There are numerous stunning beaches in Europe, but a select few stand out as exceptionally beautiful and incredibly popular among visitors and tourists. From the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the striking landscapes of the Atlantic coast, these beaches offer a blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse recreational activities, and rich cultural experiences that are simply irresistible to globe trotters.
These beautiful beaches embody the perfect fusion of nature’s artistry and tranquil leisure, leaving every visitor with unforgettable memories and a longing to return.
Here is our selected list of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Europe. Enjoy:
1.
- La Concha Beach (The Shell Beach)
- Where: San Sebastian, Spain
- Why: Its stunning shell-shaped coastline, clear waters, and golden sands make it one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
- Visitors: 500,000+ annually
- How to reach: You can easily reach the beach on foot or by bus from the city center of San Sebastian.
- To think about before: The beach can be crowded in peak summer months, and it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Bilbao
- Nearest airports: San Sebastian Airport
2.
- Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
- Where: Zakynthos, Greece
- Why: Famous for the shipwreck lodged in its sands and the stunning surrounding cliffs.
- Visitors: 200,000+ annually
- How to reach: Accessible only by boat, many tour companies offer daily trips to the beach.
- To think about before: There are no facilities or shade at the beach. Bring your own food, drink, and sun protection.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Zakynthos City
- Nearest airports: Zakynthos International Airport
3.
- Praia da Marinha (Navy Beach)
- Where: Algarve, Portugal
- Why: Known for its double-arched cliffs and stunningly clear water, it’s often hailed as the most beautiful beach in Portugal.
- Visitors: 100,000+ annually
- How to reach: You can reach it by car, it’s about 1-hour drive from Faro.
- To think about before: There are quite a few stairs to reach the beach, so be prepared for the descent and climb.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Faro, Portimao
- Nearest airports: Faro Airport
4.
- Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn Beach)
- Where: Brač, Croatia
- Why: Famous for its unique shape, which changes with the currents, and beautiful clear water.
- Visitors: 120,000+ annually
- How to reach: Easily accessible by a 20-minute walk from Bol or by taxi boat.
- To think about before: This is a pebble beach, not sand. Bring appropriate footwear.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Split
- Nearest airports: Split Airport
5.
- Cala Goloritzé (Goloritzé Cove)
- Where: Sardinia, Italy
- Why: Known for its turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. The beach is a UNESCO heritage site.
- Visitors: 50,000+ annually
- How to reach: Reachable by a 90-minute hike from the Golgo Plateau or by boat from Santa Maria Navarrese.
- To think about before: No services are available at the beach. Bring your own necessities.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Nuoro, Cagliari
- Nearest airports: Cagliari Elmas Airport
6.
- Plage de Pampelonne (Pampelonne Beach)
- Where: St. Tropez, France
- Why: This 5 km long beach is known for its fine sandy coastline and is frequented by celebrities.
- Visitors: 200,000+ annually
- How to reach: By car from Saint-Tropez, it’s about 15 minutes drive.
- To think about before: Some sections of the beach are private and have entrance fees.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Saint-Tropez, Cannes
- Nearest airports: Toulon-Hyères Airport
7.
- Balos Lagoon
- Where: Crete, Greece
- Why: Known for its exotic scenery, white sand, and turquoise waters.
- Visitors: 150,000+ annually
- How to reach: By car followed by a hike or by a boat tour from Kissamos.
- To think about before: The hike down to the lagoon can be tough, especially in the heat. Wear good shoes.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Chania
- Nearest airports: Chania International Airport
8.
- Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals)
- Where: Galicia, Spain
- Why: Known for its spectacular rock formations that resemble gothic cathedrals.
- Visitors: 300,000+ annually
- How to reach: Accessible by car from the town of Ribadeo, about 10 minutes drive.
- To think about before: The beach is only accessible during low tide. Check the tide times before you go.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Ribadeo, Lugo
- Nearest airports: Asturias Airport
9.
- Ölüdeniz Beach (Dead Sea Beach)
- Where: Fethiye, Turkey
- Why: Known for its blue lagoon and paragliding activities.
- Visitors: 200,000+ annually
- How to reach: By bus or car from Fethiye, about 30 minutes drive.
- To think about before: The Blue Lagoon part of the beach has an entry fee.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Fethiye, Antalya
- Nearest airports: Dalaman Airport
10.
Dune du Pilat
- Where: La Teste-de-Buch, France
- Why: This is the tallest sand dune in Europe offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Visitors: 1 million+ annually
- How to reach: By car or by bus from Bordeaux.
- To think about before: The climb to the top of the dune can be strenuous. Wear suitable footwear.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Bordeaux, Arcachon
- Nearest airports: Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
11.
Scala dei Turchi (Stair of the Turks)
- Where: Realmonte, Sicily, Italy
- Why: Unique for its white marlstone cliff which resembles a staircase.
- Visitors: 500,000+ annually
- How to reach: By car or bus from Agrigento, about 20 minutes drive.
- To think about before: Wear appropriate footwear as the climb to the beach can be slippery.
- Link on Google Maps: Here
- Nearest cities: Agrigento
- Nearest airports: Comiso Airport, Palermo Airport
