Destinations
3\07\2025
Sandy Escapes & Hidden Gems: 10 Beaches Worth Visiting in the Peloponnese
(and What to Do Around Them)
The Peloponnese — Greece’s sun-drenched southern peninsula — is a dream destination for beach lovers who want more than just a towel and a tan. Here, the coast is dotted with sandy shores, secret coves, pine forests, dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and local fishing villages. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, solitude and silence, or a wild swimming spot with a story to tell, the Peloponnese delivers.
These 10 beaches are not ranked from best to least — because frankly, how could we choose? Instead, we’ve arranged them clockwise around the peninsula, starting from the Saronic Gulf and making our way through Argolida, Arcadia, Laconia, Messenia, and back up north.
Each one offers not just a beautiful swim, but something more: a chance to hike, snorkel, climb, explore local villages, or just be somewhere that feels quietly extraordinary.
- Bisti Beach, Hydra
A hidden cove with a castaway vibe. Tucked into a pine-covered bay on the western side of Hydra, Bisti Beach is a quiet, pebbly escape reachable only by water taxi or a 13km hike from Hydra port. Surrounded by cliffs and forest, with no bars or sunbeds, this is a place to breathe deep, swim long, and enjoy a rare kind of peace.
Although Hydra is not officially part of the Peloponnese mainland, its close proximity and easy access make it a perfect addition to any coastal itinerary in the region—so we couldn’t leave it out.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FchBEf9AbYatmCCPA
Tip: There are no facilities here — bring water, food, and a sun hat.
Bonus experiences:
- Take a charming donkey tour around the island
- Follow in the footsteps of Leonard Cohen, who lived and wrote on Hydra
- Cross to the mainland for climbing adventures in Ermioni climbing sectors
- Hike up Mount Eros (Όρος Έρως), the highest point on Hydra – (best avoided in the peak summer heat)
- Epidavros Beach & the Sunken City, Argolida
Swim above an ancient Roman villa. Just off the shore of Epidavros lies the Sunken City — a 2,000-year-old archaeological site submerged in shallow, clear water. This beach is family-friendly, easy to access by car, and close to some nice tavernas.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TUcwm5Qeu3tTmW2v7
Bonus experiences:
- Snorkel the ruins (no diving gear needed!)
- Visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus nearby
- Enjoy fresh fish at a seaside taverna
- Rent a SUP or kayak to explore the coastline
- Catch a summer performance during the Epidaurus Festival
- Agios Georgios Beach, Poulithra (Arcadia)
A secret spot where olive groves meet the sea. South of Poulithra, Agios Georgios is a pebbly, crystal-clear cove with no amenities, no crowds, and no sound but the waves. Perfect for swimming, reading, or just sitting with the view.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1RQK5ATMhAjASNYS9
Tip: Bring everything you need — food, water, and shade. There are no facilities.
Bonus experiences:
- Hike from Poulithra to Agios Georgios Church along a scenic coastal path
- Enjoy a taste of the region with authentic local dishes at the beloved Myrtoon Tavern in Poulithra
- Experience world-class climbing of Leonidio
- Explore hidden coves and secluded shores with a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) adventure along the coastline
- Fokiano Beach, Arcadia
Peace and pebbles at the end of the road. Surrounded by forested cliffs, Fokiano is a tranquil beach with deep blue water and white stones. It’s reachable by a scenic coastal drive from Leonidio or Kyparissi.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HQiiaziq5gZvqCTu9
Bonus experiences:
- Eat fresh fish at the beachside taverna (seasonal)
- Hike the untamed trails of Mount Parnon
- Paddleboard or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters—if you’re lucky, you might spot sea turtles or even seals
- Try rock climbing in Kyparissi
- Vlychada Beach, Laconia
Wild, remote, and dramatically beautiful. On the southern foot of Mount Parnon, this beach is for those who love solitude and don’t mind a bumpy ride or boat trip to get there. Turquoise water, steep cliffs, and silence await.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ZcBKuQykDjs8RQV9
Tip: Come by boat if possible. Bring water, food, and sun protection, the local beach bar is operating only in summer.
Bonus experiences:
- Hike a stretch of the Parnon Ridge for epic views
- Rock climb Vlychada – the sector on the beach
- Visit Monemvasia for medieval charm and food
- Simos Beach, Elafonisos (Laconia)
Caribbean vibes in Greece. Double the beauty with “Big Simos” and “Small Simos” beaches — both with white sand, clear water, and giant sand dunes. You can get here via ferry from Punta to Elafonisos island.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pVskyy1rYpiPcjAV9
Tip: In summer, it gets popular — arrive early or visit in shoulder season for a more peaceful vibe.
Bonus experiences:
- Camp under the stars at Simos Campground
- Walk through protected sand dunes
- Visit Kastania Cave on the mainland
- Try the local Monemvasia wine
- Valtaki Beach, near Gythio (Laconia)
A shipwreck and shallow seas. Soft sand and shallow water make this an easygoing beach and kids friendly, but the highlight is the Dimitrios Shipwreck, rusting quietly onshore.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bYFw3GK5W7SQdPpL9
Bonus experiences:
- Photograph the shipwreck up close
- Picnic beneath tamarisk trees
- Visit Diosmos tavern at Gythio town for food and local culture
- Tour the Diros Caves and the historical village of Areopoli
- Foneas Beach, Western Mani
Family-friendly with a splash of wild. This small, pebbly beach is easy to reach by car, shaded by pine trees, and great for swimming, especially with kids.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aY2nDXSS3GsLoRzx7
Bonus experiences:
- Walk to Stoupa, a charming coastal village
- Explore freediving in Kalamata
- Visit the Diros Caves for an underground boat trip
- Voidokilia Beach, Messenia
Almost too perfect. A natural semicircle of golden sand and turquoise water, Voidokilia is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece — and for good reason.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z9uA4nkSGjMR8FyPA
Tip: No facilities. Bring water, food, and sun protection. Early morning is best to avoid crowds.
Bonus experiences:
- Hike to Old Castle Navarino for a panoramic view
- Birdwatch at Gialova Lagoon
- Snorkel at the rocky ends of the bay
- Explore nearby Pylos and its historic harbor
- Kalogria Beach, Achaea (Northern Peloponnese)
A northern favorite with forest vibes. This wide, sandy beach has shallow water and is backed by Strofilia Forest, offering a unique combo of sea and shade.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHo1ZU6dUiLSYXz88
Bonus experiences:
- Explore Strofilia, one of Greece’s largest forests
- Visit Patras`s Medieval Castle, the Roman Odeon and other historical sites
- Perfect for families, picnics, and SUP
🌞 Ready to Dive In?
Whether you’re chasing solitude in a hidden cove, snorkeling over ancient ruins, or planning a beach day with the kids, the Peloponnese has a shoreline that matches your mood.
These beaches are not just pretty places — they invite you to slow down, look closer, and let the sea shape your day.
Have you been to one of these beaches? Let us know what you loved!
Got another hidden gem? Share it in the comments so we can discover it too.
Help Us Keep the Coast Clean
Many of these beaches are natural and unspoiled, and we’d love to keep them that way. Please bring a bag for your trash, and if you see litter, picking it up makes a real difference.
Also, we kindly ask that you don’t disturb sea animals—let’s enjoy their presence without interfering.
Thank you for helping protect this beautiful coastline.
Explore deeper. Stay longer. Trust the coast.