The Best Beaches in Europe, the Most Beautiful Beach Destinations in Europe are waiting for you this summer! Golden sand or volcanic sand beaches of Madeira Islands, the most beautiful tropical island in the world, hidden and wild beaches, perfect beaches for families, for water sports or idleness,... the most beautiful beaches in Europe await you .

Treat yourself to holidays in these pure nature refuges offering dream beaches to disconnect from a worrying world and reconnect with yourself. It's time to indulge yourself.

This ranking is yours since it brings together the 22 most popular beaches, the most voted by worldwide travellers.  

Plan your stay today and take your pick among the best hotels, apartments, B&Bs, guesthouses at the best price. Book your activities too and discover the Best Breathtaking Beaches in Europe!  

Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Greece, the most beautiful beaches in Spain, Best beaches in Italy, Most beautiful beaches in Turkey, France, Portugal, Croatia,…

1. Porto Santo Golden Beach

Porto Santo - Madeira Islands - Portugal

This is the Most Beautiful Beach in Europe. Are you looking for a safe, sunny destination, combining nature, wellness, outdoor sport, gastronomy, golf, idleness, easily accessible from European airports and enjoying direct flights with New York? Look no further, Madeira Islands is the destination you need to recharge your batteries.

Voted 7 times the most beautiful island in the world but also the safest destination during the Covid, Madeira Islands, which includes the main island of Madeira and Porto Santo, is this year your Best Beach Destination in Europe with two beaches in your top 5 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Awarded the title of “Best Beach in Europe 2022", the golden sandy beach of Porto Santo is world famous. In addition to being perfect for farniente, it is famous for the therapeutic virtues of its sand. Porto Santo Spa alternates seawater treatments and warm sand treatments; these are perfect for what you need most now.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Golf of Porto Santo, designed by the golfer Ballesteros, it is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. At the end of the day enjoy a breathtaking sunset while tasting a madeira wine.

Much less busy than the Canary Islands, Madeira Islands offers authentic tourism, 100% nature and very high level hotel infrastructures. To avoid the crowds and reconnect with nature, it is a top choice this summer.

Book your flights to Porto Santo Airport or Funchal (Madeira) as well as your accommodation in Madeira or Porto Santo and your tours and activities such as a "From Funchal: Porto Santo 1-Day Cruise and Tour". You can reach the island by ferry (1 hour crossing from Funchal). There is also an international airport in Porto Santo with direct flights to the main worldwide airports.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Porto Santo. 

 Where to stay: "Pestana Colombos Premium Club - All Inclusive". This property is 1 minute walk from the beach.

During your stay make sure to visit the Best Beaches in Madeira! 

2. Bolonia Beach

Bolonia - Tarifa - Cadiz Province-  Spain

The province of Cadiz hosts one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe. This summer, rest on its sublime kilometer-long beaches of fine sand.

If you like tranquility and want to discover uncrowded wild beaches, Bolonia Beach is for you. If you are lucky and the weather is clear you can even see the coast of Africa from Bolonia Beach.

Is your lover more interested in history than lazing on the beach? Remains of a Roman site are located on this dream beach.

Book your flights to Jerez Airport (1h20 by car), your accommodation in Andalusia as well as your tours and activities in Cadiz as a "Cadiz Wine Tasting Tour" and discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Jerez Airport (1h20 by car) or Sevilla (2h).

 Where to stay: "Hotel El Cortijo de Zahara". Just 5 minutes's walk from the beaches at Zahara de los Atunes (6km from Bolonia Beach).

During your stay make sure to visit the Best Beaches in Spain! 

3. Seixal Beach

Seixal - Madeira Islands

For the beauty of its volcanic sand, its crystal-clear waters, the incredible cliffs where lush vegetation clings, Praia do Porto do Seixal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. On this beach you can glimpse a magnificent landscape of the north coast of the island of Madeira bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

This incredibly Instagrammable beach, of volcanic black sand, is surrounded by restaurants, shower and toilets as well as accommodation  with ocean & cliff views and direct access to the beach to enjoy this heavenly place every second of your stay.

In these troubled times, Madeira will be your refuge for tropical, safe holidays, in the middle of nature, combining beach, adventure, gastronomy, outdoor sport and fun.

