Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Möysä // Finland

    Möysä
    Tiia Monto

    Like many of the cities in the inland part of Finland, Lahti is home to some wonderful lakeside beaches, with Möysä Beach chiefly among them.

    The beach area is noted for its soft beige sand and lush forested area nearby teeming with greenery. The water is incredibly clear here, making it ideal for swimming.

    There is a playground for children nearby and… read more »

  • Otanlahti // Finland

    Otanlahti
    Joe Kaniini

    Another one of the many inland lake areas that boast sandy beaches as well, Otanlahti Beach offers a scenic view of the expansive waters that dominate the area.

    Here you'll find an array of fishing and sailing boats - year-round boating is a popular activity here. The same can be said about swimming, as the beach area boasts some of the… read more »

  • Aurinkolahti // Finland

    Aurinkolahti
    © Migro

    Situated on the eastern half of the city, Aurinkolahti is one of the most up and coming districts in Helsinki. At its heart is Aurinkolahti Beach, one of the best and most popular beaches in the greater Helsinki region.

    Whether you visit in the warmer or cooler months, the soft golden sand is quite a contrast to the powerful rocks jutting… read more »

  • Pyynikin // Finland

    Pyynikin
    Ville .fi

    The Nordic countries have a rich fishing and seafaring history with most major cities being situated on the coast. Finland's second city, Tampere, feels like it is on the coast but the waters here don't connect to the Baltic Sea. Instead, the city borders several large lakes within the heart of Finland. Pyynikin Beach is located on the shores of… read more »

  • Charco del Conde // Spain

    Charco del Conde
    Falco Ermert

    Nestled into a quiet spot on La Gomera's west coast, Charco del Conde is a particularly popular beach with families.

    As with nearly all of the island's beaches, it's characterised by an imposing mountainous backdrop and volcanic black sands. There are lots of rocks as you approach the water too, so it's a good idea to invest in a pair of… read more »

  • Playa del Castillo de San Gabriel // Spain

    Playa del Castillo de San Gabriel
    RocioCorzo

    Playa del Castillo de San Gabriel is a tiny, sandy beach located in Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife. Set along the harbour wall, the beach lies in the shadow of the historic Castillo de San Gabriel, a 16th-century fortress built to defend the island from pirates.

    With its patch of golden sand and calm, shallow waters, Playa del Castillo is ideal for… read more »

  • El Burro // Spain

    El Burro
    Vilmos Vincze

    Playa del Burro is a lovely, unspoiled beach located towards the northeast corner of Fuerteventura. Set within the Corralejo Natural Park the beach has fine golden sand dunes, turquoise waters, and strong winds, which make it a favourite among kite surfers and windsurfers.

    The beach is part of the Dunas de Corralejo, a protected area famous for its vast sand… read more »

  • Playa del Confital // Spain

    Playa del Confital
    Bengt Nyman

    This laid-back spot is Gran Canaria's most northerly beach and is fairly off the beaten track. The vast majority of beachgoers who come here are locals, and it's a popular spot for sunset picnics and family barbecues.

    In terms of facilities, there aren't any, and that's how the locals like to keep it. There's a tiny town with a supermarket and… read more »

  • El Hierro // Spain

    El Hierro
    © André Meyer-Vitali

    El Hierro is one of the beaches located on Fuerteventura more remote "North Track". A wild and rugged beach it is known for its powerful waves and volcanic landscape. This is one of the island’s top spots for surfing, attracting experienced surfers looking for challenging waves.

    Unlike the expansive golden-sand beaches further south, El Hierro has a mix of black… read more »

  • Flag Beach // Spain

    Flag Beach
    Bengt Nyman

    Situated on the coastal side of Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park, the stretch of sand which forms Flag Beach also goes by a number of other names, including Playa de Pozo and Playa del Medano. 

    Curving around Fuerteventura's northeast coastline, the beach offers views of Isla de Lobos and some of the best water sports facilities on the island. These… read more »

  • Playa La Cocina // Spain

    Playa La Cocina
    Artsuaga

    Playa La Cocina is a small, secluded beach on the very southern tip of the little island of La Graciosa.  Set beneath the striking volcanic cone of Montaña Amarilla ("Yellow mountain") its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic backdrop make it one of the island's most scenic and peaceful spots.

    The beach is quite sheltered from strong winds, and the… read more »

  • Playa del Salado // Spain

    Playa del Salado
    © Pablo FJ.

    Playa del Salado is located on La Graciosa, the small island just off the northern tip of Lanzarote. The  beach sits in a wide, natural bay and features golden-sand with turquoise waters and dramatic views back to the main island.

    Situated close to Caleta de Sebo, the island’s main village, Playa del Salado is easily accessible on foot or by… read more »

  • Las Playas // Spain

    Las Playas
    Victor R. Ruiz

    Las Playas is a remote and unspoiled beach on the eastern coast of El Hierro. Comprised of black volcanic sand and pebbles, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, creating a dramatic and secluded atmosphere.

    Unlike the more touristy beaches of the Canary Islands, Las Playas is a quiet retreat, perfect for those seeking an escape. The waters are usually… read more »

  • Playa de las Gaviotas // Spain

    Playa de las Gaviotas
    Beneharo Hdez.

    Located among the bare cliff faces of Tenerife's north, Playa de las Gaviotas is a nudist friendly beach with charcoal grey sand on a small curve of coastline. Although just a short distance from Playa de la Teresitas, Gaviotas is altogether a much more relaxed affair.

    Almost disappearing entirely with the waves of high tide, the beach is backed by… read more »

  • Playa de Troya // Spain

    Playa de Troya
    Ayuntamiento de la Histórica Villa de Adeje

    This caramel-coloured stretch of sand sits in Tenerife's Costa Adeje area, just a two-minute stroll along the coast from the loud and lively Playa de las Americas

    With its soft sands, calm waters and plentiful facilities, this beach has a Blue Flag tick to its name. On the facilities front, you'll find showers, toilets, umbrellas and sunloungers to name just… read more »