9 gorgeous Greek beaches to visit this summer

Are you ready to feel the pink sand between your toes? We’ve collected 9 of Greece’s most idyllic beaches, according to international travellers.*

Agia Triada beach is an idyllic location in its own right and a convenient base for exploring the area surrounding Thessaloniki. Invigorating morning walks along the shore are followed by long, hazy afternoons exploring the nearby villages of Epanomi and Nea Michaniona. In the evenings, take the short trip into Thessaloniki or have dinner on your own private beach at the Angelbay Bungalows.

Golden sand, pink shells and turquoise water makes Elafonisi beach one of Greece’s most colourful coastal destinations. With its unique palette and natural beauty, Elafonisi beach is growing in reputation with travellers. The easiest route to reach it is via the town of Kissamos, although many visitors prefer to stay nearby at the light and comfortable Elafonisi Resort.

Athenians are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, although Astir Vouliagmeni is by far the most glamourous. Private villas, tennis courts and fine dining restaurants line this gold and aquamarine beach which comes with a daily entrance fee. Travellers who want to make the most of this beautiful spot can stay in one of the onsite boutique hotels like Somewhere Vouliagmeni.

The Perissa Black Sand Beach is a dramatic reminder that the island of Santorini was created by a volcanic eruption. While the cooled lava from the volcano also gave Santorini a red sand and a white sand beach, the water temperature at the black sand beach is significantly warmer. Visitors can stay less than 1-minute walk from this geological phenomenon, at the Sunhaus.

Ladiko Beach is a small bay, 6-minutes drive and 40-minutes walk from the seaside resort of Faliraki. The bay is surrounded by distinctive grey cliffs, tinged with green grasses and opening up to the pale horizon. The effect is one of calm beauty, even while pleasure boats bob offshore. Give yourself equally good access to Ladiko Beach and Faliraki by staying between the two locations, at the Astronomy Studios.

Another of the Santorini black sand beaches, Kamari Beach is located next to Mesa Vouno – a giant rock which is the second highest peak on the island. This non-volcanic mountain is also home to Ancient Thera, an antique Greek city that was excavated in the 19th century. The city is open to travellers, although you may struggle to tear yourself away from the volcanic black pebble Kamari Beach. Give yourself a few days to explore this unique part of Greece’s past and stay nearby at the Villa Gambas.

Agia Galini Beach is a popular spot for activities like jet-skiing and windsurfing, but the beach’s topography means that there are also plenty of peaceful spots for sunbathers. The eastern end of the beach is bordered by the mouth of the Platis Potamos river, creating the opportunity for freshwater bathing. The tranquil Kalliroe Apartments are only 8-minutes walk from the beach and are surrounded by olive and lemon trees.

The south Aegean island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and one of the most varied, with mountains, olive groves, forests and cliffs. It’s the island beaches, however, that really draw travellers in. The long stretches of golden sand at Agios Prokopios Beach offer clear, calm bathing and protection from strong coastal winds. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Iliada Villas are only 7-minutes walk the beach and offer stunning sea views.

The resort town of Faliraki has beaches for every kind of traveller – from the family-friendly main Faliraki Beach to the quiet bay of Kathara. Waterskiing and surfing against a backdrop of golden sand, turquoise sea and clear skies is hard to beat. Beachgoers who prefer to admire the scenery from dry land will find plenty of seafood restaurants and relaxing sun terraces. Treat yourself to a few nights at the Haven Beach holiday units, only 1-minute walk from the sea.

**The beaches were the most highly rated by Booking.com customers travelling to Greece.