The 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe, From Turkey to Portugal
Plotting your next coastal escape? Here are some of the best beaches in Europe to help you choose from the numerous charming seaside locales across the continent. From a white sand beauty on one of Spain’s Balearic Islands to an under-the-radar gem above the Arctic Circle (yes, really), we’ve rounded up the continent’s most impressive waterfront stretches. We can practically feel a tan coming already. Here, the 25 best beaches in Europe.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
GettyOludeniz Beach, Turkey
Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey (also known as the Blue Lagoon), with pebble shores and aquamarine waters. The beach also happens to be one of the world’s best places to paraglide, thanks to stable weather and gorgeous panoramic views. The launch site for most companies is from Babadağ mountain, with jumping-off points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level.
GettyBay of Biscay, Biarritz, France
A renowned summer getaway for royals and celebrities alike (you might remember it from Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises), the beaches of Biarritz, in Basque country along the Bay of Biscay, are not only gorgeous—they're also hugely popular with surfers thanks to their mellow, safe-for-beginners waves.
GettyPraia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
GettySan Fruttuoso, Liguria, Italy
Located about halfway between Portofino and the small town of Camogli, San Fruttuoso is as idyllic as Italian beaches come—and that’s saying something. The small cove’s appeal lies in its hidden location (you can only reach it by hiking from Portofino or catching a ferry), gorgeous blue water, and backdrop of a medieval abbey surrounded by mountains.
GettyReynisfjara, Vik, Iceland
Iceland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but there’s no denying the beauty and drama of its rugged coastline. You won’t see palms or white sand here: In Vik, the sand is black as caviar and the beach is dotted with soaring basalt columns—which, in our opinion, makes it all the more special and beautiful.
GettyZlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia
Croatia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but Zlatni Rat stands out for its striking and unusual shape (which actually changes depending on the current). Though it looks like a golden sand beach, its shoreline is made up of smooth, tiny pebbles and stretches out for half a mile on either side of the tip. It's not just a place to lounge: Zlatni Rat is also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
GettyHaukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
The water around the Lofoten Islands can be as clear and blue as the Caribbean or Mediterranean (if not nearly as warm). Just take a look at the waters surrounding Haukland Beach for proof, where kayaking and swimming are inviting propositions during the summer months. Even if you decide to visit in the winter and forego the prospect of swimming, you may be rewarded with views of the Northern Lights dancing over the water.
GettyPraia da Falesia, Albufeira, Portugal
Portugal has no shortage of incredible beaches, but few are quite as unique as Praia da Falesia in the Algarve. It features soft golden sand and warm, swimmable waters, but its main draw lies just slightly inland: miles of striking red-orange cliffs, with pine trees at the top and flowers at the bottom. There truly is no such thing as a bad view here.
GettySveti Stefan, Montenegro
A playground for celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Kirk Douglas in the 1960s, Sveti Stefan today is off-limits to anyone not staying at the luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan resort on the islet. The beach shares a name with the onshore township connected to the island by a causeway, and is one of the most photographed spots in Montenegro.
GettySarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Milos might just be the untouched Greek island you’ve been searching for, with a mythological-looking landscape and the bluest water in the Cyclades. Case in point: Sarakiniko Beach. Its large, sun-bleached rocks, eroded by saltwater, stretch out over the sea, giving the impression that you’re standing on the moon.
GettyÎle de Porquerolles, France
In the French Riviera, Île de Porquerolles remains a quiet paradise untouched by time and tourism. The entire island is car-free—all you’ll find are flawless, empty beaches, thick forests, and a tiny, charming town. We can't think of a better place to tote a picnic basket and spend the day on the sand.
GettyDiamond Beach, Jökulsárlón, Iceland
The glacial lake of Jökulsárlón and its frozen beach (known as Diamond Beach, due to the dazzling chunks of ice dotting the shore) are considered natural wonders of Iceland, with black volcanic sands providing a stark backdrop for ice and glaciers. The spot earns even more visual bonus points when it's reflecting the Northern Lights.
GettyNavagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach due to the ancient freighter buried at its center, Navagio is easily the most beautiful stretch of sand in Greece. It’s sheltered by sheer limestone cliffs and is so isolated that you can only access it by boat. While you could easily spend all day sunning on its powdery sands, its beauty is best appreciated from the viewing platform in the cliffs above—just follow the signs to the Agios Gergio Kremnao monastery.
