This blog is gonna educate you regarding the top 20 best beaches to visit in Europe which you should not miss when on a tour to Europe. As you know Europe is one of the most beautiful continents in the globe, this amazing region has some of the most exotic and iconic beaches in the world.
In this article you are going to find the top 20 beaches to explore in Europe. Are you excited for this amazing content ? Let us get into the details, without wasting any time,
Here is the List of Top 20 Beaches to Visit in Europe:
- Sicily
- Haukland
- Cala Goloritzè
- Tenerife
- San Fruttuoso
- Santorini
- West Beach
- Platja Illetes
- Dubrovnik
- Barafundle Bay
- Praia da Arrifana
- Nice
- CANNES
- Amio Beach
- Amalfi Coast
- Zlatni Rat
- Sarakiniko
- Rhodes
- Malta
- Cape Greco
Table of Contents
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Beaches to Visit in Europe
Sicily
Sicily’s beachline is dispersed for over 900 miles and includes around a dozen islands. With temperatures hot enough to swim from the end of May to earlier October, it becomes convenient to gaze at why locals spend half of the year here diving from the stony outcrops and getting cool at the majestic blues of the Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. You can get on your sandy, smooth Mediterranean beach thoughts away before getting to this Sicily destination.
You can figure out that a lot of the island’s spiagge are decorated from salt-packed rocks where that is basically all about highly turquoise swim spots, the glassy, and there are even the classic lidos, actually decorating the towns and cities where and loungers and parasols align with their military areas of tasks. Beginning with the small stony coves and some magnificent spots to the dolce vita culture, you can find some of the best beaches in Sicily. This is one of the best beaches in Europe.
Haukland
This Haukland beach is voted as the best beach in Norway. It is located about a 10-minute drive distant from Leknes, in the northern zone of Vestvågøy.
The Haukland Beach is a state-preserved zone outdoors. At this beach, you can conveniently park your car directly at the beach because you can find a nice parking area with lower and upper levels having a height limitation. Though the parking is actually free, visitors are motivated to give some money through a voluntary payment mechanism. These funds are employed to conserve and protect the region for the fun of all the tourists and visitors.
At this beach, you can even find the Haukland Beach Cafe which is open from 11 am to 5 pm during the June to September months, camping zones, waste disposal stations, toilets, and different activity alternatives. Camping is not permitted and is created by locating a camper caravan or by placing bigger tents. However, this is allowed to pitch tiny tents for hikers for a short span.
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Cala Goloritzè
The Cala Goloritzé beach in Europe is unique and mesmerising and not like any other beach you will ever see in life. This beach was created by a landslide in the year 1962 and is popular for its huge 143-metre-tall limestone pinnacle rising over the superb cove. This beach is conserved meaning that almost all boats require to be kept beyond a rope signalled with buoys that is 200 meters away from the beach.
They also possess a water policeman in a small boat with one of the best job on the globe keeping a strict supervision over the rope line. This place is perplexing from a photography perspective, as it means you can click some breathtaking pics of the beach and any other boats will not be a hurdle in your shot. And you will get a little workout swimming into this beach to unravel.
One of the best things about the Cala Goloritzé beach is that this is not the only available wonderful beach in the zone. The Cala Goloritzé beach is certainly the most amazing and the apple of visitors’ eyes. The beach is basically a segment of the beachline of the Gulf of Orosei.
Tenerife
You can surely find impeccable white sand at this beach which is imported from Africa’s Sahara desert. It contrasts with the black volcanic sand which matches the natural beauty of Tenerife. You can gaze at the tourist packed beaches that contrast with some magnificent coves. You are sure to find some turquoise, tranquil waters over the beachline with some majestic rollers and threshing waves. There are urban beachlines just some steps from downtown and still you will even see some virgin nooks under the cliffs’ shelters and they can be just reached by foot. This beach is one of the most amazing beaches found in the entire European continent.
The northern region, popular for its greater heights and rugged landscapes takes a huge pride in tinier stony coves and black sand inlets fixed naturally into the nooks of the beachlines. You should even look out at the black sand Los Roques or Los Realejos or the golden El Bollullo or the La Orotava for instance.
