Top 15 Best Beaches in Greece:
- Porto Katsiki, Lefkada. First on the list is Porto Katsiki, which roughly translated means goat port.
- Elafonisi, Crete.
- Koukounaries, Skiathos.
- St Paul's Bay, Rhodes.
- Lalaria, Skiathos.
- Myrtos, Kefalonia (by far one of the best beaches in Greece!)
- Sarakiniko, Milos.
- Matala Beach, Crete.
While there are sharks in Greece, most species are harmless. All sharks are rare in Greece, and those that are seen or caught by fishermen are usually from less-dangerous types—basking sharks, thresher sharks, and dogfish. In recent years, sharks have been found or caught around Milos, Symi, and Crete.
The 19 Best Beaches in Greece
- Elafonissi, Crete. The best beach in Greece: Elafonissi on the south coast of Crete.
- Mylopotas Beach, Ios.
- Plaka Beach, Naxos.
- Platys Gialos, Mykonos.
- Ornos Beach, Mykonos.
- Mytros Beach, Kefalonia.
- Paleokastritsa, Corfu.
- Stafylo Beach, Skopelos.
The Cycladic island of Ios is one of Europe's top destinations for white sand beaches, especially if you want a side order of nightlife. Better value for money than pricey Mykonos, the 2km beach at Mylopotas is where the party's at. Gialos and Koumbara are two more sandy beaches close to the main town Chora.
Visit in the off-season – August is the most expensive month to visit Greece, so if you can arrange for a visit before June you will really cut down your accommodation and flight costs. Book overnight ferries – Greece's ferries can get quite expensive if you are visiting a lot of islands.
Which Are the Quietest Greek Islands for Escaping the Crowds?
- IKARIA. Number one on this list is the island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea – the island that time forgot.
- LESVOS.
- CHIOS.
- LEROS.
- KALYMNOS.
- CRETE.
- SAMOTHRAKI.
- SKYROS.
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach offers up a tiny cove, crystal clear waters and a famous shipwreck.Here is a review of current sea surface temperatures around the country. Generally very warm Ionian sea and central Mediterranean, slightly 'cooler' Aegean sea. The western coast of Greece, including the islands Corfu, Lefkada and Cephalonia is very warm, with sea surface temperatures in 28-30 °C range.
Water temperature increases throughout the summer months. The sea will be cool for swimming in May (even though the weather can be beautiful). The water is warmest in August and early September. Swimming in early May and late October is often possible but can't be guaranteed.
The warmest Greek island is Karpathos, although the difference with Crete and Rhodes is practically inaudible for residents or tourists. The average annual temperature is 20,1°C, the average daytime temperature in January is 16°C and in August (the warmest month) is about 29°C in the shade or more.
The region of Chalkidiki boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Sarti is a very long, unspoiled sandy beach, with amazing crystal clear, emerald waters and pines that reach all the way to the sea.
Greece has a number of islands where thermal springs provide natural warm-water bathing. While the surrounding water and beaches may be cold, and winds can be daunting, the mineral-rich waters are soothing.
Greek Islands Weather in April: Warm sunny days are the norm but not quite swimming weather, little rain. Best Greek Islands to Visit in April: Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos, and Paros. Greek Islands Weather in July: Hot sunny days, almost no rain.
The 7 Best Greek Islands For Families
- Crete. This is the best Greek island for those travelling with youngsters.
- Corfu. Corfu is among the greenest of the Greek Islands which has earned it the nickname the 'Emerald Isle.
- Rhodes.
- Mykonos.
- Zante.
- Santorini.
- Kos.
What is Greece famous for? Greece is famous for being the birthplace of democracy, the creation of the Olympic Games, and for its unique and historical architecture. Some examples include the Acropolis in Athens, the Sanctuary of Delphi, and the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
Crete is huge and offers greater variety and is a two week holiday in itself. Personally, Mykonos wins easily, the nightlife is fantastic it is also expensive however.
The Greek islands with the best beaches are Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, and Rhodes. But almost every island has at least a few great beaches. The best beach in Greece is Elafonissi Beach on Crete.
Five Amazing Greek Islands off the Beaten Path
- 1) Paxoi.
- 2) Ikaria.
- 3) Anafi.
- 4) Ithaca. Located in the Ionian Sea, next to Cephalonia, Ithaca, the home town of Odysseus, is a peaceful island, unaffected by mass tourism, with secluded, beaches with crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages and ancient monasteries.
- 5) Koufonisia.
Where to stay on a budget. Beautiful as they are, Mykonos and Santorini are the most expensive spots on the Greek island map. You'll find cheaper places to stay elsewhere in the Cyclades, on isles such as Naxos, Paros and Amorgos.
Corfu is much greener and subsequently wetter! Crete is huge and varies dramatically from region to region. Try them both and make your own mind up. With two weeks at your disposal I would opt for Crete as this would enable you to get a good feel for the island, especially if you rented a car.
Greece is expensive because the country uses the euro. The euro is very expensive vs the dollar, hence Greece's prices are forced to be set at a rate perceived as high by US visitors.
Corfu is way farther north than Rhodes and therefore, doesn't hang on to the great weather as long. Generally speaking, September should still be fine in either island but if it were my choice for September, I'd go with Rhodes every time.
Greece is a very safe country to travel to. Tourists are unlikely to experience any crime or violence. The only concern is petty crime on the streets, but if you apply the basic precaution measures, your trip should go smoothly.
Santorini and Milos are two of the most beautiful islands in Greece and have a similar other-worldly feel. This is the fishing village of Firopotamos on Milos. The greek islands are loaded with great beaches. Some of the best are on Naxos, Crete, and Ios.
There are no free crocodiles in Greece and this is the only one found and filmed in a natural environment.
While there are sharks in Greece, most species are harmless. All sharks are rare in Greece, and those that are seen or caught by fishermen are usually from less-dangerous types—basking sharks, thresher sharks, and dogfish. In recent years, sharks have been found or caught around Milos, Symi, and Crete.
Serious mosquito-borne illness is rare in Greece, but take some insect repellant for your comfort. There are scorpions throughout Greece, including Athens. The greatest danger is from accidentally turning over a rock and stepping on one, but they also come inside buildings.
Living in Greece. Greece is generally a very safe place and there is very little serious crime. They have one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union, although cities such as Athens are generally more expensive than the rest of the country.
Shark attacks in Greece are rare, but not completely unheard of. In fact, during the past 161 years, there have been 14 recorded attacks, 11 of which were fatal.
One of the most widely-known thermal bathing areas is at Santorini, on the islet of Palea Kameni, where volcanic waters warm the sea, adjacent to a pleasant little beach called Agios Nikolaos Bay which even boasts a charming chapel.
You cannot swim with Dolphins in Greece as part of any organised activity as they are a protected species. Dolphins can be spotted around many of the islands however their populations are decreasing in particular due to hunting and pollution.
Re: Why is the water cold? Currents, local springs and the depth of the sea make the water colder. Also, obviously, the time of year and air temperature plays a part.
