Popular and idyllic secluded, wild and well equipped for a quality holiday. Those that will appeal to a tireless traveler, a risky sportsman, a responsible family man, an incorrigible romantic or a couple in love. What are the best beaches in Europe?
Plage de Palombaggia
The most famous and best beach in Corsica is located in France, in the city of Porto Vecchio, on the southeast coast. The two-kilometer coastline with fine golden sand is surrounded by mountains and pine forest where you can hide from the hot sun rays. This is a paradise with clear turquoise water, pink porphyry boulders, national flavor and a wide range of entertainment, including boat trips to the islands of Cerbicales and Lavezzi. They often come here with children - parents like the cleanliness of the beach and smooth descents to the water.
Elafonisi
A fabulously beautiful pink sand beach is the adornment of the island of the same name and all of Crete. You will find it in the southwest of, visiting the snow-white stone monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa along the way. Since Elafonisi is located in a protected area, the beach has only the essentials - sun loungers and umbrellas, showers and toilets, small cafes. But at the services of vacationers, the crystal clearness of the warm water and the coast, which, due to tiny fragments of shells, sea shells and corals, becomes either soft peach or purple.
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach)
The beach, stretching out on the Italian island of Lampedusa (south of Sicily, between Malta and Tunisia), has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most beautiful not only in Europe, but also on the entire planet. You can get to it exclusively by sea, but the distance from civilization, the impressive landscape, the abundance of coral reefs, gentle sand and amazingly colored water are worth it. Spiaggia dei Conigli attracts connoisseurs of natural beauty, diving enthusiasts and those looking for an opportunity to relax and have fun.
Playa de ses Illetes
The beach, which is on the quietest of the Balearic Islands, Formentera, can be reached by ferry from Ibiza, by car or bicycle from the port. The reward will be a protected place - a beautiful beach with silvery sand and pale blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. There are always a lot of people here, so the regulars recommend spending time on the yacht. In terms of infrastructure development, Formentera is inferior to Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, but there are many good hotels and fish restaurants near Playa de ses Illetes.
Cala Mariolu
Mariolu Bay is located 50 km from the Gennargentu National Park with mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks. The small Italian beach, surrounded by brutal cliffs, is reached by boat or private boat, which regularly leave from the port of Cala Gonone (a seaside town in Sardinia). This tropical idyll is remembered for its smooth white marble pebbles - on the shore it looks pink, and in the water it shimmers in millions of shades. It is quite shallow here, so vacationers often take their children with them.
Falésia
The ranking of the best beaches in Europe is hard to imagine without this section of the southern coast of Portugal. The main advantages of the beach are a small number of visitors, fine sand and picturesque coastal cliffs of all ocher shades, steeply descending to the ocean. Its turquoise waters and clear skies are a sumptuous setting for an endless array of cut rock layers. Add to this transparent air purified by spreading pine crowns, perfectly warmed water, many bays for secluded relaxation, walking distance of hotels and transport stops.
Iztuzu (Iztuzu - turtle coast)
Spiaggia della Pelosa (Pelosa)
The beautiful beach on the shores of the Gulf of Asinara in Sardinia is a landmark of Stintino, surrounded by cozy hotels and villas. This is one of the best sandy beaches in Europe with azure sea water, shallow depth and advanced infrastructure - sun loungers, umbrellas and boats are available for rent, and local restaurants and cafes invite you to dine. The surrounding islands protect Spiaggia della Pelosa from strong winds, so a pleasant holiday in the European Caribbean is guaranteed at any time of the year.
Praia Da Rocha
The most famous Portuguese beach is located at. It is famous for its long and wide sandy strip surrounded by rocks of incredible shapes. The entire beach infrastructure is located on comfortable wooden paths, and the road that bends around the embankment is open to hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, discos and casinos. The ocean is mostly calm and warm, there is everything you need for volleyball, football and basketball matches on the shore. Praia Da Rocha is a real holiday for those who are in love with the lively atmosphere of Portugal and the nature that has preserved its pristine nature on the edge of Europe.
