8 of the Best Beaches in Europe

8 of the Best Beaches in Europe

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I’m dipping my toes in crystal clear waters while my hair gets powdered up with fine sand. I’m in Europe – no castles or cathedrals, just enjoying the sun on a slice of paradise. Whether it’s a secluded bay with emerald surfs slamming on sandstone cliffs, or wide stretches of golden sand glimmering with turquoise waters, Europe has a constellation of beaches that makes summer alone worth living. As a follow-up to my previous piece on the best beaches in Asia, here’s a look at my own collection of best beaches in Europe.

1. Navagio Beach – Zakynthos, Greece

Also known as Shipwreck bay, this cove is the trademark of the island and one of the most famous in Greece. Huge vertical cliffs surrounding the white sand creates a paradisical stretch of islet. It can only be reached by boat (leaving hourly), from Porto Vromi. Greece is one of Europe’s most popular summer playground, so avoid the crowd by hitting the beach in April or end of September.

2. Playa Papagayo – Lanzarote, Spain

The natural assemblage of a secluded cove and the virgin beach can only be reached via a dirt road or hike – which perhaps is the reason why it is kept in pristine conditions. The crystal clear waters and variety of hiking opportunities on the cliff’s edge makes the tranquil beach one of the best on Lanzarote and in the country.

3. Zlatni Rat – Brač, Croatia

This V-shaped golden pebble beach is one of the most spectacular beaches of the Adriatic. Zlatni Rat, meaning Golden Horn, is unique in its geographical formation.The beach changes shape and position depending on the wind; an incredible phenomenon that can hardly be missed. It is bordered by a pine tree grove in which one can find remnants of a Roman villa rustica, including a swimming pool.

4. Cala Tarida – Ibiza, Spain

Forget the party crowd. Ibiza has some of the most natural and pristine beaches in Europe, tucked away behind rocky sandstones. There’s a selection of interestingly shaped rocks to swim out to for a solitary sunbathe or even as a plunging spot for the daredevils (it can be dangerous). Ibiza is a great spot for singles holidays, especially with the vibrant nightlife giving you the chance to mingle around.

5. Sagres – Algarve, Portugal

This part of Portugal stretches for miles with dramatic landscapes of plunging cliffs, standing sandstone formations and watercolour sea. Dominated at its western end by a white fort, the fine undeveloped beach is backed by a rocky terrain, with impressive waves attracting surfers from around the world. This is my favourite area in Portugal.

6. Las Islas Cies – Galicia, Spain

Voted by the Guardian as one of the best beaches in the world, the island’s main stretch of powdery white sand is as calm as a lake. The wild and stunning island of Islas Cies is protected by the goverment as a national park, restricting the number of visiting tourists. There is only camping available on the island, so this keeps any form of intervention minimal. This is one of my personal favourites.

7. Patara – Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Dunes, dunes and more dunes. This rare stretch of beach is backed by the golden dunes and the Taurus mountains. Due to the strict conservation efforts, there are no buildings around, keeping the beach in unspoiled conditions. The beach is one of the few remaining beaches in the world, where the Loggerhead turtles still come to lay their eggs between May and October. The surrounding area is an excellent location for adventure holidays.

8. Spiaggia Sabbie Nere – Sicily, Italy

A volcanic beach unlike no other, Black Sands Beach is the finest in the Aeolian archipelago. With black pebbly volcanic sand that makes up for a unique beaching experience, Spiaggia Sabbie Nere is something to tell folks back home about. It is located at Porto di Ponente, on the far end of the island – a quiet and tranquil location to completely unwind.

