Best Beaches Europe

Key Take Aways About Beaches in Europe

• Portugal’s Algarve: Dramatic cliffs and secluded coves at Praia da Marinha; surfing at Praia de Espinho.
• Spain: Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera for relaxation, Cala Macarella in Menorca as a hidden gem.
• French Rivièra: Glamorous Paloma Beach; Palombaggia Beach in Corsica for families.
• Italy: Spiaggia dei Conigli for la dolce vita; romantic Positano.
• Greece: Packed yet stunning beaches in Mykonos and Santorini; historic Navagio Beach.
• Scotland: Lunan Bay and Seilebost offer wild, rugged beauty.

Finding Europe’s Best Beaches

Europe’s coastline is a smorgasbord of beaches, from the windswept shores of Ireland to the sunny coasts of Spain. Beaches here aren’t just about letting the sun fry you to a crisp on a strip of sand; they’re about nature, history, and sometimes dodging the occasional jellyfish.

Golden Sands in Portugal

The Algarve in Portugal is known for its dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. The region, popular with both locals and tourists, boasts beaches like Praia da Marinha. Its limestone cliffs create a stunning backdrop for those Instagram snaps, but the best views are the ones you keep to yourself. And if you’re lucky, you might find a corner that feels all your own, at least until the next wave of hopeful sunbathers arrives.

Surfers’ Paradise

Head further north to find surfers at Praia de Espinho, catching waves like pros—or at least trying to. The beach here has waves that might be considered a bit rambunctious, ideal for adventurous sorts, while the nearby cafés offer more relaxed vibes for those who prefer watching surfing to participating.

Spain’s Sunshine and Sangria

Spain isn’t just about flamenco and siestas; it’s about beaches like Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera, where shallow turquoise waters meet soft white sand. It’s a place to sip your sangria slowly while contemplating whether you’ll actually swim or just float.

Hidden Gems

For those that like to stray off the beaten path, Cala Macarella in Menorca might tickle your fancy. It can be a bit of a trek—consider that a warm-up—but the payoff is a scenic spot that feels like a bit of a secret. Just don’t tell everyone, or it’ll become the next overrun paradise.

French Rivièra’s Glamour

Glitz meets beauty on the Côte d’Azur, with beaches like Paloma Beach on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The waters are as blue as a paint chip named “Mediterranean Dream,” and the nearby villas will make you wish you’d packed a fancier pair of sunglasses.

Family-Friendly Options

You know what they say, “If the kids are happy, everyone’s happy.” Palombaggia Beach in Corsica ticks the box with its shallow waters and wide stretches of sand. It’s the kind of place where sandcastles turn into accidental sea turtles, and nobody minds when one turns their towel into a makeshift sandstorm.

Italy’s Coastal Charm

Italy’s beaches offer a slice of la dolce vita. Spiaggia dei Conigli on Lampedusa frequently ranks among the best beaches in the world. It’s the kind of place where the water is so clear you’d suspect someone emptied a giant bottle of Evian into the sea.

A Touch of Romance

Positano’s beaches aren’t just for sipping limoncello—the view of colorful houses stacked against the cliffs is enough to make you consider writing poetry. But if the mood strikes, let someone else handle the rhymes while you figure out how to get spaghetti stains out of a white sundress.

Greek Island Getaways

The beaches of Mykonos and Santorini, such as Elia Beach and Red Beach, might be packed, but for a good reason. They’re pretty stunning, even with crowds vying for a sunlounger.

Historic Beaches

For a dash of history, visit Navagio Beach on Zakynthos, where the rusty remains of a shipwreck add a touch of mystery. No pirates here, just tourists wondering if they ever made a waterproof camera case.

Scotland’s Wild Coasts

Yes, Scotland. Lunan Bay offers a stretch of beach that might be a bit chilly at certain times of the year, but the adrenaline from the brisk air and the raw beauty of the Scottish coast make it worth the shiver.

For the Explorer

And when you need a reminder that a tan isn’t the only souvenir worth having, beaches like Seilebost on the Isle of Harris offer windswept views that are ruggedly beautiful and far from the madding crowd. Bring your own snacks, though. The midges aren’t picky, but you might be.

Europe’s beaches aren’t just places to catch some rays; they’re slices of life that remind you why folks are often found with a smile or a camera in hand. While the sand might stick to your skin like glitter gone wild, the memories are what you’ll be sweeping out of your mind long after the vacation tan fades.