Recently updated on October 7th, 2025 at 02:18 am
Like “which country has the best cuisine?”, there are few more heated topics of conversation around the coastlines than who can claim to have the best beaches in Europe.
Some say Spain’s mainland marvels are better than their islands. Others are in a whirlpool of contention whether Italy or Greece have the finer stretches of sand.
Us? We just want our beach clean as can be – pristine waters and pollution-free shorelines. Blue flag ratings are green flags in our book. Our red flags? Bathers who leave their belongings behind, be it trash, personal objects, or even the residue from sunscreens that hurt marine life.
Before we dive in to our own little list of the best beaches in Europe, here are a few reminders for sunbathers who want to protect our shores:
- Don’t bring single-use items like plastics and styrofoam containers; bring reusable ones instead to ensure you take them home with you.
- If you see trash on the beach, pick it up and dispose of it properly.
- Consider wearing sunscreen that’s marine-life safe.
- Don’t bring old, damaged items like towels or beach equipment that may fall off or separate from the item.
- Consider joining a beach cleanup to meet new people while preserving the beach’s beauty.
Explore farther: These beaches prove there’s more to New Zealand than Mordor
Soak up the sun at the best beaches in Europe
Many of the best beaches in Europe have Blue Flag status which means they meet and maintain the highest standards for water quality and cleanliness as well as land environmental management, safety, and accessibility. Others are just so absolutely stunning that, if we stared any longer, we’d get quite the sunburn.
Red Beach | Santorini, Greece
The blue domed and white-walled church on Santorini offers a contrast of colours so amazing, it’s no surprise it’s the most popular photo stop for visitors. But have you seen Santorini’s stunning red hues? Red Beach provides just as perfect a photo stop in the Greek Islands. This volcanic sand beach is flanked with crimson cliffs and deep red sand. It’s not a traditional swimming beach, and it does require a bit of a rocky walk, but this free beach is worth the hike to appreciate the natural beauty of this Cyclades island.
READ NEXT: The world’s best hidden beaches
Playa de Rodas | Galicia, Spain
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia. In Spain. In Europe. Possibly in the world. It’s Playa de Rodas and it’s a beachgoer’s dream.
Greece is already one of the best beach destinations in Europe. A car-free island means a literal breath of fresh air, plus fewer exhaust and engine runoff to soil the scene. Rodas is one of Spain’s 600-some Blue Flag beaches. White sand and blue sky; what more can you ask for? Cleanliness comes standard, thanks to this and all the beaches of the island of Cies being part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Camp, enjoy the unblemished azure waters, and remember to leave only wet footprints.
Interested in exploring Spain’s fabulous playas on an unforgettable tour? We’ll take you to the popular beaches between Barcelona and Madrid. Plus, you can splash in more of the world’s waters with a tour that combines Spain with visits to Portugal and Morocco.
Golden Horn | Brač Island, Croatia
You may not remember it in the native Croatian as Zlatni Rat but you’ll never forget Golden Horn Beach after you lay eyes on it. One of the best beaches on Europe’s Adriatic coastline, Golden Horn is located in Bol on Brač Island; its triangular golden shoreline lending it the “horn” nickname. Known as one of the most popular beaches in Dalmatia, you’ll spend endless hours taking in the views from this stunning Croatian peninsula.
Trust us, you’re not going to want to miss soaking up the sun on Golden Horn during our Pearls of the Adriatic North tour from Dubrovnik to Split.
Praia de Tavira | Tavira, Portugal
If you’re spending any time in Portugal, the Algarve is the prime place to work on your tanlines. Head over the eastern part of the region to the seaside town of Tavira where a trio of Blue Flag beaches await.
And that’s saying something, as the Algarve has more Blue Flags than any other part of Portugal.
Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita, and Praia do Barril are the three proper beaches but you can appreciate the coast’s pristine natural beauty when kayaking or shellfishing around Ria Formosa Nature Park.
The Algarve has some of the best beaches in all of Europe. See the sunshine on the sands, plus visit 16 cities on Trafalgar’s Best of Portugal tour. You’ll spend 11 days covering the country from top to bottom, with your swimsuit at the ready under your coverup.
Larvotto Beach | Monte Carlo, Monaco
We’ll admit to a little cheating: Larvotto Beach is the best beach in Monaco, partially because it’s the only public beach in Monaco. But that doesn’t mean you should count this manmade beach in the French Riviera out. A volleyball court and playground keep things casual while upscale eateries give you the swanky vibes that must accompany any visit to Monaco. Larvotto Beach is only two kilometres from the train station, which means you can instantly add it to your Monaco itinerary.
Join likeminded travellers for a Côte d’Azur cruise to Saint-Tropez and enjoy free time in Monaco on our Wonderful France tour.