La Concha
This sandy beach got its name from the Spanish word "shell". It is its shape that exactly repeats the bay of the same name. La Concha belongs to the city of San Sebastian and is a clear example of how perfect a vacation spot by the Atlantic Ocean can be - even in winter, when its waters are cool enough, you can find here swimmers. You will find a beach of soft sand and tranquil views between the fishing port and the rocky outcropping of Pico del Loro, behind which lies Ondaretta Beach.
Fig Tree Bay Beach
If you find yourself in the southern part of Cyprus, be sure to visit the beach in Fig Tree Bay. It is located in the small resort village of Protaras, which is part of the Paralimni community of the Famagusta region. Fig Tree Bay Beach pleases with clean beaches and excellent conditions for children's recreation, soft sand of an amazingly light shade and well-thought-out infrastructure - changing houses, sun loungers with umbrellas and courteous staff. Not far from the beach is an ancient fig grove that blooms in spring and fills the air with wondrous aromas.
Kleftiko (Kleftiko)
There is a very beautiful wild beach, which is almost impossible to get to on your own - it is better to hire a boat, which will quickly pass the high steep cliffs. It is not for nothing that Kleftiko was included in the rating of the best - this is the dream of those who like to relax away from busy resorts, enjoying the chaste sand and aquamarine waters in peace and quiet. The famous Meteora cliffs rise not far from the coast, there are several real pirate caves on the beach - the whole atmosphere breathes romance and adventure. The main thing is to take everything you need with you, because Kleftiko Beach does not have any equipment.
Playa de Muro
On the Spanish island of Mallorca (north of the municipality of Alcudia), there is a quiet beach about 6 km long and about 25 meters wide. The smooth shallow water entry and microscopic sand made it ideal for parents with children. Playa de Muro Beach is divided into three parts: well-equipped with resort hotels western and middle, as well as wild Es Comu with untouched territory, pine and juniper, sand dunes. Behind the beach is the Albufera Natural Park, where you can go boating, bird watching and paella.
Fistral Beach
Located in the trendy seaside resort of Newquay (Cornwall, UK), the name alone is awe-inspiring for surfers. Providing hollow waves ranging from 6 to 8 feet high, the superb surfboard is surrounded by towering cliffs and sand dunes familiar to all beach enthusiasts who flock to catch their luck. Fistral Beach is the venue for major competitions, and hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops are responsible for the convenience of athletes and tourists.
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Agios Pavlos
Listing the best beaches in Europe, one cannot fail to mention the Greek "St. Paul", which got its name from the old Byzantine church. A hermitage with small pebbles and fine water of rare purity sets you up for relaxation and yoga. There is a cool pine forest and a charming tavern near Agios Pavlos Beach, but the beach itself has no infrastructure, so you will have to bring rugs and umbrellas with you. For a selection of the best beach destinations in Crete, see
And sea air this year?
Location:
It is located in the southern part of Lampedusa, the southernmost of the Pelagian Islands in the Mediterranean. Communication with the island is carried out by ferry, there is also a year-round flight with Palermo and Catania (Sicily), in summer there are direct flights from Rome and Milan.
Peculiarities:
Despite the name, rabbits do not live on this beach. The name Rabbit most likely came from the Arabic word "Rabit" ("link"), referring to the isthmus that connected this small island with a larger one (the isthmus has not survived to this day). Every spring, sea turtles lay their eggs in the fine white sand on the eastern part of the beach. In August, small reptiles hatch from them, which immediately go to the sea.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 9 21 (Price reflects the average cost of renting a home for two per week from March to August 2015).
Location:
The hotel is located on the island of Formentera, located in the Mediterranean Sea six kilometers south of Ibiza. All year round it can be reached by sea from Spain (Barcelona, Valencia and Denia). There is also a direct ferry from Denia to Formentera in summer.
