the Beaches of Europe.
⭐️ the Established Favourites.
Due to the stunning beauty of these beaches, many of the very finest beaches in Europe are also amongst the most well-known. With tourists travelling to these destinations in their waves from across the world, finding a place on some of these beaches may require some planning and willingness to forfeit a long lie in bed.
Zakynthos is a buzzing epicentre for Greek tourism, especially with younger travellers who flock here in their droves to experience the nightlife that the island has become famous for. Located 1 hour from the tourist centre is perhaps one of the most picturesque beaches in the entire world. Navagio (📷) — or Shipwreck Beach.
Another beauty is located on the neighbouring island of Lekfada. A jewel of the Ionian Sea, Porto Katsiki (📷) apparently earned its name due to the fact that its rugged location meant that only goats could access it freely. Nowadays, a staircase has been constructed to connect visitors to the stunning beach below, allowing all to enjoy the crystal clear waters for which it is well-known.
Another beach renowned for its beauty is located on the neighbouring island of Lekfada. A jewel of the Ionian Sea, the stunning Porto Katsiki (📷) apparently earned its name due to the fact that its rugged location meant that only goats could access it freely.
Nowadays, a staircase has been constructed to connect visitors to the stunning beach below, allowing all to enjoy the crystal clear waters for which it is well-known.
Off the coast of West Africa, the Spanish territory of the Canary Islands harbour some excellent opportunities for sun-seekers and beach-bums. The islands have become a staple destination among tourists from North Europe, drawn here by the year-round sunshine.
Perhaps the crown jewel of beaches in the Canaries is the illustrious Papagayo Beach (📷), located on the island of Lanzarote. A strenuous road to this beach does not deter avid tourists from journeying to this rugged stretch of coastline to spend a day relaxing on one of Europe's defining beaches.
At the South-Western tip of the European continent, the Portugese district of the Algarve contains arguably the highest concentration of incredible beaches out of any European destination.
Here, the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline is abundantly adorned with idyllic golden sand beaches. For this very reason amongst others, the Algarve has long been – and firmly remains to this day – a thriving tourist resort which can become extremely congested during the summer.
Praia da Rocha (📷) lends its name to the surrounding resort town, located near Portimão. The adjacent town is a bustling hive of nightlife and after-hours entertainment.
Half an hour from here lie the caves of Benagil, home to the famous Praia de Benagil (📷) — a sandy beach completely encapsulated within a sea cave. A circular opening in the roof allows light to shine down into the cavern, as the sea laps against the sandy shore inside the cave.
Located very close by to the Benagil caves, the Algarve coast offers yet another awe-inspiring visual treat. Frequently topping lists and receiving honours to acknowledge its natural beauty, the golden sands and dramatic cliffs of Praia da Marinha (📷) are routinely used to in promotion of Portuguese and European tourism. It is no wonder that a beach continuously ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world has become such a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike.
💎 the Hidden Gems.
For those who are willing to travel ever-so-slightly off the well-trodden tourist path, sublime coastal gems can be found scattered across Europe. Uncovering the hidden beach gems of Europe is a truly rewarding experience, awarding the opportunity to grasp your own little slice of heaven by the sea-side.
Rustic Italian homes clutch to the cliff-side facade of the unspoiled coastal town of Tropea – home to one of the most pristine beaches in Europe. Here, translucent turquoise water rolls its way to the mainland to meet the pale white sands on the shore of Spiaggia di Tropea.
If you find yourself in this region of Europe, across the Tyrrhenian Sea from Tropea lies the island of Sardinia, esteemed for its coastline.
One Sardinian beach worthy of note is Spiaggia di Porto Guinco (📷), located on a peninsula at the South-Eastern tip of the island. The picture-perfect beach provides another winning combination of crystal blue water and pale sandy shore.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choice when considering a beach getaway to Sardinia. Home to incredible beaches, many are very secluded and hidden. Navigating your way to the perfect beach may prove challenging, so do some research beforehand!
Off the northern coast of Sardinia, the neighbouring island of Corsica offers some coastal treasures of its own. Located roughly 1 hours' drive from the nearest town of Saint-Florent, remote Plage de Saleccia (📷) is well worth the expedition for its clear waters and pale sands.
Another magnet for avid chasers of summer sun in Europe is the coastal nation of Croatia. Despite the majority of the country being located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the country is not well-established as a beach destination, and tourism centres more around the stunning fortified old towns and dramatic national parks that are found here.
Although there are notable highlights which are well-known internationally, such as the stony beach of Zlatni Rat (📷) — famous for its triangular shape – venture further from the tourist heartlands to discover some true hidden gems.
Nestled at the foot of a steep hill, the perfect seclusion of Sv. Ivan Beach on the island of Cres is so isolated that taking a boat-ride to access it is necessary. The remote location of this picture-postcard gravel beach means that those who are willing to make the journey to see it should be rewarded with a more exclusive and luxurious beach-going experience. Staying in the Balkans, the elusive destination of Albania presents its own candidate in the search for Europe's best beaches. Gjipe Beach (📷) is a secluded gem offering total respite from the crowds you will encounter elsewhere in Europe.
Although there are notable highlights which are well-known internationally, such as the stony beach of Zlatni Rat (📷) — famous for its triangular shape – venture further from the tourist heartlands to discover some true hidden gems.
Nestled at the foot of a steep hill, the perfect seclusion of Sv. Ivan Beach on the island of Cres is so isolated that taking a boat-ride to access it is necessary. The remote location of this picture-postcard gravel beach means that those who are willing to make the journey to see it should be rewarded with a more exclusive and luxurious beach-going experience. Staying in the Balkans, the elusive destination of Albania presents its own candidate in the search for Europe's best beaches. Gjipe Beach (📷) is a secluded gem offering total respite from the crowds you will encounter elsewhere in Europe.
🦌 the Wild + Wonderful.
Located in the far north of Scotland, the expansive dramatic landscape of Luskentyre Beach (📷) may seem stereotypically Scottish, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that the gleaming pale sands have been plucked straight out of the Caribbean.
In truth, the sensational backdrop of Luskentyre alone should render this magical place amongst Europe's best beaches. However, given the mild climate of this region, it is perhaps best advised to plan a visit to this incredible beach during the summer months of June to August specifically.
Similarly, located on the coast of the rugged North Atlantic Ocean, the peculiarly named Murder Hole Beach is possibly the finest hidden treasure to be found in Ireland. This astonishingly scenic beach is not straight-forward to reach, but the reward is more than worth the effort.
Further north, one of the most unique beaches in the world lies on the rugged south coast of Iceland. Commonly associated with breath-taking natural beauty, one of Mother Nature’s finest contributions to this mysterious island is the jet-black sand beach of Reynisfjara. As if the unique foundations of this beach weren't enough to stir your attention, the cliff-sides also feature some dramatic ballast columns which have been carved into the rock by the ferocious tidal waves of the North Atlantic.