Veleka Beach | Sinemorets, Bulgaria
You’ve swam in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, now it’s time to take a dip into the dark side at the Black Sea. Actually, Veleka Beach in Bulgaria is anything but dark and dreary. This beautiful natural beach divides the Black Sea and the Veleka River, and while it’s not the largest beach on the Black Sea’s coastline, it’s a wonderful place for a holiday in the seaside resort town of Sinemorets.
READ NEXT: Escape the crowds this summer at these secret beaches in Eastern Europe
Baia dei Turchi | Otranto, Italy
Clean and crystalline: that’s what you get when you soak up the sun at Baia dei Turchi.
This little piece of paradise in Puglia has a full mile of white sand, standing in stark contrast to the green pine forests, challenging you to find a blemish. It’s no wonder the southern Italian region is considered one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Salento’s got its share of Blue Flag beaches but Baia dei Turchi has a special place in visitors’ hearts. Despite its size, the beach fills up fast so try to get there before the best sandcastle spots are gone.
Save for later: 9 of the best beaches in Portugal
Svetilnik Beach | Izola, Slovenia
With less than 30 miles of coastline, Slovenia is an overlooked beach destination in Europe. That’s good news for you: visiting Svetilnik Beach in Izola gives you more room to stretch out your beach towel.
This stony public beach has an adjacent park offering a shady respite after letting your little ones run under the sun at the playground. Although the restrooms and showers ask for a small fee, the beach is only a short stroll from the center of town. Shops, restaurants, and a few historical sites combine to make it a relaxed afternoon in Izola.
Dueodde Beach | Bornholm, Denmark
Dueodde Beach collects Blue Flags like children collect seashells.
One of the best beach destinations in Europe’s northern countries, Dueodde Beach was once owned by the King of Denmark. Over the last century, Denmark has fought hard to not only starve off development in the area, but to also preserve this wild space from its own ecological growth.
Today, the cleanliness of this beach is a top priority, with strict rules preventing any disturbance of plants and animals, as well as smoking and dumping.
Denmark is only one small slice of Scandinavia. Join other like-minded travelers on Trafalgar’s Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords tour. 2 weeks of travel takes you through Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. And ending the trip in Stockholm means a Finnish trip to complete Scandinavia is only a quick flight away.
Lambanes Beach | Langanes, Iceland
Iceland’s black sand shores get all the attention — and for good reason — but don’t assume that black is the new beach. Lambanes Beach is one of the few “regular” sand beaches on the island. Situated up in North Iceland, it’s quite the hike to reach the Langanes area but well worth it in the summer for birdwatching and a rather cold dip in the undisturbed waters.
There’s a lot to see in Iceland, and trust us, it’s all…cool. Check out the black sand beaches, the Blue Lagoon, and the other dazzling colors of this country on Trafalgar’s Iceland including the Blue Lagoon tour. Spend 6-days traveling through just as many cities with your swimsuit at the ready.
Whiterocks Beach | Portrush, Northern Ireland
When some travellers hear Portrush, they immediately envision the legendary golf course. But what if we told you that this part of Northern Ireland was just as enjoyable off of the fairway? The limestone cliffs surrounding Whiterocks Beach encourage you to aim for the water. The caves within the cliffs are just as fun to explore as the town itself. As a two-for-one bonus, the adjacent West Strand Beach has the classic seaside attractions like an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and and indoor mini-golf course.
Strand Oostende | Oostende, Belgium
Friends, we totally understand the dilemma this continent presents: when you’ve only got time for a single summer trip, it’s tough to choose between the culture of a city break and the clear waters of a beachy getaway. So go to Belgium and get both.
Belgium’s small shoreline hosts Strand Oostende, the beach for the city of the same name. It’s a place where locals hang out on the promenade, sipping drinking and building sandcastles while enjoying the summer’s warmth. Dry off after a swim then jump right into local history and heritage with stops at Fort Napoleon, The James Ensor House, and the contemporary art haven Mu.ZEE.
See stunning beaches in Italy and historical sites in Bruges all during our epic three-week Grand European tour that stops in 11 countries.
Treyarnon Bay | Cornwall, England
Any Brit worth their salt knows that Cornwall has some of the finest beaches in all of Great Britain. Treyarnon Bay is just one of many.
This chill, golden sand spot is a perfect place for a family getaway. Low cliffs and sand dunes provide great settings for family photos. Surfers fill the shoreline and hikers on the South West Coast Path do rest their soles on the sand, but it does nothing to dirty up the vibe. Treyarnon Bay is a remarkably clean beach that parents and children alike will love.
Just keep swimming: Escape the summer crowds at these Eastern European beaches
Sveti Stefan Beach | Budva, Montenegro
If you’re looking to step up your beach game and add a new stamp to your passport, grab your trunks and head to Sveti Stefan Beach. Montenegro’s popular islet has pink sand beaches, and while technically south of Budva, the town acts as a gateway to this dreamy getaway. The causeway is split between beach club side with paid day use available and a rockier, more cramped free public area.