Peculiarities:
Playa de ses Illetes is one of the busiest beaches in Formentera. There are excellent seafood restaurants nearby. The composition of tourists here is incredibly motley - from tourists who have come for a day from Ibiza to wealthy locals on luxury yachts. Nudists settled in the northern part of the beach
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 1,102.
Location:
Elafonisi is located in the southwestern part of Crete. An elongated beach is often cut off from Crete at high tide, giving the impression of being a separate island. During low tide, it can be reached from Crete on foot - the road from Chania by car or bus will take an hour and a half.
Peculiarities:
The smallest fragments of thousands of broken shells give the sand a pinkish hue. Near the place where the peninsula "breaks off" from Crete, the water depth does not exceed one meter, creating small lagoons ideal for children to relax.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 1,037.
Location:
The beach is located between Morte Point and Baggy Point on the north coast of Devon in southwest England. The best way to get to the beach is by car.
Peculiarities:
The golden sands of the beach stretch for almost 5 km. Woolacombe Beach is very popular with water sports enthusiasts and quickly became the epicenter of international surfing.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 1,076.
Location:
The beach is located 13 km from Dalyan on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The beach can be reached by boat from the town of Keijegiz by the river - it only takes 20 minutes. Dolmus (local bus service) will also take you to your destination in 25 minutes.
Peculiarities:
The beach stretches for an impressive 25 km, it is a narrow shoal of land that forms a natural border between the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is one of the main sea turtle habitats in the Mediterranean. In this regard, it received the name "turtle beach".
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 589.
Location:
Located in the popular tourist resort of Protaras on the east coast of Cyprus. The resort town of Ayia Napa is located just 10 km southwest of the Gulf.
Peculiarities:
Fig Tree Bay is named after the tree in whose shade the locals took refuge before the place gained popularity among tourists. Today it is one of the most sought-after destinations among Europeans - there is a chain of luxury hotels and bars along the coast.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 698.
Location:
It is located about 7 km west of the Sicilian coast. Located on the east coast of Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian Islands.
Peculiarities:
Cala Rossa got its name in honor of the battle between Rome and Carthage during the Punic War (241 BC). This beach is famous for its vibrant sea. The place is popular with snorkelers due to the abundance of marine life. The walking path to the coast takes quite a long time, so it is better not to go here with small children.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 964.
Location:
The beach stretches for 4.8 km of the Weymouth coast. From the beach, a ferry leaves for the Channel Islands.
Peculiarities:
The beach is popular for summer families with a variety of activities: donkey riding, sand sculptures, trampolines and fairs. King George III named this beach his first resort - it was from that moment that swimming became fashionable in Britain.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 963.
Location:
The beach is located in the southwest of the island of Lefkada, about 30 km from the capital of the island of the same name. Egremni is surrounded by cliffs - sheer cliffs, so to get to the beach, you need to go down 347 steps down the cliff. The nearest village, Atani, is a few kilometers to the north.
Peculiarities:
Eggremni is the longest beach in Lefkada, stretching over 2.5 km. According to tourists and locals alike, this is the perfect place to see the sunsets.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 1,359.
Location:
The beach is located in the small village of Bolonia, 20 km north of Tarifa, it is located next to the Natural Del Erestcho park, and on a clear day you can see Morocco on the horizon.
Peculiarities:
The length of the beach is 3.8 km. The ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia are located close to the beach and are considered the best-preserved Roman structures found in Spain.
On TripAdvisor, the average cost of booking a weekly stay for two is $ 727.
Travels
What country do you think is the most beautiful and serene beach in Europe, according to the famous British travel publication (and this is not Spain, Greece or Italy)?
According to Lonely Planet, one of the first official publishers to publish travel guides for the less affluent, the most beautiful and idyllic beach in Europe is located in Montenegro.
Located in a crescent-shaped bay on the Adriatic Sea, the beach is one of Montenegro's hidden gems.
