Beach Holidays to Greece

Island beaches are the defining image of a Greek seaside holiday, and each of the main island groups offers its own mix of sand, rock and village life.

• Kolymbithres: Kolymbithres is a striking beach on the south-west coast of Paros, where smooth granite boulders have been shaped by wind and water into rounded formations that rise above shallow turquoise water. The beach is sheltered and relatively quiet, and it is about a short drive from Parikia, the island's main town. Shade is limited on the rocks, so an umbrella or a hat is useful in the afternoon. It suits couples and photographers who want a dramatic setting with a more restrained atmosphere, the same brief our Cheap Greece Holidays deals are built around, rather than the busier party islands of the Cyclades or the famous caldera-edge islands of the Aegean.
• Milos Sarakiniko: Sarakiniko on Milos is a landscape of smooth white volcanic rock that drops into deep blue water, and it is reached by a short walk from the road above. The formations look almost lunar and are popular for swimming and cliff jumping from the lower ledges, although the surface can be hot underfoot in July. The island is quieter than many of its Cyclades neighbours and is served by ferries from the mainland port of Athens' main harbour. It is a natural stop for travellers planning a trip with the same brief our Greece Last Minute Holidays deals are built around, especially those who want unusual scenery and a slower pace.
• Naxos Agios Prokopios: Agios Prokopios is a long, sandy beach on the east coast of Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, and its shallow, warm water makes it one of the most family-friendly bays in the group. The beach has tavernas and sunbeds at intervals along its length, and the main town of Naxos Chora is a short drive away. Winds can pick up in the afternoon, so calm mornings are the best time for swimming. It is a practical base for travellers who want island beaches without the crowds of the busiest islands. It is exactly the brief our Greece Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Santorini Perissa: Perissa is a long beach of dark volcanic sand on the south-east coast of Santorini, lined with tavernas, bars and sunbeds that run for a good stretch of the shore. The sand gets very hot in summer, so water shoes are a sensible addition for comfort. Its position on the coast makes it a convenient day base for exploring the island's wider attractions. It appeals to travellers who want volcanic scenery combined with an active beach scene. It is exactly the brief our Santorini holidays deals are built around.
• Koufonisia: Koufonisia is a small Cycladic island in the Lesser Cyclades, and its beaches, including Pori and Fanos, are reached by local boats and short walks from the port. The island has very few cars, and tavernas and rooms are modest, which keeps the feel gentle and unhurried. Services are much reduced outside the summer season, so planning the ferry journey carefully matters. It is a strong pick for travellers who want genuinely quiet island beaches.