Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

• Oludeniz Beach // Turkey

  

  Ölüdeniz or Olu deniz is the Turkish for "Dead Sea" and this refers to the still waters of the lagoon that lies behind the beach. A more fitting and commonly used translation is the Blue Lagoon.

  The lagoon has crystal clear waters and provides an ideal safe place for children to play. It is separated from the sea by… read more »

• Cala Saona // Spain

  

  Small but perfectly formed Formentera is known for its superb beaches and being a relaxing getaway from its noisy neighbour Ibiza.

  The beach of Cala Saona sits within a small bay surrounded by red rocks where the soft white sands are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is very much a haven for peace and relaxation,… read more »

• Hoddevik // Norway

  

  Set at the foot of a green valley between towering cliffs on the far western coast of Norway is Hoddevik. This little fishing outpost with its weatherboard huts sits in front of one of the regions finest beaches. With almost a mile of fine white sand and clear blue waters this is an idyllic spot to (literally!) chill out and… read more »

• La Concha // Spain

  

  The beach of La Concha is a large crescent of fine golden sand with the city of San Sebastián as a backdrop. The beach is set in a spectacular semi-circular bay between the forested headlands of Monte Urgull and Igueldo. This vista is further enhanced by the tree covered Isla de Santa Clara rising out of the middle of bay.… read more »

• Playa de Anfi del Mar // Spain

  

  This cosy little bay is nestled snugly along Gran Canaria's south coast.

  The beach is an ice white sandy strip that draws families in, partly due to the calm and clear water, which is ideal for young children taking a paddle, and partly due to the family-friendly atmosphere here.

  Sunbeds and parasols can be rented on the sands, and there's a watersports… read more »

• Playa Meloneras // Spain

  

  Tucked away in Gran Canaria's southwestern corner, just a short way up the coast from Maspalomas' sand dunes, you'll find the soft golden sands at Playa de Meloneras.

  This 500-metre stretch of family-friendly beach rarely gets too crowded, with most tourists opting for the larger, busier spots along the coast, so it's ideal if you like plenty of wriggle room… read more »

• Fteri Beach // Greece

  

  Fteri Beach can be found on Kefalonia's northern coastline, a bay away from the famous Blue Lagoon. Even so, Fteri Beach tends to be much more tranquil than it really should be, since it can only be reached by boat or on foot along a marked hiking trail lasting at least 45 minutes each way. Water taxis depart from Zola… read more »

• St Paul's Bay // Greece

  

  Despite its diminutive size, Saint Paul's Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the Greek island of Rhodes. Located on the edge of the historic village of Lindos, St Paul's Bay is almost entirely enclosed by rocks on all sides with just the smallest of gaps for boats to come in and out of. This spectacular setting is… read more »

• Las Teresitas // Spain

  

  Sitting at the foot of the Anaga mountains in the north west of Tenerife is Las Teresitas beach. Despite the mile long sweeping curve of golden sand Las Teresitas manages to just slip under the tourist radar - strange when it has probably featured on more postcards than any other beach on the island! 

  That isn't to say it doesn't get… read more »

• Vestrahorn Beach // Iceland

  

  Vestrahorn, on the Stokksnes peninsula is one of those extremes of natural beauty that make Iceland such a fascinating destination. A wide, flat plain of volcanic black sand, backed by the still waters of a lagoon, suddenly rises up to the phenomenal heights of a series of jagged peaks of snow-capped gabbro rock. This is a photographer's paradise and even… read more »

• Primorsko // Bulgaria

  

  One of Bulgaria's premiere beachside resorts, Primorsko also has an illustrious history stretching back to the Bronze Age. The town also served as a medieval fortress and valuable port between Western and Ottoman traders. That legacy of international exchange remains vivid in Primorsko's vibrant café and nightlife culture.

  Regardless of the areas historic credentials, these are just a backdrop… read more »

• Grama Bay // Albania

  

  Situated on Albania's Ionian Sea coast Grama Bay is a small but beautiful cove almost surrounded by high, rocky cliffs. This semi-secret little beach is one of the real gems of the Albanian coast and as of yet completely untouched or spoiled by mass tourism. If you do make it here you won't be disappointed; the crystal clear azure water… read more »

• Ramla Beach // Malta

  

  The beautiful and pristine Ramla beach is situated on the north coast of the island of Gozo. Its full name is Ramla il-Ħamra, which is Maltese for "Red Sands" - this refers to the rich fiery golden hue of the beach which contrasts beautifully with the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean.

  The wide, gently curving Ramla Bay is bookmarked by… read more »

• Durdle Door // UK

  

  Durdle Door is the name of the limestone rock arch at the eastern end of this sand and shingle cove. Located on Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast this is just one of several geological curiosities within a stone's throw of each other.

  The beach sits at the base of high, white limestone cliffs and is only accessible from neighbouring Lulworth Cove… read more »

• El Papagayo Beach // Spain

  

  Set in Los Ajaches Nature Reserve near the southern tip of Lanzarote is El Papagayo beach. Actually there are four beaches collectively termed the Coasta de Papagayo but it is Playa de la Cera that is the best known. Frequently described as the most beautiful beach on Lanzarote Papagayo comprises a small crescent of white sand protected by cliffs to… read more »

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