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.

Plaka beach // Greece

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Generally regarded as the best beach on Naxos, Plaka is a huge stretch of fine white sand backed by low sand dunes. The waters of the bay at Plaka are calm and clear with a definite green tint.
Whilst there are areas of the beach with the familiar straw umbrellas and sun-beds, much of the beach still retains a relatively wild… read more »
Calanque d'En-vau // France

© Michmuch06 / CC BY

Set on the 10 mile stretch of coastline between Marseille and Cassis in southeast France are various stunning beaches, inlets and hidden coves. The calanques are fjord-like inlets carved into the white limestone by ancient rivers that have long since disappeared underground. Of all these deep inlets none is more beautiful than Calanque d'En-vau.
Set at the end of a… read more »
El Cofete Beach // Spain

© eyewave

Cofete Beach is located just around the headland from the southern tip of Fuertaventura. The bright lights and resorts to the north of the island will do nothing to prepare you for the awe-inspiring scale and wildness of this beach. The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand that continues for as far as the eye can see. Directly… read more »
Aguas Blancas Beach // Spain

© lunamarina / CanStockPhoto

The often quiet, secluded Aguas Blancas beach is a far cry from the resort towns on the south of the island. This long beach of fine sand gets its name (meaning "white water") from the white horse's that frequently crest the waves on choppy days. However, these prevailing winds that blow throughout the year become a welcome breeze in the… read more »
Pampelonne Beach // France

© Daniel Kaesler

In the playground for the rich and famous that is Saint Tropez, it is Pampelonne Beach that has been at the centre of this glamorous scene since the 1950s. This stretch of coast was made famous by Brigitte Bardot in when she appeared in a gingham bikini on Tahiti beach in the 1956 film "And God Created Woman".… read more »
Benirras Beach // Spain

© Tono Balaguer / 123RF

The small secluded bay of Cala Benirrás is on the north coast of the party island of Ibiza. Set at the foot of a pine covered valley this sheltered cove is ideal for swimming and the crystal clear water makes for great snorkelling. Being sheltered it is also a popular spot for yachts and motor boats to drop anchor and… read more »
Shell Bay, Studland // UK

Shell Bay is at the very end of the beautiful, unspoilt stretch of golden sand that forms Studland beach. Despite being on the edge of the busy Poole harbour and opposite the super exclusive developments at Sanbanks, Shell Bay retains a feel of the wilderness. This is partly due to being owned by the National Trust with the extensive sand… read more »
Balos Beach // Greece

© Pavel Timofeev / 123RF

Located on the north-western tip of Crete, Balos beach is a strip of sand and lagoon stretching between the Gramvousa Peninsula and the headland of Cape Tigani. The landscape of Balos is stunning with white / pink sand interspersed with turquoise pools all dominated by the bulk of cape Tigani. Despite the beach here being immensely popular there is a… read more »
Sveti Stefan // Montenegro

The islet of Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen) lies just a few kilometres along Montenegro's Adriatic coast from Budva. With such a stunning backdrop the beaches here wouldn't have to be up to that much to still get the thumbs up. However, with crystal clear turquoise waters, pink sand and backdrop of pine forest and mountains make Sveti Stefan a magical… read more »
Mylos // Greece

© spheeris / CC BY

Mylos is a particularly lovely beach that is located just 14.5 kilometers southwest of Lefkada Town. It sits between Agios Nikitas and Kathisma, and is a wonderfully secluded beach that is perfect for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. As you relax on the beach, you can drift off to the sound of… read more »
Lostmarc'h // France

© Louboutinj / CC BY

This sandy, Atlantic facing beach sits on the Crozon Peninsula barely a kilometer away from the Plage de L'ile Vierge on the opposite coast, yet the beaches could hardly be more different. You won't find any shelter from the ocean swells here and there are no trees to the back of the beach, just windswept dunes and heather strewn… read more »
Tisvildeleje Strand // Denmark

Kristoffer Trolle

Tisvildeleje Beach is one of many beaches within striking distance of Copenhagen. Around 30 km north of the city the sandy shores here sit alongside the popular holiday village of Tisvilde. The area has long been a favorite of fishermen, and an active fishing scene remains a key part of the beach's culture today. Enjoy restaurants serving up the catch… read more »
Kleopatra Beach // Turkey

© slonmoska

Alanya has evolved through the centuries, from a defensive bastion on Turkey's southern Mediterranean flank to a thriving holiday resort. This legacy can be clearly seen at the town's best sandy stretch, Kleopatra beach, which sits at the foot of an imposing headland topped with a medieval castle.
The beach is best viewed from the viewpoint of the castle as it… read more »
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay // Malta

Florian Timm

Located in the north western corner of Malta Għajn Tuffieħa is arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. A largely unspoiled crescent of golden-red sand, the beach is backed by gently sloping clay cliffs covered in greenery. To either end headlands bookmark the bay; the rocky point to the north is topped by one of Malta's 17th century coastal… 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… read more »