This lunar-like, Instagram-worthy beach lies on the north side of the beautiful island of Milos. Sarakiniko is made of polished white volcanic rocks, bordered by shallow turquoise waters, making it family-friendly. There is a little strip of sand, however, so make sure to get there early if you want your spot; otherwise, just grab your towel and lay it on the rocks for a fun sunbathing session.
Probably one of the best-kept secrets of Ikaria, Seychelles Beach is hidden in a small cove surrounded by unique rock formations about 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) west of the small village of Agios Kirikos. Seychelles (you will quickly discover why it received this name) is a stunning pebble beach lapped by emerald waters and is only accessible via a small downward path off the main road. Wild, isolated and beautiful, Seychelles is definitely a must-see.
White pebbles, crystal clear waters and spectacular rock formations. Can you picture it? Well, you can do even better. You can simply head to Skiathos, and spend the day in Lalaria, a beautiful beach only reachable by sea. Enclosed by steep cliffs, it offers a sense of isolation and tranquillity. Just make sure to head there early in the morning and plan your escape in advance (bring food and water). You may not be the only one enjoying these shores, but you will definitely feel like you are on top of the world!
Lalaria beach on the Skiathos island in the Aegean Sea, in Greece | © Urbazon / Shutterstock
The mainland also has its fair share of stunning beaches, and our favourite pick is Voidokilia, near Pylos in Peloponnese. This sandy destination with a unique shape may not be easy to reach, but it is no doubt worth the effort. With clear, shallow waters of the most intense aquamarine colour, this little, unspoilt paradise is unorganised, so make sure to bring everything you need to spend a day there. Because it is quite popular, it’s best to get there before 11 a.m to secure the perfect spot.
Leave it to Lefkada to astonish you with breathtaking landscapes and scenic sandy coastline. The go-to beach, and for good reason, on this beautiful Ionian island is Porto Katsiki. Set in an impressive bay and surrounded by cliffs, a flight of narrow stairs will lead you to the idyllic shores, allowing you to take the views in before reaching paradise.
An old favourite for locals and visitors alike, Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is simply spectacular. While the view of the coastline from the cliffs is worth a thousand words, the feeling that you will get once you are lying on the pebbles while staring at the intense blue waters will leave you speechless. And don’t panic if you have a déjà vu moment; Myrtos Beach was actually a filming location for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicholas Cage.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia | © Adisa / Shutterstock | © Adisa / Shutterstock
Located on the island of Elafonisos, off the southern coast of Peloponnese, Simos Beach is the kind of place that will make you pinch yourself twice. With soft white sand and exotic waters, the area is actually two beaches in one. Separated by a sand strip, Megalos Simos and Mikros Simos both face a blue-green sea, making a lovely setting.
Crete is home to a plethora of must-see attractions, and one of them is the majestic islet of Elafonisi in the south-west part of the island. Blessed with unparalleled beauty, Elafonisi is a protected area, where the waters are transparent and the sand dust-like. Taking on a pinkish hue – no one knows for sure as to why – there is no doubt that this is one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece.
Home to a shipwreck stranded there in the 1980s, Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, is probably one of the most famous beaches in Greece, if not the world. Accessible by boat, huge cliffs and turquoise waters surround this sandy stretch of land. Due to its popularity, you won’t have a hard time finding a boat taking you there. Most boat tours even include a visit to the Blue Caves, which are worth seeing.
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach at sunset | © turtix / Shutterstock | © turtix/Flickr
If you want to feel like you are in the Carribean, but without the jet lag, head to Balos Beach, on the northwestern side of Crete. Completely secluded, it has soft sand and cerulean water and has retained its pristine beauty, despite being popular. The islet of Gramvoussa with its Venetian castle is just nearby if you want to do some exploration.
