Best Peloponnese beaches: the most beautiful beaches by region
The Peloponnese has hundreds of kilometres of coast, from the wild coves of the Mani to long sandy beaches near Nafplio. Here are the standout beaches, grouped by region.
- In Messinia, near Pylos, is Voidokilia, a horseshoe bay with no facilities, and nearby Romanos, by Costa Navarino.
- In Laconia, Simos on Elafonisos is known for white sand and dunes, reached by a short ferry.
- For families with kids: Finikounda, Stoupa, Kalogria, and near Gytheio Mavrovouni and Selinitsa, with calm water.
The Peloponnese is big, so pick one or two regions and build your holiday around them. A hire car is almost essential, since most of the best beaches have no convenient public transport.
Messinia (around Kalamata and Pylos)
According to travel.gr and Drink Tea & Travel, this region has some of the most famous beaches:
- Voidokilia: a horseshoe bay near Gialova and Pylos, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. It has no facilities, so bring water, shade and food.
- Romanos: a long beach near the Costa Navarino resort. Sea turtles nest here, so there are rules to protect the nests.
- Finikounda: a sheltered bay, good for families.
- Zaga in Koroni: a beautiful beach near the town of Koroni.
- Kalamata beach: a long town beach, handy if you stay in the city.
- Bouka: a Blue Flag beach.
- Kardamyli and Stoupa: Ritsa and Foneas in Kardamyli, and Stoupa and Kalogria with soft sand and family-friendly water.
Laconia and the Mani
- Simos on Elafonisos: a small island off the Peloponnese, reached by a short ferry. The beach is known for pale sand and dunes. Bring supplies, water and food.
- Valtaki: near Gytheio, with the "Dimitrios" shipwreck on the beach.
- Mavrovouni and Selinitsa: calm beaches near Gytheio, good for families.
- Limeni, Gerolimenas, Marmari and Porto Kagio: small, beautiful Mani coves, usually quieter.
Argolis (around Nafplio)
- Karathona: a Blue Flag beach a few minutes from Nafplio.
- Arvanitia: a small beach in Nafplio itself, below the fortress.
- Fokianos: a more remote bay with a long drive in.
See also the Nafplio guide.
Other regions
- Ilia: Kourouta, a long sandy beach in the west.
- Corinthia: Xylokastro and Pefkias, with Blue Flags, handy if you're coming from Athens.
For families with kids
The easiest beaches for young children are organised ones with shallow water: Finikounda, Stoupa, Kalogria, Mavrovouni, Selinitsa and Karathona. Voidokilia is stunning, but it has no shade or facilities, and the walk in is sandy. More ideas in the Peloponnese with kids.
Planning
- Car: almost essential. See a Peloponnese road trip.
- Flights: in summer there are flights from Israel to Kalamata, a good starting point for Messinia and the Mani.
- Where to stay: see where to stay in Kalamata.
When to go to the Peloponnese beaches
Swimming season starts around June and lasts until September, and in some years into October. In July and August the famous beaches, such as Voidokilia and Simos, are very busy and parking fills up early. Arriving early in the morning gives you relative quiet. In June and September the beaches are calmer and the sea is still warm.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in the Peloponnese? Voidokilia, near Pylos, is considered one of the most beautiful in Greece. Simos on Elafonisos is also very well known.
Which Peloponnese beaches suit kids? Finikounda, Stoupa, Kalogria, Mavrovouni, Selinitsa and Karathona, with calm water and facilities.
Are there facilities at Voidokilia? No. There are no restaurants or umbrellas, so bring water, shade and food.
How do you get to Simos on Elafonisos? By a short ferry from the Peloponnese to Elafonisos, then a short drive to the beach.
