Greece is famous for its spectacular beaches, and every traveller needs to spend at least a little time hopping an island or two. Here are some expert tips for enjoying the beaches in Greece safely and responsibly.
From powdery white sand to dramatic rocky coastlines, there are thousands of awe inspiring beaches in Greece to suit everyone’s tastes, which is why Greece is consistently one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations.
Most travellers will be very accustomed to spending some time going from beach to beach on various island hopping adventures, but there are some basic considerations that even the most experienced traveller can forget, and some tips unique to the beaches in Greece that all travellers should be aware of to make their beach days as fun, safe and risk free as possible.
Use Sun Protection.
It should be obvious really but just in case it isn’t, the Greek sun is strong! And prolonged exposure without protection can damage unprotected skin, which can be healed in the short term but will ruin a day or two of your trip and can increase risk of various diseases including cancer later in life, and no one wants that. Just use sun cream. I know it is easy to forget when you are having fun, I know it is a pain, just do it!
Stay Hydrated And Minimise Alcohol.
Greece can get hot! Very hot! And high temperatures can easily result in loss of fluids and dehydration when you are running round and having fun, which can have a negative impact on your health in the long term, and if severe, may contribute to heat exhaustion and/or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are related conditions that can have serious negative health effects if not treated promptly. This can happen a lot quicker and easier than many people think, especially if they aren’t used to the heat and especially if alcohol is involved. The best plan is to drink water regularly, make sure you are drinking some at least every hour if you are spending the day on the beach, even if you are not especially thirsty. Keeping to that time frame will help you remember.
Be Aware Of The Meltemi Winds.
The Meltemi winds, sometimes referred to as the etesan wind, is a strong annual weather pattern unique to the Aegean sea that affects both Greece and Turkey from June right through to September or October. They will affect the beaches on the Cyclades and the Dodecanese isands, and cause strong trade winds and stronger currents.
That means if you are visiting Greece in the summer, as most people tend to do, then it is important you keep this in mind as it can make swimming more dangerous and some activities such as watersports or sailing may be affected, especially on the more northern beaches. It shouldn’t stop you from visiting, but just be aware of it, plan accordingly and keep yourself safe.
Many Beaches Don’t have Facilities.
Now I consider this to be a good thing, but there are some who are surprised by this, so it is worth noting. With the exception of a few small stretches or resort owned beaches which have facilities such as sunbeds, showers or changing areas, and some beaches that offer watersports and equipment rental, most beaches in Greece are unspoilt and facility free! That means unless you are specifically looking for a beach that offers water sports or other facilities you are spoilt for choice for spending the day enjoying the sand and the water for free without the whole sunbed crowd. This is ideal for travellers looking for that unspoilt Greek island hopping experience, but it does mean that you also have to exercise a little caution if you go out into the ocean as there are no lifeguards, it means that you will have to plan ahead a little and carry what you need with you. Many of these free beaches do have promenade areas with tavernas, restaurants and shops not too far away if you do need anything so you won’t need to pack an entire survival kit to enjoy the sand, just the essentials, but a little planning ahead is necessary.
Follow Local Rules.
Some beaches, or parts of long coastlines do have staffed facilities and lifeguards, and where these are available there will often be a number of local rules written in both Greek and English, it is extremely important you familiarize yourself with any specific beach regulations or guidelines in the area you’re visiting and adhere to them, and if there are designated areas for swimming there is a good reason for that so only swim in areas marked as safe for swimming and follow any instructions or warnings provided by lifeguards.
Protect The Environment.
Many beaches in Greece are part of a much larger ecosystem that includes reefs further out to sea and sand dunes and vegetation, including some trees a little further inland, and both are absolutely vital for wildlife and the natural environment. Unfortunately it is quite a common occurrence that sensitive sand dunes and vegetation are damaged by tourists trampling all over them without thinking, or reefs are damaged by snorkellers touching or kicking them. Many even think taking home a pretty rock or a shell from the beach is a nice souvenir, it isn’t and is actually illegal. Just be mindful of where you go and what you do when visiting the Greek islands, as it is so easy to enjoy the beach without leaving a wave of destruction behind.
Respect The Wildlife.
If you are swimming or snorkelling don’t touch any fish or marine life and avoid disturbing or feeding any wildlife you may encounter at the beach, such as birds or turtles. Appreciate them from a distance and refrain from interfering with their natural behaviour.
Wear Suitable Footwear In The Water.
Yes walking bare foot in the sand is a romantic ideal, and it certainly feels nice, but it isn’t the smartest thing to do! If you are going into the water, even just to cool your feet off, then you risk stepping on shells, something sharp or even sea urchins which love the rocky beaches of Greece. And that will ruin your day very quickly! Water shoes are specifically designed to be worn whilst swimming, and offer better traction on slippery rocks and will protect your feet from getting any painful shocks.
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