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The best beaches in Europe

Photo of Joey TysonPhoto of Joey Tyson
By Joey Tyson

12 May 2022 | Updated 24 June 20248 min read

En-Vau Beach, France Stunning En-Vau is easily one of the best beaches in Europe.

From the golden sands of southern Portugal to idyllic Greek isles, Europe has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

There’s something for every type of beach bum too, whether you’re seeking off-the-beaten-track snippets of sand or family-friendly shorelines brimming with sandcastle potential.

With summer just around the corner, we’ve rounded up some of the best beaches in Europe to get you in the mood for long days on the sand.

Praia da Falesia, The Algarve – Portugal

View across the rust-red cliffs and golden sand of Praia de FalesiaView across the rust-red cliffs and golden sand of Praia de Falesia

When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat the Algarve. Sitting smack bang in the centre of Portugal’s south, Praia da Falesia is one of the best in the region and in Europe too, taking top spot this year in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches. From boho backpackers to young families, miles and miles of golden sand sheltered by rust-red cliffs, and a safe, clear sea makes this a popular spot for all kinds of travellers.

Cerro Mar Garden

  • Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
  • 27 September 2025
  • Self-catering
  • Luton

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

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£328
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Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa – Italy

Aerial view of a sandy, sun-baked beach lapped by brilliant blue waterAerial view of a sandy, sun-baked beach lapped by brilliant blue water

Spiaggia del Conigli (Rabbit Beach) is a dazzling white-sand beauty known for its super-clear, shallow water and gloriously remote setting. Floating adrift in the Mediterranean, closer to Tunisia than Italy, Lampedusa might just have the best beach in Europe – at least that’s what the travellers of Tripadvisor reckon, ranking it in second place for 2024. We’re inclined to agree.

Playa de Muro, Majorca – Spain

Aerial view of the sweeping Playa de Muro beach in MajorcaAerial view of the sweeping Playa de Muro beach in Majorca

Broad, sandy and safe, Blue Flag Playa de Muro is a firm favourite with families for more than one reason. With tons of on-beach facilities, easy access, play areas and loads of nearby cafes and restaurants, it’s a brilliant spot for a holiday with little ones in tow. You’ll find this Spanish stunner close to Alcudia on Majorca’s northern coastline.

Hotel Casablanca

  • Santa Ponsa, Majorca, Spain
  • 15 June 2025
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Southend

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£530
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Barafundle Bay, Wales – UK

The huge golden sweep of sands at Barafundle Bay in WalesThe huge golden sweep of sands at Barafundle Bay in Wales

Regularly voted Wales’ best beach, award-winning Barafundle Bay is well acquainted with the sandy spotlight. Located in remote Pembrokeshire, this long golden beach remains pleasantly quiet outside the busy summer months. Even then, it’s worth a visit just for the wild, clifftop scenery that surrounds it. Love a hike? Take on a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which passes by Barafundle.

En-Vau, Marseille – France

Aerial view of sunbathers and paddleboarders on a pebbly beach surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffsAerial view of sunbathers and paddleboarders on a pebbly beach surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs

A tiny chunk of white sand surrounded by impressive cliffs, En-Vau is a showstopper of a beach any way you look at it. The water is gloriously clear and shallow, making it perfect for kids, but the beach can get busy so get there early to nab your spot. Keep an eye out for daredevils clinging to the cliffs above – the area is popular with rock climbers.

Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos – Greece

View across the horse-shoe-shaped, golden bay of KoukounariesView across the horse-shoe-shaped, golden bay of Koukounaries

Greece isn’t short on beautiful beaches, so when we say Koukounaries in Skiathos is one of the country’s best, you know it’s going to be good. This long stretch of dazzling white sand is surrounded by dense green pine forest, which has helped it avoid overdevelopment. There are a handful of beach bars giving it a lively vibe in the summer and the insanely clear water makes for some epic snorkelling.

