🏝️ Pelagos
The best Greek islands for beaches
Almost every Greek island has a good beach, but some are ringed with them, from long sandy stretches to coves you reach by boat. These score highest for beaches.
Lists are a fine start. Want your personal match?
Take the 2-minute quiz
1
Mílos
Μήλος · Cyclades
Volcanic coves and the white lunar rock of Sarakíniko, reached by boat.
See Mílos
2
Zákynthos
Ζάκυνθος · Ionian
Navagío shipwreck cove and loggerhead-turtle nesting bays in the south.
See Zákynthos
3
Lefkáda
Λευκάδα · Ionian
Joined to the mainland by a causeway, with the white cliffs of Pórto Katsíki.
See Lefkáda
4
Koufoníssia
Κουφονήσια · Cyclades
Tiny and low, ringed by shallow turquoise coves you reach on foot.
See Koufoníssia
5
Crete
Κρήτη · Crete
Greece's largest island — Minoan Knossós, the Samariá Gorge and a celebrated food tradition.
See Crete
6
Kefaloniá
Κεφαλονιά · Ionian
Mýrtos beach, the Melissáni cave lake and fir-forested Mount Aínos.
See Kefaloniá
7
Skiáthos
Σκιάθος · Sporades
Pine forest runs straight down to sandy bays like Koukounariés; flights land in town.
See Skiáthos
8
Náxos
Νάξος · Cyclades
The marble Portara, long sandy beaches and green mountain villages inland.
See Náxos
Not sure which Greek island is you?
Take the 2-minute quiz
More Greek island guides
The best Greek islands for couples
The best Greek islands for families
The best Greek islands for nightlife
The best Greek islands for food and wine
The best Greek islands for hiking and nature
The quietest, most peaceful Greek islands
The greenest, most lush Greek islands
The best Greek islands without a car
Off-the-beaten-path Greek islands
Rankings come from Pelagos's island scoring. Booking links on island pages may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.