This is dryer, hotter and more tourist-packed south but this place is packed with resort towns constructed around alluring beaches. Las Américas and Los Cristianos are two beach resort towns which are always packed with German and British tourists. These resort towns are some of the best bases to get to the more vibrant beaches nearby, namely the Vistas and El Médano.
San Fruttuoso
Next we have on the list the San Fruttuoso beach in Europe. This San Fruttuoso Beach is an untouched treasure placed in an amazing cove near the famous tourist destination of Portofino. The stunning beach is located in the magnificent fishing village of San Fruttuoso and can only be reached by some boats or hiking trails. This beach takes pride in a breathtaking pebble beach line and calm and clear waters, offering the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Beach lovers can even go for an umbrella or a sun loungers’ hire and even get relaxed on the naturally rich beach. This is amongst the best beaches for couples.
This beach is encircled by historically prominent highlights consisting of the traditional Torre Doria fortress and a breathtaking Benedictine abbey, offering a mesmerising view into the zone’s royal history and it even adds to the beach’s amazing attraction. To access San Fruttuoso Beach, tourists have the alternative of hiring a boat from Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino. Additionally numerous hiking trails take you to the beach too, offering breathtaking sights of the Ligurian beachline by the way.
For visitors who look for a peaceful and secluded beach feel adjacent to Portofino, this San Fruttuoso Beach is a magnificent option. On account of its natural wonder, unspoiled waters and age-old landmarks, it is no surprise why this beach is a favorite option by both, the visitors and locals.
Also read: Beaches to Visit in Greece
Santorini
All the prominent beaches in Santorini stand apart for one of its kind nature, unlike the other Greek islands with their azure waters, golden sandy beach lines and are popular for their volcanic characteristics. That indicates pebbles, colorful lava sands and unique rock formations and breathtaking and picturesque terrains. All the beaches at this destination have crystal clear and turquoise waters and you can even find a broad diversity of choices, starting from stunning family beaches to famous beach resorts and some of the best beaches, sculpted perfectly for thrill lovers and travellers due to their not so easy accessibility.
The most popular beach resort that takes pride in a Blue Flag recognition is Kamari Beach. This is basically a long black sandy beach. This beach is totally equipped with all sorts of shops, watersports and some amazing activities. The family-friendly nature and lively coastal road packed with restaurants and cafes make this beach one of the best alternatives any hour of the day. The Perissa Beach is another prominent hot zone over here, with a lot of shops, amenities, restaurants, watersports, and beach cots with a swimming pool. Its Blue Flag award displays its clean environment, beautiful relaxing waters, luxurious facilities, fun and cosmopolitan features.
West Beach
This popular West Beach is located on the southwestern edge of Hayling Island between the Inn-on-the-Beach and Hayling Golf Club. In the former segment of the 20th century, this beach line at West Beach was a lot further in the sea and the popular Gunner Point was not the significant character that it exists to this day. The structuring of coastal security and other buildings have transformed this coast to its position and shape today. Some surveys are even organised by our Geomatics Division, to aid learning the naturally prominent developments occurring at West Beach.
Coastal defenses based at West Beach included a timber groynes and timber revetment. You can find a car park, an SSSI i.e Special Site of Scientific Interest and beach huts behind these stunning structures. The timber marine defenses at West Beach were built in 1976 as an answer to the erosion at this beach. The Hayling region is open to majestic and strong waves and as time passes these structures have worn out by the natural action of the waves and are currently near the termination of their operational lifespan.
Platja Illetes
This Ses Illetetes is situated at the northernmost region of the island, and the nearest to the island of Espalmador, that is only 150 meters far and is the most visited by Formentera tourists. You can easily reach this region from the main street leaving away the Port of La Savina, or via the same prominent road branching from the town of Es Pujols.
This region is conveniently accessible by any vehicle, though the access is always advised on bicycle or by foot to get a stunning view of the landscape and aid to its natural conservation and to go away without cost, as Illetas beaches is one of the prominent beaches of Formentera with pay for tourists who want to get here with a motor vehicle.
