Words John Gray
Greece is a country that is blessed with gorgeous Mediterranean weather coupled with an endless aquamarine coastline. It has thousands of islands with many stunning beaches to explore, each with its own beauty and charm. While it is impossible to mention all of them, here are seven white sand beaches that will blow you away.
Navagio, Zakynthos, Ionian Islands
Secluded and stunning, Navagio is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. It is reachable only by boat. Located on Zakynthos, the third largest of the Ionian Islands, it is distinguished by the ruins of a shipwreck dating back to the early 20th century that sits on the pristine white sand.
Elafonissi, Crete
If you think that a dreamy, tropical beach doesn’t exist in the Mediterranean, then you haven’t been to Elafonissi on the island of Crete. Elafonissi is a long and soft, sandy beach with clear, shallow turquoise waters. The sand is even pinkish in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the water does not exceed one meter in depth, creating a small lagoon that you can walk through to reach the island.
Pori, Ano Koufonissi, Cyclades Islands
A far cry from the nearby, glitzy islands of Santorini and Mykonos, this beach on the Cyclades Islands is the perfect place to chill while gazing at wild scenery, incredible azure waters and endless white sand. If it gets too lonely after a while, take a walk to the nearest town, Chora, which is 3.5 kilometers away.
Voldokilia, Messinia, Peloponnese Islands
This exceptional beach has a perfectly shaped half circle of sand, as though it had been traced with a giant compass. This dreamy, turquoise bay is adjoined by a lagoon behind it, which is often frequented by flamingos. After a swim you can hike up to the ruins of the 13th century castle and enjoy this magnificent view from above.
Voutoumi, Antipaxos, Ionian Islands
Located on Antipaxos, the smallest of the Ionian Islands, Voutoumi is a spectacular beach surrounded by towering cliffs and greenery, overlooking turquoise and indigo waters. If you are willing to climb some steps (200 to be exact), go to the Bella Vista Taverna, which offers a great view. Like Navagio, you need to get here by a water taxi from the nearest port.
“…There is the heat of Love, the pulsing rush of Longing, the lover’s whisper, irresistible, magic to make the sanest man go mad.”
Homer, The Iliad
Myrtos, Kefallonia, Ionian Islands
Considered one of the most picturesque beaches in Greece, Myrtos Beach was featured in the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. This marvelous bay is backed by tall green cliffs and it is made up of millions of white small pebbles. The sea, which changes from dark blue to turquoise, is perfect for snorkeling and has many secret caves that are ideal for exploration. From land you can reach it by taking the steep, winding two-kilometer road that leads down to the beach from the village of Divarta.
Koukounaries, Skiathos, Sporades Islands
Considered the most popular beach on Skiathos, Koukounaries is known for its extremely fine, white sand and the surrounding fragrant pine forest from which the region took its name. It is a protected environment and considered to be the most unspoiled natural beach of the Mediterranean. The bustling town center in Skiathos is only 20 minutes away, and it is accessible by the island bus.
“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea.”
Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek
