Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

• Haväng // Sweden

  

  Havang beach is situated on the east coast of Skåne, and is part of what is a seemingly endless stretch of fine golden sand to the north of the town of Kivik. Widely regarded as the best beach in Österlen this is a beautiful and wild spot.

  Beyond the beach is a wonderful rural landscape of meadows and woodlands beyond which… read more »

• Playa Esmeralda // Spain

  

  Playa Esmeralda sits on the broad neck of the Jandia peninsula in the far south of Fuerteventura, and faces east. Best reached with a private vehicle, the final section of the journey requires a short drive along a dirt road from the FV-2 highway. Beyond the car park, low cliffs slip down onto the beige sand.

  Playa Esmeralda stretches for roughly… read more »

• Glyfada Beach // Greece

  

  One of Corfu's longer runs of beach, Glyfada Beach can be found on the island's west coast. Here low dunes and grasses slip down towards the sea before being halted in their progress by a depth of beautiful flat golden sand – a relatively rare occurrence on Corfu's shingle-strewn beaches.

  Generally attracting a younger crowd, it can be quite noisy and… read more »

• Agios Gordios Beach // Greece

  

  Agios Gordios is another fine beach located on the west coast of Corfu. Its ribbon of golden sand runs for approximately 1.5 metres in length, and is lined much of the way by restaurants, tavernas, and accommodation options. Despite this the resort still has the feel of a Greek village, complete with small supermarkets and other useful amenities.

  Taking its name… read more »

• Porthmeor Beach // UK

  

  St Ives is one of Cornwall's most popular holiday resorts. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the town is home to five wonderful sandy beaches of which Porthmeor is one. Porthmeor has it all, from golden sand and azures waters to the internationally renowned Tate Gallery which overlooks the beach. Just minutes along cobbled streets from the town centre there's… read more »

• Lalaria beach // Greece

  

  The beach of Lalaria is situated on the remote north coast of Skiathos. It is named after the round, white pebbles that make up the beach and give the waters here their aquamarine hue. There is little shelter from the sun here to which the sheer, sun-bleached limestone cliffs are testimony.

  What makes Lalaria one of the most photographed… read more »

• Tonnara di Scopello // Italy

  

  This little cove is hidden away near the village of Scopello in the Zingaro nature reserve. It is the prefect meeting of a beautiful natural location with some fine old crumbling buildings.

  Just off the coast, rising dramatically out of the crystal clear waters are the faraglioni, a series of natural rock towers. These are echoed by the ruins of… read more »

• Tropea Beach // Italy

  

  Located in the "toe" of Italy as it dips into the Mediterranean Sea is the pretty old town of Tropea. Here you will find the lovely Marasusa Beach with its gently shelving white sands, calm crystal clear aqua waters and stunning cliffs. It is these cliffs and the ancient dwellings that perch on them that really set this beach off.

  Here… read more »

• Plage de Morgat // France

  

  Set on a sheltered section of the picturesque Crozon peninsula, the wide golden sand Plage de Morgat is one of the finest in Finistère. The beach is backed by the popular little holiday town of the same name. Once a sardine port, the village of Morgat grew into an elegant seaside resort over the 19th century and many fine beachfront… read more »

• Djúpalónssandur Beach // Iceland

  

  Sitting on the tip of the wonderous Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur. Being Iceland you will not be disappointed by the other-worldly volcanic rock forms including one with a hole in the middle as you approach the beach. There is also a small lagoon set among the pebbles towards the back of the beach.

  Djúpalónssandur has… read more »

• Falassarna Beach // Greece

  

  The island of Crete is famed for its great beaches, particularly in the north west. Falassarna beach is among the very best of these with its fine white sand and crystal-clear, azure waters. 

  Set in a long sweeping bay backed by agricultural land Falasarna rarely feels crowded owing to its size. Visitors are well catered for with several bars and cafes… read more »

• Golden Sands // Bulgaria

  

  Any list of Bulgaria's top beaches wouldn't be complete without Golden Sands Beach. It is easily one of the best known beaches in the country, and has long been a popular summer spot with locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for somewhere a little more family-friendly and peaceful than the more touristic Sunny Beach, Golden Sands Beach may… read more »

• Playa de Benijo // Spain

  

  Forming a part of Parque Rural de Anaga, Playa de Benijo lies on Tenerife's northern coast close to the island's easternmost point. It runs without break into the neighbouring beach of Playa de Fabin although its widest point sits at the base of the curve of the bay.

  Because of its location within the reserve, Playa de Benijo is one… read more »

• Woolacombe Beach // UK

  

  Woolacombe beach in North Devon was recently voted the best beach in the UK by TripAdvisor users. Whilst I can think of at least twenty beaches I prefer to Woolacombe, there is no denying it is a good beach, especially for families.

  The beach at Woolacombe is a vast stretch of flat golden sand backed by a warren of sand… read more »

• Paradise Beach // Greece

  

  The person who named Paradise beach was probably inspired by the soft golden sand and warm crystalline waters. Straw umbrellas and loungers adorn the waterside and there are plenty of beach-side cafes and bars. Possibly not the best family beach in the area but the nightlife is very lively.

  read more »

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