Additionally, a segment of this zone is not reachable with vehicles, you can only be here on foot due to the inconsistency of the prevailing landscape. At this Illetas one can get services of rentals of tiny boats equipped with pedals and rent of all those things essential to experience the adventurous sports like sailing, umbrellas and hammocks, footbridges for the handicapped and even some delightful restaurants. From the coastal region of Ses Illetes you can have fun with some of the most picturesque views of the island and one of the well renowned excursions as you gradually head to the Isle of Espalmador here.
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Dubrovnik
This amazing landmark is one of the most chosen ones during any summer. Dubrovnik and its magnificent neighborhood renders a huge aura of captivating and clear beaches that makes the tanning and bathing particularly thrilling. The popular web portal European Best Destinations has recognized Pasjača Beach in Konavle around Dubrovnik with the prestigious title of European Best Beach 2019 when 32,000 voters from 116 countries voted for it.
This is among the best beaches for families. This popular beach is located at the lower part of the steeply present Konavle cliffs and can only be reached by getting down the lengthy, truly steep stairs into the cliff, with a height variation of 250 meters from the upper to the lower level.
This beach is just a ten-minute drive from Cavtat and only a 30-minute drive distant from the Dubrovnik main zone. Due to its popular steep cliff as a background, this amazing beach is real magic. When the famous tunnel to the sea was constructed in the year 1955, the extra stones stayed at the coast and in a few years’ span, the waves sculpted the stones into sand and pebbles. This is how the Pasjača beach came into existence. A few years later, the sea took away all the sand hence the locals put in more stones that were again changed into pebbles and later into sand. This is one of the best beaches to explore in Europe.
Barafundle Bay
The Barafundle beach is east facing and covered and in an amazing virgin and unspoilt destination. This stunning beach is owned by the National Trust and it is a part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast. You can only get to the beach by foot via the coastal way having steep steps over there.
Relaxing, swimming and enjoying the stroll along the coastal way zone are all some of the famous activities here. Most of this region is a segment of the Stackpole Estate, and consists of the Bosherston Lily Ponds nearby. This is a wildlife paradise popular for its dragonflies, otters, and wildfowl.
This beach is not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs due to steep steps getting down to the beach from the top of the cliff. You can find washrooms and cafes at Stackpole Quay which is a National Trust car park that is about half a mile away from the beach and pub in this amazing Stackpole Village. It is to be noted that you can certainly get here with dogs too.
Praia da Arrifana
The Praia da Arrifana beach is a picturesque beach stretching for about half-mile in a shape resembling seashell. This stunning shape added with highly elevated cliffs renders beach lovers with a bit of protection from the winds that take over other beaches and destinations on the west coast.
This is actually a blue flag beach meaning that the golden sand here is amazingly clean and this beach is even safe to swim. In the high season you will even find a lifeguard on duty over here.
As you settle on your own segment of sand, you can enjoy the breathtaking sights. At the south corner of the beach, you will see the popular Needle Stone peeping out from the water and Pedra da Agulha. At the northern corner of the beach, around the fishing port, you can observe many scuba divers enjoying the benefits of the truly perfect weather and crystal clear waters present here.
In case you are deciding to spend a day at the beach, why don’t you try some surf sports? Praia da Arrifana is one of the most amazing places to go surfing in the Algarve region. The waves will not be as majestic here as they mostly are at Nazare, away up the coast, but they are yet beautifully amazing. You can rent bodyboards, wetsuits and surfboards at the beach. If you are not that confident about your surfing expertise, there is a surf school at this place where you can learn some of its basics and advanced.
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Nice
Nice is also among one of the top 20 beaches in the European region. You can find turquoise blue waters, picturesque sands and stunning weather at this popular and internationally prominent beach in the region. You can find some of the best experiences at this beach.
If you are looking for some of the finest beach experiences at the breathtaking beaches in Europe then I am sure you will surely be at the Nice beach in Europe.
Cannes
This popular beach in Europe is a segment of Cannes’ DNA. On account of the Lérins islands on the horizon, Estérel massif in the background and this location presents a paradise setting to go swimming. With above 7 km of thin sand, between private and public beaches, Cannes beach is a true zone to reside in a dream environment. You should tempt yourself by this sweet surprise of awe which is a prominent part of a residence in Cannes. Beginning from the Boulevard du Midi to Mouré Rouge, through the renowned private beachlines of the Croisette, this stunning coast calls for an amazing and captivating experience.