This perfect beach for instagrammers and nature lovers is located a few minutes from the natural pools of Porto Moniz.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Funchal Airport.

 Where to stay: "Aqua Natura Bay", a seafront 4-star Hotel featuring an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Breathtaking Beaches in Portugal! 

4. Cala Goloritze

Baunei - Sardinia Island - Italy

This summer discover one of the Best Beaches in Europe, the wild beach of Cala Goloritze in Sardinia. The bravest can get there on foot (1 hour hike). The path is shaded which is pleasant in summer but it is not accessible to people with reduced mobility or with strollers. You have to put on good shoes, especially for your way back, it climbs! You can also get to it by boat.

To preserve this heavenly place, access to the beach is regulated and is not free of charge (6 euros per person), but  parking is free. It is better to arrive early to enjoy the calm and avoid the hot weather. For a postcard photo of this heavenly place, stop at Punta Salinas located on the heights. 

This summer book your flights to Cagliari Airport (2h by car) your accommodation in Sardinia as well as your tours & activities in Sardinia such as a "Sardinia: Boat Tour with Snorkeling".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cagliari Airport (2h by car).

 Where to stay: "B&B I Cinque Mori" located 5km from Cala Goloritze. 

During your stay discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy, the best hidden gems in Italy and the best things to do in Italy.

5. Mitjaneta  Beach 

Menorca - Balearic Islands

The island of Menorca obviously has one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe and one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.

Mitjaneta beach is just magical. Come bathe in its 29 degrees turquoise water and enjoy its fine sand and the sun of Menorca.

The beach is just like heaven but it is small, so you will have to get up early in the morning if you want to enjoy the quietness and romance of the beach.

Book your flights to Menorca, your accommodation as well as your tours and activities in Menorca.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Menorca.

 Where to stay: "Meliá Cala Galdana hotel" with direct views of the beach.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Places to Visit in Spain!

6. Monolia Beach 

Lichadonisia Island - Kamena Vourla - Greece

This summer come and relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, "Monolia Beach" on Lichadonisia Archipelago in Greece.

Several nearby hotels offer boat trips to spend the afternoon on the paradise beach of Monolia Beach.

Surrounded by blue sea, far from the crowds, this beach is very clean and has a restaurant hut for a drink or a meal. The price of the boat crossing is 10 euros round trip. It includes the rental of a deckchair.

Discover "Monolia Beach" also called the "Greek Seychelles" and treat yourself to a holiday on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Athens (3h30 by car) and drive to Kavos Village. Park your car and board a boat (10 euros /final destination Manolia Island)

 Where to stay: "Magical View Studios Asproneri, Kamena" boasting sea views.

During your stay make sure to visit the Best Beaches in Greece! 

7. Baia delle Zagare 

Vieste - Apulia - Italy

Italy is one of the best countries to visit in Europe and its heavenly beaches are perfect for summer holidays combining relaxation, gastronomy, nature, sport and culture.

Although it is not a 100% private beach, the entrance is through a hotel located upstream from the beach. Many travellers do not dare to go there thinking that it is only a private beach.

To take advantage of this exceptional beach, ranked among the Most Breathtaking Beaches in Europe, do not hesitate to rent a boat to discover the hidden caves and secret beaches.

Book your flights to Bari Airport (2h30) your accommodation in Vieste as well as your tours and activities in Italy as a "Foggia: 2-Hours Private Gourmet Wine Tour with Tastings".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Bari (2h30 by car) or Naples (3h30).

 Where to stay: "Residence Montelci" features a seasonal outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace.

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Places to Visit in Italy! 

8. Elafonisi Island

Elafonisi Island - Chania - Crete - Greece

It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the few pink sand beaches in the world.

Crystal clear and shallow water, fine pink sand, spectacular landscape await you. Relax, you are in paradise. Ample free parking is available near this sublime beach.

Do you like tranquility? A word of advice: do not stop at the paid deckchairs and continue straight in the direction of the creeks, there are fewer people and it is free. If you want to rest for the day, the deckchair with parasol remains affordable (10 euros per day).