Christakis Studios

  • Troulos, Skiathos, Greece
  • 23 June 2025
  • Self-catering
  • London City

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

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£596
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Corralejo Grandes Playas, Fuerteventura – Spain

An aerial view of Corralejo beach and National Park in FuerteventuraAn aerial view of Corralejo beach and National Park in Fuerteventura

A 9km (5.5 miles) stretch of sand surrounded by wild dunes and volcanic hills, Corralejo Grandes Playas is one of the best beaches in the Canary Islands. In reality, it’s not just one beach, but a collection of beautiful beaches, closely strung out along Fuerteventura’s north-eastern coast. At Burro, families will find lifeguards and safer water, while windsurfers and kite boarders should head to El Medano.

LIVVO Corralejo Beach

  • Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Spain
  • 8 September 2025
  • Self-catering
  • Birmingham

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

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£649
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Porthminster Beach, Cornwall – UK

View of twin sandy beaches lapped by clear, turquoise water in St IvesView of twin sandy beaches lapped by clear, turquoise water in St Ives

Just a short walk from artsy beach town St Ives, Porthminster brings a touch of the tropics to Britain. Beautiful, soft white sand, clear blue water and even the odd palm tree, this Cornish classic has the lot. And with one of the mildest temperatures in the UK, you’re almost (this is still Britain, after all) guaranteed good weather during the summer.

Zlatni Rat, Brač – Croatia

Aerial view of the golden sand spit of Zlatni Rat beach in CroatiaAerial view of the golden sand spit of Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia

Translated as ‘Golden Horn’, Zlatni Rat is probably Croatia’s most photographed beach. It’s not hard to see why. This stunning V-shaped pebble-and-sand beach extends out into the shining sapphire Adriatic Sea, sheltered by pine trees on either side. Its ever-shifting shoreline is shaped by wind and waves, which also make it a favourite spot for surfers and windsurfers.

Balos Lagoon, Crete – Greece

An aerial view of Balos beach and lagoon in Crete, GreeceAn aerial view of Balos beach and lagoon in Crete, Greece

A thin sliver of shimmering white sand leads out to the tiny island of Balos. On one side of the spit, you’ll find a milky-turquoise lagoon, on the other, the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. The beach lies on the island’s western coast, not far from the town of Kissamos, where you can arrange boat trips to the beach.

Jo-An Palace

  • Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
  • 19 September 2025
  • Half board
  • Manchester

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£467
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Ses Illetes, Formentera – Spain

An aerial view showing many yachts anchored off the coast of Formentera Ibiza, with turquoise Mediterranean Sea and ocean blue waterAn aerial view showing many yachts anchored off the coast of Formentera Ibiza, with turquoise Mediterranean Sea and ocean blue water

Be prepared for endless Caribbean comparisons: Ses Illetes really wouldn’t look out of place in the Bahamas. Luckily, it’s 100% Balearic, and quite a bit closer to home, too. No stranger to ‘Europe’s best beaches’ lists, Ses Illetes is a long spit of powder-white sand, lapped either side by some of the clearest water you’re ever likely to splash around in.

Sellin Beach, Rugen – Germany

View of empty sands and ornate pier at Sellin Beach in GermanyView of empty sands and ornate pier at Sellin Beach in Germany

We know. One of Europe’s best beaches is in Germany? But hear us out. If you’re looking for ‘under-the-radar’, the small spa town of Sellin, on the remote island of Rugen, is one to watch. A wide, golden beach backed by Germany’s distinctive ‘resort architecture’, Sellin is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday on the wild shores of the Baltic Sea.

Butterfly Valley Beach, Muğla – Turkey

View across turquoise waters towards a sandy beach backed by dramatic, vegetation-covered cliffsView across turquoise waters towards a sandy beach backed by dramatic, vegetation-covered cliffs

Enclosed either side by towering walls of rock, the only way to reach Butterfly Valley beach is by boat or a challenging hike from the village of Faralya. When you get there, you’ll find a tiny strip of gold sand, a chilled beach bar and the 100-plus species of butterflies that give the valley its name. Boat tours run from nearby Olu Deniz or Fethiye.

