Most beautiful beaches in Europe: Top 30 of the best spots
Planning your next coastal getaway? Here are some of the best beaches in Europe to help you choose from the many charming seaside spots on the continent.
From a white-sand beauty on one of Spain's Balearic Islands to a little-known gem above the Arctic Circle (yes, really), we've rounded up the most awe-inspiring stretches of beachfront on the continent. We can practically smell the tan coming on.
Top 30 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe
Oludeniz Beach, Türkiye
Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and Europe (also known as the Blue Lagoon), with pebble shores and aquamarine waters.
The beach also happens to be one of the best places in the world to go paragliding, thanks to stable weather and great panoramic views.
The launch site for most companies is Babadağ Mountain, with jump points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level.
Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
With beautiful rocky outcrops and clean, calm water, Marinha is generally recognized as one of the best beaches in Portugal – and the world.
Located in the famous Algarve region, Praia da Marinha is known for its steep cliffs, soft sands and calm waters, ideal for snorkeling.
Bay of Biscay, Biarritz, France
A popular vacation spot for royal families and celebrities (you may remember it from Hemingway's film The Sun Also Rises), the beaches of Biarritz in the Basque Country along the Bay of Biscay are not only beautiful, they are also very popular with surfers thanks to their gentle and safe waves for beginners.
Reynisfjara, Vik, Iceland
Iceland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but there's no denying the beauty and drama of its rugged coastline.
You won't see palm trees or white sand here: In Vik, the sand is black as caviar and the beach is dotted with soaring basalt columns, which we think makes it even more special and beautiful.
San Fruttuoso, Liguria, Italy
Located halfway between Portofino and the small town of Camogli, San Fruttuoso is the most idyllic of Italian beaches, and that's saying something.
The appeal of the little cove is its hidden location (you can only reach it by hiking from Portofino or taking a ferry), its gorgeous blue waters and its backdrop, a medieval abbey. surrounded by mountains.
Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia
Croatia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but Zlatni Rat stands out for its striking and unusual shape (which actually changes with the current).
Although it looks like a golden sand beach, its shoreline is made up of small smooth pebbles and stretches for half a mile on either side of the point.
It's not just a place for lounging: Zlatni Rat is also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Santa Giulia, Corsica
Corsica is full of beautiful beaches, but the marvelous bay of Santa Giulia, with its white sand and horseshoe shape, is at the top of our list. A few miles south of the glamorous town of Porto Vecchio, the beach's shimmering, shallow lagoon is perfectly suited to families with small children – and popular with kayakers and paddle-boarders who take advantage of the light winds. Stretch out in the shade of an old umbrella pine or join the hordes of stylish Parisian holidaymakers sunbathing on the sand: in high summer it gets crowded, so arrive early to find your spot.
Praia da Falesia, Albufeira, Portugal
Portugal has no shortage of amazing beaches, but few are as unique as the Praia da Falesia in the Algarve.
It's blessed with soft, golden sands and warm swimming waters, but its main appeal lies inland: miles of striking orange-red cliffs, with pine trees above and flowers below. There really is no bad view here.
Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
The water around the Lofoten Islands can be as clear and blue as that of the Caribbean or the Mediterranean (but not quite as warm).
One need only take a look at the waters surrounding Haukland Beach to be convinced, where kayaking and swimming are enticing propositions during the summer months.
Even if you decide to go there in the winter and forego swimming, you may be rewarded with the sight of the Northern Lights dancing across the water.
Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Milos might just be the untouched Greek island you've been looking for, with a mythological-looking landscape and the bluest water in the Cyclades.
Concrete example: Sarakiniko beach. Its large sun-bleached boulders, eroded by salt water, stretch out to sea, giving the impression that you are on the moon.
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
The playground of celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Kirk Douglas in the 1960s, Sveti Stefan is now off-limits to anyone not staying at the luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan resort on the islet.
