Greece is one of the top summer destinations, featuring a breathtaking coastline and thousands of picturesque islands. In addition, Greece is home to some of the top beaches in the world, and you’ll probably need a lifetime to visit them all. The best beaches in Greece often lie off the beaten path, providing exposure to the elements and a touch of seclusion.
Obviously, every list of the best Greek beaches is highly subjective and never complete. However, after traveling around the Greek islands for many years, I visited countless lesser-known beaches. Iconic spots like the Sarakiniko Beach in Milos or the Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos make it to magazines, postcards, and Instagram feeds. On the other hand, beaches in smaller islands never receive enough attention and often go unnoticed.
Therefore, in this article about the ten best beaches in Greece that you’ve probably never heard of, I will share locations that deserve to be visited. Although you won’t probably see them in just one journey, I believe these beaches will inspire you for your upcoming holiday in Greece. The article focuses on unspoiled places, i.e., remote beaches without facilities for maximizing an authentic experience.
So, let’s start with the best beaches in Greece off-the-beaten path.
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10 best beaches in Greece
The Greek beaches in the following lines appear in no particular order. The goal is to present some stunning beaches in Greece, focusing on what makes them unique and worth visiting. These are my favorite Greek beaches, and I’d return in a heartbeat to each one of them (if you are a frequent reader of this travel blog, you know that already).
Livadaki Beach, Folegandros
Folegandros remained off the radar for international travelers for a long time, but this has changed recently. The small island features the prettiest Chora (that’s what the main settlements are called in the Cyclades) and a mindblowing landscape. In my Folegandros travel guide, I wrote extensively about the island’s beaches. And there, I wrote that Livadaki Beach is one of the best in the Aegean Sea.
Livadaki is a secluded beach a couple of kilometers out of Chora. During the summertime, small fishing boats organize day trips to the beach. However, since Folegandros has one of the most majestic landscapes in the Cuclades, it’s better to hike. Please keep in mind that you’ll have to bring provisions for both the hike and the beach time.
To reach Livadaki, you’ll have to hike from the settlement of Ano Meria. In front of the taverna, “Sinantisi” starts the path toward Livadaki. The trail is in most parts designated, and it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Livadaki Beach. During the last hundred meters, you’ll climb down a cliff, and the view is rewarding: crystal-clear waters and a small pebbled beach with a few trees.
Stunning.
Lioliou Beach, Schinoussa
Schinoussa is one of the tiniest inhabited Greek islands. It belongs to the so-called Little Cyclades and has a fantastic vibe. Unlike other islands, in Schinoussa, you won’t need a car since everything lies within walking distance. You can literally visit every beach on foot, even the most distant ones.
Lioliou Beach in Schinoussa is a 40-minute walk from the main settlement. You practically have to take the dirt road from the Chora to the very end. Lioliou is a tiny stretch of sand with shallow, turquoise waters. On a sunny day (which is always the case during the summer), the beach has a Caribbean vibe. Actually, whenever I think of the best beaches to visit in Greece, Lioliou is among the first that come to my mind.
I always recommend bringing provisions for the day, but at Lioliou, there’s a small taverna just off the beach. Therefore, you can buy water or have lunch before returning to your accommodation.
Livoskopos Beach, Anafi
Although Anafi lies just ninety minutes away from Santorini, it’s still one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades. The fact that there’s no daily connection to other islands is a no-go for tourists. However, Anafi’s raw landscape is unique, and if you’re up for less-visited islands, you should add it to your bucket list.
I visited Anafi countless times, and on my Anafi travel guide, you can find everything about the island and its beaches. Livoskopos Beach is one of the best and, at the same time, more hard-to-reach beaches in this article. Hiking from the Chora to Livoskopos will take hours, so it’s better to rent a car for the day. To reach Livoskopos by car, you have two options.
