With more than 200 inhabited (and beautiful) islands dotting the Ionian and Aegean Seas, Greece is definitely a beach lover’s paradise. However, with so many stunning options, it can get very overwhelming to find out which island is perfect for a sun-soaked getaway.
And I’ve been there, truly! But then my partner and I have always hated crowds – plus, all the popular islands were too expensive. So, our aim was simple – to find the best spots in Greece.
If you explore them and fall in love with one of them, you may decide to buy a property here for your holidays or for rental.
On that note, I’ve listed the best beaches in Greece. My parameters? Well, I’ve got quite a few – check them out before jumping down to my list of Greece’s best beaches – and yes, all of them are located in Milos.
Does the beach come with a long coastline and a great view?
Is the water good for swimming?
What activities can you try?
How’s the sand?
Is there a restaurant to dine at? Does the restaurant offer takeaway?
How’s the parking?
Can you rent umbrellas and chairs?
Is there anything unique or rare about the beach?
Stay tuned.
9 Best Beaches In Greece:
Keeping my parameters, let’s check out the best beaches in Greece:
1. Kleftiko Beach:
Kleftiko Bay, a truly magical place, ah! This protected bay is home to crystal-clear turquoise water, hidden sea caves, and dramatic white cliffs. In fact, the sea caves were actually used by pirates as a hideout.
This beach is an iconic spot in Milos – and for all the right reasons. The beach was stunning, and the view? Absolutely worth every single penny. Technically, it’s not really a beach – it was a sort of bay. Still, for me, this was one of the best beaches in Greece.
Now, coming to the beach’s accessibility, you just can’t walk to this bay. Yep, there’s no road that directly leads to this bay. In fact, you can access this boat only by boat. However, there’s a three-mile hike that you can take – it leads directly to the beautiful bay.
My boyfriend is a professional mountaineer, and there’s no way he will compromise on the hike! So, he convinced me that this would be a great experience – and like always, he was right!
When you descend, you will get a stunning perspective of the entire bay. We found a few flat rocks at the very bottom and paused for a break to soak in the breathtaking view around us.
Later in the evening, we went back to this bay – but this time, we opted for a speedboat tour, and it was a different experience, much like checking out the same view from two different perspectives.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this beach is completely free. However, we recommend boat tours – and those will cost you between $35 and $70 for half-day tours and around $117 for a full-day tour.
2. Kolympisionas Beach:
Kolympisionas Beach is perhaps the most underrated beach on this list. Thanks to Away Lands, a fellow travel blog, I first read about this beach – and it made it to my bucket list. When I reached here, I realized this was indeed worth the effort and time!
The best part? This is so underrated that you will not even find it by its English name on Google Maps. So, if you are looking for a beach where you can enjoy the isolation, then this is your best shot!
It was Summer, and everywhere we went, we were greeted with crowds. But this was a complete surprise. We had just hiked from Milos Cove Hotel without knowing what we could have found at the end of the trail, ending up at this private cove.
Also, thanks to the unpaved roads here, it is best to rent an ATV or SUV for an entire day to drive around. There’s so much to explore in easy Milos – so the extra expense on commuting is necessary and absolutely worth it.
Moreover, if you have been dreaming about going skinny dipping at least once in your life, this is the spot! (We might have done it, and it was one of the best highlights of the trip.)
How Much Will It Cost You?
Like most European beaches, entry to this beach is free. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds in different areas on the beach – but the rates tend to vary. While a set of sun loungers and umbrellas cost $94 at one spot, they cost us as little as $36 in another area. If you add food and drinks, it will cost you around $140.
3. Firiplaka Beach:
We found the Firiplaka Beach on the island’s southern coast. It is one of the best beaches in Greece to rent an umbrella and a chair for spending an entire day lounging by the sea. Once here, you can enjoy the crystal-clear blue water, the soft sand, the wide bay, and the surrounding calmness.
Moreover, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks from a small beach shack here. Plus, we had a great time at the beach bars – sipping on cocktails and lounging in comfy chairs.
For people who are up for some exploring, you can walk down the beach towards the candy-colored rocks – you can explore the private, sandy inlet near the rocks. Also, if you don’t want to rent sunbeds, then don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a hat because the beach has no shade.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to the beach is free, so you can enjoy the water and swim around for free. We rented a set of sun loungers and umbrellas for $60. However, we found out later that some places on the beach offer the same things for only $35 – so, it’s better to ask around before renting umbrellas from the first place you spot.
4. Mandrakia Beach:
Mandrakia, a fishing village that was right out of a European movie! This classic Greek village is home to traditional whitewashed buildings, colorful fishing shelters, and vibrant boat garages beautifully carved into rocks – the view? Postcard-perfect!