This is recommended as the days can be quite hot even outside the summer months. If you want to observe the underwater life, don't forget your snorkel. This year treat yourself to a heavenly holiday by staying in Crete.

Book your flights to Chania Airport (1h30 by car), your accommodation near Elafonissi Beach as well as your tours and activities in Crete as a "Day Trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Chania Airport (1h30 by car).

 Where to stay: "Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family". Stay near Elafonissi Beach.

During your stay make sure to discover the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece! 

9. Santa Giulia Beach

Porto Vecchio - Corsica - France

Located in Porto-Vecchio in the south of Corsica, the beach of Santa Giulia is one of the Best Beaches in Europe and one of the most beautiful beaches of France.

A real white sand beach with clear waters and pine trees. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to "Figari-South Corsica" (30 min by car).

 Where to stay: "Santa Giulia Palace" located a 5 minutes’ walk from the beach it features 3 swimming pools, a jacuzzi and a spa.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in France! 

10. Hel Beach

Hel Peninsula - Poland

After a flight to Gdansk, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, take your rental car to "Hel Peninsula", which despite its name is a paradise on earth and hosts one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe.

This huge strip of sand (35 km long, 30 metres up to 3 km wide), offers travellers millions of square metres. If you are either idle or active, Hel is made for you. We recommend you rent a bike to discover all the beauty of this unique peninsula in Europe. If you have time and for the more athletic ones we recommend a bike trip on the Polish coast. Rent a bike in Świnoujście and join Hel Peninsula (20 hours by bike, 4 to 5 days with stops along the coast).

Poland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and the Hel Peninsula, facing the enclave of Kaliningrad (Russia) is one of the jewels of pure nature and freedom in Europe.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Gdansk (1h15 by car).

 Where to stay: "Hothel" is a paradise accommodation on Hel Peninsula.

11. Porto Katsiki 

Lefkada - Greece

The "goat beach" awaits you for an unforgettable holiday! Located on the island of Lefkada,  Porto Katsiki beach is one of the Most Breathtaking Beaches in Europe and one the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Previously this beach was only accessible to goats (the only ones able to climb the steepest rocks!). Today, paths have been developed and allow travellers to enjoy the beach. Park your car in the nearest  car park then walk down the stairs The beach is yours!

Book your accommodation and your tours and activities in Lefkada such as a "Sunset and stars evening boat cruise with dinner".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Aktio / Preveza Airport located 1h30 by car from Porto Katsiki beach.

 Where to stay: "Sea sounds" is situated 100 m from the beach. 

During your stay discover the most beautiful beaches in Greece, the best hidden gems in Greece and the best Nature Wonders in Greece.

12. Calanque d'En Vau

Marseille - France

Located between Marseille and Cassis, the "Calanque d'En-Vau" is one of the Best Beaches in Europe and one of the most beautiful secret beaches in France.

To get to this heavenly beach, take a beautiful path, surrounded by nature, between the cliffs, the pines, the unspoiled nature of the Calanques natural park.

The access is quite sporty (1h30 walk). Plan a bottle of water, food, good shoes and obviously leave the place as you found it so that this place remains as magnificent and preserved for the inhabitants and the following travellers.

If you are traveling in high season (July/August) plan to start quite early in the morning.

Book your flights to Marseille (1h by car) your accommodation in the South of France as well as your tours and activities in the South of France as a "Marseille: Calanques 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise and Lunch".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Marseille (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "Chambre d'Hotes - Clos du Petit Jesus" located in Cassis, just a 5-minute walk from the beach.

During your stay make sure to discover the Best Things to Do & See in France.

13. Agios Konstantinos Beach

Astypalaia Island - Greece

This beach, one of the Most Breathtaking Beaches in Europe, will suit travellers looking for sun, crystal clear waters, idleness, as well as sporty travellers since a hiking trail (8km along the coast) starts from this dream beach.

Whether you've decided to relax on the beach or hike along the coast, after a few hours in the sun there's nothing better than enjoying a freshly squeezed fruit cocktail at the Agios Konstantinos beach bar.

The castle, the mills, the blue sky , the calm blue sea and a small fresh fish restaurant will be the ingredients of your perfect holiday in Greece this year.