GettyFårö Island, Sweden
Fårö Island is a popular summer destination for Swedes—and we can easily see why. Reached by ferry from Gotland’s northernmost point, the island is another world—think of it as untamed Tasmania to Gotland’s Australia. Even in a country with unique landscapes at every turn, Fårö stands out: The entire island is made of limestone and is eerily picturesque with its many rock formations. Famed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman fell in love with the island for this very reason; he shot six films and one television series here.
GettyScala dei Turchi, Sicily, Italy
We like Capri as much as the next person, but when it comes to secluded Italian beaches free of crowds, it’s Sicily for the win. The beach at the base of Scala dei Turchi, a rocky cliff on the coast near Realmonte, is particularly striking in its uniqueness. Its fiery bronze sands are a stunning contrast to the azure ocean in front and the pale gray cliffs behind. The area is famous for being one of the island’s most beautiful natural wonders—visit once, and you’ll understand why.
GettyCala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Located on the sunny southwestern coast of Menorca, the tranquil Cala Macarella is the ideal escape from the congested beaches of nearby Mallorca and Ibiza. Getting there is a trek: You can either hike two miles along the cliffs from nearby Cala Galdana, or drive on a rough and winding road from Ciutadella and hike 20 minutes through a pine forest. But its ultra-fine sand and calm turquoise waters are worth the effort.
GettyPorthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Dazzling turquoise water and silky golden sand aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when you think of England. But that's exactly what you'll find at Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, a five-hour drive from the heart of London. The beach is sheltered by high granite cliffs and is set within a protected bay, so expect soft breezes and gentle rolling waves, perfect for wading.
GettyCala Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Goloritzé is one of Italy’s most famous beaches, located at the base of a ravine on Sardinia’s picturesque northeastern coast. It’s tiny but beautiful, with its limestone cliffs, soft ivory sand, and striking blue-green ocean. In fact, it’s so special that it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
GettyNugal Beach, Makarska, Croatia
You’ll need to hike down a cliff and tromp through a pine forest for about 40 minutes before you reach Nugal, a pristine beach on Croatia’s Makarska Riviera. But the spectacular view from the bottom—the beach is flanked dramatically by steep cliffs on either side—and the cool crystalline water make it well worth the trek. Pro tip: Come after a heavy rainfall, and you’ll be able to spot a 30-foot waterfall cascading down the northernmost cliff face.
GettyDurdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
With its dramatic limestone arch, craggy cliffs, and soft golden sand, Durdle Door is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Europe. But it’s not just a pretty face—the Marine Conservation Society recommends the beach for swimming and fishing, thanks to its excellent water quality. It’s also part of the Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of coastline studded with so many spectacular geological features and fossils that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2001.
GettyGiant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The studded beach known as Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of polygonal columns of basalt protruding from the coast and water. They were caused by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, but one local legend claims that the columns were carved by a giant named Finn McCool (hence the name). It may not be an ideal spot to spread out a towel and sunbathe, but it’s beautiful nonetheless.
GettyElafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Perhaps one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, Elafonisi has the amenities of a popular vacation beach (parking lot, accessible bathrooms) but the feel of a remote oasis, thanks to its location, which is removed from major cities. After swimming in the shallow waters, walk across the sandbar to snap some photos of wildflowers and rock formations—if you haven’t already filled your camera roll with shots of the pink-sand shore.
GettyCape Greco, Cyprus
Located in the Mediterranean resort town of Ayia Napa, Cape Greco is an ideal spot for hikers and adventurous swimmers. The cape’s sea caves are made for exploring (you can simply walk right in during low tide), while the surrounding national forest is great for stretching your legs and getting a break from the sun. Then it’s back to swimming and cliff diving into the strikingly clear water.
GettyLuskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris, Scotland
More than 800 islands lie within reach of Scotland’s rugged coastline, but the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides might be the best for beaches. A gulf stream makes the Hebrides surprisingly warm, so you can take a midsummer stroll on the glorious beach at Luskentyre Sands. Those winds also sweep in surfers; newbies can sign up for lessons with a local instructor.
GettyTisvilde, Denmark
With laid-back seaside towns and daytime lasting well past 10 p.m., Denmark’s northern coast is the perfect place for your next summer trip. Head to the village of Tisvilde (an hour northwest of Copenhagen) for some of the best summer hygge culture in the country, complete with grassy dunes, nude swimming, and locals bringing cinnamon rolls and full coffee pots to the beach for breakfast.
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