Last Updated on January 8, 2021 by
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.
Table of Contents
Best Beaches in Europe
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.
Flickr photo by Anna Oates
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.
Flickr photo by Mark Heard
Flickr photo by 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. Algarve is an essential stop on any Portugal itinerary.
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 government 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.
Flickr photo by lago
Flickr photo by7. 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.
Flickr photo by Borya
Flickr photo by 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.
Flickr photo by protozo
Flickr photo by
Without a doubt, this are beautiful beaches. Navagio Beach, Sagres and Islas Cíes are my preferred ones.
I like the first one the best.
Nellie if you've been to all them then I'm a jealous fella…
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!
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! ;)
Great collection of beaches! But the picture of "Sagres" is "Ponta da Piedade" in Lagos, Algarve. Not sooo far from Sagres.
Thanks Markus for pointing that out, didn’t notice that.
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.
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…
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. ;)
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! )
Get your man to come read the post!
wow…i never thought that europe has wonderful beaches too… how about santorini?
Yes, Santorini is a gorgeous island, but I didn’t find the beaches impressive when I visited.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Being a beach person, I'd love to soak in the sun on these pristine beaches!!
Navagio is the best in the World!!!!
I just don;t like the last one with the black sand! here in brazil there are beaches way prettier than that one, and as pretty as the rest!
hey Laura, I can see why you’d brag coming from the continent with some of the best beaches in the world. But hey, this post is on the best beaches in Europe. ;) I’ve been to Australia and seen some magnificent beaches and would surely keep them in mind when I’m writing a piece on the best beaches in the world!
awesome beaches! i have been in algarve beaches and they were awesome
Great list. If you are into surfing, one of Europe's best surfing spots is Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal in Ireland. Its one of Irelands best kept secrets and definitely should be up in the top 10.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'll make sure to create a list on surfing spots and include Donegal in. :)
[…] in Asturias for the sun, sand and the sea. Having spent a lot of time in Southern Spain (where beaches are overcrowded with tourists and beach bars), Llanes was quite a refreshing experience for me – […]
The Ionian Sea has the most beautiful beaches. Porto Katsiki and Egremni are two stunning beaches, which deserve your attention.
Thanks for the suggestions! I still haven't been to Sardinia, but I've heard tons of good stuff about it. Can't wait!
Wow if I could only have the time to travel to each and every one of the beaches. They all look simply amazing. The closest I've been is off the coast of Spain and Bulgaria which are pretty nice beaches as well.
These are really nice beaches to visit. I have stayed in Ibiza and absolutely loved the beaches. The only thing I regret is not taking a small boat ride to check out Mallorca.