each year. Situated 40 kilometers southwest of Lefkada Town, it is nothing less than breathtaking. It is surrounded by incredible hills, which make it accessible only by 80 steep steps descending along the cliff. Boasting crystal clear blue sea and golden sand, it is worth a visit to Lefkada alone just to swim here.

Cap Kastro Blue Lagoon, Skiathos

Cap Kastro's beach is in the island's northernmost area, just below the old castle city of Skiathos. It is approximately 12 km from the town and is a particularly beautiful and natural beach, named after the region.

Kathisma Bay, Lefkada

Kathisma is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada (along with Porto Katsiki). It is located 15 km southeast of the main town, close to the village of Agios Nikitas. One of the longest beaches of Lefkada, it features fine white sand and sparkling waters of amazing turquoise colour. The beach is surrounded by an idyllic mountain backdrop, which offers a feeling of total isolation.

Agia Anna, Mykonos

Drive a bit further away from Kalafatis Beach, and you will find this chilled and stunning beach in Mykonos. Expect a sandy beach, clear blue-green water and a cosy beach bar. Agia Anna is sheltered from the wind and surrounded by the Ancient Divounia.

Karavostasi, Parga

This long sandy beach is found at the end of the ancient city of Elina. Karavostasi is a gorgeous beach on the coastal road to Igoumenitsa. It is an organised beach with bars and water sports. You can also combine your swim with a visit to ancient Elina (Dimokastro) and a walk to the river in the forest of Karavostasi.

Navagio, Zakynthos

Navagio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, if not the world. It is located on the north-west shore of Zakynthos. Navagio is the home of the famous shipwreck, Panagiotis, which is why the beach is also called ‘Smugglers Cove’. It is even more beautiful in real life—if that is even possible!

Kavourotripes, Halkidiki

Kavourotripes or Portokali (Orange Beach) is a small piece of paradise in Halkidiki. It is located between Armenistis and Platanitsi Beach in Sithonia. This local secret spot also has a cool little beach bar, where you can sit back and enjoy the magical view.

Simos Beach, Elafonisos

Simos Beach may be the best beach in Greece with its soft white sand and clear blue water. It has also been named the best beach in Europe on numerous occasions. Set on the island of Elafonisos, the water is absolutely crystal clear, and your swim here will definitely be memorable. It is also one of the few beaches in Greece where camping is allowed.

Ammos Beach, Koufonisia

Ammos is a gorgeous beach on the port of Koufonisia, loved simply because of its clarity and purity. It is a relaxed and quiet spot—ideal for those who are looking for some tranquility under the sun, next to the cool sea and golden sand.

Plaka, Naxos

Plaka used to be a nudist beach but is now one of the most popular beaches of Naxos, retaining bits of its original character. Its main characteristics are the long and wide, white expanse of sand and the turquoise water. It has now become popular among couples and families who enjoy long swims in the amazing water.

Agia Marina, Symi

Agia Marina is situated in the northern part of Symi and can be reached on foot or by water taxi from the harbour or Pedi Bay. It is an organised beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, and there is also a tavern serving authentic Greek mezedakia. The beach is shallow, and the water is crystal clear, making it ideal for snorkelling and safe for small children.

St Paul's Bay, Lindos 

St Paul’s Bay is picturesque in Lindos, on the southeast coast of Rhodes. A small church built on the hillside offers beautiful views of the bay and Lindos Acropolis. The water is crystal clear, and there are sun loungers, shades, and a café nearby, so you can easily spend the entire day here.

Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

The white pebble beach at Lalaria is one of the most famous of the Greek Islands and featured on most postcards of Skiathos. Steep sun-bleached limestone cliffs drop to a long beach of white stones and pebble that create aquamarine waters that are just stunning. The sea water here is extraordinarily clear and comes in amazing shades of blue.

Voidokilia, Messinia

Voidokilia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and maybe also in the Mediterranean Sea- having been named best in the world by many travel magazines and websites this year. Situated at 12 km from the city of Pylos (north of the Navarino bay) the curve of Voidokilia seems to be traced with a compass like a giant Greek omega. A magnificent beach of light surrounds it, fine sand, protected by the wind, and the crystalline beach- making it ideal for a swim.

Seitan Limani, Crete

Seitan Limania is a well-hidden gem in the northeast corner of the Akrotiri peninsula, 20 km from Chania. Here, you will find a beach that stands out due to its natural beauty. Make sure to take your walking shoes, sunscreen, and water as it is remote and requires some exercise to get there—but it is totally worth every step you take to get there.

Voutomi, Antipaxos

It's impossible to resist the pearl-coloured sand and crystal blue water from the minute you step off the boat and onto Anti Paxos. After the pebbled beaches of Paxos, Voutoumi, with its spectacular indigo waters and clifftop surroundings, will no doubt leave you as impressed as we are.

WT.24

Source Greek City Times, Photo: GCT