The first option is to drive to the first crossroad and then hike towards the beach. The way down is fairly easy, but the way up will be challenging. However, if you feel courageous enough, you can drive your car to the parking lot of the beach. The dirt road is in bad condition, and the way back is steep. I prefer not to risk with the car, although a famous Greek summer saying claims that “a rented car goes everywhere.”
At Livoskopos Beach, you’ll most likely be on your own. The sea is crystal clear, and there are a few trees to shelter. And here’s a tip: check the wind forecast before visiting it. The beach is exposed to the winds, and if it blows from the north, avoid it. The waves can be very powerful in the open sea. Therefore, only visit Livoskopos if the forecast shows southern winds.
Lies Beach, Nisyros
Featuring an active volcano and a crater you can walk, Nisyros is a gem. Located in the Dodecanese, just off Kos, Nisyros is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. And although Nisyros doesn’t have dozens of beaches, the ones it has are beautiful.
Lies Beach is a long stretch of sand and pebbles, and even in the peak season, there’s enough space for everyone. Due to the volcanic stones, the sea looks darker -like in Santorini- but it’s totally clear and safe to swim. The landscape is fantastic, and close to Lies, you will find the Taverna Oasis, serving a small selection of delicious dishes.
In addition, next to Lies Beach, you can also visit Pachia Ammos, an equally beautiful beach. However, during the summertime, it is packed with free campers, and it might be challenging to find a quiet spot. Therefore, I suggest Lies for a more relaxing experience.
Agia Kioura Beach, Leros
Despite its size, Leros is a quiet island ideal for a relaxing vacation. Although most beaches on the island won’t impress you, one really stands out. Agia Kioura is a compact beach on the very north of the island. It has a few tamarisks to shelter and can quickly fill up.
However, this tiny bay has crystal clear water, and the sandy beach is set in a serene landscape. Of the Leros beaches I visited, that’s the only one of Cyclades standards, and swimming there felt refreshing. In addition, shortly before descending to the beach, you’ll find a small church with a long history. The saint’s icons are painted by people exiled on the island during the Greek military junta. It definitely deserves a visit before going to the beach.
And here’s an Agia Kioura Beach tip: the northern part of the island serves as a military base. While heading to Agia Kioura, you will see a street sign informing you that you’re entering a military zone. Don’t let this scare you: the beach isn’t part of this zone. However, wherever you see fences, avoid trespassing.
Livadi Beach, Donoussa
Livadi Beach in Donoussa (don’t confuse it with Livadaki in Folegandros) is hands down one of the best beaches in Greece. Like Schinoussa, the small island of Donoussa belongs to the Little Cyclades complex and is home to countless stunning beaches. As you can imagine, picking just one beach is challenging.
However, I chose Livadi Beach due to its fantastic vibe, the sandy beach, and the turquoise waters. It’s easy to reach Livadi Beach by a small fishing boat starting from the port of the island called “Donoussa Magissa.” However, I preferred -once again- to hike from the bus stop down to Livadi. It takes twenty minutes to the beach, but the way back is steep and, hence, requires more time. But being exposed to the Cycladic elements and enjoying terrific views is rewarding.
Like most Greek beaches in this article, Livadi is unorganized, but you’ll find a spot to buy water and some snacks. If you plan to visit Donoussa, don’t miss Livadi.
Plaka Beach, Tilos
Tilos is a small island in the Dodecanese with a very easygoing atmosphere. The island is famous as the last settlement where dwarf elephants lived in Europe and is frequented by people searching for a very relaxing vacation. Most travelers prefer to spend their beach time in Eristos, a seemingly endless stretch of sand with crystal clear waters.
However, while Eristos is indeed beautiful, I much more enjoyed swimming at Plaka Beach. Due to the random peacocks strolling around the sand, the so-called Peacock Beach is a unique spot on the island. Located off the fishing village of Agios Antonios, Plaka is a secluded stretch of sand with clear waters. The absence of facilities at the beach means that you’ll have to bring provisions for the day, but Agios Antonios is not that far by car if you feel like having lunch,
It’s easy to reach Plaka Beach by car, and you can park straight in front of it. Next to the beach, you’ll also see a small farm full of goats -and that’s where the peacocks live. If you want a serene landscape where you can relax under the trees and swim, then Plaka Beach in Tilos ticks all the boxes.
