The best Greek island beaches picked by travel experts

Anyone lucky enough to visit Greece can attest to the magic of its coastal regions, especially its many islands fringed by powdery sand beaches and enticing clear waters.

The Which? Travel team has visited popular and lesser-known destinations in the Cyclades, the Sporades and the Ionian islands, to narrow down which beaches you should add to your itinerary for your next Greek island escape..

Discover secluded bays, wildlife-rich lagoons and locals’ favourites dotted with traditional tavernas, in our expert round-up.

97% of Greece’s bathing waters were rated excellent. Find out where else you should take a dip in Europe.

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Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos

Just across from the Pelion peninsula, on the innermost island of the Sporades archipelago – Skiathos – you’ll find Koukounaries Beach. 

‘Koukounaries’ is Greek for pine cones, and references the rare stone pine forest that encircles the coastline. Of course, there are glass-clear waters and 1.5km of gleaming quartz-rich sand. But slightly further inland there’s also the Strofilia lagoon, which stretches into coastal areas, meaning you can explore staggering natural biodiversity right from the beach. 

In summertime it's not unusual to encounter black-and-white swans gliding across the water as they swim from the lagoon, through the wetlands to the coast. It’s one of the most memorable beaches I’ve ever visited. 

Kate Pasola, senior writer

Paleokastritsa, Corfu

Forested mountains stretch out to enticing cyan waters and golden sands in this idyllic spot on the northwest of Corfu. But tucked away out of view, the best beaches are only accessible by boat.

Take a tour or a private charter to the deserted, sandy ribbon of Chomi Beach. Aptly nicknamed Paradise, it’s where Odysseus is said to have washed up more than 2,000 years ago. 

Swim at double-sided bay Limni (pictured) or enjoy the solitude of secluded Giali beach (except for a few wild goats).  

Holidaymakers chasing a more lively and glamorous beach can walk down 140 steps to La Grotta for a cocktail and a dip.

Naomi Leach, deputy editor

Agios Sostis, Serifos

Skip over-touristed Santorini and Mykonos for a lesser-known Cyclades island. Rugged, slow-paced Serifos is just a two-and-a-half-hour fast ferry from Athens, and has wide golden-sand beaches that feel like the Greece of yesteryear. 

You can still see goats grazing on the hillside at secluded Sykamia beach, shaded by tamarisk trees. Or swim in the glassy Aegean sea at Agios Sostis, its serene twin coves separated by a blue-domed chapel.

 In the evenings, enjoy the traditional tavernas and arty boutiques of cliff-top Chora - a maze of stone alleys and whitewashed houses draped with bougainvillea. The old town is also famous for its ancient cylindrical stone windmills, three of which have been restored to their former glory.

Jo Rhodes, senior researcher/writer

Lourdas beach, Kefalonia

Beneath the foothills of Mount Ainos in Kefalonia, you can find stunning and peaceful golden-sand beach Lourdas. Dotted with traditional tavernas, it offers a breezy afternoon respite from the heat. 

The reason it's so quiet? After spending a day on the sands you'll need to drive or take a bus back up a steep hill to Vlachata village. But for a beach this dreamy, it’s worth the effort.

Stretching over 2km long, it’s perfect for a long walk through crystal-clear, shallow waters. As the water deepens gently, you step a good few metres in before you’re fully submerged for swimming. Stick around for the sunset, where the sky glows pink and orange as the sun slowly disappears behind the headland to the west.

Amy Axworthy, senior researcher/writer

Makrigialos Beach, Crete

Originally a small village, Makrigialos and its beach have become a buzzy hub that’s no stranger to tourists. But it’s far enough away from Crete’s main holidaymaker spots to retain a laid-back vibe.

You can settle on a seaside sunbed run by a local family taverna, which either costs a small fee or is complimentary when you order food and drinks. The beach is well sheltered from winds, and with calm, turquoise water framed by rugged mountain peaks, the view never gets old.

If you prefer your beaches to have a wilder feel, head to Kalamokania beach just next door, where you can enjoy deeper-water swimming and a quieter atmosphere.

Amy Axworthy, senior researcher/writer

Want to travel elsewhere in Europe? See how Which? members rated seaside and beach towns in the Mediterranean