The Greek islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Turquoise waters, white pebble beaches and stunning views; what more could you ask for? But where are those secret secluded beaches the crowds don’t know about?
We’ve put together our top five off-the-radar beaches on the Greek Islands, so you can really get away from it all on your island adventures.
Donkey Beach, Zante (Zakynthos)
Image via guidaazante
If you’re holidaying in popular Tsilivi on Zante, you’re likely to love the mix of old Greek charm and boutique style. There’s a popular stretch of golden sandy beach in the main resort but just one kilometre away lies a much quieter sandy beach known locally as Donkey Beach. Leave the parasols behind and relax under the natural shade of the leafy trees that back this beach instead. A real local gem.
Kopria Beach, Rhodes
Image via visitrhodes.com
As the most popular Greek island, you might think that Rhodes doesn’t have many secrets left to hide. But as the largest of the Dodecanese group, this sun-drenched isle also boasts over 200 kilometres of coastline, which is quite a lot of sand to play with!
Most of the popular holiday resorts (Lindos, Faliraki, Kalithea) sit on the sun-soaked east coast, so it’s well worth taking the trip to the other side of the island if you want to enjoy some peace in paradise. Kopria beach, sitting 45 kilometres from historic Rhodes Town at the top of the island, is a true hidden treasure – a tiny cove nestled between giant rocks on either side. Pack a picnic as there are no cafes or facilities on this unspoilt pebbly beach. If you do fancy exploring the charming harbour and castle in Kritinia is two kilometres away.
Fournou Beach, Rhodes
Around 80 kilometres south-east of Rhodes Town, this small pebbled beach has beautiful azure waters. Wild and with a few semi-submerged rocks, this beach remains unspoilt and has a get-back-to-nature feel. A great stop if road tripping around the island.
White Beach, Santorini
Image by Ernest McGray, Jr. via flickr
Santorini boasts some truly stunning beaches, but White Beach is so secluded that it can only be reached by boat. From the port town of Akrotiri, take the €5 boat that runs between Red Beach and White Beach. Skip Red Beach, which has become the bigger tourist attraction, and carry on to tiny, beautiful White Beach to enjoy the crystal clear waters and, as the name suggests, gleaming white sands backed by equally gleaming sheer white cliffs. Bring sunglasses – the effect is dazzling!
Lalaria Beach, Skiathos
Image by Harout Arabian via wikimedia
Lalaria Beach in Skiathos is another hidden Greek Island treasure that’s only accessible by boat. Instead of joining a tour from Skiathos Old Port, why not hire a boat and head there by yourself when the tour boats have left in the afternoon? And wow, what a place! White sands meet turquoise waters, with huge rock formations rising out of the sea. Swim through the hole in the rocks or capture the incredible ‘picture window’ view on your camera. The nearby Blue and Dark caves are also well worth a stop off once you’re back on board.
Forget fighting for sand space in the main resorts. Discover the beaches that only locals know about and stretch out on your own little piece of paradise.
Front page feature image by Jan Hammershaug via flickr