Hotel Greenland

  • Fethiye, Dalaman Area, Turkey
  • 11 June 2025
  • All-inclusive
  • Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

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£496
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Porto Katsiki, Lefkada – Greece

Aerial view of the white cliffs and turquoise waters of Porto Katsiki Beach in LefkadaAerial view of the white cliffs and turquoise waters of Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada

A long arch of delicate white sand, backed by a colossal cliff face, Porto Katsiki is all drama – and then some. You’ll find it on the Ionian Island of Lefkada, not far from Lefkada Town. It’s a popular spot for boat trips, so get there early if you want a few hours to enjoy the setting for yourself. Either bring your own picnic or tackle the 100 steps up the cliff side to reach a small beach bar selling snacks and drinks.

Santa Giulia, Corsica – France

View from clear, sparkling waters towards a white-stand beach lined with vibrant green treesView from clear, sparkling waters towards a white-stand beach lined with vibrant green trees

Santa Giulia beach is the stuff of dreams – a sheltered lagoon of pure turquoise water, fringed by gorgeous white sand. With shallow water, plenty of overhanging trees providing shady picnic spots and an array of watersports on offer, it’s perfect for families. You’ll find it on Corsica's southern tip, not far from the chic hilltop town of Porto-Vecchio.

Cala Macarella, Menorca – Spain

View of a solo sailing boat floating on the incredibly clear waters of Cala MacarellaView of a solo sailing boat floating on the incredibly clear waters of Cala Macarella

A world away from the busy resorts and pumping nightclubs of Majorca and Ibiza, little Menorca is all about the quiet life – and Cala Macarella is the place to enjoy it. A tiny spot of sand cut into pine-topped cliffs, this beach is accessible by boat or a 30-minute walk through pine forest (access via car is prohibited during high season). What you’ll find is a white-sand bay of pure paradise, with glossy-clear waters to boot.

Hotel Apartamentos Beach Club Menorca

  • Son Parc, Menorca, Spain
  • 3 June 2025
  • Self-catering
  • Bristol

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£527
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Reynisfjara Beach – Iceland

View of dramatic waves crashing on a black-sand beach in IcelandView of dramatic waves crashing on a black-sand beach in Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach is distinctive for its ash-black sand squeezed between mighty basalt cliff stacks and the crashing Atlantic. A popular stop-off on Iceland’s south coast, this beach was practically made for Instagram. For the best photos, head here in the early morning for sunrise (and fewer people). With rogue waves and strong currents, this one is best admired from the sand or clifftop walking trails.

Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria – Spain

Aerial view of the golden sand and dunes of Maspalomas beach in Gran CanariaAerial view of the golden sand and dunes of Maspalomas beach in Gran Canaria

With big sweeping dunes of golden sand rolling down into the Atlantic, Gran Canaria's Maspalomas isn’t your average beach. Its dramatic desert backdrop, complete with camel rides, feels more Saharan than Spanish. Plus, at 6km long (3.7 miles) and wider than a football pitch in parts, this Blue Flag beach is as big as it is beautiful.

Blue Lagoon, Olu Deniz – Turkey

An aerial view of the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz, Turkey with cobalt blue water on a bright, clear sky dayAn aerial view of the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz, Turkey with cobalt blue water on a bright, clear sky day

An icon of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, it would be rude not to include this Blue Flag beauty in Olu Deniz. A sweeping sand bar creates wonderfully calm water, perfect for little swimmers and watersports like snorkelling and paddle boating. On the beach, you can soak up some sunshine while watching the colourful sails of paragliders gently drift down from pine-clad Babadağ mountain above.

Dhërmi Beach – Albania

You don’t get a nickname like the ‘Pearl of the Med’ without at least one hidden treasure. Luckily, Albania has loads, with a wealth of unspoilt beaches and dreamy clear blue waters. If you choose just one, make it Dhërmi. A long stretch of milk-white pebbles dotted with straw umbrellas and backed by rocky cliffs, it's a postcard-worthy spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach gets busy in summer thanks to its string of bars and restaurants, so this is definitely one if you like a party vibe.

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