Best Beaches

Best Beaches

The best beaches are in the southernmost stretches of the region. You'll find nice sand and clean, warm seas in and around Methoni, in Messinia, and on the little island of Elafonisi. The Mani also has some good sand beaches, especially at the tip of the peninsula, at Porto Kayio and Marmari, near Cape Tenaro. Methoni and Pylos are the best-equipped resorts for windsurfing, sailing, and other water sports.

The beaches along the western coast of the Peloponnese are considered to be some of the best in Greece and are generally less crowded than those in other areas. Excellent stretches near Kastro, under Chlemoutsi Castle, include Katakolo and Spiantza. Closer to Patras is Kalogria, a 6-km (4-mi) stretch of sand bordered by pine forests. Along the Gulf of Corinth are some beaches with spectacular views of the opposite shore, but some are of pebbles rather than sand. Xylokastro, near Corinth, starts out pebbly but becomes sandy farther from town. The popular areas are well equipped for water sports: paddleboats can be hired, and you can arrange windsurfing lessons at small operations at many beaches, such as Tolo. In some resorts, such as Porto Heli, waterskiing and jet-skiing are popular diversions.