Greece isn't shy about its beaches. This exotic destination is home to an envy-inducing amount of beautiful coast lines, islands and bays that bring bliss to swimmers and photographers alike.
However, even Greece has a selection of beaches that are simply better looking than the rest. Here are our picks for the country's most beautiful.
1. Myrtos, Kefalonia
Myrtos beach presents various hues of blue (Image: AP/FOTOLIA)
One of Greece's best known beaches - thanks, in part, to its starring role in the film adaptation of Captain Corelli's Mandolin (it's where the Italian soldiers make merry and the location of the mine explosion). It's particularly photogenic viewed from the headland to the north.
2. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos
Shipwreck Beach gets its name from the curious shipwreck on its shore (Image: AP/FOTOLIA)
Probably the most photographed beach in Greece, Navagio Bay, as it is also known, is a picture-postcard arc of white sand and pebbles accessible only by boat, where you’ll see the hulk of a cigarette smugglers’ ship that beached there 30 years ago.
3. Vai, Crete
Vai's clear water invites you to dive in (Image: AP/FOTOLIA)
Also know as 'Finikodassos' (Palm Forest), this gently curving golden sand beach is backed by Europe's largest natural palm grove – some 500 densely clustered trees in an oasis fed by a stream – which have stood here for more than 3,000 years. It might even look familiar – this is where the "taste of paradise" Bounty bar advert was filmed in the early 1970s.
4. Sarakiniko, Milos
A narrow and unique swimming spot (Image: AP/FOTOLIA)
Another of the country's most photogenic beaches, Sarakiniko is backed with volcanic rocks whipped into otherworldly shapes by the sea breeze. Milos lies in the Cyclades island group and can be reached by plane or ferry from Athens.
More inspiration on Greece
A Guide To Santorini's Best Beaches
5. Hovolo, Skopelos
Plenty of beach and few people on Hovolo (Image: Alamy)
For real solitude, rent a motorboat from Panormos, and head north – you’ll find beautiful spots all the way up the coast (such as Hovolo, Ftelia and Neraki) that are inaccessible to cars and subsequently occupied only by other couples who have rented motorboats, and the occasional determined German naturist.
6. St Paul's Bay, Rhodes
St Paul's Bay is a cocktail-coloured dream (Image: Alamy)
Another of Greece's best known beaches is this spot on Rhodes, in the shadow of Lindos and it acropolis. Expect it to be busy in high season.
7. Grias To Pidima, Andros
Grias to Pidima (Image: Alamy)
If a trip to the beach is all about escapism, Andros might just be for you. It's rugged, mountainous and uncrowded - but has some stunning beaches. Among the most striking is Grias to Pidima, dominated by a large sea stack.
8. Voidokilia, Near Costa Navarino, Messinia
There's history within the waters (Image: AP/FOTOLIA)
This horseshoe-shaped beach is a short drive from the brand spanking new resorts of the Costa Navarino - but steeped in history. Above it are the ruins of 13th-century Frankish castle, while it is believed by many to be the 'sandy Pylos' referenced in Homer's Odyssey.
9. Lalaria, Skiathos
Bright-blue water awaits all swimmers (Image: Alamy)
"Skiathos was the first northern Sporade to be developed, back in the mid-1960s," says travel writer Marc Dubin. "It’s not hard to see why, with more than 50 beaches lapped by an almost Caribbean-coloured sea."
Be sure to take a round-the-island boat trip, via sea-caves and postcard-worthy Lalaria beach – both inaccessible by land.
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This article was from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