Jaz Beach, where you can swim in the rays of the sun, stretches for 1 210 meters. Despite its relative unpopularity with tourists (at least for now), it has overtaken the famous beaches of Spain, Portugal and Greece in terms of beauty and tranquility.
The best sandy beaches in Europe
Here are 10 of the best beaches in Europe, according to a well-known British travel publisher:
1. Jaz Beach, Montenegro
This beach is located near the city of Budva. It is quite popular with locals, but has little popularity among tourists from Western Europe, as most of them prefer the already known beaches, which are easier to reach.
Getting to this beach takes a couple of extra steps - not very many planes fly directly to the nearest Tivat Airport. Still, the effort is well worth the effort, especially for those who love adventure and a festive atmosphere.
In summer, it hosts the annual Sea Dance Festival, which was voted the best mid-size festival in Europe in 2014.
2. Peniche, Portugal
This city is home to only 15,000 inhabitants. Most of the people here are fishing, but the city is also known for its long beaches and winds that create waves - ideal for surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts.
It may not be the most attractive beaches in Portugal, but tourists come here, on the Atlantic coast, especially for the thrill.
There are also beaches with calm waters ideal for families with children. Here you can relax on the soft sand and frolic in the sea.
3. Rodinara Beach, Corsica, France
This beach was included in this list for a reason - it is often called the best beach in France.
Located in Rodinara Bay, the beach is very popular with tourists and is a frequent stopover for wealthy holidaymakers who love to cross the Mediterranean in summer on their large yachts.
The location where the beach is located allows children to swim in the clear, shallow turquoise waters.
4. Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
The Mediterranean island of Sardinia has a lot of sand along its coastline, but Cala Goloritze is renowned for its crystal clear waters and environment.
The beach is located in the north of the island and was once called an Italian national monument.
But you can get here only by boat or on foot for about 90 minutes along a narrow path.
5. Vik Beach, Iceland
This is perhaps the most unusual beach on the list. Here in the southern part of Iceland, in the wettest part of the country, you can find volcanic black sands and waters that are far from turquoise.
Those who arrived on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and stopped at Reinisdrangar - basalt columns that rise directly from the ocean - will not forget what they saw, because it makes a strong impression.
One of the famous American magazines Islands Magazine, named Vik one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.
6. Bantham Beach, England, UK
At the mouth of the Avon River, Bantham Beach is considered the UK's premier beach for families and surfers. Surfers will love the big waves, while families will appreciate the surrounding nature - sands, dunes and littoral.
The beach offers a beautiful view of the coast of Bigbury Bay, where you can also stop and relax. This place is cut off from the mainland during high tides. It is worth noting that such prominent personalities as Agatha Christie, Prince Edward VIII, the former King of Great Britain and his wife Wallis Simpson stayed here.
7. Sandwood Bay Beach, Scotland, UK
First, it should be noted that the waters of North Scotland are quite cold, and this is despite the Gulf Stream - a warm sea current coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting to the Bay Beach on the outskirts of Scotland is not easy. Sandwood Bay Beach is 6.5 km from the nearest road and requires a winding path through swamps and grassy sand dunes to reach it.
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Europe, but some are more beautiful than others. From Italy to Iceland (yes, you’re not wrong), we have prepared 10 of the best beaches in Europe and the most photogenic beaches across the continent.
Cale Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy
It is not safe to say that Cale Goloritzé, located at the base of a cliff on the windswept north-east coast of Sardinia, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. However, it is a hidden oasis: a tiny patch of white sand with azure blue water between soaring limestone cliffs. The beach is considered so special that it was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Situated on the sun-scorched southwest coast of Menorca, the tranquil Cala Macarella Beach is ideal for those looking to get away from the crowded beaches of nearby Mallorca and Ibiza. There are several options to get there: walk three kilometers along the cliffs from the nearby Cala Galdana beach, or drive along the winding road from Ciutadela, and then walk another 20 minutes through the pine forest. Not close, but its ultra-fine sand and calm turquoise waters are well worth the effort.
