Porto Limniona, Zakynthos’ Most Stunning Cove 

Porto Limniona, located along the west coast of Zakynthos, is by far one of the best places to swim when visiting this Ionian island! 

Surrounded by lush, rugged cliffs and boasting beautiful turquoise waters, this picturesque spot invites visitors to sit back and relax, while enjoying the idyllic scenery.

Set a few kilometres from the charming village of Agios Leon, from here the road leads you down the coast- making for a spectacular drive as you simply follow the signs for Porto Limniona. 

Once you reach the bay, there is a large car park at the top and from there you can make your way down the steps and jump straight in for a swim and a snorkel. Otherwise just kick back on one of the sun lounges (10 € per set) and order a drink while taking in the spectacular views. 

If you visit during the peak summer season, we suggest getting here early- by at least 10:30- 11 am, as it gets packed out by midday and can be difficult to find both a car spot and a sun bed. Just keep in mind there is no shade, nor sand, which means you can’t bring your own umbrella. So if you are planning on making a day of it, just be prepared! 

After diving off the rocks and exploring the fabulous sea caves, walk over to Taverna Porto Limnionas, which offers uninterrupted views of the bay. The traditional restaurant serves a range of seafood and meat dishes, along with mezedes and fresh salads.

Open for lunch and dinner, the best time to sit on the outdoor terrace and sip on a glass of wine is while watching the sunset! 

Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE ©

Best Greek Islands for Beaches

Let’s be honest, the perfect Greek island summer holiday entails arriving at the beach in the morning (ordering a Freddo Cappuccino as soon as you get there) and leaving when it’s almost dark (after that last post-sunset swim and a cocktail at the bar). 

Whether you prefer kicking back on a sun bed listening to famous DJs playing the latest and hottest tracks, or discovering remote spots that offer complete and utter privacy- we’ve rounded up the best Greek islands for those (like us) who love spending endless hours at the beach every summer!  

Crete

Greece’s largest island is filled with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and whether you visit Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion- you are in for a treat! 

Best beaches in Crete

Vai (about 2 hours from Heraklion), Preveli (closest to Rethymnon), Balos (55 km from Chania), Elafonisi (1.5-hour drive from Chania), and Seitan Limani (in Chania). 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Gramvousa Beach
Koufonissia

This small Cycladic island offers breathtaking beaches and stunning waters; the bonus is you can easily get around from one beach to another without a car! 

Best beaches in Koufonissia

Finikas, Fanos, Ammos, Italida, Pori, Charakopou and Parianos. 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Kasteli Beach
Lefkada

Postcard-perfect beaches are scattered all over the island! From famous Porto Katsiki to remote little bays that boast crystal clear waters- Lefkada is a must for water babies! 

Best beaches in Lefkada

Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Kathisma, Pefkoulia, Agiofili and Avali.

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Porto Katsiki
Zakynthos

Lefkada’s neighbouring Ionian isle is also renowned for its stunning waters that are surrounded by lush cliffs that make for memorable days at the beach. 

Best beaches in Zakynthos

Navagio (for the views), Marathonissi island (a small boat ride from town), Gerakas, Dafni, Limnionas, Porto Vromi, and Xyngia. 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Marathonisi
Milos

Fast becoming one of Greece’s most popular islands, Milos is home to some of the Cyclades (if not Greece’s) most beautiful beaches. 

Best beaches in Milos

Sarakiniko, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, Papafragas and Fyropotamos.

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Tsigrado
Naxos

This is the largest island of the Cyclades and an ideal destination for those that want to spend all day and night on a long sandy beach that’s lined with taverns and bars- so you don’t need to move!  

Best beaches in Naxos

Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Agios Giorgios, Sahara and Mikri Vigla. 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Agios Prokopios
Donoussa

An under-the-radar island that offers striking beaches that are quiet and remote; this is the ideal island for those who prefer privacy and tranquility during their summer getaway. 

Best beaches in Donoussa 

Kedros, Livadi, Kalotaritissa, Fikio and Stavros

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Livadi Beach

Rhodes

With water temperatures that are ideal from early Spring through to late Autumn, Rhodes is by far one of the best Greek islands for those that want to make the most of the magical Mediterranean Sea! 