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February 1, 2010 · Europe, Greece, Italy, Lanzarote, Portugal, Recommendations, Short Getaways, Spain, Uncategorized

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38 Responses to “8 of the Best Beaches in Europe”

uberVU - social comments on February 2nd, 2010 7:15 am

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This post was mentioned on Twitter by theplanetd: RT @wildjunket 8 of the Best Beaches in Europe http://ow.ly/16tf5p...
Travel photography on February 2nd, 2010 8:53 am

Without a doubt, this are beautiful beaches. Navagio Beach, Sagres and Islas Cíes are my preferred ones.
marta on February 2nd, 2010 5:18 pm

you forget about sardinia, it's a real tropical paradise in the Mediterranean, check it out http://www.flickr.com/photos/atravelaroundtheworl... this is the place we want to be once back from our RTW
Nomadic Matt on February 2nd, 2010 10:08 pm

I like the first one the best.
happytimeblog on February 3rd, 2010 9:16 am

Nellie if you've been to all them then I'm a jealous fella…
Nellie on February 3rd, 2010 5:14 pm

lol..To be honest, I've only been to 5 of them. Hey it's not too late for you, go get a tan this summer!
Nellie on February 3rd, 2010 5:15 pm

Marta, I was deciding between Sardinia and Sicily actually, but in the end I went with the black volcanic beach – I'm a volcano buff!
Markus on February 4th, 2010 11:26 am

Great collection of beaches! But the picture of "Sagres" is "Ponta da Piedade" in Lagos, Algarve. Not sooo far from Sagres.
Zoey on February 4th, 2010 7:39 pm

Big thumbs to this list. Las Islas Cies is my absolute favourite beach in the entire world… absolutely stunning. Only Weston-Super-Mare beach comes a close second, for personal, incomprehensible, mother-land type reasons.
European beaches, green ideas and low-fare airlines | Venere Travel Blog on February 5th, 2010 5:54 pm

[...] have splendind golden-sand beaches, white-sand beaches, or even black-sand beaches. Eight of the most beautiful beaches in Europe are: Navagio Beach in Zakynthos (Greece), Playa Papagayo in Lanzarote (Spain), Zlatni Rat in Brač [...]
Gemma on February 5th, 2010 10:16 am

I have to agree that Las Islas Cies is the most beautiful! Great list; I can't wait to visit more of them!
Photoblog: The Medieval City of Prague | Wild Junket on February 5th, 2010 8:20 pm

[...] 8 of the Best Beaches in Europe [...]
Madeline on February 6th, 2010 3:09 am

I need to get my butt to Spain!! Nice list… though I do agree that Sardinia's beaches top Sicily's – Costa Smeralda yes, but my faves are on Isola Maddalena…
admin on February 8th, 2010 1:45 am

Madeline, fortunately for us, hordes of tourists flock to the same beaches in Spain every year – leaving us to enjoy quiet and wild beaches unheard of by many – like las Islas Cies and Playa Papagayo.
admin on February 8th, 2010 1:48 am

Thanks Markus for pointing that out, didn’t notice that.
10 of the Safest Destinations to Visit | Wild Junket on March 8th, 2010 12:38 am

[...] crime rate in Luxembourg is one of the lowest when compared to other European countries. Typical crimes are petty theft or infrequent break-ins. It has topped the list of world’s safest [...]
Molly on March 8th, 2010 10:04 pm

Oh they all look so beautiful. I have always wanted to go to Shipwreck Bay, but now I am going to have add a few more to my list. I also love the beaches off of Italy, Capri, Ischia, and the Cinque Terre.
7 Unconventional Budget Ski Destinations in Europe | Wild Junket on March 18th, 2010 1:23 am

[...] on the cheap, really? In Europe? No, I’m not kidding. Look harder and you’ll find several budget options that can make the [...]
cheapest mbt shoes on March 19th, 2010 6:54 am

between Sardinia and Sicily actually, but in the end I went with the black volcanic beach – I'm a volcano
Chris on March 19th, 2010 5:52 pm

Some more European beach options here: http://bit.ly/cJ3niQ
ciki on March 21st, 2010 10:27 am

now THAT's what I call, a holiday. Any one of the above will do.. ahem! LOL (Where's the guy when u need him to read a fabulous blogpost! )
admin on March 22nd, 2010 3:59 am

Get your man to come read the post!
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[...] 8 of the Best Beaches in Europe [...]
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[...] 8 of the Best Beaches in Europe [...]
flip on March 30th, 2010 12:07 pm

wow…i never thought that europe has wonderful beaches too… how about santorini?
admin on March 31st, 2010 6:12 am

