15 Beach Day Trips in Greece Worth the Early Start

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Greece, Tour Reviews

From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

1.Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 450 minutes - 12 hours · from $38Our pick

Review of the Elafonisi day trip from Chania, with pink sand, clear water, Topolia Gorge, hotel pickup, and practical tips.

“It was a really nice day! We started with a walk to a cave and some refreshments. We then went to Elafonissi, which was beautiful! It was hot, so bring sunscreen, hats, etc. however we were given more than enough time to enjoy and there are some snack shops as well. On the way back we went to a nice little restaurant for lunch and the staff were very hospitable. Overall very happy with the experience and would highly recommend!”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Cave Day Trips, Cave Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips from Athens, Day Trips from Greece, Day Trips with Lunch, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch

2.Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,432 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $88

Review of Athens to Meteora by coach, with three monasteries, hermit caves, Greek lunch, seaside breaks, costs, stairs, and practical tips.

“Took my 85 yr old mum on this trip in March and she loved it, she wasn’t able to go in all the monasteries due to her ability to walk long distances but she still loved it, Maria the tour guide was informative and funny - all in all a great day out. Yes the bus takes a while but certainly worth it to experience this magical place.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

Rethymno: Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

3.Rethymno: Preveli Beach Damnoni Beach Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 929 reviews · 9 - 11 hours · from $25

Review of Crete’s Preveli, Damnoni, and Plakias day trip from Rethymno, with gorge views, beach time, costs, tips, and practical advice.

“Great, the pick-up location was well described, the pick up on time, the whole experience how it was described. We had a fun day!”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Chania, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

Elafonissi Beach Day Trip from Chania -Stop in Elos Village

4.Elafonissi Beach Day Trip from Chania -Stop in Elos Village

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 744 reviews · 10 hours · from $37

Review of the $37 Elafonissi Beach day trip from Chania, with four beach hours, scenic mountain roads, Elos Village, and optional Cretan lunch.

“Well worth doing, all very well organised and the food stops were lovely too.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Greece, Guided, Horses, Tour Reviews

Akrotiri: Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach

5.Akrotiri: Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 477 reviews · 1 hour · from $88

Ride from Akrotiri through vineyards and volcanic trails to Vlychada Beach, with calm horses, friendly guides, photos, and sunset views.

“The most amazing crew of people working in this beautiful place. The horses were calm, well-taken care of and well-trained. They gave us fresh water, sweets and clear instructions beforehand. Afterwards, we were given home-made wine, which was amazing. 100% recommend this experience and would do it again. Was extraordinary, thank you! Also, The guides take AMAZING photos xD”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Chania, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

From Chania: Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Day Trip w/ Elos Stop

6.Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Day Trip w/ Elos Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 424 reviews · 10 hours · from $37

Review of the $37 Elafonisi day trip from Chania, with pink sand, four beach hours, mountain scenery, and lunch in Elos.

“My wife and I can't recommend this day trip enough! Everything ran exceptionally to time and was so well thought out; from coordination of the various pick up and drop off points close to everyone's various places of accommodation, Irini's warm, witty and insightful commentary, and our driver's confident driving along mountainous roads that would test the nerves of most! Elafonissi is a super magical place, worth getting up early for, and we really enjoyed all the vegan options at the restaurant in Elios we were taken to.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Cave Day Trips, Cave Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

7.Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 332 reviews · 8.5 - 10.5 hours · from $50

Review of Crete’s Matala Beach and Odigitria Monastery tour, with beach time, hippie caves, local history, transport tips, and value advice.

“Very beautiful beach, visit to Gortyn on the way to Matala is also nice and pleasant detail. Guide speaks all languages that exist, impressive. Highly recommending.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

8.From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 220 reviews · from $9Best value

Review of Crete’s Preveli Beach day trip from Rethymno or Chania, with boat ride, palm forest, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, costs, and tips.

