Peloponessos
Best Beaches
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Many of the best beaches in Greece are on the Greek mainland, in particlular the Peloponnese where you will find a great variety from fine golden sand to black and white pebbles, from sheltered coves to beaches that go for miles. There are a lot of great beaches in the Peloponnese, too many to put on one page, but these are the best ones that I know about (and had decent photos for mostly courtesy of Shutterstock.com). I have given a description for each beach and also included recommended hotels that are nearby. For more information see my GUIDE TO THE PELOPONNESE and my HOTELS OF GREECE PELOPONNESE PAGE. |
Gulf of Corinth and the Argolis Beaches |
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Xylokastro Xylokastro is 120 kilometers from Athens on the north coast of the Peloponnese on the Corinthian Gulf. With Blue Flag beaches famous for their cleanliness they are a mix of sand and pebbles. The nearby pine forests are popular for hiking, running and cycling. The town itself has fish restaurants, cafes, bars, plenty of shops and a number of hotels that are popular with Greeks and other Europeans. Recommended hotels include the "wonderful" Kyani Akti, the Melissi Villas, the beachfront Lido Hotel, and the Diamante Beachfront Suites. See more Hotels in Xylokastro |
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Kiato Kiato is located on the Gulf of Corinth, near the mouth of the river Asopos 13 km southeast of Xylokastro and 18 km northwest of Corinth. There are apartments, summer homes, restaurants, cafes, bars, watersports and beach beds and umbrellas for rent and also plenty of space to put your own. It gets crowded here in the summer as do most beach towns on the north coast of the Peloponnese. Recommended accomodations include the Blue Wave Apartment, the Hotel Pappas, and La Boheme. See more accomodations in Kiato |
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Diakopto Diakopto Beach in Achaia is a pebble beach located in the Gulf of Corinth near the small town of Diakopto which is famous for the Odontotos rack railway that goes to Kalavrita. There are some parts with beach beds and umbrellas and other parts you can bring your own, like most beaches in the Peloponnese. There are several other similar beaches in the area known for their clean sea and amazing blue color, Egkali, Pounta and Eleona. There are some watersports, tavernas, cafes and even beach bars scattered in the area. Suggested hotels include the Stavento Hotel and Resort, the Hotel Theasi, Sul Mare, and the Alkistis Hotel. |
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Paralia Arvanitias (Nafplion City Beach) For those staying in Nafplion without a car wondering where to swim the city beach is a short walk either over the hill between the Palamidi Fortress and Akronafplion or by walking west from the harbor and following the coast on a stone paved footpath. There is a place to park if you are driving but in the summer you may want to walk rather than have to turn back because you can't find a spot. There are some beach beds and umbrellas and a couple season cafes. It's great for snorkeling and for a town beach it is pretty clean since the headlands protect it from the harbor. If it is too crowded and you follow the path to Karathona Beach there are 2 more small beaches on the way. See Nafplion Hotels |
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Karathona Beach The closest beach to get somewhat excited about near Nafplion is Karathona which is a 10 minute drive from town or a 45 minute walk from Arvanitias Beach (past 2 other small beaches you may decide to stop at instead). There are sunbeds and umbrellas but plenty of free space if you don't want to pay the rent. It is a shallow sandy beach suitable for children and it can get busy in the summer, especially on weekends. But like most beaches if you come early, around 10, or late, around 6 you can have a few hours of relative peace. There are beach bars and tavernas and lots of cars and buses. If you come in the off-season (which I recommend since Nafplion and the Argolis are really hot in the summer) it will most likely be nice enough to swim and you may have the whole place to yourself. |
