It’s not only the Greek Islands which boast beautiful beaches. Located in the southern part of the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese has stunning beaches that rival any island. With azure waters and long horseshoe-shaped swathes of sand, and few crowds, the Peloponnese beaches are simply gorgeous.
The Peloponnese is a large region in southern Greece that consists of four large peninsulas or ‘fingers’.
While technically a part of mainland Greece, you do need to cross a bridge to get there due to the Corinth Canal, a narrow passage that was created in the late 19th Century.
The area may not have the reputation of islands like Mykonos or Santorini, but that only adds to its charm.
While some of the best beaches in the Peloponnese are well-known, others are hidden away gems that feel wild and untamed.
So, whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or something more upbeat, you’ll find it here.
Further reading: Road trips in Greece
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When to visit the Peloponnese
The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September when prices and crowds will reflect this.
Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere.
The Peloponnese and indeed the whole Mainland is really a year-round destination with plenty of beaches and ocean-based activities but also beautiful mountain villages, wine regions, and charming towns that are open year-round.
Best beach and swimming weather: June to September
Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October
The beaches of Argolis
Argolis is one of the most popular regions in the Peloponnese and is accessible to Athens as a day trip.
It is home to several incredible ancient sites as well as the Nemea wine region, several beach resorts, and the charming capital of Nafplion.
If you are looking to have a fabulous Peloponnese holiday this is where you should spend a decent amount of time.
Arvanitia beach, Nafplion
If you are staying in Nafplion ( which you should!) then Arvanitia beach is the closest and easiest beach to visit. You can walk to it from town especially around the scenic headland.
The beach is made up of small rocks and pebbles so you need your reef shoes and it pays to hire a sun lounge but the water is clear and calm. There is a nice bar & restaurant on the waterfront called Blue Blanc that can get quite busy so it pays to book ahead.
Further reading : A complete guide to Nafplio
Where to stay in Nafplio
Nafplio is a beautiful coast town that is a great places to base yourself to explore the Argolis region. There are many small, charming hotels and B&Bs to choose from but next to no large chain hotels which adds to its appeal.
For couples
Gambello Rooms is right at the edge of the Old Town and only meters from the harbor. It has beautifully appointed rooms in a converted neo-classical mansion and are very well priced. Be sure to book a balcony room at the front.
For families and groups
Anemos Rooms are self-contained apartments in the new part of town but very well appointed.
Tolo
Tolo is a newer town than Nafplion and is more geared towards the beach.
As a result, there are numerous seasonal hotels and summer accommodation on offer. It is very popular with families are the water is very calm and clear and shallow.
Where to stay in Tolo.
For couples
A little out of town Porto Assini is located right on Plaka Beach and is very quite and romantic.
For families and groups
Villa Giovasia is a 2 bedroom house just metres from the beach that can sleep up to 8 people. It is very new, exceptionally clean and very comfortable.
Porto Heli
(image by Porto Heli Holiday Villas)
Porto Heli is a popular resort town in the south-eastern part of the Argolis, 40kms southeast of Nafplion.
It is one of the more cosmopolitan and upmarket destinations in Greece and is home to a number of luxury resorts including the incredible Amanzoe, the only Aman resort in Greece.
There is a lot to see and do in the area including visiting the nearby Saronic island of Spetses.
Home to many beautiful beaches you are spoilt for choice in this area and can enjoy a new place to swim every day.
The beaches in and around Porto Heli include:
Blue Beach
A long wide beach facing West. There are umbrellas for rent at the northern end outside Norma Beach Life restaurant and Maistraki taverna.
Ververonta Beach
With clear, calm water and several beach bars
Paralia Porto Heli
The main beach of Porto Heli. It can get busy here and there are a lot of boats and watersportsin the bay. Popular with families with various watersports and activities for hire.
Triantafyllou Beach
A beautiful secluded beach on an uninhabited peninsula with no houses or buildings nearby. No services but lots of shady trees.
Paralia Kosta
The cleanest beach in the area this beach does not have sunlounges or umbrellas but it does have a small sandy beach that is quite secluded.
