5 Peloponnese beaches you cannot miss!

Relax on one of these Peloponnese beaches without a care in the world and the very best the Greek islands have to offer.

The Peloponnese is not the usual kind of Greece which is portrayed in travel agent photos. This area is the more rugged seascape of Greece, it is rocky and mountainous but there are some really stunning beaches as well, like the ones we are going to discover today.

The beaches of the Peloponnese have nothing to envy of the most famous Greek islands. Below is a selection of five outstanding beaches which really should not be missed.

VOIDOKILIA

The beaches of Kalamata aren't sand but small pebbles and the seabed cedes quickly. The most stunning beaches here are clustered around the Navarinou coast. We especially recommend to spend a day at the beach of Voidokilia. Although it is not the secret idyll it once was, it remains one of the most beautiful Peloponnese beaches. It has a semi circular shape that will remind you of an ancient amphitheatre. The water, shimmering in green shades, is warm and shallow here and the inhabitants of the island have been loving this beach since ancient times. The north-eastern part of the island is particularly popular among naturists and sexual minorities.

Together with Gialova Lagoon, the bay of Navarino and the island of Sphacteria, the beach of Voidokilia belongs to the Natura 2000 program and the lagoon area is a nature reserve called Limni Ntivari-Valtos. Here you can find, on over 7 km2, 258 species of birds, 79 of which are threatened with extinction.

Where to stay in Kalamata? The charming Athenstyle Kalamata Beach apartment complex is comfy, affordable and close to the beach.

Photo: Instagram @aris_ziotopoulos

SIMOS

Simos beach is located on the island of Elafonisos, on the southern coast of the Peloponnese and consists of two beaches: Megalos Simos and Mikros Simos, which translates to big and small Simos. The big beach is the longest beach on the island and easily reachable by car, the smaller one is merely a short walk away.

The beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Elafonisos and even Greece...and rightfully so. White sand dunes and crystal clear turquoise waters make this place a real paradise for beach lovers, looking to spend a relaxing day here. However, when it’s windy, Simos becomes the perfect destination for windsurfers as well.

In the summer months, the beach is well organized offering sunbeds and umbrellas. The next beach bar or tavern is never far away. You can also find a camping site on the west end of the beach.

In case you get hungry during the day, you will find CERVI beach bar and restaurant only a short walk away from the beach.

Photo: Instagram @demetriospn

MAVROVOUNI AND SELINITSA

About 2 km from the main town of Gythio, you will find Mavrovouni beach, which is well known, popular and quite touristy. However, thanks to its length of 6 km it never gets overcrowded. On the beach you will find thick sand waiting for you with small pebbles on the seafloor. The water is so clean, that the beach got awarded the Blue Flag. Moreover, Mavrovouni beach is where the endangered Caretta-Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs.

In the afternoon it gets windy here and the beach becomes a real paradise for windsurfers. You can rent a board or take a course, if you’re a beginner. From here you can discover the towns of Vathia, Marathonisi and Gythio, all of which have some unique sights to offer like the Kastropolitia or the historical tower Tzanibei.

If you prefer somewhere a little more intimate, Selinitsa, another Blue Flag beach, is only 2 km away. The beach is sandy as well and is over 150 metres long. Alongside the beach you can find hotels and camping sites as well as beach bars and taverns.

Photo: Instagram @karolina.sasikova

KARATHONA

Cherished by the locals is Karathona beach in the area of Nafplion. The beach itself runs alongside and to the back of the famous Palamidi fortress and it is very close to the main city centre. In fact you are able to walk there and back with ease. As soon as you arrive here, you will realise why the Greeks are so fond of it: Palm and Eucalyptus trees make the Mouse Island a destination with breathtaking landscapes and unbelievable views.

The beach itself is 4 km long and filled with bars and taverns. You can easily get here by one of many busses from the city centre. However, you can also take the ferry or, if you prefer getting active, simply walk to the beach while exploring its surroundings. If you’re looking for a good climb, you can hire some equipment and hike up the lofty cliffs overlooking the beach.

Photo: Instagram @antogatti72

ROMANOS

The Romanos beach is located in western Messinia next to the village of Romanos. The path leading from the village to the beach is about 2 km long and surrounded by olive groves and sand dunes. The large Romanos beach with fine sand is also known as Glyfadaki amongst locals. The wide beach actually consists of many smaller, sandy beaches situated next one another. If you’re looking for umbrellas, sun beds, bars and restaurants, go to the well organized first section of the beach. During the summer months the beach can get crowded as it is quite near to the biggest hotel resort in the Mediterranean Sea called Costa Navarino.

However, a big part of the Romanos beach remains untouched by this kind of mass tourism and is more secluded and peaceful which makes it an attractive beach destination for families and all those seeking a bit of peace and quiet in the sun. Turtles also choose this part of the beach to lay their eggs.

Photo: Instagram @ianlasplace

So, did you already decide for one of these beautiful beaches? All you need to do now is find a place to sleep. Choose one of our best hostels in the Peloponnese here!