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Psili Ammos, Tolo Tolo is one of the oldest resort towns in the Peloponese due to its long sandy beach, one of the best in Greece at one time. It is still a nice beach but the hotels and town, which is almost like a city, take up much of it. There are areas with sunbeds and without, and the numerous hotels mean that the beach is busy much of the summer and busier on the weekends when the locals come with their families. There are watersports, restaurants, cafes, shops and everything you would find in an established tourist town. It is about a 20 minute drive from Nafplion and there is also a KTEL Bus that goes every hour or so. Here's the schedule. So you can easily stay in Nafplion and visit Tolo or you can stay in Tolo and visit Nafplion if you are more of a beach person. Recommended accomdations include The John and George Hotel, Nelly's Apartments, and the Mari Hotel and Maisonettes. See Robert Bruce's Guide to Tolo. Search Hotels in Tolo |
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Romvi, Tolo This small beach on an uninhabited island in the bay of Tolo can be reached by excursion boat from Nafplion or from Tolo. Though more secluded than Psili Ammos, it is smaller and in the summer it can be busy. There is a cafe but not much else in the way of amenities. But if you just want to swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters, lay on the beach, or explore the medieval fortifications that are scattered around the island this would be a good way to spend the day. There is not much in the way of shade so you may want to bring your own. |
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Asini Beach The Archaeological site of Ancient Asini, made famous by the Greek poet George Serferis, are on a hill between two beaches, one a long sand and pebble open beach and the other a small cove. Both can be reached on foot from Tolon and by car or KTEL Bus from Nafplion. There is a campground here and also hotels and rooms for rent, a couple beach bars and a taverna or two. See Matt's Assini Page |
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Kandia Beach This long sand and pebble beach has beach beds and umbrellas for rent, cafes, restaurants, and even a hotel or two. Though not offically a nudist beach since the designation does not exist in Greece, you can get far enough away from people so that nobody will know what you are wearing. But don't be surprised if you go for a swim and there is an entire family between you and your towel and swimming trunks. There are several other beaches in the area including Paralia Kondyli, and Paralia Iria which are further east. Search Hotels in Kandia |
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Chinitsa Bay Porto Heli This is a series of small beaches is on the outskirts of Porto Heli with crystal clear water, sunbeds and umbrellas. Crowded in the summer but very nice the rest of the swimable months, there is a very nice taverna on the beach. Search Hotels in Porto Heli |
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Kounoupi Beach Porto Heli This lovely beach near Porto Heli has no amenities but the sea is clean and the sand is white and if you have a car it is not difficult to get to. There are only a few parking spaces so you may want to park on the road and walk down. Search Hotels in Porto Heli |
Eastern Peloponnese |
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Xiropigado Xiropigado is a small seaside town, located on the eastern slopes of mountain Zavitsa, between Nafplion and Astros in the eastern Peloponnesos. The road goes through the upper part of the town so if you pass by you would never know this beach exists. It is a small beach mostly for locals and people who have summer homes here but being in a town there are restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. Recommended accomodations include the Blue Sky Apartments and Rooms, Apartment Xenia, and Balaska Apartments. Search for Hotels in Xiropigado |
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Paralio Astros The long beach in Paralio Astros in Arkadia is a good place for families with children. There are beach beds and umbrellas that you can rent though some of them belong to the nearby cafes and all you need to do is buy a drink and it is yours for the afternoon. July and August the beach is busy, especially on weekends, but in May, June and September you can have much of it to yourself. The sea is among the cleanest that you will find in Greece, as is much of the southeastern Peloponessos. It is a large coastal town with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and summer rental homes and apartments. Suggested accomodation include Blue Horizon Suites, Galaxy Rooms, and Anigraia Apartments. Search more Paralio Astros Hotels or visit Matt's Paralio Astros Guide |