Petrothalassa beach
This is one of 7 or 8 small beaches in a row all wrapped around small coves as if a giant took a bite out of the coastline. You can happily hop from beach to beach along the narrow coastal roads and lanes although most have no services or amenities apart from Petrothalassa and Paralia Mpourloto.
Paralia Lepitsa
A small, pretty beach on the western coast about 20 minutes drive from Porto Heli. Safe and calm for children with umbrellas for rent from the cafe at the southern end.
Where to stay in Porto Heli
There are many hotels in Porto Heli and the surrounding Ermioni region.
For couples
Porto Panorama is located in a quiet spot at the top of a hill with incredible views of the bay over to Spetses. They have a wonderful infinity pool too.
If you have the budget a stay at Amanzoe will blow you away. Considered the most exclusive resort in all of Greece it is highly coveted and often booked out.
For families and groups
Aloe Luxury Apartments have self-contained apartments and are beautifully appointed.
Nautica Bay Hotel is very popular with families and have a huge variety of activities on offer including sailing, kayaking and mini-golf.
Beaches in Elafonisos
Elafonisos is a small island off the Laconia peninsula south-east of Nafplion. It is a short ferry ride from the tiny village of Punta on the coast.
It is only 19 square kilometers and home to around 1000 people.
Simos Beach
Okay so technically Simos beach is located on a small island away from the mainland, however it’s too good not to include on our list of the Peloponnese’s best beaches. Plus, it can be reached by a short boat ride, so it’s certainly easy to add onto your Peloponnese itinerary.
Simos Beach is the kind of place you dream of finding on a holiday to Greece.
Those who make the trip across to Simos Beach usually return raving about the crystal clear water, which glistens almost cerulean in some parts. Of course, the other key ingredient to a jaw-dropping beach is powder-soft sand – and Simon Beach has that in spades.
The beach is flanked by sand dunes which create a natural barrier, even when it’s windy. This, paired with the shallow water, means that Simos Beach is one of the best Peloponnese beaches for children and families.
Thanks to its modest size, Skoutari Beach doesn’t get quite the foot traffic of some of the others on this list, although it’s still quite popular.
Just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge you’ll find a lovely taverna – it may look humble, but the views and food are exquisite.
Where to stay on Elafonisos
There a few small hotels and pensions on the island and several good Airbnb’s.
For couples
Double Bay Beach Hotel is just 150metres from Sarakaniko Beach and 1.2kms from Simos Beach. It is a modern boutique hotel with a luxe vibe. They have a great restaurant and a lovely pool with beautiful gardens.
For families and groups
Airbnbs offer the best value on the island for groups and long stays with a number of excellent properties for rent.
Laconia Beaches
Laconia is one of the largest regions of the Peloponnese. It is located in the south and includes the middle two ‘fingers’ as well as Sparta which is its capital.
There are many wonderful beaches in Laconia including a few much photographed and Instagrammed locations.
Skoutari Beach
Proving that bigger is not always better, pint-sized Skoutari Beach is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The beach is pretty small (especially when the tide is in), and in many parts, it is a little more rocky than sandy. Nonetheless, it sits proudly on this list of beautiful beaches in the Peloponnese.
What makes Skoutari Beach oh-so-charming is the collection of adorable historic buildings that flank it.
There’s a couple of fishermen’s cottages as well as a beautiful but modest church. These buildings add to the charisma of Skoutari Beach and make it a favourite amongst photographers.
Thanks to its modest size, Skoutari Beach doesn’t get quite the foot traffic of some of the others on this list, although it’s still quite popular.
Just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge you’ll find a lovely taverna – it may look humble, but the views and food are exquisite.
Where to stay in Skoutari
Kavoulakos Studios (lower mid-range)
Skoutari Bungalows (mid-range)
For groups Domaine Papakonstantis have apartments with sea views that can sleep up to 6.
Mavrovouni Beach (Gytheio)
Spanning more than seven kilometres, Mavrovouni Beach is one of the largest beaches in the Peloponnese. Its sheer size is pretty spectacular, and the mountains and rolling hills off in the distance only add to its dramatic flair.
