European Beaches

The abundance of beaches in Greece definitely makes it a noteworthy vacation spot. Greece has a number of small islands that are all full of beaches suitable for different travelers. These islands include Mykoos, Santorini, Naxos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Crete, Paros and Ios. Choosing a beach to visit on one of these islands depends on the desired type vacation, resort and atmosphere a person is seeking.

Sarakiniko Beach is the first location worth noting. It is primarily a sandy beach, both on the coast and in the water. Sarakiniko Beach is known to have the cleanest and purest water, making it a great place for those looking to swim. While it is usually not a nude beach, several people do not hesitate to walk around topless. Located at the southern end of Peloponnese, this spot is definitely worth considering.

Rated as one of the best beaches in Greece, Myrtos is next on the list. Myrtos is found on the west coast of Kefalonia, and it has been recognized not only for its sandy coastline but also the bright white pebbles that have been produced by the shoreline.  What’s unique about Myrtos is the mountain range that surrounds the body of water. In simplest terms, the mountain range forms a basin around the beach, making it a distinguished scenic attraction. The water is also described as crystal clear with very few signs of algae or bacteria. The exclusive shape and framework of this beach definitely make it a sight worth seeing.

Erimoupolis is yet another beach that has been recognized as exceptional in Greece. What’s fascinating about this beach is its location. Erimoupolis is found at the northern tip of Eastern Crete and is surrounded by an ancient cemetery. The name Erimoupolis actually represents the “abandoned town” of Itanos, which one must pass through to get to the beach. The increased popularity of this beach makes it highly congested on summer weekends. Much like Myrtos, the beach is predominantly made up of pebbles as opposed to sand. The rocky hills adjacent to the beach also serve as another activity for those interested in climbing.

Lastly, Myrtidiotissa is a definite attraction located in Greece. Unfortunately, this beach is difficult to reach by car: many tourists need to park and then walk there for that reason. The beach is blanketed by cliffs, preventing the coastline from getting too hot. It is located in Corfu, and nude swimming is quite common at this beach. This site is known to be highly appealing to the younger crowd, and is said to be the most enjoyable beach in Corfu.

As the largest of the Greek Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to some of the region’s finest beaches across its many coastal fronts. Named after Cephalus (from Greek Mythology), the Islands have a rich tradition dating back to ancient times, as well as a number of modern natural wonders that make it an ideal vacation spot for modern travelers.

The island’s diverse geography, ranging from the mountain peaks of Ainos to the dense forests make for beautiful nature hikes and vantage points for viewing the Sea. Within the Island, there are several major cities including the capital of Argostoli as well as the pristine beaches on the Paliki Peninsula. There are three major beaches on the Islands which exemplify the natural beauty of the region:

Myrtos Beach
Located in the northwestern corner of the Islands on Pylaros, the beach is nestled between two mountain ranges (the Kalon Oros and the Agia Dynati). Known for its crystal blue waters and the pristine white sands, Myrtos is known as one of the most beautiful European beaches, and has been recognized by the Telegraph as an ideal vacation spot for UK travelers. The Beach is home to a unique collection of limestone, which makes for a unique beach front experience. Largely left to its natural beauty, travelers to can the Beach by bus, and can find local amenities in the nearby Divarta village.

Petani and Xi Beaches
Near the town of Lixouri, the Beach measures over 500 meters and has a wide variety of steep cliffs, as well as pristine waters, which are favored by swimmers and water activity enthusiasts. Travelers have to find their way to the beach by private car, as only small, single-lane roads lead to the Island, which has helped it to maintain its pristine appearance over the years.

The nearby Xi Beach is nearly 5 kilometers, and is significantly more developed than Petani, with a variety of resorts, apartments and eateries although the Beach retains its Blue Flag Ecological label. Its trademark red sand reflects the unique ecology of the area, which is replete with clay cliffs which overlook the Sea. During peak season, the Beach is highly populous, as a variety of European travelers have vacation homes in the area.