You can enjoy a mesmerising evening on the floors during summer, a meal on a private beach, a round of volleyball with friends and an outing on your feet in the perplexing sand over this beach. There is a bountiful to fill in your nights and days on the stunning beaches of Cannes.
Amio Beach
The Playa de Amio beach is situated on the Biscay bay that is a segment of the North Atlantic Ocean and this beach has earned the 19th place in the list of 49 beaches in the Cantabria area at a distance of 55.1 km from its core which is a city of Santander. This is one of the beaches of the Pechon region that is only 0.6 km from the centre. This beach lies in an urban region, amidst the mountainous area.
This is a large area of numerous bays’ beach lines with crystal clear and blue water with bright, thin and pure sand and hence you don’t need specific shoes at this beach. You can get into the waters smoothly. This stunning beach is apt for various types of relaxation, getaway lovers, lonely travellers, people etc. This place gets a bit more crowded during the peak seasons.
The Playa de Amio coast is actually free for everyone. The beach has some alluring facilities like beach restaurants and washrooms.
It is to be noted that this beach has a prominent low tide. Additionally you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming here. At this beach you can even participate in other thrilling activities. This popular beach is conveniently accessible, it is situated at an accessible proximity to the road. Parking is based explicitly on this beach.
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Amalfi Coast
Some magnificent beaches on the Amalfi Coast pack an amazing stretch of beach lines in the region of Salerno in Southern Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an epitome of the mesmerising Mediterranean terrain filled with some rocky cliffs frontiered by turquoise blue waters underneath and greenery around.
This coast is famous amidst those who look for a true Italian getaway filled with delicious wine, delectable Italian cuisine, chic boutiques and jolly and lively people. And this Amalfi Coast is more than only a location to go shopping, enjoy a stunning drive along the stretch of cliffside and sip some vino too. This place even houses numerous wonderful and diverse beach lines where you can have fun in the perplexing seascapes and some of the best experiences of the Italian Sun.
Zlatni Rat
This Zlatni rat beach located in Bol, on the Brac island in Croatia, is one of the most magnificent beaches in the Mediterranean region. It has a specific shape, it is even one of the most unique beaches on the planet. Many travel magazines like the Insider Travel, New York Times and the National Geographic have listed it several times in their stunning articles as one of the most stunning beaches on the globe.
Zlatni rat’s vibrantness and allure have turned it the sign of both the town of Croatia and Bol, and the governments of Croatia conserves Zlatni rat beach deemed as a geomorphological historical. Though it is not only its beautiful shape that makes it unique and beautiful. It is encircled by the clean and crystal clear seawater that goes from light blue to firm blue in only 10 to 20 metres, and it is frontiered by age-old pines planted by the locals to add some naturally available shade.
This beach is located less than 2 km from the Bol town, linked with an amazing promenade under the pine’s shade. Along you can seek many other tiny beaches. This captivating 500 metres length pebble beach has an extraordinary shape, like a tiny peninsula stretching into the sea with about 900 metres of coastline on its dual sides. The region of the beach is above 20,000 sq.mt and can conveniently accommodate more than 10,000 people in it.
Sarakiniko
Situated just five kilometres distant from the iconic town of Plaka, the Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is the most popular shore located on the island, it takes pride in a rarely viewed geological profile striking a chord in every tourist ! At the northern region of Milos, a 10-minute amazing drive from the Adamas port, Sarakiniko is a majestic view to gaze at, mostly used for some stunning photographs here !
This even has a beach having a lunar terrain that lets it stand out differently from many other beaches in Greece, characterising smooth breathtaking white rocks with a lot of horizontally picturesque layers.
The creation is greatly unique, taking pride in extraordinary caves which you can unleash with the support of an available flashlight. This awe-inspiring beach was largely formed due to a few volcanic eruptions and fossil layering while it is discussed to have taken its name after the Saracen pirates using the caves as a form of a shelter.
The other pirate troops such as the Ottomans, Barbary pirates and the Cilicians, have even made this coast as a hiding zone.
