14 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe To Enjoy the Sun
Looking for a sumptuous and sun-kissed beach vacation across the Pond this year? Wondering where to go? Here are 14 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe to consider.
With approximately 89,000 miles of spectacular coastline, Europe is no stranger to beautiful beaches. From secluded Italian coves and windswept Irish bays to sweeping expanses of sun-kissed Greek sand, this diverse continent has a beach for every interest and occasion.
Compiling a list of the best beaches in Europe is no mean feat, but with summer upon us, we thought we’d give it a go. Whether you want to watch the Northern Lights dance above Norwegian waters, swim in teal seas off the Portuguese coast, or sunbathe for days on pristine Spanish bays, here are 14 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
1. Praia da Ursa, Portugal
Portugal is renowned for its beaches, but few are as dramatic as this one. With rugged cliffs and colossal rock formations, Praia da Ursa is an atmospheric place close to Cabo da Roca – Europe’s westernmost point. Its name means “Bear Beach,” courtesy of a particular sea stack that resembles a bear cradling its cub.
There are no facilities at Praia da Ursa, and it’s only accessible via a rocky trail down from the cliffs. On the positive side, these minor inconveniences mean you’ll have the beach mostly to yourself.
2. As Catedrais Beach, Spain
The name of this famous beach in Galicia (a region of northwest Spain) translates as “The Cathedrals.” It’s an apt description for a designated Natural Monument known for its majestic rock formations (some of which reach heights of over 30 meters), natural arches, caves, and tidal pools.
Adding to As Catedrais’ intrigue is the fact you can only access it in the lead up to low tide. You also need a reservation to visit.
3. Barafundle Bay, Wales
Barafundle Bay is an award-winning wedge of golden sand on the Pembrokeshire Coast in southwest Wales.
It’s one of the region’s best-known and most beloved beaches – an unspoiled hidden gem tucked away in gorgeous rural surroundings. The dunes, trees, and rugged cliffs add to Barafundle’s aesthetic appeal. You get there via a short walk around the coast from a nearby car park.
4. Blue Lagoon, Malta
Swimming spots in the Mediterranean don’t get much more picturesque than Malta’s Blue Lagoon. The white sand and crystal-clear, bright turquoise waters make it an absolute delight.
You’ll find this idyllic spot on the tiny island of Comino, which is accessible via a short boat ride from Gozo (the second-largest island of the Maltese Archipelago). Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and cliff-jump into pristine seas for a memorable day trip in a magical setting.
5. Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
No beach-hopping itinerary in Croatia is complete without visiting this iconic spit of sand on Brač island. Known as Golden Horn Beach, its shimmering turquoise waters, pristine sands, and unmistakable shape have turned it into a go-to attraction.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, a good alternative is Murvica Beach. Located just a mile or two west of Zlatni Rat, this glorious stretch of shingle should be much quieter.
6. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Wild and windswept, Reynisfjara Beach showcases the very best of Iceland’s coastal beauty. Located close to the country’s southernmost village, Vik í Myrdal, this striking crescent of black sand makes for a brooding, atmospheric place.
It’s backed by striking cliffs and basalt columns, lapped by Atlantic whitewash, and has rocky sea stacks (called Reynisdrangar) full of nesting birds. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones may recognize Reynisfjara as the filming location for Eastwatch-by-the-sea.
7. Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
This underrated Balkan nation is blessed with many incredible coves. None are as distinctive as Sveti Stefan Beach, though. Located alongside a causeway to an iconic island (home to the exclusive Aman Sveti Stefan resort), it’s like a scene from a postcard.
The northern end of the beach belongs to the resort, which charges non-guests a considerable sum to spend the day there. Thankfully, the pebble beach at the southern end is free.
8. Keem Beach, Achill Island, Ireland
Connected to the mainland via a bridge, Achill Island is a rugged hunk of mountainous land off Ireland’s beloved Atlantic coast. On its west coast sits a national treasure: Keem Beach.
This stunning expanse of golden sand, awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness, is cherished by tourists and locals alike. Nestled at the foot of dramatic grassy cliffs, you’ll find a remote and secluded beach perfect for frigid swims and relaxed strolls.
9. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Welcome to one of the most popular beaches on the Spanish island of Menorca. A small and remote cove in the southwest, Cala Macarella is a wedge of sand surrounded by verdant forest that emerges from an impressive gorge. The sand is bright white, the water’s warm and clear, and the whole place feels like paradise.
Right next door is the equally beautiful Cala Macarelleta – an even smaller and less accessible cove that’s a short 15-minute walk away.
10. Porto Katsiki Beach, Greece
In a country known globally for its beaches, it says something that Porto Katsiki inevitably ranks among Greece’s finest. You’ll find this narrow strip of paradise on Lefkada – an island famous for its dramatic white cliffs, traditional villages, and turquoise waters.
Porto Katsiki is located on the southwest coast. A thin arc of powdery white sand with near-vertical cliffs on one side and clear turquoise waters on the other, it’s as gorgeous as beaches get.
11. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily, Italy
The south coast of Lampedusa (the largest of Italy’s Pelagian Islands) has one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth – let alone Europe. Spiaggia dei Conigli has warm, shallow, clear, and bright turquoise waters that lap a long stretch of pristine white sand.
Although the name means “Rabbit Beach,” you’re more likely to see loggerhead sea turtles, which lay their eggs here. Keep this in mind if you visit in summer. Officials shut the beach overnight during nesting season to protect the turtles.
12. Kvalvika Beach, Norway
Want to see the Northern Lights dancing overhead as you listen to breaking waves echo off snowcapped mountains? Go to Kvalvika Beach. Located on the northern side of Moskenesøy, one of the famed Lofoten Islands, this isolated sandy beach is as rugged and wild as it gets.
You can only get here on foot, but it’s a relatively easy hike from the trailhead. Upon arrival, you’ll gaze in wonder at 600-meter-high mountains that drop steeply into swirling waters below.
13. Calanque En-Vau, France
Between Marseille and Cassis in southern France is a stretch of coastline renowned for its “calanques.” These narrow inlets with steep limestone cliffs on either side are stunning, and Calanque En-Vau is one of the area’s most famous.
A patch of sugar-soft white sand nestled at the foot of jagged gray cliffs, this isolated cove feels like a lost world. The warm, calm, and crystal-clear turquoise water is the cherry on top.
14. Plage de Santa Giulia, Corsica
Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea with a picture-perfect coastline. While most of its beaches deserve a spot on this list, Plage de Santa Giulia is particularly special. With its translucent water and pristine white sand, you could easily be in the Caribbean.
The sea is warm, calm, and shallow, which makes it ideal for family outings. Just make sure you arrive early if you’re visiting in peak season. It’s a popular place, so the car parks fill up fast.
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