The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe
Some beaches you stumble upon; these are the ones worth planning an entire trip around. From the turquoise coves of Greece to the black volcanic sand of Iceland, here are ten European beaches that stopped us in our tracks — and exactly how to make the most of each one.
01 · Navagio Beach, Greece
Framed by sheer white cliffs and a rusting shipwreck half-buried in the sand, Navagio is the postcard that has launched a thousand trips to Greece. There’s no road in — the only way to set foot on that famous strip of sand is from the water, which is half the adventure.
Don't Miss
The classic way in: a cruise from Zakynthos that pairs the shipwreck bay with a swim stop at the glowing Blue Caves.
02 · Cala Goloritzé, Italy
A UNESCO-protected cove on Sardinia’s wild east coast, with a limestone pinnacle rising straight out of impossibly clear water. You have to earn it — either a steep hike down or a boat around the Gulf of Orosei — and it rewards every minute.
The hike down takes about an hour each way and it’s steep — come in proper shoes with plenty of water, or take the boat and save your legs for the swim.
A skippered dinghy excursion to Goloritzé and its neighbouring cove of Cala Mariolu, along Sardinia’s most beautiful stretch of coast.
03 · Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Golden cliffs, hidden coves and water in three shades of blue — Praia da Marinha is the Algarve at its most cinematic. The clifftop walk above the beach might be even better than the sand itself.
04 · Zlatni Rat, Croatia
A slender white-pebble spit that literally changes shape with the wind and current, reaching into the Adriatic like a pointing finger. One of the most photographed beaches in Croatia — and a favourite with windsurfers when the afternoon breeze picks up.
05 · La Pelosa Beach, Italy
Shallow, bath-warm and almost Caribbean, La Pelosa near Stintino is all soft white sand and turquoise water so clear it barely looks real — watched over by an old Aragonese watchtower. It’s one of the most beloved beaches in Italy, so arrive early in summer.
In summer, La Pelosa caps the number of daily visitors — book your beach access online in advance, or you risk being turned away at the entrance.
06 · Balos Lagoon, Greece
Where three seas meet in a swirl of turquoise and pink-tinged sand, Balos is northwestern Crete’s showpiece. It’s remote by design — most people arrive on the cruise from Kissamos, pairing the lagoon with the pirate island of Gramvousa.
Editor's Pick
The day trip locals recommend: the lagoon plus the fortress island of Gramvousa, all in one unforgettable sail from Kissamos.
Some beaches you visit. These are the ones you plan an entire trip around.
— Travel Journal07 · Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world, Rabbit Beach sits on tiny Lampedusa — closer to Africa than to mainland Italy. Protected as a sea-turtle nesting site, its pale sand and glassy shallows feel genuinely untouched.
This is a protected turtle-nesting beach — keep to the marked paths, take everything home with you, and steer well clear of any roped-off nesting zones.
08 · Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Not every dream beach is tropical. Reynisfjara’s jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns and offshore sea stacks are pure drama. Just respect the warning signs — the powerful “sneaker waves” here are no joke.
Never turn your back on the ocean here. Reynisfjara’s “sneaker waves” arrive without warning and can drag you in from what looks like dry sand — stay well back from the water’s edge.
The stress-free way to see Reynisfjara alongside Iceland’s famous waterfalls, with a guide who knows where it’s safe to stand.
09 · Myrtos Beach, Greece
The view from the road above Myrtos — a sweep of white pebbles between green cliffs and a sea that shades from milk to deep blue — is one of the most breathtaking in the Ionian. Pause at the viewpoint before you wind your way down.
Editor's Pick
A guided day on Kefalonia that pairs its most famous beach with the otherworldly blue of the Melissani cave lake.
10 · Benagil Beach, Portugal
The Algarve’s showstopper: a golden sea cave with a natural skylight punched through its roof, reachable only from the water. Kayak, paddleboard or boat in — and go early, before the crowds and the midday glare.
Don't Miss
A thrilling speedboat ride from Portimão along the Algarve’s cliffs to the famous Benagil cave and its hidden grottoes.
One last thought on where to sleep once you’ve picked the beach. Greece has the deepest choice of grown-up places to stay on this list — our guide to adults-only hotels in Greece covers the four we’d book — and the bag you bring matters more here than anywhere else, which is what our list of beach accessories worth packing is for.
Good to Know & FAQ
When's the best time to visit Europe's beaches?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spot — warm water, thinner crowds and better prices than peak July and August.
Which of these beaches need a boat or tour to reach?
Navagio, Balos, Cala Goloritzé and Benagil are best (or only) reached from the water, so a boat trip is part of the experience. The rest you can drive or walk to.
Are any of these good for families with children?
La Pelosa and Praia da Marinha have shallow, calm water that's ideal for kids. Reynisfjara, with its powerful waves, is one to admire from a safe distance rather than swim.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons — Navagio: Wilnel José Verdú Guerrero (CC BY-SA 4.0); Cala Goloritzé: Yesuitus2001 (CC BY-SA 2.5); Praia da Marinha: Rojs Rozentāls (CC BY-SA 2.0); Zlatni Rat: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0); La Pelosa: Gianni Careddu (CC BY-SA 4.0); Balos: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0); Rabbit Beach: Giuseppe Palumbo (public domain); Myrtos: Rob Bendall (CC BY); Benagil: Marian Baciu (CC BY-SA 4.0).
