Many people dream of vacationing in an exotic location, but fortunately, we don’t have to travel far to find stunning beaches. So, where are the most beautiful European beaches? Here are some of the best!
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The 15 most beautiful European beaches
Platja de Ses Illetes (Formentera)
The northern shore of this small island south of Ibiza is a long, beautiful beach.
Tripadvisor ranked it as the 5th most beautiful beach in the world in 2015, highlighting its rightful place on this list.
It can be reached by daily boat trips from the capital, Eivissa. If you are vacationing in Ibiza, this trip is a must!
Praia da Falesia (Portugal)
Located in the well-known holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal, this is one of its most beautiful beaches.
The beach between Albufeira and Quarteira is popular not only for its sand and turquoise water. Red cliffs rise behind the beach, providing a stunning backdrop for your vacation.
You can easily reach this coastline by flying into Faro.
Blue Lagoon (Malta)
Halfway between Europe and Africa lies an authentic archipelago. This lagoon is located off the coast of one of its islands, Comino.
Although the bay is mainly rocky, the water’s color, the environment, and the shallow water make it an unmissable beach!
Besides the two smaller sandy beaches, the rest of the island is dominated by large rocks where you can sunbathe or take a dip in the inviting blue water.
Teresitas (Tenerife)
This volcanic island is one of nature’s most beautiful gifts within Europe, where you can also climb the Teide in the island’s center.
While the sunniest and warmest beaches are found in the south, the wild northern region hides the most beautiful beach.
Teresitas is located in a bay protected by a breakwater, with sand brought from the Sahara. The view from the lookout point above is stunning.
I was lucky enough to sunbathe here in January 2019 while it was snowing back home. 🙂
Myrtos (Kefalonia)
Choosing just one among Greece’s most beautiful beaches is quite a challenge.
Kefalonia’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly Myrtos Beach. It’s no coincidence that it has been repeatedly voted the most beautiful Greek beach.
Located at the foot of two mountains, its white pebble beach offers a fantastic panorama.
Kefalonia attractions, beaches
Spiaggia San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)
This gently sloping beach is located in the northwestern tip of Sicily.
It has a slightly Caribbean feel, with fine sandy beaches and clear waters, and a large rock in the background providing a great view.
Looking at the mountain behind the sea, Mauritius’ most famous beach immediately came to mind.
Zlatni Rat (Croatia)
The Croatian Adriatic is full of beautiful beaches, making it hard to choose just one.
The Zlatni Rat, meaning „Golden Horn”, stands out for its shape and backdrop.
The small pebble beach extends into the sea in a triangular shape, with the mountains of Brac Island in the background. Here you will find Vidova gora, the highest peak in Dalmatia.
Balos (Crete)
Another Greek island, this time I chose one from Crete. Honestly, this beach is on my bucket list!
It’s not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete but also in Europe. It’s definitely worth approaching from the mountains, as it shows its most stunning face from above!
The white sand mixes with a pink hue caused by coral fragments. The shallow waters of the lagoon make it a perfect choice for families, just like Crete itself!
Oludeniz Beach (Turkey)
Located near Fethiye in a large delta area, this golden sandy beach is a gem.
Interestingly, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs here, making it a protected natural area.
Recently, there was a direct flight to the nearby Dalaman airport, and hopefully, this will continue, allowing visitors to enjoy this beautiful place in person.
Spiaggia di Porto Giunco (Sardinia)
Located in the southeastern tip of Sardinia, this beach is a fantastic destination.
Behind the white sandy beach, a small lake is trapped on the narrow peninsula, making it a unique place to sunbathe. Many consider it the most beautiful beach in Italy.
The beach is easily accessible from Cagliari, just a 50 km drive.
Playa de Cofete (Fuerteventura)
Among the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura often takes a back seat, but it boasts lunar landscapes and stunning beaches.
I chose Cofete beach because it is less crowded and feels like being on the golden sands of another planet. It can be reached via a road through volcanic mountains, with several daily bus services.
I visited here in early 2023, and the picture was taken when we first glimpsed the beach from the bus. Believe me, the view is even more breathtaking in person!
Fuerteventura attractions, beaches
Playa de Cavalleria (Menorca)
One of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches, known for its distinctive red color.
The sandy beach in the bay is surrounded by red-hued hills and mountains. The water is shallow, clear, and crystal clear.
Nissi Beach (Cyprus)
Cyprus’s most popular spot, Ayia Napa, can’t be left off this list.
The beach’s name refers to a small island near the shore. At certain times, you can walk to it on a narrow „sand path”.
The over 500-meter-long beach is one of the most photographed places in Cyprus. It’s no wonder, as Ayia Napa is a globally famous resort, making it well-developed.
Sveti Stefan (Montenegro)
Montenegro is increasingly being discovered by Hungarian tourists, so I recommend a very beautiful beach from there!
South of Budva, at the foot of the small island of Sveti Stefan, lies a stunning, pebbly beach. The beauty of the island and its red-roofed houses makes the beach magical.
If you travel to Montenegro, don’t just stay in the popular Kotor; visit here as well!
Luskentyre Beach (Scotland)
And finally, a „surprise” location!
I never thought there could be a beach in Scotland as beautiful as those in the Mediterranean. The country is best known for its castles and fortresses, but…
The combination of distant mountains, crystal-clear water, and white sand makes this place magical. It’s unusual to see such beauty up north.
Judging by the picture, this beach on the Isle of Harris could easily compete for the title of the most beautiful European beach!
