20 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe
Uncover the most beautiful beaches in Europe and fall in love with the most diverse and unique beaches scattered around the continent.
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is finding unique and beautiful beaches. I have traveled all around Europe for the past 7 years and have visited over 50 beaches all around the continent. Some I love and some didn’t meet the hype. This list is a summary of the 20 best beaches in Europe I HIGHLY recommend.
The beaches on this list are all very different from sandy beaches, to pebbly beaches and from deep blue to aqua blue and beyond. This list truly complies with the best of the best from all around Europe!
Keep reading for the 20 most beautiful beaches in Europe!
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
In This Post
Which country in Europe has the most beautiful beaches?
The country in Europe with the most beautiful beaches is Greece and Italy. These two countries offer so much diversity in their beaches and are home to some of the most unique and incredible beaches on the continent. If I could add a third it would be Spain!
Where is the clearest water in Europe?
The clearest water in Europe is in Greece or in the Mediterranean region in general. Some of the most famous beaches known for crystal-clear waters include the Greek Islands – like Crete, Zakynthos, and Corfu. You can also find very clear water in Sardinia and Sicily in Italy and the French Riviera – like Corsica.
Does Europe have white sand beaches?
Yes, Europe has white sand beaches, particularly in countries with Mediterranean coastlines such as Greece, Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. Iconic destinations like the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol in Spain, Sardinia in Italy, and Nissi Beach in Cyprus are known for their stunning white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.
20 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe Overview
🐬 Beach with the Bluest Water: Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos, Greece + La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
🌙 Most Unique Beach: Sarakiniko, Greece
🌞 Beach with the Best Views: Navagio Beach, Greece + Seitan Limania, Crete
📸 Most Picturesque: Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
👀 Hidden Gem Beaches: Paradise Beach, Corfu + Ribarko Selo, Montenegro
🪨 Most Authentic Experience: Polignano a Mare, Italy
Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
- Location: Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe known for its crescent shape with soft sands and clear waters. It’s a must-visit beach in Montenegro located in one of the top places to visit in Montenegro: Sveti Stefan!
➡️ How to Get There: If arriving by air, the nearest airport is Tivat Airport (TIV). From there, a 30-minute drive along the coast will take you to Sveti Stefan. Alternatively, you can use the local bus services or hire a taxi.
➡️ Entrance Fee: There isn’t a specific entrance fee for Sveti Stefan Beach itself. However, the Aman Resort (on the Sveti Stefan Islet) has private access.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Sveti Stefan Beach is during the summer months. Avoid the peak tourist season in July and August for a quieter experience.
Seitan Limania, Crete
- Location: ~20 kilometers northeast of Chania town in Crete, Greece.
🌞 This is one of the beaches with the best views 🌞
Seitan Limania located in Chania, Crete is a stunning beach with turquoise waters located between dramatic cliffs. It’s perfect for those seeking a remote beach day experience, stunning scenery, and an adventure!
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car, drive to the Akrotiri area and then follow a steep and narrow road down to the beach parking area. From there, a hike down the trail will take you to the beach.
NOTE: This beach is difficult to reach and requires hiking down a steep mountainside with loose rocks. Many people turned around when they saw the hike down and were not prepared. If you plan to do the hike wear proper shoes and pack water as it takes around 20 minutes.
➡️ Entrance Fee: There is typically no entrance fee for Seitan Limania Beach. However, you may need to pay for parking in the designated area.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, in late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October), to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather for swimming and hiking.
Navagio Beach, Greece
- Location: Zakynthos, Greece.
🌞 This is one of the beaches with the best views 🌞
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most iconic and beautiful beaches in Greece. Known for its stunning blue waters, huge white cliffs, and shipwreck on the beach.
The dramatic backdrop and pristine sands make it a must-visit for beach lovers and photographers. This is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by boat from various locations on Zakynthos, including Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos, or Zakynthos Town. It’s also possible to view the beach from the Navagio viewpoint on the cliffs.
➡️ Entrance Fee: There may be fees for boat tours or access to certain viewing points, but no direct entrance fee to the beach itself.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and the sea is calm for swimming. Visit earlier or later in the day to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
➡️ Book this tour for the ultimate experience
Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
- Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.
