Relax On The Lesser-Traveled Beaches Of Greece This Summer

Following on from the pandemic, travel has taken off in a big way and with it being summer, hordes of tourists are spending time in Greece. Let’s face it, the country has gorgeous beaches, shaded from white to golden sand and even black sand beaches. Many of Greece’s beaches are well known and tend to be beach towel to beach towel during the summer months with no space in between. However, the good news is that this beautiful EU nation does have less-traveled beaches where travelers can get away in peace.  Surprisingly, some even have shipwrecks to gaze at.

Sand Dunes of Lemnos, Greece

Admittedly, the particular sandy spot isn’t actually a beach, but the sand was originally beach sand and is fun to visit. Located on the normally green and lush island of Lemnos, these rolling sand dunes have been dubbed “Lemnos Desert” due to their appearance. Meanwhile, like all deserts, the sand constantly changes shape due to the wind. This makes for striking sand dunes, which are locally known as “pacchies ammoudies,” or “thick sands.”

The reason for this unique place is that the yellow sand was blown here by the wind from nearby beaches and dumped here between the island’s two extinct volcanoes. However, while it might look like a desert, local wildlife is often seen here, including wild rabbits that come out at sundown. Moreover, white lilies are often seen growing up from the sand, and the edges of the sand dunes sport olive trees.

As the only road to the sand dunes is unpaved, it is best to travel here in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Meanwhile, the temperatures are hot here, making it best to visit in the early morning or just before the sun goes down. The sand dunes are located near the village of Katalakkos in the northwest of the island.

Navagio Beach or ‘Shipwreck Beach,’ Zakynthos

This beautiful beach lies on Zakynthos Island, off the southwest coast of Greece. Actually, Zakynthos has a number of secluded coves, with all beaches inaccessible from dry land. Among them is Navagio Beach, which is also known as Shipwreck Beach for the rusting remains of a smuggler’s wrecked ship, the Panagiotis.

Back in 1983, the beach attracted the name “Smuggler’s Beach” after the Panagiotis crashed ashore. Reportedly, the ship was used to smuggle cigarettes, alcohol and even human cargo. Greek authorities caught up with the ship on the high seas and chased it down until the Panagiotis went aground on the beach. Since that time, the rusted and crumbling shipwreck is the only blot on this idyllic sandy cove. Meanwhile, visitors have left their mark in the form of graffiti.

Meanwhile, Navagio Beach isn’t totally secluded as once people got wind of the wreck they went to visit the unfortunate vessel while spending time on the pristine sand. However, the beach is only accessible from the water and tour operators run day trips to Navagio Beach. As its popularity grows, it is best to visit the beach in the morning before others arrive later in the day.

Laconia Beach and the Dimitrios shipwreck

Another secluded beach with a shipwreck on the sand is Laconia Beach. Located close to Gythio and overlooking the Laconian Gulf, the sand hosts the shipwreck of the Dimitrios, which also ran ashore in 1980.

While rumors did the rounds that this ship also belonged to smugglers, it turns out it was originally the freight ship, Klintholm, which sailed from Denmark in 1950. However, the ship was later acquired by a Greek company which renamed it the Dimitrios. However, in 1980, the ship was moored in Gythiou and was abandoned for a year after being found to be unsafe to sail.

In 1981, the Dimitrios broke free from its anchors during some rough weather and aimlessly sailed itself into the Laconian Gulf. Here, the ship ran aground on the beach, where it remains to this day. The site can easily be accessed from the Provincial Road Skalas-Githiou. However, visitors are warned against climbing on board due to the rotting floor.

Spend time on one of the quieter beaches in Greece this summer, but always remember, to take only photos, while leaving only footprints behind.