Most of the beach is more on the rocky side, with long stretches with coarse sand. In the summer months, you’ll find umbrellas dotted along long sections of the beach, offering some respite from the sun.
You’ll also find quite a few tavernas, cafes and bars along the beach and prices are quite good.
One unique feature of Mavrovouni Beach is that during turtle season, sea turtles (Caretta caretta) use the beach to lay eggs. Local volunteers do a great job protecting the turtles, and it’s certainly a thrill to spot a mother or her hatchlings.
Mavrovouni Beach can be windy, especially in the afternoon. While this can make it a bit less ideal for nervous swimmers, it’s great for windsurfers and kitesurfers who are sure to love the adrenaline rush of gliding over the sea here.
Valtaki/Selinitsa Beach (Gytheio)
Valtaki Beach (sometimes erroneously called Selinitsa) is a lovely, Blue Flag beach with a pretty cool quirk – a massive shipwreck just a stone’s throw from the sand.
While some might argue the rusting tanker is a blight on the otherwise beautiful beach, it certainly adds a unique element to this Peloponnese beach.
Not only does the shipwreck make for a very dramatic and somewhat eerie addition to the beach, but it’s also a favourite of mystery lovers.
There are many theories about why the Dimitrios was run aground and abandoned on Valtaki Beach, from escaping smugglers to eerie ghost ships to (the decidedly less fun) financial problems.
Whatever the truth behind the shipwreck, Valtaki Beach is a great place to explore, and you can also take a peek at the wreck.
The beach is located just one kilometer away from Gythio, a charming little port town where you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Where to stay in Gythio
For Couples and singles
Mareggio Exclusive Residences & Suites hidden at the secret bay of Selinitsa, close to the port of Gythion and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mani area and the mountain of Taygetos. It’s an intimate hotel for nature lovers, couples and families too.
The Olive Yard is set in a beautiful olive grove with panoramic views of the Gulf. It’s a brand new hotel with lovely high-end furnishings.
For families and groups
Aktaion Resort is very popular with families and is great value too. Bello Horizonte have studio apartments that can sleep up to 4 and is very close to the beach.
Plytras Beach (Plitra)
Looking for one of those postcard-perfect beaches? You’ll find it with Plytras Beach. White sand? Tick. Glistening clear waters? Tick. Beach umbrellas and even the odd beach bar? Yep, it has those too – although there’s also a large “free section” if you prefer to avoid organised beaches.
Plytras Beach is a large sandy beach located near the town of Plitra. It is one of the Peloponnese beaches to have been awarded Blue Flag status, and it’s not hard to see why. This really is the kind of place to laze away a wonderful afternoon (or many).
Although it can be a tad windy like many Greek beaches, its horseshoe shape means it’s naturally well protected so a favourite with families.
Adding to the family-friendly appeal of Plytras is that in the summer months a lifeguard is always on duty and the fact that the water is very shallow.
Where to stay in Plitra
Plitra is a tiny town with only a few hotels.
Princess Kyniska Suites is a luxury hotel on the outskirts of town and has beautiful views over the bay.
Otherwise Costa Rampane is a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the village and is great for families and couples alike.
Messinia Beaches
Messenia is another regional unit in the Peloponnese and is located on the far west of the region.
It makes up much of the 4th ‘finger’ and includes the beautiful municipalities of Mani and Messini as well as the capital, Kalamata.
Limeni
Limeni is one of the prettiest seaside villages in all of Greece and is much photographed for good reason.
It’s quite small and consists of a bunch of converted stone houses and mansions wrapped around a small bay with crystal clear azure waters.
There are only a handful of cafes and tavernas and they are all excellent.
Whilst not a ‘beach’ per se there are various swimming platforms, some with ladders, to help you access the water and it really is a magical spot. This would be in our Top10 of places to return to in Greece very soon!
Where to stay in Limeni
There are only a few places to stay in Limeni itself with a few more options in nearby Aeropoli and surrounds.
Staying in the village itself is a wonderful experience with few people around at night although we enjoyed a wonderful stay at the brand new Aria Suites and Spa in the hills above too. Incredible views and gorgeous rooms!