🌞 This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Europe 🌞
Plage Paloma offers a luxurious and beautiful escape in the South of France. With its vivid blue waters surrounding stunning views, it is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The distant villages, pebbly beaches, and lush greenery this is one of Europe’s most elegant beaches that oozes Mediterranean charm.
➡️ How to Get There: You can reach Plage Paloma by car or by taking a scenic coastal walk from the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer season (June to September) when the French Riviera enjoys warm weather and vibrant seaside activity. Reservations for sunbeds and tables at the restaurant are recommended during peak summer months.
Lama Monachile, Italy
- Location: Polignano a Mare, Italy
🌞 This is one of the most authentic beaches in Europe 🌞
Lama Monachile – located in the stunning town of Polignano a Mare – is famous for its stunning cliff-lined coastline, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Visit this beach for breathtaking views, a charming old town, and the chance to dive into the Adriatic Sea from the cliffs.
This is one of the top places to visit in Puglia and one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
➡️ How to Get There: You can reach Polignano a Mare by train from major Italian cities like Bari or by car via the A14 motorway.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August). However, late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
💡 I visited Polignano a Mare in October and the weather was amazing!
Torrent de Pareis, Mallorca, Spain
- Location: On the island of Mallorca, Spain.
Torrent de Pareis is a natural wonder and one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This beach is located in a stunning gorge beach nestled between towering cliffs. Its unique beauty, clear waters, and rugged landscape make it a paradise for beach lovers.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by boat from Sa Calobra or by a challenging hike through the scenic Torrent de Pareis gorge. Boat tours are also available from nearby coastal towns.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
Spaggia Grande, Postiano, Italy
- Location: Positano, Italy.
Spiaggia Grande is one of the most beautiful beaches in Positano known as one of the most iconic beaches in Europe. This stunning beach – located in Positano, Italy – is home to blue water and colorful umbrellas, providing a quintessential Mediterranean beach experience with a backdrop of charming Positano.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car along the winding coastal roads or by boat from nearby coastal towns. Positano can also be reached by bus from Naples or Sorrento.
➡️ Entrance Fee: There is typically no entrance fee for the public beach, but you may need to pay for sunbeds and services provided by private beach clubs.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer season (June to September) when the weather is warm and ideal for swimming. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, as it can get crowded during peak tourist months.
Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos, Greece
- Location: On the tiny island of Antipaxos.
🌞 This beach has some of the bluest water in Europe 🌞
Voutoumi Beach is a paradise for beach lovers with its clear turquoise waters and lush green surroundings. Its a very remote beach ideal for relaxation and snorkeling, and is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by boat from the nearby island of Paxos or from the mainland of Greece. Regular boat tours and water taxis operate during the tourist season.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No fee but you will need to pay for a boat transfer.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm, and the sea is perfect for swimming and water activities.
➡️ Book this tour for the ultimate experience
Cala-Macarelleta, Spain
- Location: Southern coast of Menorca, Spain.
Cala Macarelleta is a secluded gem located in Spain home to translucent waters and stunning scenery. Surrounded by pine-covered cliffs, it offers a relaxing and natural beach experience, and is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car or public bus from various parts of Menorca. A short walk from the nearby Cala Macarella beach.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot, as it can get crowded due to its popularity.
Santa Giulia, Corsica
- Location: Southern coast of Corsica.
Santa Giulia Beach is a pristine crescent of white sand and shallow turquoise waters, located on the stunning island of Corsica. Surrounded by hills and pine forests, it offers a picturesque setting for the perfect beach day
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car from the nearby town of Porto-Vecchio or by boat. Corsica also has airports in Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi with connections to major cities.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer season (June to September) for warm weather and excellent swimming conditions.
Zlatni Rat, Croatia
- Location: Southern coast of the island of Brac, near the town of Bol, Croatia.
Zlatni Rat is a stunning natural beach – a shifting pebble beach that extends into the Adriatic Sea. Its unique shape and crystal-clear waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by ferry or catamaran from the mainland city of Split to Bol. From Bol, it’s a short walk or bike ride to the beach.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, and the sea is ideal for swimming.
Sarakinko, Milos, Greece
- Location: On the island of Milos, part of the Cyclades in Greece.
