Europe's Top 50+ Beaches

• Pampelonne Beach // France

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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 »

• Sotavento // Spain

  

  Situated on the "Calma Costa" which runs along the south east coast of Fuerteventura is Sotavento beach. A vast tract of golden, windswept beach this stretch of coast is about one of the most remote areas on the island.

  Sotavento is a collection of beaches which together create a virtually unbroken stretch of sand from Playa Barca right down… 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

  

  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

  

  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 »

• Plage Baluden // France

  

  The Plage Baluden is located on the south coast of Belle-Île-en-Mer in the same bay as the bigger Plage d'Herlin. The beach here is somewhat smaller than its neighbour but arguably even prettier. Fine golden sand and clear blue water with gently sloping gassy dunes to the rear.

  Sheltered by rocky outcrops to either side this little cove is sheltered from… read more »

• Tisvildeleje Strand // Denmark

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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 »

• 

  Oceania

• 

  North America

• 

  South America

• 

  Africa

• 

  Europe

• 

  Central America