IGUANA BEACH, CRETE
Lucky Haniá has two lovely, clean, amenitied town beaches, 4km west at the end of a frequent urban bus line. They’re separated by a headland, with a third, westerly cape graced by the little Church of the Holy Apostles, which lends its name to the area. The easterly cove is smaller and crowded, but more protected from occasional surf; the second, universally known as “Iguana” after its quirky kantína and sunbed concession, is bigger and more exposed, but the thick sand shelves gently enough for kids, and the pristine water rates a Blue Flag.
Rhodes’ south-east, Mediterranean-facing coast has far better beaches, and is usually less windy, than the north-west shore; Kálathos beach ranks among the best. The sand is on the coarse side but there’s 4km of it, and it’s never busy; the water is clean and brisk, with moderate shelving off.
At 7km this is the island’s longest beach and among its best. From the sand (scattered pebbles) you gaze south to Turkey and the islands of Híos and Psará. The sea is generally warm and, barring storms, flat. Aside from an ancient temple at Ágios Fokás cape just west, there’s absolutely nothing to see out here at the end of the world. Developments straggle some ways either side of a coastal T-junction, so it’s not high-density, and pine-fringed hills inland add to the allure. Akrotiri Fish Tavern at Ágios Fokás has much the best eats locally.
PELION PENINSULA
North-eastern Pelion conceals beaches of various sizes and consistencies. Sandy Papá Neró, south-east of busy Ágios Ioánnis, is excellent, with cars banned and a top taverna (Papoutsis). Next up is pebbly Damoúhari, which appeared in Mamma Mia!; a tiny castle and Barba Stergios fish taverna command the cove. A coastal path or more roundabout road system leads beyond to Mylopótamos, twin pebble coves joined by a rock-tunnel, with caves and overhangs. Have lunch nearby at Angelika Seafood Taverna.
VELANIÓ, SKÓPELOS
Skópelos’ idyllic coves and rock-top chapels were prime locations for the 2007 filming of Mamma Mia!. Velanió itself didn’t feature, but it is the longest and least-developed local beach: 600m of scenic, pine-backed sand and fine gravel, with pristine sea and views across to Évvia. It’s officially part-naturist.
Ideal for nature lovers, Coco Mat Eco Residences are right on Vagia sand beach, so you can fall asleep to the sound of waves, and go out for an early-morning swim barefoot. The stone buildings – dubbed “bioclimatic architecture” – date from 1908 and have been renovated to create 13 spacious residences, sleeping two to four people. With whitewashed walls, and wood and stone details, they combine existing features with contemporary facilities – fully equipped kitchens, comfy Coco-Mat mattresses, and private sea-view terraces where you can eat breakfast (delivered each morning).
KANALI BEACH, PREZEVA
Overlooking Kanali beach and the turquoise Ionian, Sesa hotel stands on the Greek mainland, close to Prezeva and the island of Lefkada. It has just 10 rooms and a honeymoon suite, each themed around one of the elements that make up the hotel’s name: Sea, Earth, Sand and Air. With chic minimalist interiors, they all have sea views, and extras such as espresso machines. Out front, there’s a pebble beach with straw umbrellas, wooden sunbeds and a bar, plus a pool in the garden.
FILAKI NUDIST BEACH, CRETE
For a complete back-to-nature experience, and an all-over tan, consider staying at a naturist resort. Vritomartis, near Sfakia on Crete’s remote south coast, is on the Libyan Sea and is backed by the 2000m-high White Mountains. There are rooms in the main hotel building, as well as bungalows set in landscaped grounds with a 25m pool. A 10-minute walk east (also served by free minibus), Filaki nudist beach is made up of fine pebbles, and has sunbeds and umbrellas, and a canteen serving snacks. While nudism is the norm in the gardens and at the beach, clothing (even if it’s just a towel) is mandatory within the Vritomartis indoor spaces.
CHALKIDIKI, SITHONIA
Some of Greece’s best campsites are on the Sithonia peninsula, in northern Greece, east of Thessaloniki. Hidden away at the end of a rough track, immersed in olive groves, palms, eucalyptus and pine trees, and giving on to two pristine beaches, Camping Areti offers total peace and tranquillity. It’s ideal for families, as the water is shallow and the seabed shelves gradually. Facilities include an excellent waterside restaurant serving delicious breakfasts, fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes, all made from local seasonal produce, a small shop stocked with foodstuffs and beach gear, tennis courts, and sea kayaks, which you can use to paddle to three nearby uninhabited islets.
DUNES BEACH, PELOPONNESE
On the west coast of the Peloponnese, giving on to Dunes Beach, a 1km stretch of fine golden sand, the Romanos Resort is part of the vast Costa Navarino complex. The seafront offers extensive watersports facilities, including wind surfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, waterskiing and wakeboarding, as well as beach yoga, scuba diving and sailing. Voidokilia, an almost circular bay of deep turquoise-blue water, rimmed by a sandy beach and backed by wetlands, often cited as one of the most spectacular bathing spots in Greece.
Read more: The top 10 beach holidays in Greece for 2017