🌞 This is the most unique beach in Europe 🌞
Sarakiniko Beach is an otherworldly beach located in Milos, Greece. It has an almost lunar landscape, featuring white volcanic rock formations and turquoise waters. It offers a surreal and photogenic setting, perfect for swimming, cliff jumping, and exploration.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car or scooter from the town of Adamas. Follow the signs to Sarakiniko Beach, which is a short drive away.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photos and more sun coverage.
Formentera, Spain
- Location: Formentera, Spain.
Formentera is famous for its unspoiled beauty, with pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling nearby island of Ibiza, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by ferry from Ibiza. Regular ferry services operate, making it a short and scenic journey.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, and the sea is perfect for swimming. Avoid the peak tourist season for a more peaceful experience.
➡️ Book this tour for the ultimate experience
Praia do Camillo, Algarve, Portugal
- Location: Lagos, Portugal.
Praia do Camilo is a hidden gem in Portugal with golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise waters. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with breathtaking scenery and a picturesque wooden staircase leading to the beach.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car from Lagos, follow signs to Praia do Camilo.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, and the sea is perfect for swimming.
Ribarsko Selo, Montenegro
- Location: In The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.
🌞 This beach is a hidden gem in Europe 🌞
Ribarsko Selo Beach offers a unique and secluded escape along the Montenegrin coast. Be sure to book your sunbed and lunch reservation in advance for Ribarseko Selo! This restaurant and beach club offers the perfect beach day experience.
This is my favorite beach club in Montenegro with an amazing restaurant. The restaurant has NO menu only fresh catches of the day and their own garden where you make your own menu on the spot.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car or by boat from Herceg Novi.
➡️ Entrance Fee: Your sunbed is free if you eat lunch at the restaurant. But you must reserve in advance.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
Balos Beach, Chania, Greece
- Location: Near Chania in Crete, Greece
Balos Beach is a paradise of soft white sands, turquoise waters, and a stunning lagoon. It’s one of the most unique beaches in Greece and a top attraction in Chania! This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and a bucketlist place to visit.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car from Chania or other parts of the island. Or by boat from Chania.
➡️ Entrance Fee: There is typically no direct entrance fee to access the beach.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
➡️ Book this tour for the ultimate experience
Loto Beach, Corsica
- Location: On the French island of Corsica, in the Golfe de Porto, near the village of Piana.
Loto Beach is a pristine, unspoiled gem with its sandy shores and clear turquoise waters. It’s an idyllic spot for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling, offering a peaceful escape to enjoy Corsica’s natural beauty.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car or boat from nearby coastal towns.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
La Pelosa beach, Sardinia, Italy
- Location: Stintino, Sardinia.
🌞 This beach has some of the bluest water in Europe 🌞
La Pelosa Beach is a Mediterranean paradise with its powdery white sands, emerald waters, and the iconic Aragonese Tower. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Euroep than many people don’t know about and are very excited to discover.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by car from Alghero or Porto Torres.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
Paradise Beach, Corfu, Greece
- Location: Located on the island of Corfu, Greece, on the western coast, near the town of Paleokastritsa
🌞 This beach is a hidden gem in Europe 🌞
Paradise Beach lives up to its name with its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding huge white cliffs. It’s only accessible by boat.
In Greece, you can rent a boat without a boating license if the motor is under 30 hp which almost all boat rental companies offer. This is still pretty fast – so no need to worry about being too slow. If you are not comfortable driving yourself you can also hire a skipper to drive you around.
Prices vary depending on the season and if you hire a skipper or not. I went at the beginning of the off-season and didn’t use a skipper and paid 120 euros for 6 hours (but prices may vary).
➡️ How to Get There: Rent a boat and anchor near the beach to soak in its beauty.
➡️ Entrance Fee: The beach is not accessible so you will anchor your boat near the shore and enjoy it this way.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September).
➡️ Book this tour for the ultimate experience
Blue Lagoon, Malta
- Location: On the island of Comino, Malta.
The Blue Lagoon is a captivating natural wonder known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s the ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming at one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
➡️ How to Get There: Accessible by boat from various locations in Malta and Gozo. Regular boat tours operate to the Blue Lagoon during the tourist season.
➡️ Entrance Fee: No entrance fee, but boats have fees.
➡️ Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the summer months.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress.
With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
Like this post? Pin “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe” for later!
Love,
SSW