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Leonideion The port and beach of the town of Leonideion in eastern Arkadia is called Plaka. Like many of the beaches in this part of the Peloponnesos it is mostly black and white pebbles and the sea is spectacular. It is actually several beaches or really one long beach with several names. starting from the north Lakos, Plaka and Lionidion 1 and then a couple more beaches south of the small port of Plaka where there are several fish tavernas and a few shops. There is lots more in the town of Leonideion which is a couple miles inland at the mough of a spectacular gorge that cuts through the mountains. See Matt's Guide to Leonideion. Suggested accommodations include Archontiko Chioti, Archontiko Hatzapanioti, Troumpas Family Rooms and Apartments, and Kraka Apartments. Search more hotels in Leonideion |
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Poulithra, Arkadia A couple kilometers south of Leonideion in the village of Poulithra with its beautiful pebble beach, shops, restaurants, hotels and holiday homes. The Myrtoon Restaurant is one of the best in the area so stop here for a swim and lunch if you are exploring this part of the Peloponnese. Recommended hotels include the Byzantinon Hotel, Smyros Resort, and Filyra Xenonas. Search more hotels in Poulithra and Leonideion |
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Paralia Fokos This unspoiled beach is difficult to find and a long drive from anywhere but if you want to get away from it all this is a good spot. There are no beach bars, no loud music and very little shade so you have to bring your own. But there is a very nice taverna right on the beach and the owner has a great record collection. The closest place to stay in Kyfanta Apartments or Myrtoo Studios in Kyparissi. |
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Kyparissi, Lakonia This is my grandmother's village and I don't usually mention it because I try to keep it as unsopiled as possible. But people have managed to discover it anyway and the only reason it is not swamped with tourists is because they discontinued the ferry and it is a long drive on difficult (and in parts scary) roads. No beach beds, no umbrellas, no watersports, but several great restaurants and a handful of places to stay. I recommend Kyfanta Apartments, which is where I stay, and if they are full then try Myrtoo, Hotel Paraliako, Atalanti Apartments or Mouragio. |
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Boza, Lakonia This beautiful beach on the west side of the easternmost fork of the Peloponnese peninsula has a great taverna. calm seas, lots of shade trees and cheap beach beds and umbrellas. It is southwest of the village of Asopos if you know where that is. There are lots of accomodations in the nearby village of Plytra, also on the sea, including the beachfront Costa Rampane, Savas Apartments, and the Sonar Deluxe Cottage. You can find lots more places by Searching Plytra Hotels |
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Neapolis Those visiting the island of Kythira usually stop in Neapolis for lunch and a swim before getting on the ferry. The beach runs the length of the town on both sides of the harbor and there are beach beds, umbrellas, restaurants, cafes and shops on the beach and nearby. Recommended hotels include the Limira Mare, right on the sea, Neapoli Rooms and Yialos Napoli Apartments. Search more hotels in Neapolis |
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Simos Beach Elafonissos Simos Beach may be the best beach in Greece with soft white sand and clean blue water. One of the few beaches in Greece where camping is allowed. Well maybe it is not allowed but people do it anyway, pitching their tents among the dunes and trees and giving the area a sort of hippy or gypsy feeling to it. All the beaches on Elefonissos have a tropical look and feel to them and the cantinas play as much latin as Greek music. Suggested hotels at Simos Beach include the Simos Suites, Double Bay Beach Hotel, and the Tago Houses. But the thing is Simos Beach is just one of several beautiful beaches on Elefonisos and there are loads of hotels all over the island. Search Hotels on Elefonisos. See Matt's Guide to Elafonisos too. |
Messinia and Mani Beaches |
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Kalamata Beach Kalamata is a large city by Greek standards, with an airport and a superhighway connecting it to Athens and lots going on in the summer and even the rest of the year. The town beach is pebbles and is about 4 kilometers long, facing south and there are beach bars, restaurants, cafes, watersports, beach beds and umbrellas and even lifeguards. If you have a car there are lots of other beaches within striking distance but if you don't you will probably be happy just staying here. Lots of great hotels in the area including the Grecotel Filoxenia, The Grand Hotel, Pharae Palace, and the exceptional Ying & Yang Studio in the marina. There are plenty more. Search Kalamata Hotels and visit Matt's Kalamata page. |
