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Explore farther:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>These beaches prove there\u2019s more to New Zealand than Mordor<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the best beaches in Europe have Blue Flag status<\/a> 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\u2019d get quite the sunburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blue domed and white-walled church on Santorini<\/a> offers a contrast of colours so amazing, it\u2019s no surprise it\u2019s the most popular photo stop for visitors. But have you seen Santorini\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ NEXT:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>The world\u2019s best hidden beaches<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia<\/a>. In Spain. In Europe. Possibly in the world. It\u2019s Playa de Rodas and it\u2019s a beachgoer\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in <\/em>exploring Spain\u2019s fabulous playas on an unforgettable tour<\/em><\/a>? We\u2019ll take you to the popular beaches between Barcelona and Madrid. Plus, you can splash in more of the world\u2019s waters with a tour that combines Spain with visits to Portugal and Morocco.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not remember it in the native Croatian as Zlatni Rat but you\u2019ll never forget <\/span>Golden Horn Beach<\/span><\/a> after you lay eyes on it. One of the best beaches on Europe\u2019s Adriatic coastline, Golden Horn is located in Bol on Bra\u010d Island; its triangular golden shoreline lending it the \u201chorn\u201d 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trust us, you\u2019re not going to want to miss soaking up the sun on Golden Horn during our <\/em>Pearls of the Adriatic North<\/em><\/a> tour from Dubrovnik to Split.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re 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<\/a> where a trio of Blue Flag beaches await.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s saying something, as the Algarve has more Blue Flags than any other part of Portugal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita, and Praia do Barril are the three proper beaches but you can appreciate the coast\u2019s pristine natural beauty when kayaking or shellfishing around Ria Formosa Nature Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Algarve has some of the best beaches in all of Europe. See the sunshine on the sands, plus visit 16 cities on Trafalgar\u2019s <\/em>Best of Portugal tour<\/em><\/a>. You\u2019ll spend 11 days covering the country from top to bottom, with your swimsuit at the ready under your coverup.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We’ll admit to a little cheating: Larvotto Beach is the best beach in Monaco<\/a>, partially because it’s the only<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join likeminded travellers for a C\u00f4te d’Azur cruise to Saint-Tropez and enjoy free time in Monaco on our<\/span> <\/span>Wonderful France<\/span><\/a> tour.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve swam in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, now it\u2019s time to take a dip into the dark side at the Black Sea. Actually, Veleka Beach in <\/span>Bulgaria<\/span><\/a> is anything but dark and dreary. This beautiful natural beach divides the Black Sea and the Veleka River, and while it\u2019s not the largest beach on the Black Sea\u2019s coastline, it\u2019s a wonderful place for a holiday in the seaside resort town of Sinemorets.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n READ NEXT:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Escape the crowds this summer at these secret beaches in Eastern Europe<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clean and crystalline: that\u2019s what you get when you soak up the sun at Baia dei Turchi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s got its share of Blue Flag beaches but Baia dei Turchi has a special place in visitors\u2019 hearts. Despite its size, the beach fills up fast so try to get there before the best sandcastle spots are gone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Save for later:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>9 of the best beaches in Portugal<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With less than 30 miles of coastline, Slovenia is an overlooked beach destination in Europe. That\u2019s good news for you: visiting Svetilnik Beach in <\/span>Izola<\/span><\/a> gives you more room to stretch out your beach towel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dueodde Beach<\/a> collects Blue Flags like children collect seashells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best beach destinations in Europe\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Denmark is only one small slice of Scandinavia. Join other like-minded travelers on <\/em>Trafalgar\u2019s Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords tour<\/em><\/a>. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Iceland\u2019s black sand shores get all the attention \u2014 and for good reason \u2014 but don\u2019t assume that black is the new beach. Lambanes Beach is one of the few \u201cregular\u201d sand beaches on the island. Situated up in North Iceland, it\u2019s quite the hike to reach the Langanes<\/a> area but well worth it in the summer for birdwatching and a rather cold dip in the undisturbed waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot to see in Iceland, and trust us, it\u2019s all\u2026cool. Check out the black sand beaches, the Blue Lagoon, and the other dazzling colors of this country on Trafalgar\u2019s <\/em>Iceland including the Blue Lagoon tour<\/em><\/a>. Spend 6-days traveling through just as many cities with your swimsuit at the ready.