For couples
Mavromichalai is a charming, small, luxury hotel on the waterfront in a restored 18th-century tower house and is highly sought after. Vasilios Apartment Hotel is our other pick which has commanding views on the hill above and is somewhat less expensive.
For families and groups
Sofia Limeni has a superior family suite that can sleep 8 with 2 sets of bunk beds included. It is in a converted stone house and has lovely waterfront views right in the heart of the village.
Itilo Beach
5 Minutes drive north of Lemeni is Paralia Itilo a wide, organised beach with plenty of sunbeds and service from the nearby cafes and tavernas.
The water is not as calm or as clear here as Limeni as it is much more exposed but if you are after a sunbed, and umbrella and some good, inexpensive beachside food with very friendly service it is still a nice place to spend a few hours.
The sunbeds in 2019 were incredible free is ordering from a cafe. The girl seemed quite amazed that we expected to pay!
Foneas Beach (Kardamili)
While the utterly enchanting Foneas Beach may not be the biggest of the Peloponnese, it’s certainly one of the most magical.
What it lacks for in size it makes up for in intrigue, with sea caves dotted around its edges. It’s the perfect place to do some exploring (safely, of course!).
The beach itself is rocky, not sandy, however, to make up for that you’ll have the dazzling clear sea to admire and jump into.
Just note that the water at Foneas Beach becomes very deep quickly, so it’s not the best choice for nervous swimmers or families.
While the secret is beginning to get out, for now, Foneas Beach remains a hidden gem amongst this list of Peloponnese beaches (outside of August when few beaches escape the crowds).
Where to stay in Kardamili
There are some good accommodation choices in this area with some very charming and budget-friendly hotels in Kardamili.
Katikies Manis Suites have luxury rooms perched at the top of the hill looking over the Kardamili Bay.
Lithos Guesthouse is a short walk from the beach and has lovely views of the sea while Trisilio is a little house in the mountains above the town that is both budget-friendly and great for small families.
Romanos (Pylos, near Petrochori)
Located about ten kilometres away from the city of Pylos, Romanos Beach is one of the most popular in the Peloponnese.
Due to its popularity (and the large hotel nearby), this beach is not ideal if you’re seeking peace and quiet – but if you prefer your beaches bustling and lively, it’s a great choice.
Thanks to its popularity, the beach has a buzzing atmosphere with lots of amenities nearby.
At one end of the beach, summer sees plenty of umbrellas set up in neat rows – perfect for a day of sunbathing. Continue a little further on and you’ll find more families playing on the sand away from the umbrellas and cocktails crowd.
A beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach, one highlight of Romanos Beach is the soft sand and relatively calm conditions of the water. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some sea turtles who come ashore to lay their eggs.
Where to stay near Romanos
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino is one of the premier hotels in Greece and set in grounds including a world class golf course and beautiful gardens and swimming pools.
In Pylos Hotel Philip is a charming small hotel with stunning views over the harbour.
Voidokilia Beach (Petrochori)
It is impossible to have a list of the best Peloponnese beaches without including Voidokilia Beach. In fact, many visitors to this little stretch of heaven report it’s the best in Greece, and maybe even further afar.
So, what is all the fuss about? One look at the pictures of this dazzling beach certainly give you an idea.
A perfect crescent shape, in fact it is the shape of the Greek letter Omega. Perfect white sand surrounds the central water, which is a variety of shades of dazzling blue.
It ranges from a deep navy in the centre to a brilliant cyan on the fringes, making it an absolutely spectacular sight.
It’s no surprise that the reputation of beautiful Voidokilia has spread throughout Europe and beyond.
Although its fairly remote location keeps some of the crowds away, you certainly won’t be lonely here – especially in August, which is peak tourist season. However, having to share is a small price to pay to enjoy this beautiful beach.
Where to stay in Petrochori
The hotels near Romanos beach can just as easily service Petrochori as well. Most people usually stay in Pylos or at one of the many hotels and resorts scattered around the surrounding coast and countryside.
Other options to looks at include Navarone Villas and Zoe Seaside resort.
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