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Navagio beach, Zakynthos island, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach due to the ancient ship buried in the heart of the beach, Navagio is the most beautiful sandy beach in Greece and one of the best beaches in Europe. It is nestled among steep limestone cliffs and is so isolated that it can only be reached by boat. You can spend the whole day sunbathing on the powdery sand, but its beauty is best appreciated from the observation deck above the cliffs near the Agios Gergio Kremnao Monastery.
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Gulf of Virgin Islands (Ile Vierge, Île Vierge), Brittany, France
Brittany's Crozon Peninsula may not be as glamorous as Biarritz or the Cote d'Azur, but it is more beautiful and much quieter. The Gulf of the Virgin Islands, with its crisp white shores and ultra-blue waters, can give odds to any beach on the Riviera. Plus, it has a breathtaking view - nestled at the base of a cliff and surrounded by sea pines, making it a photographer's dream.
Vik Black Beach, Iceland
Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when talking about beaches, but it is without a doubt famous for its beautiful and picturesque coastline. You will not see the usual palms and white sand here: on Vika, the sand is black as caviar and the beach is dotted with tall basalt columns, which makes it even more special and beautiful.
Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape or Golden Horn), Brac Islands, Croatia
Croatia is replete with stunning beaches and boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, but the Golden Cape stands out from the rest for its vibrant and unusual shape (which actually changes with the surf). Although it looks like a golden sandy beach, its coastline is composed of smooth, small pebbles and stretches for a kilometer on either side of the tip of the promontory. Not just a beautiful place, Zlatni Rat is a great place for windsurfing, water skiing and SUP (paddle boarding).
Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha), Algarve, Portugal
It is no secret that Marina Beach is the most photogenic beach in Portugal - a classic Algarve beach located in a bay, with its golden sand, turquoise waters and rocky limestone cliffs. The beach is popular with family lovers for its sea caves and mountain pools, and the calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling.
Marasusa Beach, Tropea, Italy
Marasouza beach is located in the pretty town of Tropea, which is recognized as the pearl of Calabria and is proudly called “La Costa degli Dei” - Coast of the Gods. It's easy to see why the gods will love it: Marasuza is made up of picturesque cliffs with silky sand and calm turquoise waters, making it one of the most beloved beaches in Italy.
Ahead of the summer season, TripAdvisor has named the best beaches in Europe according to travelers. The beaches that have received Travelers Choice awards have been determined based on the quantity and quality of user reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months. Let's talk about the most idyllic, secluded, inaccessible and romantic places on our continent.
The best beaches in Spain
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera
The smallest and quietest of the Balearic Islands now boasts the best beach in Europe. It was Playa de Ses Illetes that received the most votes in Tripadvisor user ratings. The main argument “for” was the snow-white sand, the gentle entrance to the sea and crystal clear water. It is easy to get to the beach by bicycle, a popular form of transport in this area. The size of the island is small - 23 × 7 kilometers. And cycling is the most convenient here. “The most magical and romantic place I've been. Fine white sand, thin thread of the ridge. Awesome! I don’t want to leave here, ”one of the travelers wrote on TripAdvisor.
El Cotillo Beach - the best beach in Fuerteventura
The beaches of the deserted island of Fuerteventura have long been known. There are few tourists here, but out of that small number of tourists, there are a lot of nudists. These parts have fantastic sand dunes, deep blue to azure waters and good roads to travel from one end of the island to the other.
The beach next to the small fishing village of El Cotillo is a great option for young families and couples. There are many shallow bays where it is convenient to practice snorkeling, there are almost no storms and excellent fish restaurants. “White sand, black rocks and azure sea of all shades. A truly beautiful coastline. You can relax a bit until you want the thrill of climbing over the breakwater, ”comments one TripAdvisor traveler.
Playa de Bolonia beach, Tarifa
Dunes with fine sand, long beaches, clear water and pine trees ... The local landscapes, without exaggeration, are breathtaking. Different travelers go to Tarifa. Some - to catch the wind with a kite or sail, others, to be enchanted by the boundless sea space.