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Kitries, Messinia This is a beautiful beach southeast of Kalamata with restaurants, cafes, beachbeds and umbrellas and a handful of places to stay. Recommended hotels include the Cape Kitries, Poseidon's Bay View, and Panagea Holiday Apartments. Search more hotels in Kitries |
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Foneas, Kardymili This dramatic beach south of Kardymili is sand and pebbles in a protected cove, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese. There is a small cantina that sells drinks and snacks but no beach beds or umbrellas so if you requre them bring your own. Foneas means killer and the story is that at one time a pirate preyed upon people from this beach. Further south is the equally beautiful Delfinia Beach, also without beachbeds and umbrellas but there is a cafe near the beach that serves traditional food. The road to Stoupa passes both these beaches and it is best to park there rather than make your way down the dirt road and find there are no spots. For those without a car there are several beaches that are just as nice in or within walking distance of Kardymili. Search Hotels in Kardymili. See Matt's Kardamyli page. |
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Town Beach, Stoupa As you would expect in one of the most popular tourist villages in the Peloponnese this beach has it all. Sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, restaurants, hotels, watersports and people. Lots of people. But in the non-summer months it resembles the paradise it once was many years ago before it was discovered. If you are a family with kids you can't beat it if you have a hotel within easy walking distance. If you are just coming for the day from somewhere else, well, good luck parking. If you see a spot grab it or somwone else will. In the off-season (after September) it's a different story. See Hotels in Stoupa and Matt's Guide to Stoupa. |
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Kalogria Beach, Stoupa This is a beautiful sandy beach just north of Stoupa, with loads of umbrellas and a small area for those who bring their own. Perfect for kids and for other humans when it is not July/August and very crowded (as is the main beach in Stoupa). There are cafes, beach bars and restaurants nearby as well as places to stay. See Hotels in Stoupa and Matt's Guide to Stoupa. |
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Valtaki Beach, Lakonia This long sandy beach north of the town of Githeion is famous for the Dimitrios Shipwreck, which as shipwrecks on beautiful beaches go, rivals the one in Zakynthos. There is a taverna right at the entrance, and a small river. Great for snorkeling and you may spot a sea turtle since they come here to lay their eggs. There are a handful of places to stay nearby including the Niirides Resort which has it's own beautiful beach, and also on the same beach the Aktaion Resort. There are a lot more choices in nearby Githeion. Search Hotels in Githeion. There are also a lot more really nice beaches in the area. See Matt's Githeion Page. |
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Zagka Beach, Koroni This beautiful town beach is right below the walls of Koroni castle and a short walk from the town. The first part has beach beds and umbrellas and the rest is free space and you can bring your own. There are several tavernas and cafes right there and lots more in the town which is a short walk away. If you have a car there are several other beaches within striking distance of Koroni. Recommended hotels include the Akri Zagka Apartments, Xenios Zeus Rooms, Margaritta House and Koroni Apartments. Search for more Koroni Hotels |
Peloponnese West Coast Beaches |
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Zacharo Beach This endless beach of fine sand and crystal clear sea is on the western side of the Peloponnese near the village of Zacharo and Lake Kaiafas and its healing waters. There are actually dozens of names for this beach, depending where you get off the road and park your car, but it is all the same stretch of sand facing the Ionian Sea. Lots of restaurants and cafes in the scattered villages and settlements on the coast. Recommended hotels include the Rex Hotel Babeka in Zaharo town but for those who want to stay right on the beach try Vakis Apartments, Ktima Bilioni, or the Ostria Hotel Kakvakos Beach. Search more hotels in Zacharo |
