Photo by Panayotis
© All Rights Reserved
If you like to mix a bit of erudition in with your body bronzing then perhaps a Greek beach is the spot for you. While boning up on philosophy under that umbrella, you can also work in a little study of the classic human form. Best of all, the tuition for this alfresco Socratic bliss is as Spartan as the shores on which it's found. To translate:
"Greek beaches are great for catching rays and scoping out the babes and hunks, Homer."
But if you came to party, then Paradise Beach on Mykonos is where you'll want to head. Here the beach beauties are on display 24/7 and the satyrs don’t stop prancing till dawn. Not exciting enough? Then, for a real frolic, saunter next door to Super Paradise to optional lifestyle heaven. Or head to Banana Beach on Skiathos in the Aegean Sea for a similar textiles optional celebration.
If your tastes lean more toward the mainstream, then grab a ferry over to Naxos for some good family fun. The beaches here are first class and the pace more leisurely than on the internationally renowned playgrounds of Mykonos. Saint George at Naxos Town, with its shallow waters, will be particular good for the inexperienced swimmers in your retinue.
Kefalonia and Lefkada in the Ionian Sea west of the Greece mainland both have great beaches for family outings. But be aware that the seas can get rough if summer winds called Maistros or Meltemi are stirred up. Also, note that Myrtos Beach is comprised of rounded pebbles so you may want to bring along a pair of flip-flops for getting in and out of the water.
For scenic drama go to Navagio or ‘Shipwreck Beach' on Zakynthos; called this because of a ship grounded and stuck in the sand there. Nestled in a cove between several hundred-foot cliffs, this breathtaking small Greek beach is made of fine sand and has crystal clear water. The view is awesome. As there is no direct access, you’ll have to take a boat to get there. A small price to pay for such a swashbuckling experience. Does it get any better than this?
Photo © NorthShoreSurfPhotos - Fotolia.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Mediterranean | Greece | June - September | |||||
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Paradise, Mykonos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 9 |
| Mediterranean's eastern party central with music as well as scantily clad sun gods and godesses all covered with oil.
Nearby Accoms: Pelican Bay Art, Nissaki, Petinos. Photo by Brittany © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Agios Prokopios, Naxos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Mixed | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| An active - though not overly so - beach that has a pleasant Mediterranean flair to it.
Nearby Accoms: Agios Prokopios, Kavouras Village, Corali. Photo by AllGreek2Me © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Plaka, Naxos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Mixed | Suit-Op | Yes | 8 |
| A Greek beach without much development of the 'immoble' variety. Chill with a good book. - Oh, sure. -
"Eyes back in their sockets, Buffo." Nearby Accoms: Glaronissi Studios, Paradiso Studios. Photo by Johann © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Saint George, Naxos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| Located right in Naxos Town, the island's main center. Shallow water for lazy-lollers and plenty of restaurants. Nearby Accoms: Antonio Studios, Nissaki Beach, Villa Flora.. Photo by Mat Trainor © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Banana Beach, Skiathos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Suit-Op | Yes | 8 |
| Three small Greek beaches adjacent to each other, two being 100% naturist and one...not 100%.
Who's the lucky sot that took the poll? Nearby Accoms: Aegean Suites, Alkyon, Plaza Skiathos Photo by Eva © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Myrtos, Kefalonia | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Medium | Crystal | Pebbles | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Very popular. Surrounded by cliffs. Occasional falling rocks, so don't set up camp too close to them.
Watch for currents. Nearby Accoms: Louis Apostolata, Astra Village Suites. Photo by Federico Punzi © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Skala, Kefalonia | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| A long beach that is very attractive and consequently can get very crowded in high season. Nearby Accoms: 9 Muses, Mounda, Captain's House. Photo by Kal2000 © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Platis Gialos, Kefalonia | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| Right next to Makris Gialos. Similar in appearance and popularity.
Get there early for the best spots. Nearby Accoms: Louis Apostolata, Astra Village Suites. Photo by Jim Moran © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Katsiki, Lefkada | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| A bit like Myrtos though not as big. Everything you need including snack bars - in summer.
Swimming? "No ouzo for you!" Nearby Accoms: Armonia, Florena, George, Porto Ligia. Photo by DinosG © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Navagio, Zakynthos | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Remote | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | No | 10 |
| Tucked in a semicircle of sheer cliffs, this is one of the most picturesque Greek beaches. Named for a freighter that ran aground here in a storm. Nearby Accoms: Blue Beach, Caravel, Porto Zante Villas. Photo by Sotiris Blatsis © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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