Rhodes
The popular Rhodes in Greece has several stunning sandy coves and beaches to explore. This mesmerising island renders a broad collection of Rhodes beaches offering numerous facilities like taverns, bars, watersport centers and hotels. Almost all the beaches in Rhodes own crystal clear waters and they are extraordinary in naturally rich beauty. Amidst the most prominent Rhodes beaches are Saint Paul’s Bay, Tsambika, Kallithea and Ladiko. Rhodes and Prassonisi are the best options for kitesurfing windsurfing.
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Malta
The Malta region in Europe has some beaches for everyone to enjoy, from sunbathers to windsurfers. You can select from blue lagoons, golden sand, rocks, inland seas and red sand. You can even find some rocky shores and beaches off the amazing track, but it is even worth visiting. You should not miss a boat round to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for a stunning experience in the overwhelmingly turquoise waters.
On bigger beaches, you will even find some snack bars or cafes open in the summers. With Malta’s superb climate, the beach life proceeds till October. You should go for a captivating experience with some stunning water sports and activities like parakiting, jet and water skiing, fun rides and windsurfing. You can even rent some lively equipment from the shops nearby or beach cafes too.
The prominent coastal resorts and bigger sandy beaches lie in the northern region of Malta. Malta’s most famous beaches are Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay. For quieter, smaller beaches, you should go for those at the end of Malta that overlooks Gozo which is Armier and Paradise Bay. Ramla l-Ħamra is the most magnificent beach in Gozo, a majestic beach of unique red sand frontiered by picturesque villages around.
Cape Greco
This Blue Lagoon on the Cape Greco Peninsular region is an undeniable option when planning to visit Cyprus. This area has crystal clear, blue waters and seems like an outstanding experience. It’s difficult to gaze at how amazing and breathtaking the Blue Lagoon looks in pics.
Here you can find some of the best places to visit in Europe from swimming and viewing zones for the Blue Lagoon in the Cape Greco region. In addition to that, a halt at the sea caves on your journey back to the main town is a cherry on the cake.
You should certainly visit the Blue Lagoon either on a day tour from the Larnaca zone or on an amazing morning activity from the beach towns which are around Ayia Napa region. You can spend about 3 hours between the sea caves and the Blue Lagoon sights.
Europe and craze for its picturesque beaches
Europe is popular all throughout the world for its stunning beaches. Visitors all around the world have always added some of the best beaches in Europe in your itinerary. It is quite natural that this continent has some of the best beaches in the world. This continent even has some of the most frequently visited beaches in the world.
Some amazing and picturesque beaches in Europe like the Cannes, Rhodes, Mykonos, Cape Greco etc have earned a distinct place in the minds of beach lovers all around the world. You will barely find a tourist who would not love to share his or her experience at the rocking beaches in Europe.
Bottom line
This article is a complete piece of content pertaining to the top 20 must visit beaches in Europe. You can certainly base your Europe tour itinerary on the information shared with you in this blog. So it is time for a memorable Europe tour.
Also read: Most Popular Tourist Places in Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Which beach has the clearest water in Europe?
Best Beaches in Europe with Crystal Clear Water are Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain; Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece, Ölüdeniz Beach in Turkey, Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy; Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia, Elafonisi Beach in Crete, Greece, Plage Palombaggia, Corsica, France:
Where is the most beautiful water in Europe?
Dalmatia. Croatia. Split – Dalmatia County, Algarve has a diverse range of natural features, making it unique among areas. Portugal, Sainte Maxime. France, Costa Brava. Spain, Antalya. Turkey, Zakynthos. Greece: Gozo Island. Malta and Mallorca. Spain.
What is the largest beach in Europe?
Monolithi is Europe’s biggest and safest beach, The European Best Destinations Organization (EBD) is part of the European Commission’s EDEN Network (“European Destinations of Excellence”).
Where is the blue water in Europe?
After conducting their study, the crew discovered that Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach) in Albania boasts the bluest water in the world. “Pasqyra Beach claims the top spot, with its sea being just 12.4 points off the YInMn Blue shade,” the business said in the data presented to Travel + Leisure.
Which country has the cleanest sea in Europe?
Iceland has the cleanest waterways in Europe, with an index score of 86.04 points in 2022.
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