Best Greek islands for beach holidays

Greece is a popular summer destination and tourists from all over the world visit the Greek islands for beach holidays. Sandy coasts, sunshine, and crystal clear waters are there for visitors to enjoy. Although all Greek destinations have great beaches to swim, here are our best Greek islands for beach holidays that are easily accessible by ferry.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia belongs to the Ionian islands, on the western side of Greece. It is one of the top Greek islands for beach holidays due to its numerous stunning beaches. Tourists can arrive by ferry from Patra and Killini, two ports in mainland Greece, while in high season there are also ferries to Kefalonia from Bari and Brindisi in Italy.

Visitors find a wide variety of beaches in Kefalonia, Greece. There are a lot of fully organized sandy beaches, such as Makris Gialos, Platis Gialos, Lourdas, and Skala, and at the same time, there are many secluded beaches where you can even be at your own. The most famous beaches in Kefalonia are surely Myrtos and Antimamos. Sunbathing in these beaches and enjoying the crystal waters will make your holidays unforgettable.

Naxos

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades. Getting there from Athens is easy as there are daily Naxos ferries departing from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, the two main ports of the Greek capital. One of the most popular Greek islands for beach holidays, Naxos has more than 30 beaches with miles of white sand and clear, turquoise waters. There are many different beaches to choose from in Naxos, depending on what you are looking for. The ferry trip to Naxos lasts 4 to 5 hours.

Fully organized beaches with a variety of water sports, such as diving, sailing or windsurfing, are found along the western side of the island for people who are seeking for adventure and fun. Naxos also offers a chance for relaxation and calmness with a variety of deserted beaches, especially on the southern and the eastern side. The most famous Naxos beaches, many of them awarded with Blue Flag, are Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka and Mikri Vigla.

Milos

Milos island is best known for its wonderful beaches and the volcanic landscape. This is definitely a place for beach holidays, with many beautiful coasts found in astonishing locations with caves and rock formations. From organized sandy beaches to secluded coves with sea caves, Milos has everything to offer to visitors who want to enjoy unforgettable beach holidays.

No doubt the best beaches are Sarakiniko, Tsigrado, Firiplaka, Agia Kyriaki and the more family-friendly beach of Paleochori. However, the most fantastic place to swim in Milos is Kleftiko, also called the Sea Meteora, a spot with exotic waters, accessible only by excursion boat. The ferry to Milos from Athens takes from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the schedule. From Milos, access to surrounding islands by ferry is very easy.

Skiathos

Skiathos, part of the Sporades islands, is found really close to the Greek mainland. Ferries to Skiathos depart daily from the port of Agios Konstantinos and Volos, making the access to the island very easy. Although this island is small in size, it is one of the best Greek islands for beach holidays. It has marvellous scenery with golden beaches and crystal waters. Tourists stroll along the vast stretches of sand surrounded by greenery, sunbathe under refreshing sunshine, or enjoy water sports in the many organized beaches, like Koukounaries or Banana.

Corfu

Corfu, situated on the northern side of the Ionian Sea, is another great island for beach holidays. The nice coasts with the lush greenery make up an amazing scenery. Corfu has golden sandy beaches, clear cold waters, and coasts with interesting rock formations.

Paleokastritsa and Glyfada are the most popular beach holiday destinations in Corfu, attracting many young people and providing a great variety of water sports. Agios Gordios and Nissaki are also very famous places to swim. Corfu ferries are available every hour from the port of Igoumenitsa in mainland Greece, while in summer there is also ferry connection with Italy.