The beach, which bears the same name as the coastal town connected to the island by a causeway, is one of the most photographed places in Montenegro.
Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Glacial Lake Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach (known as Diamond Beach, due to the dazzling chunks of ice that dot the shore) are considered Iceland's natural wonders, with black volcanic sands that serve as a backdrop background to ice and glaciers.
The location earns even more visual bonus points when it reflects the Northern Lights.
Island of Porquerolles, France
On the Côte d'Azur, the island of Porquerolles remains a tranquil paradise, untouched by time and tourism.
The whole island is car-free – you'll find nothing but pristine, pristine beaches, thick forests and a charming little town.
We can't imagine a better place to carry a picnic.
Fårö Island, Sweden
The island of Fårö is a popular summer destination for Swedes, and it's easy to see why.
Reachable by ferry from Gotland's northernmost point, the island is another world – think of it as Gotland Australia's wild Tasmania. Even in a country that offers unique landscapes at every turn, Fårö stands out: The entire island is made of limestone and its many rock formations are eerily picturesque.
It is for this reason that the famous Swedish director Ingmar Bergman fell in love with the island, where he shot six films and a television series.
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as the beach of the wrecks because of the old cargo ship buried in its center, Navagio is arguably the most beautiful stretch of sand in Greece.
Sheltered by steep limestone cliffs, it is so isolated that it can only be reached by boat.
Although you could easily spend the whole day sunbathing on its powdery sands, its beauty is best appreciated from the viewing platform set in the cliffs above – just follow the signs to Agios Gergio Monastery Kremnao.
Cala Macarella, Minorque, Spain
Located on the sunny southwest coast of Menorca, tranquil Cala Macarella is the perfect escape from the crowded beaches of Mallorca and Ibiza.
Getting there requires a hike: You can either hike three kilometers along the cliffs from nearby Cala Galdana, or take a rough, winding road from Ciutadella and hike 20 minutes through a Pine forest.
But its ultra-fine sand and calm turquoise waters are worth the effort.
Scala dei Turchi, Sicily, Italy
We love Capri as much as the rest, but when it comes to secluded, crowd-free Italian beaches, Sicily wins out.
The beach at the foot of the Scala dei Turchi, a rocky cliff on the coast near Realmonte, is particularly striking for its uniqueness.
Its fiery bronze sands form a stark contrast to the azure ocean ahead and the pale gray cliffs behind.
The region is reputed to be one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the island. Visit it once and you will understand why.
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Goloritzé is one of Italy's most famous beaches, located at the foot of a ravine on the picturesque northeast coast of Sardinia.
It's tiny but beautiful, with its limestone cliffs, soft, ivory sand, and striking blue-green ocean.
In fact, it's so special that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Dazzling turquoise water and silky golden sand aren't usually the first things that come to mind when you think of England.
Yet that's exactly what you'll find at Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, a five-hour drive from the heart of London. The beach is sheltered by high granite cliffs and sits in a protected bay.
So expect gentle breezes and gentle waves, perfect for wading.
Plage de Nugal, Makarska, Croatia
You will have to descend a cliff and cross a pine forest for about 40 minutes before reaching Nugal, a pristine beach in Croatia's Makarska Riviera.
But the spectacular view from below – the beach is flanked by steep cliffs on either side – and the cool crystal clear water are well worth the hike.
Pro tip: Come after a heavy rain, and you might spot a 10-meter-high waterfall tumbling down the northernmost cliff.
Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
The studded beach known as the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of polygonal columns of basalt that protrude from the coast and the water.
They were caused by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, but local legend claims the columns were carved by a giant named Finn McCool (hence the name).
It might not be the perfect place to spread out a towel and sunbathe, but it's beautiful nonetheless.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
With its dramatic limestone arch, rugged cliffs and soft golden sand, Durdle Door is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Europe.
But it's not just about a pretty face – the Marine Conservation Society recommends the beach for swimming and fishing, thanks to its excellent water quality.