The travelers named Playa de Bolonia the best beach in the region. From it, by the way, you can easily get to the Roman ruins that are nearby. “Very beautiful coastline. White fine sand, clear azure ocean water, pine trees. The ruins of the ruined city provide a touch of history, ”writes one TripAdvisor user.
Playa de Cofete, Fuerteventura
Getting to this secluded beach takes time. But it's worth it. The landscapes here are amazing. In addition, a mysterious story is associated with these places, which took place at the Villa Winter, located nearby. It is known that its owner collaborated with the Nazis, and for many years this area was closed to the public. “Great path between the hills and spectacular views as you descend to Cofet. The beach feels endless, and when you are on it, you feel spacious and a sense of freedom, ”says one traveler on the TripAdvisor community.
Cala Comte - the best beach in Ibizi
Cala Comte is a great place in Ibiza to spend a full day in. After swimming or sailing on a catamaran, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant while watching the sunset. One TripAdvisor traveler says: “This beach is a must-see. The color of the sea is from azure to dark blue. Fine sand and gentle sun stop the moments. "
The best beaches in Greece
Elafonissi Beach, Crete
The pride of this place is the white-pink shade of the sand, which is attributed to the admixture of coral chips. It is great for families with children: the sea is always clean, shallow and therefore warm, and the waves are very rare. From here, through the shallow water, you can wade to the nearest island and watch the luxurious sea lilies. It is worth knowing that the beach is located in the south-west of Crete, and tourists do not come here in large numbers precisely because of the remoteness from the main resort areas.
TripAdvisor writes about this place like this: “We stopped once and could not resist - the second time we arrived for the whole day! The purest water and, by the way, in September it was the only place in western Crete, where there was a calm sea. "
Porto Limnionas Beach - the best beach in Zakynthos
If you are a fan of rocky beaches, then you should go to Zakynthos. In Porto Limnionas Beach, the rocks are such that they seem to be made for diving. In the local tavern, travelers will always find delicious Greek food. “Rent a car and drive here along the narrow access road. It's worth it! A delightful place, the best sun loungers on the island and exciting swimming! " - commented one of the TripAdvisor users.
The best beach in Portugal
The third in the ranking of the best beaches in Europe is the secluded Praia da Marinha beach in the southern Portuguese province of the Algarve. It is located near the small village of Praia do Carvoeiro and is considered among travelers as one of the most intimate in the country. It is surrounded by bizarre rocks, which in places descend to the water itself.
Praia da Marinha, located in the Algarve (in the south of Portugal), can be safely called an intimate beach. In the lowlands, there are often few tourists here, and travelers can relax on the sand or rent a boat to look into the stunning caves. As one TripAdvisor user noted: “It's a very beautiful place - rocks, paths, bushes and, of course, the beach itself. It is a great pleasure to just walk at first, and then swim in the cold waves of the Atlantic. "
Turkey's Best Beach
The Turkish Iztuzu Beach is located in the Dalyan Delta, a national park of the same name, which is home to up to 200 species of birds and the rare caretta-caretta turtles. From here it is close to Marmaris and Fethiye. Travelers can take a boat tour to observe turtles. “Iztuzu Beach is perhaps the best beach I've ever seen (and I've been to the Maldives!). Its soft fine sand, its picturesque views, miles of shallow water, untouched nature - this is heaven on earth, ”- the traveler shares his impressions on TripAdvisor.
Best beach in Cyprus
One of the best beaches in Europe was also found in Cyprus near Protaras. It is worth coming here for the whole day: excellent restaurants and a lot of rental offices where you can rent equipment for various water sports. One TripAdvisor user notes: “A huge clean beach where everyone can find something to their liking. Sunbathing, relaxation, swimming or more active activities such as paragliding or banana rides. Everything is there, so enjoy. You will not regret it".
