When people think of Europe, they often think of the green hills of Ireland and the bustling streets of Paris, but the beaches should get more attention! I have been to Europe many times and traveled all over so I am excited to share what I think are the best beaches in Europe!
My favorite beach on here is Llafranc for the traditional European beach vacation, but if you are looking for something completely different, then I recommend Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland!
European beaches have so much to offer and I hope I can inspire you to visit! Also, check out my post on the best times to visit Europe!
15 Best Beaches In Europe You Must Visit
Cala Monachile, Polignano a Mare
Cala Monachile is all about the views. The view in the picture below comes from an archway known as Ponte Lama Monachile. Or you can look towards the beach from Terrazza Santo Stefano. Beaches in Italy never disappoint to be honest.
The surrounding town is one of my favorite coastal holidays in Europe because the town has so much to offer. From sea cave exploration to the beautiful historic town center. Keep an eye out, there is poetry written all over this perfect seaside town.
The beach is the main reason to go to Polignano a Mare because it is beautiful all year round!
Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey
A gem of Turkey’s Southern Coast, Ölüdeniz Beach is one of my favorite clearest water beaches in Europe! People flock to Ölüdeniz Beach because of the varying shades of turquoise and azure in contrast with the pillowy soft sands.
This is the perfect beach to visit if you love to get in the water. No boats are allowed in the area and the protected area of the lagoon, makes this a safe and easy place to swim!
There is also the option to hire a canoe or paddleboat to explore the rockier shores while you search for mussles! Ölüdeniz Beach is a really special place!
Playa de las Catedrales, Spain
One of the great beach destinations in Europe is Playa de las Caterdrales in Spain. Located along the western side of the country’s Galician coast is a real wonder. Along the beach are unusual geological formations.
Known as the Beach of the Holy Waters or Beach of the Catherdrals because the rock formations resemble the soaring arches of Gothic cathedrals. To add to the wonder, the glory of these formations is only truly revealed at low tied. When the water recedes, natural arches, cliffs, and sea caves are revealed!
Calanque d’en Vau, France
The Calanque d’en Vau is one of Europe’s top beaches for me! Located in the south of France, this beach is located in a cove with high cliffs on either side, crystal clear water, and a pebble beach.
The white-grey limestone cliffs contrast so beautifully with the turquoise water and I could really just sit on my towel and look at it all day. There are no homes or development really so once you’re there, it feels like you could be in an unexplored part of the world.
Rabbit Beach, Sicily
Isola Dei Conigli, or Rabbit Island is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe! Located on the island of Lampedusa it is actually closer to the coast of North Africa than it is to any part of Italy!
Summer temperatures are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) and rain is rare. This beach is remote which means crowds are never very high! The water is a crystal clear azure and the sand is white! With the heat and the colors, you will feel like you’re in the tropics!
I have a lot of information on beaches in Sicily if you are planning a trip there!
Llafranc, Spain
Llafranc in Spain is one of the best European beach holiday destinations! Located 80 miles from Barcelona, the seaside promenade was a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dali.
The golden sand and the turquoise water surrounded by the upscale market and hotels is the picture of life on the Mediterranean Sea. This is the perfect place to lay out in the sun all day and cool off in the water before your 8pm dinner reservation. Please visit Llafranc and tell me you loved it!
Seilebost, Scotland
One of the nicest beaches in Europe is Seilebost Beach in Scotland. Depending on the tide, the location can either be a small beach or the whole bay! Visiting at low tide you will find open sand flats that stretch into the distance. A couple hours later and you see the amazing turquoise water which really pops on a sunny day!
Often confused with the more well known Luskentyre Beach, they are actually right next to each other but Seilebost has lower crowds and is great for swimming!
Cala Llombards, Majorca, Spain
Hands down, one of the prettiest beaches in Europe, Cala Llombards is located on the southeast coast of Majorca. The vibe is relaxation and you very much feel like you are visiting a locals beach when you see some of the small fisherman’s houses along the beach.
This cove beach is only 55 meters long, but stretches back 150 meters from the shore. Cala Llombards is almost shaped like a triangle. Because it is located in a cove, this beach is ideal for snorkelers as there are rarely any waves and the water is crystal clear!
Navagio, Greece
Although I definitely consider Navagio Beach one of Europe’s best beaches, it is not easy to get to! But that is half the fun. Known as Shipwreck Beach, it is only accessible by boat!
There is an overlook that is accessible from the road that offers stunning views of the cove and the shipwreck on the shore. I recommend doing the sunset boat trip because the colors are unlike anything I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning when the water appears to turn purple!
Praia da Marinha, Portugal
I can’t believe I am saying this, but Praia da Marinha in Portugal is actually prettier in person. Translated to Navy Beach, the colors of this water are unreal. Paired with the orange cliffs and this is a feast for your eyes!
The Algarve, where this is beach is located is one of the best European beach vacations because the region is known for their Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. The fishing villages are whitewashed on low cliffs that overlook the sandy shores, azure water, and cliff faces. Of all the beaches in the Algarve, Paria da Marinha is my favorite.
La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia
La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia is one of the prettiest beach getaways in Europe. This beautiful beach has fine sand and shallow clear waters. Loved by both locals and tourists, the tranquil water makes this a great beach for families and swimmers alike.
Only about 300 meters long and 60 meters wide, this beach is protected by local authorities who have noticed the beach receding the last couple of decades. Make sure you get a reservation before visiting, bring sunscreen because this beach is all sand with no shade (unless you bring it yourself)!
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Now for something completely different, a black sand beach! Reynisfjara Beach is one of my favorite getaways in Europe, but not for the reason you may think! I really do love Iceland so much and Reynisfjara Beach is such a wild spot. Visiting a black sand beach in Iceland is a must!
The black sand against the columns of basalt feels otherworldly. The sand is black due to the black volcanic ash and dark rocks. This beach is one of my favorites, but I must mention to pay attention to all posted signage. Always keep an eye on the ocean, the sneaker waves can reach 40 meters tall and really do come out of nowhere and this is a very strict no swimming beach.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach in Crete is one of the best beach holidays in Europe! You can stay in the village of Palaiochora and take the water taxi service to Elafonisi!
The water is a crystal clear turquoise that will trick you into thinking you are in the Caribbean, but is actually the Libyan Sea. The coolest part about Elafonisi is the pink sand! Caused by a type of shellfish that leaves their pink shells behind, this beach is so unique! The combination of the color of sand and water will leave you living out your mermaid dreams!
Coumeenoole Beach, Ireland
Coumeenoole Beach will take your breath away, as it combines the beautiful beaches in Ireland with rolling green hills the island is known for! This is another one of the best beach vacations in Europe because you get to be in Ireland.
I would not call this a swimming beach because it can actually be quite windy and cool! The shoreline shrinks as the tide comes in, but the views are outstanding. The green vegetation, blue water, dark cliffs, and white sand are picture perfect!
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Porthcurno Beach is one of the best European beaches! If you can catch this spot on a perfect summer day, the white sand and turquoise waters will make you forget you are in gloomy England!
Secluded in a cove, flanked by cliffs, the water remains calm and tranquil making this a great spot for snorkeling and swimming with the littles. This is a beautiful beach and I know you will love it!
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