Sometimes the perfect beach day means a dramatic view and a short visit. Sometimes it means staying until late afternoon, with lunch close by and no complicated journey home. Greece offers plenty of both, but the best choice depends on the day you want to have.

This selection includes individual beaches, a village, islands and a mainland region. They are different sizes of destination, so use the list to choose a style of escape before choosing your exact place on the sand.

Myrtos Beach and the surrounding Kefalonian coast seen from above
Myrtos Beach and the surrounding Kefalonian coast seen from above.

For a dramatic coastline

Myrtos, Kefalonia: the pale shore and intense blue water make the approach part of the experience. Conditions can be energetic, so a beautiful view is not a guarantee of an easy swim. Our Myrtos guide covers the practical decisions in more detail.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada: cliffs and a bright strip of shore create another striking Ionian scene. Consider the descent and climb back up when deciding whether it suits everyone in your group. Bring a realistic plan for shade and the return journey.

Balos, Crete: this is a landscape to plan around, with a lagoon setting and a more involved approach than a town beach. Confirm the precise departure point and access arrangements for your chosen outing. Do not assume that staying in Chania means the beach is just around the corner.

For sand, a village or a smaller bay

Simos, Elafonisos: broad sand and the shape of the bays make this a distinctive stop near the southern Peloponnese. The official Elafonisos introduction helps place it geographically. Elafonisos is different from Elafonisi beach in Crete, despite the similar names.

Assos, Kefalonia: choose this for the relationship between village, harbour and a small beach. It is a different kind of day from spreading out on Myrtos. The Kefalonia destination guide provides wider island context.

Ammoudi near Plakias, Crete: this smaller south-coast setting belongs to a different area from Balos. Check the exact map location when booking accommodation or searching directions, because similar beach names appear elsewhere in Greece.

Agios Sostis, Mykonos: an option for a beach-focused outing away from the town’s busiest streets. Decide how you will get there and back, and take the wind into account. The island name alone cannot tell you whether the water will be calm that day.

For choosing a whole coastal base

Naxos: pick this when you want a beach holiday with room for villages and inland exploration. Our Naxos guide compares the practical role of different bases, so the beach becomes part of a varied stay.

Pale pebbles beside the water at Myrtos Beach
Pale pebbles beside the water at Myrtos Beach. Original image credit: Roberto Paterniti.

Astypalaia: this is an island choice, not one beach. Consider where you want to spend your evenings and how you will reach the coast from your accommodation. A beautiful view from Chora may involve a different daily routine from sleeping near a bay.

Halkidiki: this mainland region offers many coastal bases across its peninsulas. Narrow the search to one area before comparing hotels. A convenient airport connection does not mean every beach in the region is close together.

Choose the whole day

Before settling on a beach, compare access, shade, food, the return journey and the conditions on the day. Our clear-water beach guide looks more closely at those practical differences. A well-chosen base and a relaxed pace often matter more than finding the beach with the most impressive headline.