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Glyfa Beach, Ilia Another long sandy beach typical of the west coast of the Peloponnese with a few beach beds and umbrellas but lots of room to do your own thing. There are restaurants, cafes and a cantina or two. The sea is clean and shallow, popular with families with children and crowded in the summer. The beach is close to Ancient Olympia and across from the island of Zakynthos. The port of Kyllini is a few miles north and the cruise port of Katakolo is a few miles south. Recommended hotels include the Glyfa Beach Hotel, and the Santa Marina Resort. |
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Arkoudi Beach, Ilia This is a nice little village beach in the town of Arkoudi, with crystal clear sea, beach beds and umbrellas, a rocky area for snorkling since unlike much of the west Peloponnese it is in a sheltered cove. Lots of cafes, restaurants, shops and places to stay. If you prefer the long endless sandy beaches like the rest of Ilia you are a short walk from Paralia Loutra Killinis and Paralia Akrotiri. Recommended hotels include the Brati-Arkoudi Hotel, the Ionian Beach Apartments and Spa Hotel, the Alkioni's Nest Apartments and La Casa Azul. Search more hotels in Arkoudi |
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Costa Navarino Beaches The world famous Costa Navarino Hotel, Golf Course and Spa is one of the largest hotels (or collection of hotels) in Greece and sits on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Peloponnese. To the north is Krissi Akti Beach and to the south is Romanos Beach. There are cafes, restaurants, shops, a waterpark and lots of places to stay including villas and the Navarino Hotel of course. Recommended is the Romanos Costa Navarino Resort, Westin Resort Costa Navarino, Sea and Sky by Marissa, and Artemis Suites. |
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Voidokilia Beach, Messinia One of the most iconic beaches in the Peloponnesos just north of the town of Pylos and south of the famous Westin Resort Costa Navarino and bordering a fresh/salt water nature preserve. It was once an ancient port and sits below the Paleokastro Fortress, Beautiful clean sea in a sheltered cove and popular with families who have small children. No beach beds or other amenities and if you are hungry or thirsty the nearest cafe is on Krissi Ammos Beach, a 20 minute walk to the other side of the lake which has all the tourist stuff that many people need, including a Paragiding Adventure Sports Center. The nearest hotels are on Gialova Beach and include the W Costa Navarino, Loli Villas, and Zoe Seaside Resort. There are lots more places to stay in and around the town of Pylos. Search Hotels in Pylos |
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Loutra Kylini Beach This beautiful sandy beach is just south of the port of Killinis where you catch the ferries to Zakynthos and Kefalonia. There are beach beds and umbrellas and lots of room for people who bring their own. Lots of watersports and it is one of the most popular beaches for families with children. There are cafes and restaurants as well as some of the biggest names in the Greek hotel business. Recommended hotels include the Grecotel Olympic Oasis and Aquapark, Grecotel La Riviera, Mandola Rosa Exclusive Resort, and if you go in for all-inclusives the Robinson Kyllini Beach. Search for more hotels in Kyllini |
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Mavrovouni Beach, Finikounda I had heard of Finikounda but had never been there until Rick Steves told me he had gone there in his younger days and wanted to include it in his tours to Greece. So we went down to see it on the wouthwest coast of the Peloponnese, though it was October and I barely remember it. But it is a nice coastal village with a sandy beach right in the town and two or three more within walking distance including the gorgeous Mavrovouni. Beach beds, umbrellas, cafes, restaurants, cafes and some parts where you can find none of these things. Recommended hotels include Viva Mare Finikounda, Hotel Estia, Kotroni Villas and the Giorgio Seaside Hotel. There are lots of holiday homes, villas, apartments and villas in and around Finikounda. Search Finikounda Accommodations. |
More Best Greece Beaches Pages... |
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If you enjoyed this page be sure to visit my other websites for Lesvos Beaches, Evia Beaches, Naxos Beaches, Crete Beaches, Mykonos Beaches, Santorini Beaches, Athens Beaches, Halkidiki Beaches, Sifnos Beaches, Rhodes Beaches, Pelion Beaches and there may be a few more that I have forgotten about that you can find in my Greek Island Synopsis |
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