It is known that Greece boasts a wealth of scenic coastline and landscapes. Although we can name hundreds of beaches (organized or non) in the mainland or in the islands of Greece we choose 3 +1 beaches in areas that travelers prefers. Of course Athens as the main entering point in Greece, the famous party island Mykonos. The historical Crete in the West coast (Chania) and Captain’s Corelli (from the movie) island, Kefalonia.
ATHENS
Astir Beach - Athenian Riviera
Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni is for many Greeks the best beach in Athens, especially for those who love high quality relaxed moments full of comforts. Although very busy most of the time during summer, it will not disappoint you as it is fully organized and has something to offer to everybody.
Situated along the Athenian Riviera, approximately 30 minutes from the center of Athens, Astir Beach is a private upscale beach club that is the meeting point of the Athenian and international elite. It is adjacent to the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace, the only Four Season property in Greece.
Surrounded by pines, Astir Beach is a 400 meters long sandy beach, featuring 800 sunbeds, striped umbrellas and a members’ only lounge. You can expect to find upscale facilities and services associated with 5 star hotels; impeccable cleanness, a hip bar, an upscale restaurant, stylish boutiques, spa treatments, a concierge, private lockers for rent.
Beach sports lovers will be fully satisfied! There is the Astir Ski Club, Beach Volley Courts and a Beach Racquets Area. Food lovers and people who enjoy their comforts will love the variety of food and drinks on offer at the restaurant for lunch and dinner, which offers contemporary Greek cuisine in beautiful surroundings, it’s just the place to enjoy a memorable meal by the sea. There is also a high end, boho bar with cabanas serving coffees, juices, cocktails, and meze style meals. When the sun starts to set, the vibe becomes more party like. There is an entrance fee to get in and prices vary by season and day of visit (weekends are busier and more expensive).
MYCONOS
Psarou Beach in Mykonos:
Psarou Beach is famous for attracting celebrities from all over the world. It is a beautiful organized sandy beach with clear turquoise waters situated in the south part of Mykonos, between Platy Gialos and Ornos Village. More specifically, the beach is located 5 km away from Mykonos Town and is easily accessible by a local bus.
Thousands of tourists visit Psarou Beach every summer in order to swim in its lovely waters or to enjoy the wild parties and events that are held there. Due to the large number of people visiting the beach, there is a long waiting list before entering during the summer months, while sunbed reservations service is also available at a quite expensive price requiring a high budget. However, this option might be ideal in the summer season when Psarou gets very crowded.
Despite the celebrities and the VIPs, many people choose Psarou because it is a great destination for water sports, such as scuba diving and jet ski. Next to the beach, there are a lot of restaurants and beach bars, although their prices are a little high. Among them, the famous Nammos Seaside Restaurant is included too. Moreover, several luxurious hotels and suites provide accommodation to the visitors of Mykonos close to Psarou.
CRETE (West Coast - Chania)
Falasarna is located on the West coast of Crete and is popular with day trippers because of its stunning sandy beaches and clear turquoise blue sea.
It consists of several sandy beaches of various length, all facing the West (which makes it a wonderful place to watch the sunset from). The sea is generally very clean and with lovely colors because of the sandy bottom. If you are interested in archaeology you can also visit the remains of a fortified Hellenistic harbor. When you drive down to Falasarna (perhaps after stopping on the way to admire the views from above - there are a couple of cafés with terraces offering very good views) you will see several signs pointing to the beach. You can follow any of them. You will have space to park near the beach. Once on the beach you can choose whether you want to use the sun beds and umbrellas provided (during the tourist season) or stay without. There is plenty of space without umbrellas so that you won't be relegated to some corner of the beach. During the tourist season there are a few beach restaurants and cafés on or close to the beaches as well as a couple of small shops along the road where you could shop for basics.
Most people go to Falasarna by hire car. The road goes past the town of Kissamos (about 40 km to the West of Chania) then on for around 10 km to the village of Platanos where you turn off to the right following the signs to Falasarna. A small winding road takes you down to sea level and on to Falasarna. It takes about 20 minutes from Kissamos, one hour from Chania. There is a limited public bus service to Falasarna during the tourist season (April to October)
KEFALONIA Island - Myrtos Beach,
Myrtos beach in Kefalonia island is definitely one the most impressive beaches in Greece. The island is famous also from the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s mandolin, Its amazing crystal clear waters in light and deep blue that are of unique beauty.
Myrtos beach is situated in the region of Pylaros in Kefalonia island, which is part of the Ionian group of islands in the west side of the country. It lies between two mountains in the north west side of the island. Myrtos beach is a multi-awarded beach that has been in the list of the best beaches in the world for more than ten consecutive years. Every year Myrtos beach is awarded with the Blue Flag, one of the world’s most recognizable eco labels awarded to beaches and marinas that meet and maintain the highest environmental, sustainability and safety criteria. One of the characteristics of Myrtos beach is that the water gets deep just a couple of steps from the shore.
Travel Tip: If Kefalonia island is on your bucket list, Myrtos beach should be on your must visit list, because it is one of the top attractions on the island. Make sure you stay until sunset, as you will experience one of the best sunsets of all your travels!
Lufthansa City Center