Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

• 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 »

• Benagil Beach // Portugal

  

  Like many others on the Algarve, Benagil was a small fishing village. Unlike many others Benagil has managed to retain some of its charm and a little of its industry. Along with the sandstone cliffs, clear waters and golden sand of this archetypal Algarvian cove you will find fishing boats, baskets and nets and a few of the fishermen who… read more »

• Forno Beach // Italy

  

  The third and smallest of three beaches in Biodola Bay, Forno beach is also the best. Set in a picturesque little cove surrounded by forested hillsides and overlooked by fine villas this little beach also manages to escape the worst of the summer crowds.

  The beach here is fine golden sand and the warm Mediterranean water crystal clear, but what… read more »

• Porthcurno Cove // UK

  

  Porthcurno is one of the most westerly beaches in mainland Britain, just a few miles around the coast from Land's End. This cove is stunning in so many respects; the near white sand which is made from ground up sea shells, the clear turquoise water and the rugged granite cliffs that form a natural amphitheatre. The cove is not only… read more »

• Plage de L'ile Vierge // France

  

  Quite possibly the most stunning beach in Brittany, if not France, Plage de L'ile Vierge was once voted the "7th Most Beautiful beach in Europe". Set on the sheltered eastern side of Brittany's Crozon Peninsula the beach here is mostly pebbles backed by high white cliffs to which pine trees cling. The water here is a crystal clear turquoise… read more »

• Dhërmi Beach // Albania

  

  Dhërmi beach is often cited as the finest beach in Albania - hard to argue with this when this is where Albaninian prime ministers allegedly come to holiday! It isn't hard to see why. Set in a small bay, the village clings to the high sloping cliffs which rise up from the beach.

  The beach here is everything you would expect from… read more »

• St Malo Grande Plage // France

  

  Stretching from the Intra Muros (walled town) to Pointe de Rochebonne the aptly named "Big beach" consists of over 2 kilometres of gently sloping golden sand. This north facing beach can be divided up into several sections, the longest, and most popular of which is the Plage du Sillon which backs onto St Malo itself. Further along, at Parame is the… read more »

• Baie de Trépassés // France

  

  The beautiful unspoilt beach of Baie de Trépassés is tucked away behind the rugged Pointe du Raz, France's most westerly point. These jagged 70 metre cliffs not only provide a stunning backdrop but help protect the beach from the south-westerly winds. However, there is no getting away from the fact this is an exposed beach which often faces the full wrath… read more »

• Saint George Beach // Greece

  

  Agios Georgios, better known to pretty much everyone as Saint George Beach, is perhaps the most visited beach anywhere on Naxos. Taking its name from an attractive little chapel at its northern end, it lies just south of Naxos town, only 300 metres from Plateia Protodikiou, the town's main square.

  Easily reached on foot, Saint George Beach sits firmly within the… read more »

• Kaputas Beach // Turkey

  

  This tiny, but perfect stretch of sand sparkles against the beautiful,clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded by steep golden cliffs, and the views out over the beach are something to behold. You do need to climb down a long set of steps to reach the beach, but it is worth the effort.

  Once you reach the… read more »

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