Finding the best Greek islands with sandy beaches might be more complicated as you can imagine as there are more than 220 inhabited islands spread in the seas near Greece mainland.

Greek islands attract and fascinate a large number of tourists each year with their crystalline waters, amazing sceneries and beautiful beaches.

Besides natural beauty, most of the Greek islands beaches offer excellent facilities that attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

At the most popular beaches, tourists can find lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as showers, restrooms and changing rooms and many taverns where you can try the delicious Greek food.

It’s time to discover together which one of these 220 islands has the most beautiful sandy beaches where you definitely plan your future holiday.

Greek islands with sandy beaches

Naxos

Naxos is the largest island from the Cyclades islands and it gained a lot of popularity in the last years mainly because of its large sandy beaches, one of the best from Greece.

The beaches from this island are completely different from the rest of Greece mainly because of their length.

Most of them have soft white sand and crystal blue waters and if you are searching for the most beautiful strips of sand from this island you should head to the western part.

The most famous beaches from the island are Plaka which is the longest one, Agios Prokopios, Aliko and Agios Georgios.

Accommodation

Aegean Land Naxos offers luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the sea or the pool and is located right near Plaka beach, in the nearby area of Naxos town.

This charming beachfront hotel is located just 7 km away from the Archeological Museum of Naxos and 13 km from the ruins of the Temple of Demeter.

Crete

One of the best Greek islands with sandy beaches is Crete, a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea.

Chania is the part of Greece with the best beaches from the island.

Among the most beautiful and exotic beaches from Crete are Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna.

Balos is considered to be one of the most exotic places from Crete also known as Greece Caribbean.

Occasionally in August strong winds might blow on the northern part of Crete creating large waves.

So swimming and bathing are not appropriate in these waters during this period and tourists head up to the southern part of Crete which is less windy.

Accommodation

Built in 2020, Lagon Life Spirit Boutique Hotel Crete is a luxury 5-star resort located in Halepa, the historic part of Chania, Crete.

The hotel offers a panoramic view over the deep blue waters of the Cretan Sea and over the Old Town of Chania and the symbol of the area, the Venetian Lighthouse.

The interior of the hotel combines the modern stylish philosophy and the comfortable leaving all leading up to an ideal environment for relaxation and joyful moments.

Ios

Ios beaches are considered among the most beautiful places to swim in Greece so it is not a surprise that most publications considered Ios as one of the best Greek islands with sand beaches.

The most popular beaches in Greece from this island are Mylopotas and Kalamos, the first one is located near the busy town of Chora, while Kalamos is more secluded and remote.

Around Mylopotas there are plenty of beach bars and taverns, as well as a watersports centre from where you can rent equipment at reasonable prices.

Accommodation

Gracefully located on a hillside, overlooking the Aegean Sea, Liostasi Hotel Ios is designed to offer high-end hospitality in harmony with the liberating serenity of the landscape.

Guests are invited to enter into a world of chic cosmopolitan joyfulness, experiencing a profound feeling of freedom and serenity.

Paros

The twin sister of Naxos is Paros, located in the western part and is one of the most beautiful Greek islands with sandy beaches.

Paros beaches are famous for their crystal water and relaxing vibe, attracting many visitors every summer.

The most famous strip of sand from the island is Kolympithres characterised by the very interesting blocks of granite.

Other interesting beaches are Santa Maria, a very long and beautiful beach, as well as Golden and New Golden beaches perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

While in Paros book some time and plan a day trip to Paros, the neighbouring island which impresses with its amazing landscapes and welcoming people.

Accommodation

Archipelagos Resort Villas Paros is one of the finest boutique hotels on the beautiful island of Paros contemporarily designed and inspired by the island’s local architecture.

It features 30 luxurious rooms and 3 family villas, a swimming pool, as well as a high-quality restaurant.

Guests can take part in different activities like sea sports, excursions and mountain biking and enjoy the beauty of the island.

Mykonos

Mykonos beaches are famous all over the world for their golden sand and crystal clear waters.

Being such a popular destination among tourists from all over the world, Mykonos beaches are organised with many tourist facilities like bars, restaurants and watersports centres.

 

The most famous strips of sand from Mykonos are Paradise and Super Paradise beaches are known for their trendy beach clubs where DJs from all over the world come and mix their songs day and night.

A more hippie beach is Payts Gialos which is a wide stretch of shoreline with many hotels and restaurants in the nearby area, while people looking for a quiet beach can head up to Elia Beach.

Accommodation

Located in a beautiful location just a few steps away from the famous Platis Gialos beach, Petinos Hotel Mykonos is an exclusive hideaway of relaxation which offers to its guest’s suites and apartments in modern Cycladic style, high-quality services and luxury facilities.

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Rhodes

One of the most beautiful Greek islands with sandy beaches, Rhodes offers a large collection of beaches with many amenities like hotels, taverns, watersport centres and bars.

