12 Spectacular Sandy Beaches in Greece | The Mediterranean Traveller

Looking for the best sandy beaches in Greece? Beach lovers are in for a treat in this country, but it’s worth knowing that many beaches are pebble or course sand – even ones that look an inviting white colour in photographs. But there are plenty of beautiful sand beaches around if you know where to look.

Some of the best sandy beaches are undeveloped and away from the resorts though – check out the 10 Best Sandy Beach Resorts in Greece if you want to stay right by a sandy beach.

Here’s a top tip to consider when looking for sandy beaches in Greece – sand in Greek is ‘ammos’ and there are many beaches with variations of of it in the name – great sand, golden sand, broad sand. Anywhere called ‘Banana Beach’ is also a good bet.

So here are 12 incredible beaches for fans of soft sand – whether you like them lively and fun or windswept and deserted. Just don’t be tempted to take home any shells or sand as a souvenir – in many places it’s banned, and anyway it’s bad for the environment!

Plaka, Naxos

Naxos is one of the best Greek islands for beaches, with a string of sandy delights stretching along the coast from its main town. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are the nexus of beach tourism here, but it’s worth heading south to find Plaka, the longest beach on the island. There’s 4km of beautiful sand and perfect waters here, with both organised and unorganised sections.

Still too busy for you? The crowds thin out as you continue heading south to beaches like Mikri Vigli, Aliko, Pyrgaki, and Agiassos.

Koukounaries, Skiathos

Koukounaries is undeniably the most popular beach on this list and at any point during the summer season it’s liable to be completely packed with sunloungers and people. But if you can visit just before or after the tourist season then it’s a glorious sight to behold.

It has a long sweep of perfect sand and shallow warms that take on the green shade of the pine trees behind the beach which give it it’s name (Koukounaries means ‘pine cones’. The trees are part of a protected nature reserve which has limited development in the area, but it is lined with laid-back beach bars, amenities, and a few watersports operators at the end.

Too busy for you? There are a few more sandy beaches nearby if you’re prepared for a walk – check out Beach Hopping Around Koukounaries for more information.

Kalamos, Ios

The island of Ios has slipped off the radar of many a beach-lover as it’s known primarily for its boisterous backpacker nightlife centred about Mylopotas (itself a fantastic sandy beach) and Ios Chora. But the rest of the island is quiet with some jaw-dropping undeveloped beaches to discover. They aren’t always the easiest to reach, but when you get there you might well find that you’re the only one there. The long sands at Kalamos are worth the adventure.

Balos, Crete

The famous beach at Balos is undoubtedly one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in all of Greece, with its vast swathe of swirling lagoon sands and shallow waters. The view from the approach out to the Gramvousa islets is epic. It’s also home to a unique ecosystem and thankfully is a protected natural park so development is forbidden.

This doesn’t mean it’s an undiscovered spot though – during the summer season daytrippers come from beach resorts all along the north coast. If you can visit out of season though? Incredible.

Falassarna, Crete

If Balos is too busy for you, consider heading just down the coast to Falassarna which is just at the base of the same peninsula. There are several huge sandy beaches here, so even though it attracts plenty of daytrippers it never feels too busy. There are organised sections and a few amenities in high summer but much of it has a wild and undeveloped feel. Its wavy compared to the lagoon beaches though.

Armenistis, Sithonia

The region of Halkidiki is still somewhat under the radar when it comes to beach destinations, but head to Sithonia (the ‘middle prong’ of the peninsula) for a wondrous and unspoilt coastal landscape of fragrant pines and hidden sandy coves. One of the best campsites in Greece is tucked away behind the trees at the immaculate crescent beach at Armenistis, making it paradise for those who like to feel close to nature without giving up facilities.

Chryssi, Crete

The name means ‘golden’ and refers to this tiny uninhabited island off the south coast of Crete. It’s a protected nature reserve and you’ll have to catch a boat trip to get here.

On the island you’ll find a cedar forest, a small church, a taverna, a few small ruins, and several beaches with shallow turquoise waters – the most popular is the magnificent pinky-golden Chryssi Ammos. In high season it’s a popular daytrip for those staying on the north coast resorts of Crete.

Voidokilia, Messinia

Once a forgotten paradise in the Peloponnese, stunning Voidokilia has hit the headlines recently thanks to its photogenic shape, perfect sands, and the development of luxury resorts in the area. The beach here forms a perfect omega shape which is most obvious from above.

Elafonisi, Crete

In many way, Elafonisi is the sister beach of the famous Balos – located on the west coast of Crete, it’s also known for its otherwordly lagoon waters. Here, the sandbar beach is dotted with dark rocks which contrast with its pink-tinged sands and small islets. Like Balos, it’s also a protected Natura 2000 zone and a popular daytrip destination.

Simos, Elafonisos

Believe it or not this is not the same place as the aforementioned Elafonisi. This tiny island is just off the south coast of the Peloponnese mainland, and is home to a spectacular double-sided beach called Simos. The water here is turquoise and the sands are soft and yellow, with a few passing yachts dropping anchor to admire the scenery. If you don’t have your own yacht you’ll have to walk from the island’s main harbour.

Finikas, Koufonisia

Koufonisia is one of the four small islands that makes up the group known as the Little Cyclades. Located in between Naxos and Amorgos, it’s well worth a detour for lovers of unspoilt sandy beaches. There’s a decent beach as you disembark the boat, but head along the coast for a better selection. Take your pick from Finikas, Pounta, Fanos, or Pori – each have a picture-perfect combination of turquoise waters and fine sands.

Kalamitsi, Halkidiki

The beach at Kalamitsi is a great example of why Halkidiki is one of the best areas in Greece for beaches. It has a wide crescent of fine golden sand surrounded by pines and Sithonia’s signature rock formations. Kalamitsi has a fun and light-hearted vibe with organised sections, watersports, and several campsites close by – it’s ideal for those with older kids. There are several smaller beaches and rocky swimming areas within walking distance.

Honourable mentions: