When the sun hits, there’s truly no better place to enjoy it than Greece. It is definitely one of the best places to soak up all the Mediterranean vibes come summer. The country is no stranger to inviting azure waters with sun worshippers even provided with a host of natural pools to cool down, found scattered across its many islands. Formed by natural rock formations that are filled with some of the most turquoise water around and you’ll have the best spot for scenic swimming surrounded by natural beauty.
Best of all, each natural pool found here offers its own unique charm and enchantment and has led Greece to becoming its ideal destination today. Rounding up the best five natural pools for a cheeky dip across the islands of Greece, Greek Reporter announces its list of the top five and famed for their thermal benefits and stunning visual experience.
Rock pools in Greece have long held an allure among travelers thanks to their unique combination of natural beauty and diverse locations.
The thermal springs are unlike anything around and is mother nature at her best as the water here is heated naturally by the earth, offering therapeutic benefits, while also being a year-round warm swim.
Year-round swimming, however, is what Greece is famed for and that’s thanks to its volcanic landscape providing numerous hot springs with comfortable temperatures of 22-29 C.
As for the ultimate rock pools, the Greek Reporter names:
Gala Beach
This hidden gem on Greece’s Ano Koufonissi island in the Aegean Sea is home to huge white-washed rock sculpted by the sea, forming intriguing shapes including “a pool full of seawater enclosed by the rocky walls of the island’s terrain”.
“This natural rocky sculpture has created a tiny beach inside the very rock, creating a natural ‘swimming pool’ of sorts, which takes on some of the most spectacular colors, depending on the weather and the sunlight,” said the site.
Seitan Limania, Crete
Famed for its exceptional water quality, the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is home to one of the best natural pools and coves.
These rocky cliffs block the strong winds from the sea creating calm, milky-turquoise waters that’s among the best with Seitan Limania being a real swimming delight with snorkelling being popular too thanks to the water’s clarity, allowing for excellent visibility of marine life.
Kalypso, Crete
Found in the southern part of Rethymno in Crete, lies Kalypso Beach and Greece’s biggest island.
The Greek Reporter explains: “Here, the waters of the Aegean have cut a narrow channel inland, forming a natural pool of clear blue water and was previously a popular hideout for pirates.
The pirates may be no more but the region still holds plenty of marine life to admire and is loved thanks to its seclusion with a host of activities to keep you busy.
Sarakiniko, Milos
The famous lunar landscape beach needs little introduction with Sarakiniko Beach often attracting global photographers all trying to capture its moon-like landscape that’s all been created by its natural pools.
Created by volcanic rock formations and then later shaped by the sea, these pools are a popular spot for swimming with its grey-white volcanic rocks sculpted into bizarre shapes and its stunning lunar landscape throughout, it’s a no-brainer Sarakiniko featured in the top five.
Giola Lagoon, Thassos
Giola is a natural pool formed with dramatic rocks that sit at a staggering eight metres high and is popular among swimmers and those brave enough to jump off these rocks.
Formed by rocky formations with some of the most pristine and transparent waters around, this haven on the Greek island of Thassos offers complete seclusion and a one-of-a-kind experience.