You won’t have to make concessions if you decide to spend your next beach vacation in Europe. You might find yourself visiting Europe frequently if you have such a fantastic assortment of places to pick from, at least until you’ve seen every beach on our list. Continue reading to start making trip arrangements.
1. Navagio, Zakynthos Island, Greece
The massive, battered hull of a freighter that ran aground in the early 1980s serves as the focal point of this well-known location. The ship is presently situated in the center of a crescent-shaped beach, a few yards from the point where the Ionian Sea and bone-white sand meet during low tide.
Although the cove can only be reached by boat due to the sheer cliffs surrounding the beach, there is a constant flow of visitors throughout the summer because of the abundance of suppliers in the region. Even yet, it’s worthwhile to make the trek since you must see the corroded shell in person to fully understand how striking it is against the stunning natural beauty of Zakynthos Island.
2. Calanque d’en Vau, Cassis, France
Adventurers won’t want to miss this remote area on France’s southern coast because it can only be reached by boat or a two-hour hike from the Cassis harbor. The effort required to get there only serves to enhance the attraction of the final destination.
This beach, which is hidden at the end of a lengthy inlet, is flanked by tall, precipitous cliffs, and the stark contrast between the vivid blue Mediterranean and the white limestone gives the area a surreal atmosphere.
3. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
One of the most breathtaking beaches on earth, but only the most adventurous people would venture to it due to its secluded location 100 miles southwest of Sicily on an island between Tunisia and Malta.
The water is shallow enough to wade out into the bay and is consistently quiet and clear, making it a haven for swimmers and snorkelers. Yet, for those who make the trip, there is plenty of compensation. Watch out for sea turtles, as this is one of the few locations where the threatened loggerheads regularly lay their eggs.
4. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi’s variety of sports and breathtaking surroundings will appeal to both adrenaline junkies and laid-back beachgoers. Photographers will like the pink beach and mountains backdrop, and sports enthusiasts can go windsurfing, kiteboarding, or surfing.
When you’re hungry, get a plate of dakos at one of the neighborhood tavernas. Dakos is a dish made locally that consists of crisp bread topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, mizithra cheese, olive oil, and herbs.
5. Playa de Migjorn, Formentera, Spain
You’ll find something here for everyone, in addition to the breathtaking landscape that Formentera’s beaches are famous for. Take advantage of the oceanfront beverage service by renting a beach chair and umbrella for the day. You can also go for a long walk to soak in the scenery or play a game of beach volleyball. The beach stretches for kilometers, so even those looking for a quiet place won’t have to venture far.
6. Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
Beach da Marinha is one of the most attractive locations in the Algarve, surrounded by golden limestone cliffs and stunning rock formations. The beautiful Benagil Cave is only 10 minutes away from the protected beach, which is roughly an hour’s drive west of Faro Airport.
Tourists can descend a steep flight of stairs to the sandy beachfront or climb up the clifftop Seven Hanging Valleys Path to get a birds-eye perspective of the beach. There are no beach clubs here, but you may locate a tiny café that is open throughout the summer, so if you intend to stay the day, bring an umbrella.
7. Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
The breathtaking beauty along this stretch of Dorset coastline makes it a must-see, even if the United Kingdom isn’t a usual beach destination. Swimming beneath the shadow of Durdle Door, a large granite arch that plunges into the water, is an ethereal experience in the summer.
And when the weather turns chilly, you won’t soon forget a trek along the cliffs with Dorset’s verdant hills on one side and the expansive ocean vistas across the rocky Jurassic Coast on the other.
8. Zlatni Rat, Brac, Croatia
Zlatni Rat’s distinctive shape—a steep triangle projecting into the sea—means that there is even more sandy surface space for sunbathers. There is a lot of natural beauty in this area—a turquoise sea, a forested island, and a sparkling white beach—and it’s heaven for outdoorsy types because there are so many opportunities for water sports.
Learn to windsurf, rent a paddleboard, or simply snorkel in the clear, beautiful waters. And if you’re searching for a family-friendly Croatian vacation, here is the place to go with playgrounds, food stands, and lifeguards on duty across the beach.
9. Playa Sa Caleta, Ibiza, Spain
The party-centric environment of Ibiza makes it simple to burn out after a few days. When you do, go to this beach; it’s off the beaten path, so it’s a little less crowded than the more well-known spots on the island’s northern side.
The location itself will also leave you feeling rejuvenated: The beach is shielded from the weather, and the water is as clean as blue as they come, nestled in a gap between two red sandstone cliffs. When you’ve had your fill of tanning, visit the neighboring Phoenician ruins to learn more about the region’s prehistoric past.
10. Lubenice Beach, Cres Island, Croatia
If past reputation is any indication, don’t miss this location. The region has been inhabited for around 4,000 years and is still a well-liked destination for both residents and tourists. You must endure an arduous 45-minute climb each way to reach the beach, which is remote and requires robust footwear. The Blue Grotto, a grotto carved into the cliff a few yards away, should not be missed.
To get there, you’ll need to swim to the beach’s edge, but once you’re inside, the atmosphere is unlike anything other – sunlight reflected off the water gives the area the appearance of being lit from within. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, make the short ascent back up into town to sample Lubenice’s incredibly fresh fish in a historically significant setting.
11. Palombaggia, Corsica, France
This location could easily be mistaken for a Tahitian vacation area if it weren’t for the evergreen trees surrounding the shore. Although it has gained popularity among beachgoers, Palombaggia is still free of the shoulder-to-shoulder hordes you’ll find on other of France’s more well-known beaches. It is usually regarded as the most picturesque stretch of coastline in Corsica.
And it’s ideal for families: the gradually sloping shelf is ideal for little ones who are satisfied with splashing around in the shallows, while the teeming schools of fish and miles of visibility will have older youngsters snorkeling for hours.
12. Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey
The name “Blue Lagoon” is appropriate because the bay is so vividly colored that it nearly doesn’t seem real. Being natural preserves, the sea and the surrounding forest are unspoiled and devoid of the overdevelopment that blights so many Turkish vacation towns.
Thank goodness it still offers the comforts of home, including restrooms, showers, and coffee shops, to make your visit more enjoyable. Due to the adjacent peak of Mount Babadag, the area is a top destination for paragliders, and the high clarity of the lagoon makes it perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers.
13. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
This beach in Cornwall, a six-hour journey from London, is well-known for its white sand and turquoise waves. The cove is protected by cliffs, which keeps it tranquil even when it’s windy outside. Because of the visibility, seeing marine life is assured. Also, remember to pack a change of clothes.
When the sun goes down, you’ll want to dash up the cliffs to the Minack Theatre for an outdoor performance that comes with an ocean soundtrack and a view of the Atlantic.
