Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

Stretching from the icy waters of the Nordic nations to the myriad of islands in the Mediterranean, Europe has a vast and convoluted coastline. There is no shortage of beaches either and these come in every shape and size imaginable. From wide, powder sand family-friendly resort beaches to breathtaking, secluded bays with fantastical rock formations, Europe has them all.

Of course we have included all the favourites from Spain, France, Greece and Italy as well as the up and coming gems of Eastern Europe such as Croatia and Albania. But Europe has more to offer and there are stunning beaches in every corner of this continent.

So whether you want to escape the summer crowds, find epic surf or just top up your tan you are sure to find it amongst our selection of the very finest European beaches.

Les Grottes (Île du Levant) // France

#hyerestourisme

One of the four islands which make up the Îles d'Hyères, the Île du Levant sits just off the southern tip of mainland France. Less than 10km off the coast the island is a quick ferry ride away, but a very different world awaits.
The majority of the heavily forested 8km long island is owned by the French military and is… read more »
Plage de Tahiti // France

Fred Bigio

Set just far enough out of the town of Saint Tropez yet within a stone's throw is one of the areas best known beaches - the Plage de Tahiti. Adjoining Pampelonne beach this broad stretch of sand has everything one would expect from one of the French Riviera's top spots.
On quieter days, outside the summer holidays, the beach… read more »
Plage de Kerler // France

© atomdruid

This long strip of sand stretches for nearly 2 kilometres between the popular holiday town of Benodet and Pointe de Mousterlin. However, the beach manages to retain an air of seclusion and wilderness as it is cut off from the town by a river estuary.
It is perhaps because of this relative remoteness that the beach has a nudist section. This clothing… read more »
Spiaggia di Marianelli // Italy

© izanbar

The Spiaggia di Marianelli Riserva Naturale di Vendicari sits near the southeastern tip of Sicily looking out over the Ionian Sea. It is one of a string of lovely beaches set within the protected coastline of the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari.
Nestled in a small, shallow bay backed by sand dunes dotted with almond and lemon trees, Marianelli is widely viewed as… read more »
Acquarilli Naturist Beach // Italy

© bill_17

Set in a horseshoe shaped bay on the southern coast of Elba, Acquarilli is a charming little beach that, unlike its neighbours, never attracts a crowd. Spiaggia di Acquarilli is located between the popular beaches of Lido di Capoliveri and Lacona, which are probably the best-known on the island. The reason this little cove remains quiet is that access is a… read more »
La Feniglia // Italy

trolvag

The Spiaggia della Feniglia, or just La Feniglia is a vast expanse of sandy beach which connects the promontory of Argentario to the Tuscan mainland. With 7 kilometres of sand arcing its way along the bay it isn't difficult to find a quiet spot, although it does tend to be quite busy at either end of the beach.
If you do make it… read more »
Spiaggia di Fetovaia // Italy

© DanieleFiaschi

Perhaps the most photographed beach on the island of Elba, and it's easy to see why. Besides the near white sand and incredibly clear blue water the beach is protected by the 800 metre headland of Punta di Fetovaia. This granite finger of rock, covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation points out into the Tyrrhenian Sea forming a long, narrow and… read more »
Le Cannelle // Italy

Richard Grant

The Spiaggia delle Cannelle lies on the eastern coast of the little Tuscan island of Giglio. Backed by steep Mediterranean slopes this beach of fine white sand is caressed by crystal clear water which ranges from bright blues to emerald.
Despite its remote location off the coast of Tuscany, Le Cannelle always draws a crowd in the summer. You will generally find… read more »
Spiaggia del Quercetano // Italy

finn@interstil.no

Quercetano Bay is set in the little seaside town of Castiglioncello, not far down the Tuscan coast from Livorno. This pretty spot was put on the map by the cult classic 1960s film, Il Sorpasso (The Easy Life). With its diminutive castle, pine forest and laid-back charm it's not hard to see why Castiglioncello continues to draw a crowd.
The coastline here is… read more »