Yes, Santorini is a gorgeous island, but I didn’t find the beaches impressive when I visited.
Top 6 Extreme Vacations | Wild Junket on April 8th, 2010 12:55 am

[...] of conventional travel, cultural tours and no-thrills vacations? Forget about backpacking through Europe or beach-hopping in Central America. These days, there are plenty of exhilarating activities out [...]
Federico on April 24th, 2010 6:16 am

Hey Nellie

I would say that perhaps Greece ( as a country ) has the best beaches in Europe. Myrtiotisa in Corfu is one of such, named by Hemnigway as the best beach in the world (for him). This said even Bulgaria has awesome beaches too! I particularly like those near Kranevo, close to Varna.

Ahh beach life…not bad at tall, but then I can’t complain if I no live in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Pacific side)

federico
http://www.maitravelsite.com

PS I was recently in Malaysia…how’s this for a beach?

http://www.maitravelsite.com/east-and-se-asia/the-perhentians-a-small-piece-of-paradise/
Sean Redenbaugh on May 5th, 2010 2:24 pm

Nice choice. I just created a Travel Bucket List and Zakynthos, Greece is on the list! I'm new to the whole travel and blogging thing – in fact I haven't left yet. I'm trying to start the blog a full year before I leave, giving people perspective into what it takes to go from an office and a home and vehicles and commitments, to NOMAD. Everyone thinks I'm crazy but it's people like you that inspire me. Thanks.
Sean Redenbaugh on May 5th, 2010 2:24 pm

Nice choice. I just created a Travel Bucket List and Zakynthos, Greece is on the list! I'm new to the whole travel and blogging thing – in fact I haven't left yet. I'm trying to start the blog a full year before I leave, giving people perspective into what it takes to go from an office and a home and vehicles and commitments, to NOMAD. Everyone thinks I'm crazy but it's people like you that inspire me. Thanks.
5 Great Cities for Castle-Hopping | Wild Junket on May 7th, 2010 10:15 pm

[...] Europe is a phalanx of royal castles and sprawling royal gardens, filled with aristocratic air and lavish imperial furnishings. For the castle lovers, it’s a treasure trove of historic palaces and stone castles. Each one of them has a story to tell and centuries of history behind them. The hardcore historic buffs can even splurge on luxurious castle hotel stays that allow them to peek into the lives of royal kings and queens. Here are some excellent cities to base yourself at and explore the surrounding castles: [...]
Andi on May 10th, 2010 2:56 am

Ahhhh, these pictures are drool worthy! I can't wait to visit Ibiza in 4 weeks!!! Do you have a hotel you recommend?
admin on May 12th, 2010 2:03 pm

Ibiza yes the sandy coves! I don’t remember which hotel we stayed at, but it was a small hostel in San Antonio that was really cheap and good. But I would suggest avoiding staying at San Antonio if u’re looking to get away from the crowd.
Yourh Hostels on May 14th, 2010 2:20 am

Ooh! these European beaches are all equally stunning. They are all worthy of the traveler and vacationer taking the time to experience there individual qualities and beauty. To identify one I would have to give it to Spain as the people in this region also add such a wonderful spice to the whole ambiance and specialty of the seaside.
Nishant Singh on May 14th, 2010 12:05 pm

Being a beach person, I'd love to soak in the sun on these pristine beaches!!
Lucy on May 27th, 2010 1:50 am

Greece! Oh my I don't think there is anywhere on Greece coast that I do not adore. Over 140 islands to explore what more could you ask for. Inhabitants from Greece also have a significantly longer life expectancy with men on average living to they are 79 and woman 81. This is a very good indication of the quality of life that is enjoyed by most when living on or around the beautiful Greek Island.
London Apartments on June 5th, 2010 3:12 pm

Greece is definitely one of my favourite places to visit as well, and best way to enjoy it is cruising and sailing around to visit all the different bays, coves, islands. And surprisingly, some parts of Greece are still pretty cheap – oh, and of course, the FOOD!
ilian on July 30th, 2010 1:58 pm

Navagio is the best in the World!!!!