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When some travellers hear <\/span>Portrush<\/span><\/a>, 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 <\/span>for<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Friends, we totally understand the dilemma this continent presents: when you\u2019ve only got time for a single summer trip, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Belgium\u2019s small shoreline hosts Strand Oostende<\/a>, the beach for the city of the same name. It\u2019s a place where locals hang out on the promenade, sipping drinking and building sandcastles while enjoying the summer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See stunning beaches in Italy and historical sites in Bruges all during our epic three-week <\/em>Grand European<\/em><\/a> tour that stops in 11 countries.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any Brit worth their salt knows that Cornwall<\/a> has some of the finest beaches in all of Great Britain. Treyarnon Bay is just one of many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just keep swimming:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>Escape the summer crowds at these Eastern European beaches<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 <\/span>Budva<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, Germany has beaches, and you\u2019ll find its longest beach promenade Strand <\/span>K\u00fchlungsborn<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rocky and rather shallow, Qawra Point Beach in Malta<\/a> isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not just a daytime beach, either. As the sunsets, you\u2019ll find locals and visitors breaking out the barbecues and taking selfies against the beautiful backdrop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read next:<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>6 perfect beaches in Phuket, Thailand<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With golden sand and calm surf, you\u2019d think you were standing on the shores of a Spanish <\/span>playa<\/span>. But no \u2014 you\u2019re in Poland having a wonderful time on a Baltic Sea beach. Brzezno Beach is just west of <\/span>Gda\u0144sk<\/span><\/a>\u2019s city center, easily accessible by tram. Popular in the summer thanks to its neighboring President Ronald Reagan Park and Brze\u017anie\u0144ski Park, Brzezno Beach has hours worth of swimming, skating, and cocktail sipping to cool you off on a hot summer\u2019s day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the purity of Cyprus\u2019<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But don\u2019t ask the swimmers; ask the turtles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alagadi Turtle Beach in G\u00f6z\u00fcb\u00fcy\u00fck 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\u2019ll gladly tell you how you can help keep Cyprus\u2019 beaches clean for the next generation of green and loggerhead hatchlings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You deserve some R&R on the riviera, but instead of the French or Italian coastline, head to the <\/span>Albanian Riviera<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/09\/1.-ahmet-kurt-ew8FjLyOQ8M-unsplash-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSoak up the sun at the best beaches in Europe <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Beach | Santorini, Greece<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2012\/03\/elise-greece_red-beach-santorini-400x300px1.jpg\")
Playa de Rodas | Galicia, Spain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Golden Horn | Bra\u010d Island, Croatia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Praia de Tavira | Tavira, Portugal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Portuguese](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/09\/3.-max-harlynking-hElvpgJam3U-unsplash-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLarvotto Beach | Monte Carlo, Monaco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Veleka Beach | Sinemorets, Bulgaria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Baia dei Turchi | Otranto, Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Beachgoers](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/10\/massimo-virgilio-3nyxAGqCcGs-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSvetilnik Beach | Izola, Slovenia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dueodde Beach | Bornholm, Denmark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lambanes Beach | Langanes, Iceland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2022\/04\/josh-reid-meOFNlRbHmY-unsplash-1024x682.jpg\")
Whiterocks Beach | Portrush, Northern Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strand Oostende | Oostende, Belgium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treyarnon Bay | Cornwall, England<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/09\/8.-rob-wicks-7HmQNoAqxpk-unsplash-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSveti Stefan Beach | Budva, Montenegro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strand K\u00fchlungsborn | K\u00fchlungsborn, Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Qawra Point Beach |Ta\u2019 Fra Ben Bay, Malta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Malta](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/09\/9.-planet-volumes-lTL397oFwsI-unsplash-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrzezno Beach | Gda\u0144sk, Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alagadi Turtle Beach | G\u00f6z\u00fcb\u00fcy\u00fck, Cyprus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Birdseye](\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2023\/09\/10.-pexels-jolo-diaz-3661927-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKsamil Beach | Ksamil, Albania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rackwick Beach | Hoy, Scotland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n