“This is a must see if you are in Crete. Our guide Michael was so funny during the trip. The palm tree forest is beautiful but it's more fun if you walk on the right side of the river, it's more of an adventure and there are less people then on the other official side. Don't forget to bring sneakers and water shoes! The beach is nice but the water is really cold here because of the mixing river but we swam there anyway. Don't forget to climb up the mountine for an amazing view on the forest and beach. On the way back we stayed on the other beach…”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Greece, Tour Reviews

Heraklion: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

9.Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 206 reviews · 11 - 15 hours · from $47

Review of the Heraklion to Gramvousa and Balos day trip, with costs, timing, ferry details, swimming tips, and honest advice.

“Incredible views, 2 islands and 2 different activities that you can enjoy. Long day but worth it if you are an adventure seeker”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Ancient Ruins Day Trips, Ancient Ruins Day Trips in Athens, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Athens, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

Athens: Sounio Poseidon Temple and Athenian Riviera Day Trip

10.Sounio Poseidon Temple and Athenian Riviera Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $84Top rated

Review of Athens’ Riviera and Cape Sounio tour, with Greek coffee, a beach stop, Poseidon’s Temple at sunset, and local tavern dining.

“I wish I had given it a sixth star! The tour is super well thought out, and all the stops together form the perfect combo. Konstantinos is super enthusiastic and gives you lots of information with humor. You're in good hands, safe and secure with your family. It's also perfect for children. Honestly, don't hesitate.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Cave Day Trips, Cave Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

From Heraklion: Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach and Caves

11.Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach and Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 148 reviews · 8 hours · from $37

Review of the Matala day trip from Heraklion, covering the hippie beach, Roman caves, transport, free time, price, and practical tips.

“Zwemmen was heerlijk en de omgeving geweldig. Grotten minder voor mensen met zwakke knieën”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Greece, River and Rafting Day Trips, Tour Reviews

From Herakleion: Day Trip to Preveli Palm River Beach

12.From Herakleion: Day Trip to Preveli Palm River Beach

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 108 reviews · 8 hours · from $41

Review of Crete’s Preveli Beach day trip from Heraklion, with palm forests, gorge views, swim time, bus logistics, costs, and fitness advice.

“belle excursion mais très difficile en pleine chaleur de descendre et surtout de remonter ... il faudrait prévenir également de prévoir des chaussures d'eau pour marcher dans l'eau.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Greece, Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

Georgioupolis: Preveli Palm Beach Day Trip by Bus and Boat

13.Georgioupolis: Preveli Palm Beach Day Trip by Bus and Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 95 reviews · 1 day · from $34

Review of the Preveli Palm Beach day trip from Georgioupolis, with boat rides, swimming, Plakias, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, costs, and practical tips.

“Es war ein guter Ausflug, Preveli und Plakias sind schöne Orte. Einzige Kritikpunkte: Preveli hat zu wenig WCs, die Wartezeiten sind ewig und die Bootstour dauerte viel länger als angegeben, da wir zusätzlich Leute in einem anderen Dorf in entgegengesetzter Richtung aufladen mussten, ich hätte einen längeren Aufenthalt in Dorf 1 bevorzugt, es hat eine wunderschöne Kirche auf einem Berg und die Zeit hätte locker gereicht, diesen Ort besser zu erkunden und erst beim erneuten Stopp des Taxis dort einzusteigen.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Greece, Tour Reviews

From Rethymno: Preveli Palm Beach and Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

14.From Rethymno: Preveli Palm Beach and Kourtaliotiko Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 87 reviews · 10 hours · from $25

Review of Crete’s Preveli Beach and Kourtaliotiko Gorge day trip from Rethymno, with boat details, costs, tips, and honest advice.

“In general a nice trip However, there should be a warning that visiting the gorge is not suitable for many people. Also the visit of Plakias was an unnecessary part of the trip. My impression that it is there only to make participants go to a certain tavern.”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Greece, Day Trips from Thessaloniki, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

Thessaloniki: Kavala, Philippi, and Beach Full Day Trip

15.Thessaloniki: Kavala, Philippi, and Beach Full Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 85 reviews · 10 hours · from $46

Review the $46 Thessaloniki day trip to Philippi, Kavala, and a nearby beach, with practical advice on timing, costs, guides, and value.

“All was wonderful.Our guide, Georgios, organized everything excellently and gave us a lot of information about Greece and the area we visited. Thank you very much for the experience!”

CHECK AVAILABILITY →Read our full review