Kommos Beach, Crete
Crete has dozens of iconic beaches, like Elafonissi, Falasarna, and Balos. And although I recommend all these beaches in Crete, there was one that I was even happier to discover. Located just a few kilometers away from the hippie paradise of Matala, Kommos Beach is probably the longest on this list.
Kommos is an endless stretch of sand, and it’s so wide that it feels impossible to get packed. The beauty of the landscape is rare, but please keep in mind that in front of you is the open sea. This practically means that if the day is windy, the waves can be taller than 1-2 meters, and it’s dangerous to swim. On quiet days, though, nothing beats the allure of Kommos, and spending a day there is one of the best things to do in Crete.
I still remember swimming on calm days at Kommos -and I also recall the tall waves keeping me ashore. Yes, Crete is a big island, and there are lots of things to see. However, if you’re on this side of the island, don’t miss the chance to stop at Kommos.
Apitiki Beach, Kalymnos
Due to its vertical cliffs, Kalymnos is dubbed the island of climbers. Loads of climbers visit Kalymnos every year to climb its mountains, and the island’s geography is impressive. There’s no lack of great beaches in Kalymnos, and the one that stole my heart is Apitiki.
Apitiki Beach is located on the island’s north, and you can only visit it on foot. The path to Apitiki starts from the northernmost settlement of the island, called Emporios. From there, you’ll need to hike for almost 50 minutes across a landscape that is sure to fill your camera roll. The hike is totally safe, and the landscape is breathtaking.
Arriving at Apitiki Beach, you’ll be greeted by goats. They lay on the beach, run along the slopes, and occupy the area without being nosy. At Apitiki, it will be you, the goats, and the waves. As with Livoskopos in Anafi, this is a northern beach, and visiting it makes sense only when the winds blow from the south. Otherwise, the waves will make it impossible to swim. However, it deserves visiting even if you don’t want to swim: the landscape of that Dodecanesean island is outstanding.
Steno Beach, Astypalaia
Unlike the previous beaches, Steno is a partly organized beach in Astypalaia, Greece. Steno Beach is easy to reach by car or bus, and it has a few sunbeds and a place for lunch.
What makes Steno Beach stand out from the other beaches of the beautiful Dodecanese island is the beautiful landscape surrounding it. The scenery resembles a natural fjord, and the waters are shallow. The sandy Steno Beach is ideal for solo travelers and families due to its beautiful landscape and easy access.
For a more secluded feeling, you can also visit Mikro Steno Beach, which is almost attached to Steno. This way, you can visit two Astypalaia beaches in one day and enjoy your time in one of the best Greek islands for beaches and food. Astypalaia is a gem, and it has a more Cycladic feeling despite belonging to the Dodecanese.
The best beaches in Greece: Essentials
Since I mainly wrote about isolated Greek beaches, I believe an extra section about Greek beach essentials is necessary. Non-organized beaches in Greece provide an authentic experience, but you should be prepared to spend time there. Most secluded beaches don’t have any shade to shelter from the scorching sun, and you should also have some things with you. It’s your vacation, after all, and it’s better to be prepared.
Therefore, I will add here a few essentials for your time at the Greek beaches. And here’s what I suggest having with you.
A hat. The sun in Greece is intense even off-season. Hiking towards the beaches or spending time there means exposure to the sun for hours. That said, a hat is always a must. Unless it’s a matter of style, you don’t need something fancy. You can find a selection of hats here.
Sunscreen. Of course, sunscreen is a must for your Greek holiday. You need to avoid sunburns because it can be a serious health issue apart from ruining your vacation. I am not an expert, but I usually buy this sunscreen, and it’s good for me.