Moreover, the beach is the right blend of small sandy spots and rocky outcrops, making it a unique spot for sunbathing and swimming. The water is crystal-clear in the small port – that way, you can just go down the colorful steps and jump into the water from the dock.
Also, being a food junkie, I dragged my athletic partner to several places serving delectable food – my favorite? One of the most iconic restaurants of Milos, Medusa, stood out for its fresh seafood and the view.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this underrated beach is free. There are some spots to order food from, but I suggest spending money on exploring this classic Greek fishing village.
5. Firopotamos Beach:
Only a few minutes from the beautiful Mandrakia, we found another charming little village, Firopotamos. This scenic seaside village is literally perched on a cliff with crystal-clear, turquoise water.
You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach. Plus, there’s a cool beach bar here, if you want to sip on cocktails while enjoying the view like us!
Moreover, there’s a road from this tranquil cover – if you walk up this road for a few minutes, you will find stone ruins open to the visitors.
We had gone to explore these ruins behind the church, and guess what? We realized these ruins overlook the whole bay and are worth spending time at.
In addition, you can rent small, waterfront houses here and stay in some of the most beautiful places in Milos. However, we had to book our house months ago since people book them in advance – and that too months ago. So, do plan early if you want to stay in these charming little houses.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to this beach is free. We rented a set of sunbeds for $20 – the rates tend to vary between $12 and $35, depending on the season. Also, I got very drunk here and ended up paying the beach bar $80 for the cocktails.
6. Agkali Beach:
The beautiful Milos Cove Hotel has a hidden cover inside with a picturesque ambience (similar to that of a private beach) and candy-colored cliffs – welcome to the unbelievably beautiful Agkali beach.
You will only need one thing to access this beach – you have to stay in the Milos Cove Hotel. Yes, the beach is only open to hotel guests. Moreover, you can easily reach the beach by boat. Otherwise, the drive is not very comfortable thanks to the unpaved roads – it’s a rocky paradise out here.
While we were here, we were mesmerized by the rocks scattered everywhere on the beach – the rainbow of colors and the beautiful striations made it unique and memorable.
How Much Will It Cost You?
This is a common problem with all beaches in Greece – prices tend to vary a lot. And Agkali beach was no different. Access to the beach is free, and the boat ride to the beach costs us $47.
7. Sarakiniko Beach:
Sarakiniko Beach is famous – it literally put Milos on the map for having some of the best beaches in Greece. This beach is known all around the globe for its beautiful moonscapes.
Walking around in this cove of white rocks almost felt like walking on another planet, especially when the light starts dropping before sunset. Truly, the landscape here is something I am sure I won’t see anywhere else – you have to see the white rocks in both their evening glory and under the bright sun.
Also, if the water is calm, you can experience cliff jumping since the edges of cliffs here jut out over the water. But in case the winds pick up and the water seems to be relatively rougher, be cautious about your swimming skills.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Access to the beach is free. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $12 and $18. If you go on a land excursion in Milos with Sarakiniko as a stop, it will cost $440 for every traveller. Moreover, you can do the same via boat – in that case, it will cost you around $150.
8. Kalamos Beach:
Kalamos Beach is not a beach – rather, it’s a tiny, pristine strip that was accessible only by boat. The sand here looks like nobody has ever stepped on it.
And the thing about such beaches is that they’re a rarity in the world we are living in currently. As a result, swimming around in the water here was an incredible experience.
Moreover, if there’s one activity that you have to try, then that would be to go on a boat tour. My partner planned one for me. We rented a speedboat and spent an entire day exploring the water, hidden beaches, beautiful bays, and coastlines.
You can do the same – there are different companies offering boat tours everywhere on the island, starting from party boats to boats for small groups.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Kalamos beach has no entrance fees. Renting a set of sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $12 and $24. In some spots, it will cost you $24 to rent sunbeds, but it comes with a cocktail or beer.
9. Paralia Paleochori Beach:
The only reason I visited this stunning beach and wrote about it in this list is its unique landscape – a volcanic landscape and colorful cliffs with a blend of pebbles and soft sand.
What we found especially unique here was the cove’s natural warm water due to geothermal activities taking place under the water.
As a result, stem vents close to the shoreline make the sand somewhat warm, even in the cold. So, if you are planning a trip during the summer, it’s best to wear sandals to protect your feet from hot sand.
While we were here, we did visit the popular (and super expensive) Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant, a pricey restaurant in Milos close to the Paralia Paleochori beach. The USP? The restaurant is famous because it cooks fish directly in the heat from the volcanic sand. The reviews aren’t lying – the food here is delicious and the place is a must-visit.
How Much Will It Cost You?
Paralia Paleochori beach is somewhat expensive compared to the other beaches on this list. As a result, renting a set of sunbeds and umbrellas will cost you between $47 and $94.
