Last Minute Beach Holidays to Greece

Blue Flag accreditation marks beaches that meet strict standards for water quality, safety and environmental management, and several Greek coasts hold this award.

• Vouliagmeni: Vouliagmeni sits on the Athenian Riviera roughly 25 km south of central Athens, making it one of the most accessible sandy shores for a city-and-beach trip. The bay has organised beach clubs, shaded loungers and a short taxi ride from the centre, which suits travellers who want culture by day and swimming in the evening. The trade-off is that peak July and August weekends can feel busy, so we often recommend a midweek departure or a shoulder-season booking for a calmer stretch of sand. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Porto Katsiki: The steep descent from the cliffs above rewards visitors with a long pebble and sand beach framed by white limestone and turquoise water. Guests reach the shore by stairs or by a short boat trip from neighbouring bays, and the walk down is worth the effort for the views. It is less suited to travellers with limited mobility, so we advise booking a room in the Nidri area for easier access to boats and transfers. It is exactly the brief our Cheap Greece Holidays deals are built around.
• Myrtos Beach: Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia is a wide sweep of white pebbles and clear water beneath dramatic cliffs on the island's north-east coast. Access involves a steep path and parking is limited, so arriving early in the day is sensible in summer. We find it best suited to couples and active travellers who enjoy a half-day outing rather than a lazy resort beach.
• Elafonissi: Elafonissi on the south-west of Crete is known for its shallow lagoons and pink-tinted sand, which makes the water warm and easy to wade in for families. The beach can be reached by a drive of around 90 minutes from the island's main western airport hub, so we recommend a hire car for flexibility. The main downside is the crowds at midday in peak months, which is why a morning visit tends to be more relaxed. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Kalamaki: Kalamaki on Zakynthos is a long, sheltered bay used by loggerhead turtles, and the beach has strict rules to protect nesting sites. Sunbeds, cafés and watersports are available along the sand, making it a practical choice for a relaxed holiday with easy amenities. Visitors should respect the marked nesting areas, which is part of what gives the beach its character.