Europe is home to some stunning coastlines. The waters are breathtaking, the sands are soothing, and the skies are gorgeous, all of which constitute a perfect beach trip. And although each beach has something unique to offer, some European beaches triumph over others in terms of landscape and experience. If you are wondering which those beaches are, find the list of the ten best beaches in Europe below.
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1. Our Lady Beach, France
Photo credit: Summer 2021
We start our list with one of the most stunning beaches on the entire continent. Our Lady Beach (also known as beach Notre Dame) is a long stretch of sand that provides you with whatever you seek, from shade to family-friendly spots to privacy to swimming areas to nap points. You name it, and Our Lady beach has it!
The beach is one of the quieter ones, so you can easily find an area to lay back, listen to the calming sounds of the ocean, and relax. Now, that’s an exciting prospect!
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2. Cala Goloritze, Italy
Photo credit: lloorenzo
Some fifty-five years ago, Sardinia suffered from land sliding, a beautiful outcome of which was the beach, Cala Goloritze. Since then, it has been acclaimed as a UNESCO honored site, which perfectly understandable if one considers how spectacularly beautiful the site is. This beach is a gem that demands some effort to reap its benefits.
Being inaccessible via car, you would have to get a boat or embark on a coastal hike to get to the destination. But the reward is worth it! You get to spend time in a stunning location backed by rocky hills, with fine white sand under your feet and gorgeous blue waters in front. You can choose to relax, snorkel, hike, or bird-watch while you are here.
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3. Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
Photo credit: Croatia Trip
Zlatni Rat takes a spot on our list of beach beaches in Europe for a good reason. Firstly, the beach has a unique tongue-like shape that protrudes into the bright blue Adriatic sea, meaning that its coastline is very long. Secondly, instead of sand, fine white pebbles make up the beach’s surface and strongly reflect the bright sunlight, giving a glorious view. Thirdly, the beach is backed by stunning pine-tree forestry, which provides the much-needed cool shade during the summer months.
Additionally, there are a lot of water and beach sports you can participate in while you are here, like windsurfing, jet skiing, and swimming.
Where to Stay:
You can find more hotel options in the Zlatni Rat area here.
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4. Porto Limnionas Beach, Greece
Photo credit: Beautiful Greece
The idea of exploring well-kept secrets while on the pursuit of finding Europe’s best beaches is always attractive. Therefore, you must consider visiting the Porto Limnionas beach in Greece. This beach is the perfect site if you are looking to escape the party people who take up most of the space in other Greek cities.
Since the beach is accessible via a hike down a rough track, you can rest assured that you will find only a few dedicated people down there. And while you are here, do not forget to snorkel in the beach’s clear waters and explore its exquisite underwater cave systems.
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5. Cala Macarella, Spain
Photo credit: Places & People
Cala Macarella is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, but it also one of the unique ones. Although the beach is tucked away from sight between two dramatic cliffs, it is still a prime spot for visitors, owing to its aesthetics and vibe. The beach features stunning white sand and bright translucent waters that let you see the sea’s hidden treasures.
It is also an iconic snorkeling destination in Spain, for the clarity of water and incredible underground cave systems add to the experience. Plus, you can also find a highly popular beach bar on the site, which serves excellent beers and fresh seafood.
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6. Praia Marinha Beach, Portugal
Photo credit: VroomBrands
Portugal is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. And although each beach has something spectacular under its belt, the prize of being the most stunning beach goes to Praia Marinha. Close your eyes, and imagine a wide stretch of fine golden sand, surrounded by dramatic rugged cliffs, and bring turquoise waters. Such is the view of the Praia Marinha Beach.
In fact, it is so celebrated by the locals that it is the poster beach in all of the country’s brochures for international visitors. The beach has remarkable marine life too, which is easily observable due to its waters’ clarity. Therefore, do not forget to go snorkeling here!
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7. Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey
Photo credit: Oludeniz Beach
This Turkish beach is a breathtakingly gorgeous destination and easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. We are talking about a wide and long golden beach stretch, green hills, clear waters, and no signs of over-development – such are the site’s aesthetics. The site is so picturesque that you will not want to go back!
Ölüdeniz Beach is also very famous for its remarkable scuba diving, snorkeling, and paragliding opportunities, which you must avail to enhance your experience.
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8. Palasa Beach, Albania
Photo credit: Untravelled Paths Ltd
Palasa is regarded as an ideal getaway for honeymooners in any age bracket. One of Europe’s best beaches, the Palasa beach is where you forget about your everyday life’s monotony and indulge in pure leisure.
For most visitors, the highlight of their trip to the beach is lying on the white stretch of sand and soaking up the sun while sipping on refreshing drinks. However, others would contend that the beach’s exciting sports opportunities, like scuba boating, paragliding, and snorkeling, make it so special. Well, to each their own!
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9. Playa Sa Caleta, Spain
Photo credit: Adrian Aftin
When you are tired of partying in Ibiza and are looking to recharge your batteries, Playa Sa Caleta is where you should be headed towards. Although you won’t find long stretches of sand here, you will find comfortable flat spots on the cliffs to lounge on.
This not only gets you a somewhat private terrain but also lets you enjoy panoramic views of the spectacular waters ahead. Also, the Phoenician ruins are close to the beach and are waiting to be explored by you!
Where to Stay:
Find the best hotels to stay in on Agoda.com
10. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
Photo credit: Travel 2 Greece
The Sarakiniko beach makes it to Europe’s best beaches for the other-worldly experience it provides to its visitors. It is nothing like the other beaches you have been to or imagined. The cliffs that surround the sea are grey-ish and eaten away by the waters in such a manner that it appears that you are on another planet.
The waters of this beach are so bright blue that you will not believe your eyes. It is easily one of the most photographed beaches in Europe, and now we all know why.
Where to Stay:
Find the best hotels to stay in on Agoda.com
Video Guide: 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe
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