Strand Kühlungsborn | Kühlungsborn, Germany
Yes, Germany has beaches, and you’ll find its longest beach promenade Strand Kühlungsborn. Naturally, the high season is during the summer months, which is why this kilometer-long beach has lifeguards stationed for safety. The water, while cold, is sparkling clean and some parts of the strand feature dedicated dog beaches, making it one of the best beaches in Europe for every member of the family.
Qawra Point Beach |Ta’ Fra Ben Bay, Malta
Rocky and rather shallow, Qawra Point Beach in Malta isn’t as dive-in ready as some other swimming spots on this list. But what it lacks in flexibility, it makes up for with its views. Set against a coastal watch tower, this Blue Flag certified beach has clear waters for pristine snorkeling.
It’s not just a daytime beach, either. As the sunsets, you’ll find locals and visitors breaking out the barbecues and taking selfies against the beautiful backdrop.
Read next: 6 perfect beaches in Phuket, Thailand
Brzezno Beach | Gdańsk, Poland
With golden sand and calm surf, you’d think you were standing on the shores of a Spanish playa. But no — you’re in Poland having a wonderful time on a Baltic Sea beach. Brzezno Beach is just west of Gdańsk’s city center, easily accessible by tram. Popular in the summer thanks to its neighboring President Ronald Reagan Park and Brzeźnieński Park, Brzezno Beach has hours worth of swimming, skating, and cocktail sipping to cool you off on a hot summer’s day.
Alagadi Turtle Beach | Gözübüyük, Cyprus
When it comes to the purity of Cyprus’ waters, the European Environmental Agency graded Cyprus with a perfect score in 2020. And its beaches? It’s safely on the of the best beach destinations in Europe.
But don’t ask the swimmers; ask the turtles!
Alagadi Turtle Beach in Gözübüyük has two bays side by side where turtles lay their eggs. Hatchlings arrive every summer and make their way to the ultra-pure sea waters. SPOT (the Society for the Protection of Turtles) has a monitoring station on the beach where they’ll gladly tell you how you can help keep Cyprus’ beaches clean for the next generation of green and loggerhead hatchlings.
Ksamil Beach | Ksamil, Albania
You deserve some R&R on the riviera, but instead of the French or Italian coastline, head to the Albanian Riviera. Ksamil is jaw-droppingly gorgeous; so much so that it’s called the Maldives of Europe. Turquoise waters? Check. White sand beaches? Check. Cozy beach huts and beer that hardly put a dent in your budget? Double check. For an affordable yet amazing holiday under the sun, Ksamil is one of the best beaches in Europe.
Rackwick Beach | Hoy, Scotland
The popularity of the best beaches in Europe, especially those around the Med, make it hard to really get-away from the crowds on a much-needed getaway. Don’t flock south, instead, head to the far north of Scotland and wander the Orkney Island of Hoy.
This is a true beachy getaway, one that requires you to slow down, breathe, and worry about nothing else than the beauty of the pink sand beach. Few visitors enhance the quiet vibes of Rackwick Beach, though it’s within walking distance from whichever hotel or hostel you choose. Don’t let this off-the-radar spot steer you away; those who’ve ventured to Rackwick Beach believe it’s one of the best beaches in Europe at best and easily one of the best beaches in the UK at worst!
FAQ
Which country in Europe has the best beaches?
A tough call for sure, but we’re going to give Spain the gold medal when it comes to the best beaches in Europe. The Costa Brava brings sandy beaches with mountain views while the Costa Verde in northern Spain has golden shorelines against lush green hillsides. Add in the popular Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol — plus the Canaries and the Balearics — and you’ve got too many list-topping beaches to choose from.
What are the best beaches in Europe for families?
France is a fantastic pick for families. We love how the French Riviera has so many excellent beach clubs that are kid-friendly. When it comes to the best beaches in Europe for families, places like Antibes, Nice, and Saint-Malo are hard to beat.
Where are the most beautiful beaches in Europe?
The most beautiful beaches in Europe, generally speaking, are along the Mediterranean Sea. Italy, France, and Spain easily fill the top-ten list with their renowned shorelines. When it comes to rugged beauty, however, many beaches on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, Spain and France have a completely different vibe that isn’t a one-to-one comparison to the beaches of the Med.
What are the least crowded beaches in Europe?
If you’re looking for the least crowded beaches in Europe, head north. Go nonstop north to Iceland and you’ll find far fewer visitors at Reynisfjara.
What are the warmest beaches in Europe?
Unsurprisingly, the warmest beaches in Europe are in the Canary Islands, but only because these islands are part of the African continent. The warmest beaches actually on the European continent include southern stretches of shoreline in Cyprus, Malta, Greece, and Italy. Of course, Spain’s Costa del Sol also has plenty of beaches where the mercury hits a high point.
What do you think are the best beaches in Europe? Let us know in the comments!