The Best Beach In Europe Girl on the beach

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed European beach holiday, these 15 beaches are sure to inspire and delight you.

Let’s go! 15 Best Beaches in Europe

Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy  

The rugged coastlines of Sardinia are home to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe.

Cala Goloritze, situated in the Gulf of Orosei, is one such beach that is accessible only by foot or by boat, which adds to its secluded and unspoiled beauty.

The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy

Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Located in the Balearic Islands, Playa de Ses Illetes is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and picturesque views of the surrounding islands.

It’s a perfect place to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

Also known as Shipwreck Beach, towering cliffs surround this stunning cove and feature a shipwreck that has become an iconic landmark of the island.

The turquoise waters and dramatic scenery make it a must-visit beach destination in Europe. For an easy flight from Athens, use Skyscanner to search for the best flight deals!

RELATED POST – What to do in Athens in One Day – The Perfect Itinerary

The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Zlatni Rat, Brac Island, Croatia

Often referred to as the Golden Horn, Zlatni Rat is a unique beach that changes its shape and position with the tide and winds.

The fine pebble beach and crystal-clear waters attract thousands of tourists every year. From the featured photo below, it’s easy to see why.

Many visitors, curious about the broader coastal beauty of the region, often choose to journey beyond just Zlatni Rat. Some opt for cruises from Dubrovnik by Sail Croatia, which provides a panoramic view of the Adriatic coast. 

The Best Beach In Europe Zlatni Rat, Brac Island, Croatia
The Best Beach In Europe Zlatni Rat, Brac Island, Croatia

Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal

Praia da Rocha is one of the most popular and busiest beaches in Portugal.

The golden sand, clear waters, and picturesque rock formations make it a perfect destination for beach lovers.

While here, I recommend trying these 20 Most Delicious Foods From Portugal.

The Best Beach In Europe Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal
The Best Beach In Europe Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal

Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France

Plage de Palombaggia is a long, sandy beach with pine trees and clear, turquoise waters.

It’s a great spot for snorkelling, kayaking, and other water sports.

The Best Beach In Europe Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
The Best Beach In Europe Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Myrtos Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, with a striking contrast to white pebbles and blue-green waters. The rugged landscape and cliffs add to its dramatic beauty.

The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal

Praia da Marinha is a hidden gem in a secluded cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

It’s often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Could you imagine yourself relaxing in one of these secluded spots?

The Best Beach In Europe Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
The Best Beach In Europe Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal

Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy

Rabbit Beach is a tiny, remote island located off the coast of Sicily. It’s accessible only by boat and has been named the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2013.

Here are 15 amazing places to visit in Italy to add to your bucket list.

The Best Beach In Europe Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
The Best Beach In Europe Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy

Vik Beach, Iceland

Although not your typical sunbathing beach, Vik Beach in Iceland is a black-sand beach surrounded by towering basalt columns and dramatic cliffs.

It’s a unique and stunning destination for beach lovers willing to brave the chilly Icelandic weather. The best way to explore Iceland is with your own wheels!

Check out our Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland; it covers some essential tips to know before you go!

And another tip is to consider buying an eSIM to stay connected in Iceland. Affordable, convenient and reliable for your trip to one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

RELATED POST – How to Visit Iceland on a Budget – Best Money Saving Tips

The Best Beach In Europe Vik Beach, Iceland
The Best Beach In Europe Vik Beach, Iceland

Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain

Playa de Muro is a pristine, white-sand beach stretching over 5 miles along the coast of Mallorca.

It’s a popular destination for families, thanks to its shallow, clear waters and numerous beachside amenities.

The Best Beach In Europe Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
The Best Beach In Europe Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach is another black-sand beach in Iceland, famous for its towering basalt sea stacks, thundering waves, and rugged cliffs.

It’s a breathtakingly beautiful destination that’s also home to a colony of nesting puffins. This best beach in Europe has to be seen to be believed.

The Best Beach In Europe Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
The Best Beach In Europe Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Nissi Beach, Cyprus

Located in Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
The Best Beach In Europe Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Sveti Stefan is located on a small peninsula on Montenegro’s southern coast, near the town of Budva.

The beach is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, crystal-clear waters, and soft pink sand. 

The Best Beach In Europe Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
The Best Beach In Europe Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Luskentyre Beach is a hidden gem on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Its white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning mountain backdrop make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

It’s also a great spot for wildlife watching, with otters, seals, and dolphins often spotted in the waters.

Want to see more of Scotland? Check out the best small group tour operator in Scotland and the UK – Rabbies Tours. 

We toured the Scottish Highlands with Rabbies, and had a great trip. Read our Review of Rabbies Tours here.

The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
The Best Beach In Europe Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy

In conclusion, Europe has a plethora of beautiful beaches that cater to every kind of traveller.

Europe has everything whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a bustling seaside town.

The list of the 15 best beaches in Europe is a great starting point for anyone planning a beach holiday in Europe.

What is your favourite or best beach of Europe? Let us know in the comments. 

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Planning to Travel More in Europe?

If you’re travelling in Europe, we’re got lots of great tips and advice for you. Check out our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe for starters.

For the food-lovers out there, you’ll love reading about all the new foods you can taste with our Complete Food Map of Europe!

Perhaps you’re travelling on a budget? These 10 Cheapest Countries in Europe to Visit may be just the tool you need to start planning an epic trip. But, know these 8 Things To Know About Travelling to Eastern Europe before you go, and these are 7 Misconceptions about Eastern Europe that every traveller should know.

We’ve got many tips for how to save money to travel, and even when you’re out there travelling, maybe these 20 Jobs that PAY YOU to Travel the World will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you too.

Finally, these Top 6 Travel Hacks to Save You Money and our Best Travel Tips from Over 15 Years of Travel are some of the best travel advice we can share.

For more travel tips and products we regularly use, head to our Travel Resources Page.

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