Pop-up tent. Isolated Greek beaches rarely have shadows. No sunbeds or beach umbrellas exist, so if you don’t feel like risking being all day long in the sun, a pop-up tent is always a great idea. Pop-up tents come in different sizes and can accommodate different numbers of people. Moreover, their size is compact, and they will easily fit in your suitcase. That’s the pop-up tent I always have with me.
Sunglasses. All of us have sunglasses, but I have to write it here. You need to protect your eyes while hiking or sunbathing. I often buy a pair of sunglasses due to their quality and reasonable price. When hiking, it’s not unlikely to damage them -and I don’t want this to happen to an expensive pair. See the sunglasses here.
5 travel tips for Greek beaches
After visiting various beaches in Greece, I think I have to add an extra section to this article. Once again, since I focused on secluded Greek beaches, these tips intend to help you have a pleasant time.
So, here are my travel tips for beaches in Greece.
1. Avoid hiking between 12 pm and 3 pm. That’s when the sun is at its peak, and you can get easily sunburned. The best times to hike to a Greek beach are either early morning or late afternoon. In addition, you can be dehydrated very quickly when it’s too hot outside.
2. Have always water and food with you. Never forget to bring enough water for the day and some light snacks. Water will keep you hydrated, and your body will better manage the sun’s intensity. Avoid heavy meals and bring lots of small light snacks with you. Save your appetite for dinner.
3. Avoid staying too long in the sun at noon. Like with hiking, sunbathing between 12 and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak can be dangerous. Spend 10-15 minutes and go back to the shadow.
4. Take frequent dips in the water. You are at the beach not only to get tanned but also to enjoy the water. Take frequent dips in the water to get refreshed and keep your body temperature at normal levels.
5. If it gets too much, quit. It happened to all of us. Sometimes, you feel like you have enough hiking, enough time at the beach, and enough sun. Don’t force yourself, especially when it’s too hot outside. It’s okay to quit; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Bonus: The 10 best beaches in Greece on the map
For your convenience, I created a map including the 10 Greek beaches mentioned in the article. You can simply click the star and save them to your Google Maps account.
The Best Beaches in Greece: My Resources
In this final section of the article about the best beaches in Greece, I’ll share some of my Greek guides and resources. All the articles you’ll find below are relevant to planning a fantastic Greek holiday. In them, I share various travel tips about Greece and how to make the most of your stay.
So, here are the articles.
How to book your ferry tickets in Greece. In this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll find everything about booking your Greek ferry tickets. You’ll find tips on how to find connections between the islands and info about the boats.
Domestic flights in Greece. This tutorial is all about flying to the Greek islands. You’ll read how to compare prices and find the islands with an airport. If you’re tight on your schedule, this guide is extremely useful.
Greek islands on a budget. This guide focuses exclusively on planning a holiday in Greece on a low budget. I use these tips myself every time I’m about to visit the Greek islands.
Greece travel tips. Finally, in this article, you’ll find general travel tips for your vacation in Greece.
Conclusion: 10 Greek beaches you’ve never heard of
Greece has stood at the top of travelers’ preferences for decades, and there’s a reason for that. The high-quality hospitality, the delicious food, and -above all- its majestic landscape are the main reasons why millions of people visit it every year. For people seeking a relaxing getaway after a long winter, the Greek summer has everything one needs: sun, sea, and serenity.
As you read in the previous lines, for me, the best beaches in Greece are always off the beaten track. The lack of on-site facilities and the feeling of seclusion create an authentic atmosphere that is hard to find in organized places. That said, the best Greek beaches always have cicadas instead of beach bars and tamarisks instead of umbrellas.
Yes, this might not be for everyone, and I fully understand people who want to have beach facilities. However, if lunch means tomatoes and Greek cheese under the sun while often being alone at the seaside, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the beaches mentioned above.
I know that such lists are never complete. And as I stated, it’s always subjective. But that’s why a list of the best beaches in Greece will always be endless: not only to create lists but also to have even more to discover.
More about Greece: One week in Greece itinerary, Santorini day trips, Athens walking tours
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Last Updated on September 30, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos