Sun-drenched stays are as easy as one, two, three in beach-bejewelled Greece. Along the thousands of miles of coastline, you’ll find everything from sunbed-sprinkled sweeps to hidden-away havens. Read on to find out our pick of the best beaches, so you can squeeze every drop of sunshine out of your next Greek getaway.

Kriopigi Beach, Halkidiki

On Halkidiki’s west coast, you’ll find this Blue Flag beauty. Pine-clad hills flank the snow-white sands, providing plenty of shade during the hot summer months. Switch off and savour the sounds of the sea or go for a paddle in the crystal-clear waters. When evening falls, the beachfront café’s cosmopolitan cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to the setting sun.

Elafonisi Lagoon, Crete

Rosé-pink sands lapped by topaz-tinted waters, Crete’s Elafonisi Lagoon sure doesn’t scrimp when it comes to natural beauty. Tucked away on the southwest of the island, this secluded spot is a daybed-dozing dream. When the tide is right, you can get two beaches for the price of one, with a sandy corridor connecting you to the Elafonisi Islet. Here, you can explore caves and coves as well as a traditional church.

Kastáni Beach, Skopelos

There’s a bounty of swoon-worthy beaches in Skopelos, but Kastáni Beach takes centre stage. It was a scene stealer in everyone’s favourite romcom, Mamma Mia! so get ready to live out all your best ABBA-themed fantasies. Once you’re done chorusing ‘Dancing Queen’, it’s time to take a dip in the electric-blue waters before sprawling out on the spotless sands. It’s good times aplenty in the local beach bar which offers up the best seats in the house for soaking up the Skopelos sunsets.

Tsambika Beach, Rhodes

If views are the clincher for crowning the best beach in Greece, then few can beat Rhodes’ Tsambika Beach. This prime slice of seaside bliss has something for every type of sun-seeker. Sunbathe, swim or simply soak up the views of the pine-studded hills. Feeling peckish? Head to one of the many beachfront eateries for a medley of mezes.

Agios Ioannis Beach, Lefkas

Snuggled away just a walk away from the island’s capital, Lefkas Town, you’ll find this rugged pocket of paradise. Visitors can expect pristine sands, whimsical windmills and a charming church. It’s a mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers too thanks to the strong sea breeze. Fancy trying something new? Book into the surf school for a private lesson and you’ll be conquering those waves in no time!

Kamari Beach, Santorini

Santorini’s Kamari Beach showcases mother nature at its best. This silky sweep is big on scenic drama, nestled at the foot of the Mesa Vouno Mountain. Roll out your towel on the inky-black sands or make a beeline for the watersports hub, where everything from surfing to jet-skiing is on offer. When you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s a string of beachfront cafes and restaurants to choose from, where you can dine with your toes in the sand.

Rovinia Beach, Corfu

You’ll find this golden gem on Corfu’s west coast. With its gentle sea breeze and rippling waves, it’s ideal for those seeking sand and solitude. It’s great for aquatic adventures so make sure to pack a snorkel as the waters are teeming with confetti-coloured fish. We’d recommend taking a picnic too, as its secluded location means restaurants and bars are hard to come by.

Agios Stefanos Beach, Kos

Nature meets history on Kos’ sun-kissed treasure, Agios Stefanos Beach. This serene strip has all the ingredients for do-nothing days in the rays with an added splash of culture. If you can lure yourself away from your lounger, there’s a cluster of ancient ruins to explore. Adventure further and hire a pedalo to cruise across to the islet of Kastri. Make sure you’ve got your camera ready to snap the topaz-topped church and rural surroundings.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Surrounded by rugged mountains and green-tinged hills, Myrtos Beach has gained a global reputation for being one of the most beautiful beaches. Lazy days are on the menu here, so be sure to hire a sunbed, take a dip in the crystal waters and grab a cooling drink from the beach’s own bar. Stay until sunset, and you’ll get to watch the sky turn into spectacular shades of orange, pink and red.

Voidokilia Beach, Kalamata, Peloponnese

This horseshoe-shaped wonder on Kalamata’s coast is not to be missed. With grains that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the shores of the Caribbean and glassy, turquoise waters, it’s simply idyllic. It wraps around a golden bay, so you’ll have salty shores on one side and a lagoon on the other – the perfect place to throw down your towel and tuck into a picnic!