Book your flights to Athens + (in summer) a domestic flight to Astyplaea Airport. 

Book your accommodation in Astypalaia as well as your tours and activities in Greece and discover the best beaches in Greece this summer.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Athens + (in summer) a domestic flight to Astyplaea Airport. 

 Where to stay: "Ihthioessa Boutique Hotel". This proprerty is 4 minutes walk from the beach.

During your stay discover the most beautiful beaches in Greece, the best hidden gems in Greece and the best Nature Wonders in Greece.

Spend your summer holidays on one of Italy's hidden gems, the Island of Elba and discover the "Spiaggia di Cavoli"n one of the Best Beaches in Europe.

This sublime beach located on a small cove is divided into two: a private part (reserved for nearby hotels) and a public part.

Better to arrive early in the day (or at the end of the day) to lay your beach towel on the golden sand of "Spiaggia di Cavoli". Depending on the winds, the tides, the weather, the beach is beautiful or magnificent. That's how when you visit the island of Elba, it's a bit like playing the wheel of fortune. You don't always know what awaits you, but it's often magnificent.

Free parking is available. If it is full, paid parking (2 euros per hour) is available near the beach.

Book your flights to Florence (2h by car + ferry 50 min), book your accommodation on Elba Island as well as your tours and activities on Elba Island as a "Elba Island: Full-Day Kayaking Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Florence Airport (2h + 50 min Ferry crossing from Piombino harbour).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Montecristo" is 1 minute walk from the beach.

15. Cala Canyelles

Lloret de Mar - Spain

One of the most beautiful beaches in Spain awaits you. Cala Canyelles is a magnificent little beach overlooked by a small hut where you can eat with a view of the cove.

Book your flights to Girona Airport (20 min by car - 1h by public transport), book your accommodation in Lloret de Mar as well as your tours and activities in Costa Brava as a "Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Experience with BBQ" and offer you a sunny holiday in Lloret de Mar, one of the best summer destinations in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Girona Airport (20 min by car – 1H by public transport).

 Where to stay: "Albamar Apartments". Situated in the best rated area in Lloret de Mar.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Most Fascinating Castles in Spain! 

16. La Sorgente Beach

Portoferraio - Elba Island - Italy

"Spiaggia La Sorgente" is one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe. It is located on Elba Island. We love this wild beach, its crystal clear waters, its beautiful white pebbles, the scent of the pines that surround this little secret beach.

Because it is not a sandy beach (pebble beach) and because it gets deep quickly, this beach is not ideal for families with young children but it is perfect for adults. Dive into its crystal clear waters or take your walking shoes to walk along the coast and discover the most beautiful beaches of the Elba Island coastline.

This beach is connected to the very popular Sansone beach. It is better to arrive early in the day.

Book your flights to Pisa Airport + a domestic flight to Elba Airport, book your accommodation on Elba Island as well as your tours and activities on Elba Island as a "Elba Island Full-Day Kayaking Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Pisa + a domestic flight to Elba Airport (45 min by plane) or book your flights to Pisa, drive to the port of Piombino and take the ferry (1 ferry per hour, the crossing takes 1h).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Paradisio" featuring a private access to a nearby beach.

Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy, the best hidden gems in Italy, best destinations to visit in Italy.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe is a secret beach, only accessible by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters with the fish, relax on the pebble and fine sand beach and enjoy your vacation in Italy.

Less known than the beach of "Cala Mariolu", "Cala Di Gabbiani" is more secret. You will discover it during a mini-cruise by boat from the nearest port. Are you ready to do anything to discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy? Park in the parking lot (paying) of "Su Porteddu" and take the path that leads to "Cala Goloritze" another of your best beaches in Europe located nearby.

Book your flights to Cagliari (2h by car) your accommodation in Baunei as well as your tours and activities in Sardinia as a "Cala Goloritze Boat Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cagliari Airport (2h by car).

 Where to stay: "B&B I Cinque Mori" located 5km from Cala Goloritze.

During your stay make sure to visit the Best Natural Wonders in Italy! 

18. Greve Blanche beach

Tregastel - Brittany - France

This magnificent beach of fine white sand with its turquoise waters looks like the beaches of the Seychelles.