Best beaches in Rhodes

Anthony Quinn, St Paul’s Bay, Kallithea, and Tsambika.   

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Anthony Quinn

Skiathos

Part of the Sporades group, Skiathos offers some of the most unique beaches in Greece, that are surrounded by lush pine trees and soft sand. 

Best beaches in Skiathos

Lalaria, Koukouniares, Vromolimnos, Elia and Mandraki. 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Lalaria

Main image | Anthony Quinn Beach in Rhodes | by IN+SIGHTS GREECE ©

Greece 2nd in the World for 2022 Blue Flag Beaches Awards

Greece has ranked second in the world again for the “Blue Flag” quality award list of beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats.

The great news has come just in time for those deciding where to head for their summer swims; with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) announcing at a special event on Monday, that Greece was named second among 53 countries on the 2022 Blue Flag quality award list. 

Coastal stretches across Greece have been awarded 581 flags, marinas have received 15 in total and six tourist boats have been accredited by the Blue Flag label, which corresponds to 14 percent of the total number of beaches awarded by the program this year.

Halkidiki’s beaches received the highest number of accolades with 96 flags, followed by Attica, Crete and Rhodes.

Spain has retained the title of world leader in Blue Flag awards in 2022 with the country’s beaches, marinas and tourist boats having received a total of 729.

The prestigious Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.

 The International Jury Blue Flag 2022 for the northern hemisphere, chaired by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded 5,042 Blue Flags in 74 countries, 4,194 for beaches, 732 for marinas and 116 for tourist boats.

10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List

Hot sand, reviving water, ice coffee, a sweet little breeze, as you dip in and out of your dreams – in a fantasy-like landscape! This is the time to start planning your trip to Greece, and one of the best ways is to plan according to the beaches you’ll be visiting.

Here we skip out on the most famous beaches that are written about everywhere and focus on other Instagrammable, drone-worthy coastlines with lovely waters that will probably be a little to a lot less touristy. Tip: June and September are the ideal months for a less busy beach vibe.

Sarakiniko, Milos

Have you been to the moon? Here, you’ll find yourself in a scene surrounded by white volcanic rocks as soft as chalk and shaped like other-worldly sculptures. Admire the deep cove with sparkling green waters that turn to shades of blue in deeper parts. While on Milos, make sure to have a swim at Fyriplaka beach, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters, not to mention the impressive cliffs that change colour (from pink to neon yellow) every few meters. 

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Xi Beach, Kefalonia

A somewhat eerie landscape is located in the area of Palika, south of Lixouri. It took its name from the letter “Xi” in the Greek alphabet because of the shape of the bay where it’s located. But what makes Xi beach stand even more is the unusual reddish-cherry colour of the sand. Here you’ll also find clay that you can slap onto your skin for a DIY spa treatment. The most beautiful time for diving is at sunset when the colour of the sand is enhanced and the scenery becomes exceptionally seductive.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Canal D’amour, Corfu

Between Sidari and Peroulades lies this impressive landscape with turquoise waters, white sculptured rock, caves and small beaches. There’s a legend about the Channel of Eros, especially impressive from above (get your drone out) that says that whoever swims in the narrow passage in front of the beach, will meet the love of his life on the other side.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Seychelles, Ikaria

Greece has its own Seychelles! On an island where the beaches are pretty but unremarkable, this beach stands out for its fine white pebbles mixed with sand, massive white rocks that make the landscape space-like, and crystal clear and deep blue waters.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Giola, Thassos

Giola is a spectacular natural rock pool in the Astris area of Thassos. The height of the rocks, which reach about 8 meters high, and the luscious green waters of Giola – in contrast to the dark blue waters of the sea that surrounds it – make this sea pool very special.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Balos, Crete

Admire one of the most exotic beaches in Greece, considered one of the best in the Mediterranean, Balos in the prefecture of Chania. The sand here glistens with white and red hues. The most incredible shades of blue and green compete in the waters, while the islet of Gramvousa with its Venetian castle makes the scene even more magical.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Mavra Volia (Mavros Gialos), Chios

Landscape like a sci-fi movie! It stands out for its black pebbles due to the inactive volcano Psaronas, as well as the crystal clear icy waters that also get their dark colour from the colour of the pebbles.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Saliara, Thassos

The white-white beach with crystal blue waters, known to foreigners as marble beach, owes its colour to the white stone that adorns the coast!