Are Beaches In Greece Safe?
Yes, the best beaches in Greece are usually safe, famous for their calm water and clean environment. Having said that, it is always vital to be aware of all potential risks, including underwater hazards such as jellyfish and sea urchins, riptides, strong sun, and even theft.
Also, it is vital to check warning flags, wear appropriate gear (especially footwear), follow rules (including what the lifeguard says), and protect yourself from the sun for a safe experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check out the most frequently asked questions about the best beaches in Greece:
1. Is Milos Cheaper Than Crete?
Yes. It is cheaper to plan a trip to Milos – instead of Crete. The islands of Milos have a laid-back atmosphere and are much smaller in size, with several budget-friendly options for food, lodging, and local experiences, making the island a cost-effective spot for travel enthusiasts.
2. What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Greece?
While you will find the most budget-friendly options between November and March, each month comes with its own set of unique experiences and advantages. So, whether you feel like making the budget a priority or seeking fewer crowds and pleasant weather, planning a trip as per these insights will make your Greek holiday memorable.
3. When Not To Visit Greece?
Summer is very hot in Greece, especially close to the sea. This warm weather and heat make the experience uncomfortable, especially when you are visiting historical spots or enjoying any outdoor activity during the day. So, it’s best to avoid a trip to Greece in any extreme weather conditions – it’s best to visit in autumn or spring.
4. Which Greek Islands Are Not To Visit?
It’s best to avoid Santorini and Mykonos if you are not a fan of high prices and crowds, since these islands are expensive and overcrowded. Then there are other islands that you can avoid, depending on what you prefer. For instance, we picked Milos because it’s one of the most underrated islands of Greece.
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.
The Greek islands are a gorgeous holiday destination for intrepid travellers looking to explore and learn more about the region’s rich history. There’s an extensive array of unique monuments, customs, and scenery to be seen on all of the islands, so taking a trip to view as many as possible will be the perfect way to see everything they have to offer.
The Greek islands are unique in the sense that they offer the perfect travel destination for everyone. From couples celebrating their honeymoon to solo travellers and complete families, the destination offers a complete experience for everyone. Some of the most celebrated travel websites and bloggers highly rank the Greek islands for a holiday destination.
A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece:
Here’s our guide to island-hopping for first-timers keen to see the sights on these small, sunny paradises.
Think About Where You’d Like To Go:
When you first decide that a Greek island-hopping trip is the adventure you want to take, your first consideration needs to be which islands and attractions you’re going to visit. There are loads of amazing islands with incredible draws such as sandy beaches, incredible architecture and unforgettable historical monuments, so choose wisely. The best thing about organizing your own trip to view the islands is that you can set your own itinerary, so take the time to talk with your travelling companions about where you all want to go and what you want to see.
Charter-A Yacht To Make The Most Of Your Greek Island Adventure:
Travelling from island to island is best achieved by chartering a yacht, which will make for a very luxurious excursion. By hiring your own yacht you’ll be able to set your own schedule and travel in both style and comfort to as many islands as you want to see. A Greece yacht charter is one of the most memorable experiences you can have as a chapter in your travel book. Many couples who undertake this experience, as they want to make the occasion a memorable one for their loved ones.
Find Luxurious Accommodation:
When you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands it’s important that you select the perfect home-from-home for each stage of your journey. Whilst a luxurious hotel might seem tempting, the best way to see all the sights is to rent an entire property from which you can base yourself, such as the majestic Paros villas, which you can learn more about onloyalvillasluxury.com who have an extensive property portfolio. Having your own property will allow you to explore everything the island has to offer and then return to your own space where you can relax and unwind in peace and privacy. If you plan your journey right, you can save a lot of money even while staying in luxurious accommodation.
Take A Tour:
If you don’t want the hassle of organizing your own Greek island-hopping experience, then consider taking a tour where an experienced tour guide can talk you through all of the best sights across a selection of islands. Selecting a tour allows you to enjoy the splendor of the islands without having to organize the experience yourself. This will also help you focus on other aspects of your journey. Tour Guides are experienced locals and they can show you many placed that are not standard on tour experiences. You can request your travel guide to show you some of the more undiscovered or unexplored places in the Greek islands.
Prepare To Have Fun:
Whatever approach you decide to take, go to the Greek islands with an open mind and be ready to see and experience as much as you can. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and light, airy clothing so that you don’t overheat and are ready to explore everything that this glorious array of islands has to offer. Take as many opportunities as you can during your trip so that you can return with incredible memories you can cherish for the rest of your life. Travel holidays are all about preparing in the right fashion. If you take care and plan your holiday right, it minimizes the risk of bad experiences from cropping up.
