When you think of spectacular beaches some destinations usually come to mind, the Maldives, Australia, the Carribbean and Thailand, just to name a few.
But as well as being home to some of the world’s most famous cities, Europe is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Some places look like the Caribbean and you won’t even think you are actually in Europe!
Other beaches are really unique and picturesque where you can go off the beaten track to escape the tourist crowds.
If you are in search of your next coastal break, check out our guide to the stunning beaches in Europe and book your next trip today.
1. Golden Horn Beach, Bol, Croatia
Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn, is a spit of land located about 2 kilometres west from the harbour town of Bol on the southern coast of the Croatian island of Brač, in the region of Dalmatia.
Croatia has some of the most spectacular national parks in Europe and it also has some of the top rated beaches with Zlatni Rat being top of the list. From the air the beach forms a point into the sea and looks amazing.
2. Es Calo des Moro, Mallorca
Mallorca is blessed with lots of beautiful beaches and Es Cala del Moro is one of the best.
Calo des Moro is a bit difficult to get to, located 6 kilometres from Santanyi in the southeast corner of Mallorca but if you do make the effort to go here you will get to visit one of those picture perfect beaches that will take your breath away.
When planning your trip aim to depart early as car parking spaces fill up quick.
3. Praia do Camilo, Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe with warm weather, an outdoors lifestyle, tasty food and also a stunning coastline.
Praia do Camilo is an amazing beach and one of the best places to see in the Algarve located close to the popular tourist resort of Lagos. This is one of the most instagrammable locations on our list with huge rock formations, turquoise ocean and golden sandy beaches.
Be sure to visit some of the local restaurants here as you will be treated to some of the tastiest foods in the Algarve.
4. Navagio beach, Zante, Greece
Navagio Beach (also called The Shipwreck Beach) is found on the Greek island of Zakynthos and will be one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever visit.
This beach is located very remotely but there are lots of travel operators offering day trips here. The scenery is dramatic with huge cliffs and there are lots of walking and hiking tours to get possible the most instagrammable view in the world.
5. Sveti Stefan beach in Budva, Montenegro
There aren’t many beaches in the world like Sveti Stefan in Montenegro. There are stunning views of the small islet and the 15th-century fortress.
Sometimes during peak summer the main public beach can be quite crowded but you opt to pay to visit the private beach of the Aman Hotel. This is very expensive – 100 Euros but you do get lounges, an umbrella and staff to provide food and drink.
6. Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain
When visiting Formentera you are likely to wonder if you are actually in the Caribbean. The beaches and ocean here are simple breathtaking and it is easy to see why so many celebs and famous people go yachting and visit this island every summer.
The beaches are some of the most beautiful you will ever visit with pure white sand and crystal clear ocean. You can stay on Formentera, or visit on a day trip from the Balearic Islands – this is one of the best places to visit in Ibiza.
You might want to learn basic Spanish phrases which will make navigating your way here easier.
7. Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. There are around 2,000km of coastline and lots of sandy beaches. If you are planning a trip to Sardinia, Cala Goloritzè is somewhere you need to visit.
This beach is located in the town of Baunei, in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in Ogliastra. The ocean is so pretty with deep blues and turquoise waters and looming high over the beach looms a 143 meter high pinnacle.
8. Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Positano is located on the Amalfi Coast and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Thousands of people visit Positano every year and although the beach isn’t beautiful white and sandy like some, it is an amazing place to relax and take in the dramatic coastal scenery and ocean views.
9. Kaputas Beach, Antayla, Turkey
Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and there are lots of resorts and beaches of note. Kaputaş Beach is really stunning and is located between Kaş and Kalkan in southwestern Turkey.
10. Durdle Door in Dorset, England
A beach in England making our top European picks? Yes! There are some amazing beaches in the UK and Durdle Door is our top choice.
Durdle Door is a unique locations with a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, this is one of most iconic landmarks on England’s south coast and is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
The beach has amazing views and sometimes people even jump from Durdle Door into the ocean. If you have time there are so many towns, cities and local tourist attractions nearby including Lulworth Cove and Bournemouth.
11. Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, Turkey
Turkey has some amazing beaches and Ölüdeniz, a resort village on the southwest coast of Turkey. This is one of the most popular Turkish holiday resorts and home to the blue lagoon which is often described as one of the best beaches in the world.
The lagoon is separated from the main town beach by a sand bar and narrow channel, which is really unique. You can relax, sunbathe, swim, paddle or swim across to the tiny island at the mouth of the lagoon.
12. Assos, Kefelonia, Greece
Asos is one of the lesser known destinations on our list but it is also one of the best. Asos a small village located on the west coast of the island of Kefalonia and it has such a scenic beach. This usually doesn’t make many beach top 10’s, but if you are looking for somewhere different rather than your big popular tourist beaches then you will love visiting Asos.
13. San Fruttuoso, Italy
San Fruttuoso a is known monastery Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte from the 1300s with a scenic little beach. This beach is remotely located on the Italian Riviera between Camogli and Portofino.
This is one of the more difficult places to visit and can be reach either by a 2-hour trek or tourist boats from Camogli or during tourism season from Recco, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Lavagna, Chiavari and Genoa. This town and beach really is a hidden gem.
14. Seitan Limania beach, Crete, Greece
Crete has a number of beautiful beaches and Seitan Limania beach is definitely somewhere you need to visit.
Seitan Limania is situated in a canyon inside the narrow slip between two cliffs and looks spectacular in real life. Located in the Chania region, on the Akrotiri Peninsula, Seitan Limania is like a natural wave pool and swimming is very popular in the crystal clear blue and turquoise waters.
15. Sperone, Corsica
Corsica is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and is situated southeast of the France. Corsica has beautiful beaches and. Sperone is where you can experience a white sandy beach with amazing views of Sardinia and Lavezzi islands.
Best of the Rest
The following beaches make up our list of the best beaches in Europe.
16. Cala Soraya, Sardinia, Italy
17. Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
18. Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
19. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
20. Nugal beach, Makarska, Croatia
21. Île de Porquerolles, France
22. Cala Tonnarella, Sicily, Italy
23. Islas Cíes, Spain
24. Bolonia beach, Cadiz, Spain
25. Pasjaca beach, Cavtat, Croatia
26. Saleccia beach, Corsica, France
Hopefully our list of Europe’s top rated beaches has given you some ideas for places to visit. This continent really does have some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world.