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Porto Timoni, Corfu

These are actually two different beaches in sheltered bays, separated by a narrow strip of land. The smaller one is called Limni, while the larger one is called Porto Timoni. The waters here are turquoise and crystal clear. Nature was in a good mood when it formed Porto Timoni in Corfu!

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List
Trypiti or Gala, Koufonisia

The location of Gala is an indentation in the rock that looks like a hole (in the past the locals called it Tripiti) and inside it hides a small beach! You will find it in Ano Koufonissi, very close to Pori beach. In the area, you can also explore the caves of Xylobatis, as well as the cave “The Eye of the Devil”. Beyond Gala, Koufonisia has a coastline that hides incredible landscapes that seem to belong to this land.

Insights Greece - 10 Amazing Greek Beaches to Put on Your Bucket List

Main Image by Find Us Lost ©

4 Beaches in Rhodes that Can’t Be Missed  

Rhodes has so many spectacular beaches that are definitely worth exploring, but if you only have a few days on this stunning island in the Dodecanese, we suggest you head to these amazing spots that guarantee a memorable swim every time!

Kallithea Springs

This is one of Rhodes’ most visited areas and for a good reason. Famous for its therapeutic properties, the ancient healing powers of Kallithea’s natural hot springs attract thousands of international visitors who come to enjoy the majestic spaces that have been wonderfully renovated. You can spend an entire day relaxing on the sun lounges, snorkelling around the rocks, as well as exploring the ancient spas, lush gardens and pebblestone mosaics. When you are done, sit down at the chic beach bar and have a late lunch while enjoying the gorgeous views. 

Address: Kallithea Avenue 80, East Rhodes

Distance from Rhodes Town: 13km, 15 minute drive

Parking: Free car park

Organised: With sunbeds and beach bar

Fee: 3 € per adult, 2 € for 12-18 years, kids under 12 are free

St Paul’s Bay

This picturesque beach in Lindos is located on the southeast coast of Rhodes. St Paul is said to have stayed here in 51 AD and a small church has been built in his honour. The bay is both shallow and protected from winds, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Sunbeds and cabanas are available and waiters walk by taking orders. On the beach menu, you will find a list of cocktails, beers, wines, and juices, as well as light snacks, salads and burgers. If you prefer table seating, Tambakio Restaurant is set on the edge of the water and open for lunch between 12 noon – 4 pm, and later on for dinner. 

Address: St Paul’s Bay, Lindos

Distance from Rhodes Town: 48 km, 1 hour drive

Parking: Free car park at the top of the beach, otherwise there is street parking

Organised: With sunbeds and beach bar/restaurant

Anthony Quinn Bay

Named after one of the world’s most famous actors, the water here is a deep emerald thanks to the lush green vegetation which surrounds it. On the natural stone surfaces, you will find scattered sunbeds and umbrellas, with many set up underneath pine trees. At the top of the rocks is a kiosk serving sandwiches, snacks, coffee, fresh juice, ice cream and salads. The gorgeous underwater scenery makes Anthony Quinn one of the best areas in Rhodes for snorkelling. Just make sure you get here early as it packs out quickly.

Address: Kallithea

Distance from Rhodes Town: 15 km, 20 minute drive

Parking: Free car park at the top of the beach

Organised: With sunbeds and kiosk at the top

Insights Greece - 4 Beaches in Rhodes that Can’t Be Missed  

Tsambika

If you are looking for a long coastline that offers a great choice of watersports and beach volleyball, this one’s for you. Tsambika is one of the most beautiful places in Rhodes and the beach has been named after the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika, which is known to protect the island. With plenty of facilities, and lots of space to make sandcastles and calm waters, Tsambika is the perfect spot for those with young kids. 

Address: In between Kolymbia and Archangelos
                       
Distance from Rhodes Town: 25 kms south of Rhodes Town            

Parking:
Free car parking right outside  
                         
Organised: With sunbeds, beach bars, taverns, mini market


All images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)