Conclusion:
The Greek islands are some of the most beautiful and enchanting travel destinations that you can hope to visit in your lifetime. It ranks high on the bucket list of most people who prefer travelling to exotic locations and unexplored destinations. From history to natural beauty, there is something for everyone who is travelling to the Greek islands.
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Being proactive for your trip can help you save from troubles and cherish your time there to the fullest. With the Christmas season in full swing, many families opt to travel to Europe to experience how Christmas is celebrated there.
From the lush architecture of Italy to the vibrant weather of Spain, all the way to the great wonder of the World in France. There’s a lot to explore in Europe and to make sure you do it in the right way, we have compiled a short list of essential tips that you should follow.
Read these tips to make the right decisions.
Europe: a sub-continent comprising 50 countries with diversified vibrant cultures, scenic views, gorgeous beaches, lush green forests, and a lot more. I can write a whole article just about the beauty of Europe but we better be focused on the tips that will help you for your next trip to the sub-continent.
Planning your trip to Europe can be an overwhelming task but not an overwhelming experience if you do know the dos and don’ts of the trip.
Well, if you are on equal footing, I am here with these travel tips to familiarize you with the dos and don’ts. So, hold with me, and let’s dive into the tips that can help you make your trip marvelous.
Book The Stuff Early
Air tickets, accommodation, inter or intra-city transportation, and everything that needs a booking, should be booked earlier.
So, the thing is you should dodge the demand. During the holiday season, in particular, the demand is huge for air tickets and accommodation. Booking them early is the way to go.
Also, I should mention here, the importance of a stable internet while booking so you don’t miss out on the limited number of your beloved seats. Spectrum provides one of the most reliable internet connections in the States. You can contact Spectrum Customer Service and get a plan according to your needs.
The high demand is one thing, there are many discounts available for early bookers. Check Upgraded Points and you can find the discounts for your airfare.
Circling to transportation, you have two options: one is using public transport which isn’t recommended for tourists and the other one is a car rental. Don’t forget to negotiate with the car dealers and be sure that you are getting a good deal.
Pack Like A Pro
Say, you are going on a 10-day trip and you’ll be roaming around three cities. 10 days is a long span and you might need every single thing you use in your routine, right? NO. Nada.
To be a pro-packer you just need to include the essentials in your bag and keep things light.
There are tons of pros for packing light. Mobility is going to be easy for you, you don’t need to pay for checked luggage, you don’t have to wait in long queues to get your bag and there are fewer chances of your luggage getting lost.
Now, what do we count as essentials? Here’s the full list of travel essentials that pro-travelers never skip.
Follow The Local Time
Traveling will most likely accompany jet lag.
Jet lag is basically a temporary sleep disruption for the reason for traveling in different time zones. OK. So, what to do? How do you deal with jet lag?
Adapt yourself to the time zone of the city that you are traveling to the night before your flight. This will help you get enough sleep so you don’t waste any moments of your precious time in Europe and also, you’ll adjust rather easily to the local time.
If your sleep schedule is during the flight then you can implement these tips to sleep on a plane:
Wear bed socks
Switch off your devices
Use a pillow for your lower back support
Skip alcohol and caffeine
Use an eye mask
Opt For Local Currency When Paying
Paying for stuff in Europe may have two possible payment currencies. One is the US dollar and the other Euros which would be the local currency in this case.
While many stores would love you to pay in USD, it’s not the best way. It will sound easy at first because you are already familiar with the currency but the difference in exchange rate can cost you more.
Now you may think why do they want the tourists to pay in USD?
It’s because they earn by giving you a heinous exchange rate of the currency. The bigger your purchase is, the more they’ll earn.
So, it’s always good to pay in local currency wherever you are, whether in Europe or in Bali.
Before You Land, Download Google Translate
How troubling that would be: you land in a foreign land and you can’t even communicate to get a taxi.
Yeah. The better way is to learn the basics of the language of the country you’ll be visiting. But I know, we all are on a tight schedule already. We can’t learn the language.
Tech to save your day! You can use Google Translate to transcribe the written stuff and translate your language into any language. So, there might not be any problems communicating.
Not to forget, usually, Google Maps is available on almost every mobile phone but getting it checked before landing can help you save from the risk of getting lost.
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This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.
I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me.
Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.
This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.
However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.
So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.
Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City
The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.
France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.
Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.
This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.
“We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.”
The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.
But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget.
It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs.
A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors?
A shared market space!
This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.
Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor.
Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.
Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.
Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.”
Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.
"The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse
Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.
Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.
Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.
So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.
Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It?
The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.
During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.
Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.
A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.
For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources.
Showing Commitment To Sustainability
The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.
Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.
The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are:
Respect
Alliance
Community
Environment
Supply Chain
Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business.
“The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council
With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future.
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