There’s no need to jump on a long-haul flight to sink your toes into pearlescent white sand or swim in a vivid sapphire lagoon - Europe is home to some of the most postcard-perfect beaches in the world. From the rocky cliffs of Portugal to the turquoise waters of Greece, the wind-lashed shores of the Atlantic coast to the snuggled-away coves of Italy, there is certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches to explore.
Here are the 10 best beaches in Europe that you should add to your travel bucket list:
No. 10 - Makronissos Beach, Cyprus
Makronissos beach is a beautiful beach located on the southeastern coast of the island of Cyprus, near the town of Ayia Napa. The beach is a long and wide stretch of golden sands, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach games. The water is shallow and crystal clear, ideal for swimming, especially for families with young children.
Makronissos beach is also known for its lively beach parties and events, which are held throughout the summer months. There are several bars and restaurants along the beach, offering a variety of drinks and snacks.
In addition to the beach, visitors can explore the nearby Makronissos Tombs, which are a series of underground tombs dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. They are located about 2 km from the beach and can be reached by foot or by car.
No. 9 - Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Praia da Marinha beach is a small picturesque beach located on the southern coast of Portugal, in the Algarve region. The beach has received several awards for its beauty, including the "Golden Beach" award by the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment.
Although only relatively small, the beach is certainly beautiful, with golden sand and crystal clear water. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs, which have been eroded over the years, creating unique rock formations and caves. Visitors can explore these formations by boat or by foot, depending on the tide. The water is clear and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, with a variety of marine life to be seen.
One of the main features of Praia da Marinha beach is the famous limestone archway, which is located at the eastern end of the beach. It's an iconic landmark and a popular spot for photography.
No. 8 - Balos Beach, Greece
Balos Beach is a lagoon-like sandy beach located on the northwest coast of the island of Crete, in Greece. The beach is accessible by boat or by a steep and challenging hike from the nearby village of Kaliviani. The hike takes about 45 minutes, but it's well worth the effort, as it offers incredible views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains.
The beach itself is breathtaking, with shimmering turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. The lagoon is shallow, making it a great place for families with young children. Visitors can also enjoy hiking around the nearby cliffs, or simply relaxing on the soft sand and taking in the stunning views. There is also a small tavern on the beach that serves traditional Cretan food.
No. 7 - Cala Goloritzé, Italy
Cala Goloritzé is a stunning beach located on the east coast of the island of Sardinia, in Italy. The beach is relatively small, with a length of around just 200 metres, but it's one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. It can only be reached by foot or by boat, which adds to its charm and exclusivity.
The walk to Cala Goloritzé can be challenging, but it's well worth the effort. It starts at the Golgo Plateau, and takes about an hour to complete. The path takes visitors through a beautiful forest of holm oaks, junipers, and wild olive trees, and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Once visitors reach the beach, they're greeted by a pristine stretch of sand, backed by the soaring cliffs. The water is incredibly clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. At the southern end of the beach, limestone formations soar away from the cliffside. Among them is the jaw-dropping Monte Caroddi, also known as the Aguglia, a 148m-high needle of rock; a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling.
No. 6 - Keem Beach, Ireland
Tucked away at the far west of the island of Achill, Keem Bay is one of Ireland’s finest beaches. The crescent of golden sands is nestled in a sheltered cove at the head of a valley, and is surrounded by steep hills and cliffs, which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach is relatively small and secluded, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, although it can be quite chilly, even in the summer months.
In addition to swimming, visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are also several hiking trails in the area, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
No. 5 - Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara Beach is a dramatic black-sand beach located on the south coast of Iceland, near the small village of Vík í Mýrdal. The beach is set against a backdrop of incredible basalt columns rising from the ocean, that look like a magical church organ.
The beach's black sand is made up of volcanic minerals, and the waves crashing on the shore create a striking contrast against the bright white of the ocean's foam. As well as providing outstanding views west to Dyrhólaey, the beach is also home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots.
No. 4 - Luskentyre Beach, Scotland
Luskentyre Beach is a spectacular white-sand beach located on the west coast of the Isle of Harris, which is part of the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland.
The beach stretches for over three miles, with crystal-clear turquoise waters that are framed by dramatic hills and mountains. The sand is incredibly white and powdery, with small dunes and grassy areas that add to the beach's charm. The water is relatively cold, but it is incredibly clear and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Luskentyre Beach is also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with kite surfers, windsurfers, and kayakers often seen enjoying the waves. The beach is also home to an array of wildlife, including seals, otters, and various bird species, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.
No. 3 - Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, Spain
The name Playa de Sotavento de Jandía is a catch-all for the series of truly stunning beaches that stretch along the southern coast of the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. The beach is a 4 mile long stretch of fine white sand that creeps its way almost imperceptibly into the turquoise expanse of the Atlantic.
Each section of the beach has its own unique features, such as different types of sand, rock formations, and surf conditions, so visitors can explore and find their favourite spot. The beach is a coastal paradise for swimming, sunbathing and particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, due to the strong, steady winds in the area.
No. 2 - Kleftiko Beach, Greece
Kleftiko is a unique and picturesque beach located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Milos. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and is renowned for its crystal clear waters, dramatic rock formations, and stunning sea caves.
Kleftiko beach can only be reached by boat, as it is located in a remote area and is surrounded by steep cliffs that rise up from the sea. The beach itself is actually a cluster of small coves, each with its own unique charm and character. The sand is white and the water is a vivid turquoise colour, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
What sets Kleftiko beach apart from other beaches is its dramatic rock formations and sea caves. The rocks are sculpted into a variety of shapes and sizes by the sea and wind, and the sea caves offer a sense of mystery and adventure. Visitors can explore the caves by boat or by swimming, and can also snorkel around the rock formations to discover the underwater world, which is teeming with marine life such as colourful fish, sea urchins, and even octopuses.
No. 1 - Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
Few beaches in the world enjoy such legendary status as Spiaggia dei Conigli beach. Also known as Rabbit Beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli is a beautiful stretch of pristine white sandy beach located on the island of Lampedusa in the southern part of Italy. The beach has been awarded the title of "Best Beach in Italy" several times and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The beach is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and is home to a variety of marine life. The waters are shallow and calm, making it an ideal location for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is also surrounded by a stunning rocky landscape, which adds to its beauty.
One of the unique features of Spiaggia dei Conigli is the presence of wild rabbits, which gave the beach its nickname "Rabbit Beach". These rabbits are believed to have been introduced to the island by sailors who used to stop on Lampedusa during their voyages.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best beaches in Europe. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite beaches to visit in Europe.
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