Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Ghajn Tuffieha Bay // Malta

    Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
    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 »

  • Mogren Beach // Montenegro

    Mogren Beach

    Making up a particularly pleasant stretch of the Budva Riviera are the twin beaches of Mogren. Stretching for around 400 metres the beaches of Mogren 1 and Mogren 2 are connected by a cave-like tunnel through a small headland. It is worth walking the extra bit to the second beach.

    Despite being just around the corner from the busy… read more »

  • Bolonia // Spain

    Bolonia

    In the province of Cadiz in Andalucia are the white sands of Bolonia beach which stretch out far along the coastline. Untouched and secluded, the soft sandy beach is backed by the remains of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, which are worth exploring.

    There is also a nudist section of the beach at the southern end of the bay.

    read more »
  • Playa de Fañabé // Spain

    Playa de Fañabé
    Falco Ermert

    A long ribbon of dark sand on the Costa Adeje of Tenerife's southwest coast, Playa Fanabe is one of the best all-round beaches on this side of the island. Calm waters make paddling with little ones a joy, while a lifeguard presence provides an extra feeling of security.

    Another of Tenerife's Blue Flag beaches, Playa Fanabe is also one of its… read more »

  • Haukland Beach // Norway

    Haukland Beach
    Michele Agostini

    The stunning and dramatic natural scenery of the Lofoten Islands is well known. A landscape of jagged, rocky mountains that drop precipitously into the clear blue waters of the Arctic Sea. And a coastline dotted with white-sand beaches that are amongst the most gorgeous on earth. Amongst such beauty it is impossible to pick a favourite, but Haukland beach comes… read more »

  • Kvalvika // Norway

    Kvalvika
    Markus Trienke

    Situated in a remote bay on the north-west coast of Moskenesøy, the beach at Kvalvika is possibly the most dramatic in the Lofoten Islands, and that is saying something.

    Here the mountains meet the sea, and the goldens sands of the beach are flanked by precipitous, sheer rock faces, the most iconic of which is Ryten. This peak rises 550… read more »

  • Playa de los Alemanes // Spain

    Playa de los Alemanes
    Benjamincebrian

    Located next to the village of Zahara isPlaya de los Alemanes, a largely unspoilt stretch of golden sand. Reaching about 1,500 metres (a mile) in width, the beach would never get crowded, even if it was on the beaten track.

    Backed by a gently sloping hillside dotted with upmarket villas the wide bay still retains much of its natural appeal. There… read more »

  • Cala en Turqueta // Spain

    Cala en Turqueta
    hugos007

    Cala en Turqueta is arguably the most beautiful cala (cove) on Menorca. The beach is set in a deep, rocky inlet with pine forests to all sides. The sand here is fine and near white whilst the crystalline water is a beautiful mix of blues and turquoise. This is where the beach gets its name, and it certainly lives up… read more »

  • Caló des Moro // Spain

    Caló des Moro
    © facundohimself

    Hidden away in a deep rocky inlet near Mallorca's southern tip is the picturesque little cove of Caló des Moro. For many years this was one of the island's true hidden gems, but over the years, as photos surfaced in the travel media this idyllic spot's cover has been well and truly blown. With images of bright white sand and… read more »

  • Jaz Beach // Montenegro

    Jaz Beach

    Jaz beach is one of many fine beaches on Montenegro's Budva Riviera. Within easy walking distance of the historic town of Budva itself the beach at Jaz has a bit of something for everyone.

    Whilst on the one hand you will find plenty of opportunity to relax on a sunlounger, get a massage and take in the views of the… read more »

  • Reynisfjara beach // Iceland

    Reynisfjara beach
    © Felix Lipov

    Reynisfjara is one of Iceland's most iconic and spectacular beaches. Located around 2 hours from the capital Reykjavik, Reynisfjara is near the village Vik in Myrdalur on Iceland's South Coast. To the southern end of the beach is the 120 meter high promontory of Dyrhólaey, Iceland's most southerly point.

    This black sand beach is a geologist's wet dream with hosts… read more »

  • Kathisma Beach // Greece

    Kathisma Beach
    © Alf van Beem

    On an island sometimes referred to as the Caribbean of Greece a beach needs to be pretty special to stand out. Kathisma, with its long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is such a beach. Set on the "wilder" western coast of Lefkada the beach here is backed by rugged mountainous terrain and features some interesting rock formations to… read more »

  • Butterfly Valley // Turkey

    Butterfly Valley
    © Anastasia Tsarskaya

    Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is within a stone's throw of the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz and every bit as remarkable. In fact, the only practical way to reach the beach here is by taking a boat from Ölüdeniz. You may have guessed from the name that Butterfly Valley is set at the end of an impressive canyon and is home… read more »

  • Brela Beach // Croatia

    Brela Beach

    Brela is a charming little town on Croatia's Adriatic coast roughly midway between Split and Makarska. With the backdrop of the Biokovo mountains and lapped by the crystal clear azure waters of the Adriatic this largely unspoilt stretch of coast is quite stunning.

    There are a number of separate coves that make up the 6km stretch of Brela Beach. All… read more »

  • Pomorie Beach // Bulgaria

    Pomorie Beach
    Boby Dimitrov

    One spot on the Southern half of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast which is well worth a visit is Pomorie Beach with its 5 km of dazzling white sand. The area is well-known in the region for the mineral water produced by springs in the town. In addition, Pomorie Bay is a magnet for a wide range of yachts and… read more »