There are over 40 beaches spread around the island, out of which the most beautiful ones are: Anthony Quinn Bay, St Paul from Lindos, Agathi beach, Tsambika and Pefki.

 

Anthony Quinn Bay is not a child-friendly beach because of the rocks surrounding the bay, while St Paul is on the opposite side with shallow waters perfect for kids to paddle in.

Agathi beach offers amazing views of Feraklos Castle and is a great destination for families who like to swim in the warm, calm and shallow waters.

Accommodation

Overlooking the Kolympia beach and the Mediterranean Sea, Sentido Port Royal is a beautiful 5-star resort located just 6 kilometres away from the Valley of Butterflies and 11 kilometres from the amazing beach of Anthony Quinn Bay.

The modern villas have nice furnishing and come with sitting areas, terraces or balconies and whirlpool tubs.

Some of the villas offer beachfront views and others come with a living room and a private pool.

Skiathos

Covered with forests of pine trees and surrounded by crystal water, Skiathos beaches attract thousands of tourists each year.

Considered among the best Greek islands with sandy beaches Skiathos is part of the Sporades chain and is a very popular summer destination.

The amazing Koukounaries beach is considered to be one of the best from the Aegean Sea, while Banana Beach is famous for its bars and watersports centres.

For those of you looking for more secluded places, we recommend visiting Agia Paraskevi and Vromolimnos, two beautiful beaches hidden between pine forests.

And for those seeking for some romantic moments, Aselinos beach located on the northern side of the island is the perfect place to go.

Accommodation

Modern and charming rooms from Elivi Skiathos welcome their guests with minibars and flat-screens plus tea and coffee making facilities.

Some of the rooms have amazing views of the sea, while a few have their own pool, kitchen and living room.

All guests can relax at the two outdoor pools, at the spa centre or at the gym; a bar and a poolside cafe are the perfect places to chill.

Corfu

Surrounded by incredible blue-green waters of the Ionian Sea, the island of Corfu is classified as one of the top places to spend your summer holiday.

The most popular beaches from the island are the ones located around the picturesque village of Paleokastritsa located on the western coast.

Other popular beaches are Glyfada located also on the western part of the island and the ones near Kontokali resort which are labelled with Blue Flag.

The list is filled in with Agios Georgios, Ipsos and Acharavi beach and the award for the most instagrammable beach goes to Longas or Canal D’Amour famous for its rock formations.

Accommodation

Domes Miramare Corfu is the new, fascinating chapter in a story of one of modern Greece’s most iconic buildings, designed by Charalambos Sfaellos and once owned by the Onassis family.

This beautiful hotel is the best when we speak about authentic hospitality and luxury experience.

It has 113 rooms and villas fully renovated with natural materials and decorated with contemporary art pieces.

Kefalonia

The dramatic landscape of Kefalonia island, one of the best Greek islands with sandy beaches enchants visitors with its exotic beauty.

Visitors are attracted by the beautiful scenery: mystical sea caves, coastal views from Mount Enos and the azure waters lapping up against golden shores.

The most beautiful beach is Myrtos beach, located near the village of Assos, a place hidden under steep limestone cliffs and shrub-covered hillsides.

Another beautiful strip of white sand and magnificent blue waters is Petanoi beach, a great place to go if you want to perfect your tan and bathe into the sea.

Accommodation

F Zeen Kefalonia is a unique retreat with charming accommodation and a simplistic and natural approach to the design though incredible attention to details.

Guests can relax at the 3 swimming pools or book some treatments at the 2 holistic spas.

An outdoor gym and a yoga deck are waiting for you to do your daily stretching sessions.

Inside the resort, there are two restaurants and two bars where people can serve their meals and sip a cocktail after a day on the beach.

Lefkada

One of the most popular Greek islands with sandy beaches also known as the Caribbean of Greece, Lefkada is famous for its exotic scenery and turquoise waters.

The island’s best beach is considered to be Porto Katsiki with a sandy shoreline surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs.

The beach features all the amenities you need, including a snack bar, sun chairs, umbrellas and a parking place.

The longest beach from the island named Kathisma is located near the village of Agios Nikitas and is a very popular place among those who love white sand and turquoise water.

Another amazing beach is Egremni, a more secluded beach accessible by boat and attracts tourists with its sandy and pebbly beaches and turquoise waters.

Accommodation

Okeanos Luxury Villas Lefkada was built to impress and blend with its wild and noble natural environment in harmony.

Most of the rooms are overlooking the sea and are highly equipped with blackout curtains, very comfortable and high-quality mattresses.

Guests can relax at the infinity pool in comfy sunbeds and under umbrellas with a cocktail on their hands.

I bet it’s not easy to make a decision about which Greek islands with sandy beaches to visit, but I hope this article managed to answer your questions.

These islands are not just incredibly beautiful but they offer amazing beaches and high-class services.

Pick the one you like most and let us know about your experience as you come back from your holiday!