10 ideas for road trips to the enchanting beaches of mainland Greece. Landscapes of wild beauty and turquoise waters that you dont need to take a ferry to enjoy.
Who said that impressive beaches are found only on the islands? From Northern Greece to the Peloponnese, there are gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters that can gift you dreamy summer holidays without taking a ferry. All you need is your car and a serious appetite for swims! We have picked ten wonderful beaches of mainland Greece and present them to you.
Sarakiniko, Parga
The Sarakiniko beach lies 12 km. from Parga, past the village of Agia, at the end of a sheltered bay withcrystal-clear waters. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, with fine sand and pebblesover most of it. The beach isorganizedwith sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, tavernas, beach bars and cafés.
Bella Vraka, Syvota
A stones throw fromSyvotaThesprotia lies a truly paradisiacal beach. Were talking about Bella Vraka, the beach that connects Syvota with the islet of Mourtemeno. Visitors can reach the islet by wading across, as the water does not exceed 40 centimeters in depth. One of the beachs quirks is the pink hue of its sand, owed to the areas rich red soil.
Ammolofoi, Kavala
20 km. from the Kavala and 2 km. from the area of Nea Peramos, Ammolofoiwill make you feel as if youre on some exotic island. Three enchanting coves, with fine sand and turquoise crystalline waters, draw many local and foreign visitors seeking relaxation in a unique natural setting. At Ammolofoi youll find beach bars, watersports and also quieter corners for your swims.
Kavourotrypes, Halkidiki
One of the most beautiful and famous beaches in all of the Halkidiki is Kavourotrypes, located on the eastern side of the Sithonia peninsula, after Vourvourou and before Sarti. It isnt a typical shoreline but a series of small coves hidden behind a gorgeous pine forest, with tiny white-sand patches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sculpted rocks and dense pines that reach the waters edge. The beach is organized where the beach bar is, while the other beaches are more secluded.
Mylopotamos, Pelion
On the Aegean side, a short distance from Tsagarada, the exotic and beautiful Mylopotamos is one of the most famous and most photographed beaches of Pelion. The setting is dramatic: turquoise waters, golden sand, white pebbles and a rock with an opening that splits the beach in two. Access is easy, descending a few steps.
Fakistra, Pelion
The tiny bay of Fakistra is one of the most postcard-perfect corners of eastern Pelion. It has been awarded by many international travel sites and has made it onto more than a few lists of the best beaches in Greece and beyond. It has sand with fine pebbles and is framed by steep, towering cliffs. To reach it, follow the sign fromTsagarada and then walk a downhill path for 15 minutes. The beach is not organized and youll need to bring your own supplies.
Kalogria, Achaia
Kalogria beach in Achaia, 45 km. west of Patras, has devoted fans - and not without reason. It is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Peloponnese. Its 9-kilometer golden sand, turquoise crystalline waters and the natural beauty offered by the Strofylia pine forest will enchant you. There are also sand dunes (dunes), the most impressive of which lies in its northern section. It is an ideal destination for those who want the amenities of an organized beach, as well as for those who prefer relaxation and seclusion.
Zacharo-Kaiafas, Ilia
About 40 km. from Pyrgos lies thisvast beach with golden sand washed by the deep-blue waters of the Ionian. It is ideal for families, watersports and romantic sunsets alike. Zacharo beach is essentially the beginning of the endless sandy shore of Kaiafas.
Fokianos, Arcadia
On the shores of the eastern Peloponnese, at the southernmost tip of Arcadia, where the lush slopes of Parnon plunge into the waters of the Myrtoan Sea, lies one of mainland Greeces loveliest beaches: Fokianos beach. Pristine waters and a beautifulnatural setting await you at this wonderful beach with large white pebbles, well hidden among verdant mountain slopes. Youll find two tavernas and a beach bar, while there are also a few rooms to let nearby. The drive (about an hour from Leonidio) may have plenty of bends and demand attention, but the scenery and the waters will more than reward you.
Voidokilia, Messinia
Voidokilia, the emblematic beach of western Messinia, with powder-white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters, owes its name to the semicircle it forms that resembles... an oxs belly. It is next to Gialova Lagoon, 10 km. from Pylos. The wider area has been designated a place of outstanding natural beauty and is part of the Natura 2000 network. If youre after the best view of the Bay of Navarino and you enjoy hiking, its worth climbing up to Palaiokastro and Nestors Cave beneath it.