It is also part of the Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile-long stretch of coastline dotted with so many spectacular geological features and fossils that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2001.
Cape Greco, Cyprus
Located in the Mediterranean resort town of Ayia Napa, Cape Greco is a great place for hikers and adventurous swimmers.
The cape's sea caves are made for exploring (you can just walk in at low tide), while the surrounding national forest is great for stretching your legs and sheltering from the sun.
Then you can swim and snorkel in the incredibly clear water.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Perhaps one of the most beautiful Greek islands, Elafonisi has the amenities of a popular holiday beach (parking, accessible restrooms) but the feel of a secluded oasis, thanks to its location, which is away from major towns .
After swimming in the shallow water, cross the sandbar to snap photos of the wildflowers and rock formations — if you haven't already filled your camera roll with snaps of the pink sand shore.
Tisvilde, Denmark
With laid-back coastal towns and days that stretch well past 10 p.m., Denmark's north coast is the perfect place for your next summer trip.
Head to the village of Tisvilde (an hour northwest of Copenhagen) to experience one of the best hygge cultures in the country, with grassy dunes, nude bathing and locals bringing cinnamon buns and full coffee pots on the beach for breakfast.
Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris, Scotland
More than 800 islands lie within easy reach of Scotland's rugged coastline, but the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides is perhaps the best for beaches.
A gulf current makes the Hebrides surprisingly warm, allowing you to stroll in midsummer on the beautiful beach of Luskentyre Sands.
These winds also attract surfers; beginners can sign up for lessons with a local instructor.
Palombaggia beach, Corsica
In the south-east of Corsica, the Plage de Palombaggia enchants with its long curve of pale, powdery sand that flows into cerulean blue waters as clear as glass.
Lined with fragrant umbrella pines, surrounded by wooded hills where the cicadas resound at sunset and overlooking the Cerbicale Islands, this beach could well be the one of your wildest Mediterranean dreams.
Bring a snorkel and a picnic.
Illetes Beach, Spain
With its long stretch of golden sand and translucent azure waters, Formentera's Platja Illetes fits the picture of barefoot paradise perfectly. Comparisons to the Caribbean are quick, but frankly, why would you imagine yourself anywhere else? The beach forms the western part of the Trucador peninsula and just offshore are the two illetes (islets), Pouet and Rodona, which give it its name.
Arrifana beach, Portugal
On the wild and windswept west coast of the Algarve, the crowds are few and the Atlantic waves are formidable. Praia da Arrifana, surrounded by cliffs, is a beautiful golden crescent, with a ruined fortress, a seaside restaurant and lots of surf.
For more, hop south to Praia da Bordeira on the edge of the lagoon, where the dunes drop into the brilliant blue sea.
Myrtos beach, Kefalonia, Greece
The road tobogganing down the steep hillside to Myrtos on the island of Kefalonia picks up the pulse as much as the bay itself.
Seen from above, the coast is bisected, highlighting this fiercely beautiful white pebble bay, framed by sheer cliffs and lapped by a sea that matches nearly every blue in the color chart.
It is rightly popular, so avoid peak times and seasons.
FAQ Best beaches in Europe
?How many beaches are there in Europe
There are approximately 22,000 coastal beaches and freshwater bathing waters in Europe.
?Does Europe really have beautiful beaches
Whatever your beach tastes, Europe has it covered. From the wild, windswept shores of the Atlantic coast, to mountain-fringed arctic bays where whales raise their tails, to the sunny, cozy coves of Italy and Greece, Europe has something for everyone. .
?What is the hottest beach in Europe
Los Cristianos, Tenerife, Spain Los Cristianos has the warmest beach, with an average winter temperature of 20.6ºC and lots of sunshine.
?What are the cleanest beaches in Europe
According to the European Environment Agency, Austria has the cleanest bathing waters in Europe. Nearly 98% of its bathing areas - where people bathe regularly - were rated excellent last year.
Source: websites