This fine sandy beach, perfect for building sand castles, is supervised in summer. It is a perfect beach for families with children and the waves are not very big.

It is said that in Brittany there are 4 seasons in a day because it can rain and be very sunny a few minutes later. The change in weather totally changes the aspect of this beach, whose sand seems even whiter and the waters even more turquoise when the sun shines in the sky of Brittany.

There are restaurants nearby as well as parking and many accommodations, hotels, tourist apartments, villas.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brest Airport (1h20 by car) or Rennes Airport (2h by car) and your accommodation in Tregastel.

 Where to stay: "Hotel des Rochers" located 2 km from Tregastel.

During your stay discover the most beautiful beaches in France, the most beautiful castles in France, the best Nature wonders in France.

19. Cala Cipolla beach

Chia - Sardinia - Italy

With its crystal clear waters, pine forests, coves and secret beaches, Sardinia offers some of the Most Breathtaking Beaches in Europe and some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. The sea is calm and the waters shallow. This beach is perfect for families. It is possible to park 200 m from the beach (5 euros per day).

There are no bars and restaurants on site, but in summer you will find a small drinks and ice cream merchant who sets up shop at the entrance to the beach with his small van.

Book your flights to Cagliari (1h by car), your accommodation in Sardinia as well as your tours and activities in Sardinia as a "From Cagliari: West Beaches Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Cagliari Airport (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "Faro Capo Spartivento" stay in a lighthouse and enjoy its 2 outdoor pools, restaurant and an underground cinema.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Places to Visit in Italy! 

20. Blanes beach

Blanes - Catalonia

One of the most beautiful beaches in Spain and Best Breathtaking Beaches in Europe awaits you this summer. With its transparent waters "Cala Bona" is ideal for snorkeling.

On site you will find parking (paying in summer), showers, toilets and even a restaurant. Take a stroll along the coastline to discover other secret beaches and coves.

The beach is supervised and is perfect for families. 

Book your flights to Barcelona (1h by car), your accommodation in Blanes as well as your tours and activities in Catalonia as a "Catamaran Sailing Experience with BBQ".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Barcelona (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Horitzo by Pierre & Vacances" located on the beachfront in Blanes.

During your stay in Spain do not miss to visit the best hidden gems in Spain and the Best beaches in Spain.

21. Laga Beach

Urdaibai - Basque Country

This summer, relax on the golden sand beach "Laga Beach", one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe. This dream beach is located in the Urdaibai nature reserve in the Spanish Basque country.

This beach will suit wild nature lovers, surfers but also gourmets since there are several restaurants nearby. Did you know that the Basque Country is known as one of the regions with the highest number of starred chefs?

Take a hike along the coast and climb to have a breathtaking view of this beautiful beach. 

Book your flights to Bilbao Airport (50 min by car – 1h30 by public transport), your accommodation in the Basque Country as well as your tours and activities in the Basque Country as a "From Bilbao: Basque Country Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Bilbao (50 min by car) or San Sebastian (1h30).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Spa Gametxo" situated on a hill between the beaches at Laida and Laga.

During your stay discover the most beautiful beaches in Spain, the best things to do in Spain, the best hidden gems in Spain or the Best Places to visit in Spain.

22. Cauco Beach

Maiori - Amalfi - Italy

This summer discover the Amalfi Coast for a holiday on the most beautiful beaches in Italy.

Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, Minori,…the most beautiful hidden gems in Italy are on the Amalfi Coast. Come live the Dolce Vita and savor a moment of pure idleness.

Spiaggia del Cauco is a secret and quiet beach. It is also called "Lovers' Beach" by locals. It is by far one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe.

Stop at the nearby beach, rent a pedal boat or a canoe and join this secret beach for a timeless moment on your small, almost private beach. This year discover the most beautiful hidden beaches and coves of the Amalfi Coast.

Book your flights to Naples (1h by car) , your accommodation in the Amalfi Coast as well as your tours and activities as a "Amalfi & Positano Full-Day Trip by Boat".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Naples Airport (1h by car).

 Where to stay: "B&B Don Giovanni" featuring sea views.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Secret Destinations in Italy!