Beaches. This watery landscape conjures up a world of contrasts, from humble days out with a picnic, bucket and spade close to home, to the extravagance of white sand, topaz ocean, over-water villa experiences in the Pacific.
In this roundup of five of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, you’ll find the best of both. With a focus on destinations that are easy to reach from the UK, we cross the Continent to bring you the most idyllic coastal spots to visit this summer. Some will even rival the white and blue beauties that make their home in the tropics. But since these European options are often more affordable and short-haul, we know which we’d choose…
Elafonissi Beach, Crete
A visit to Elafonissi Beach in western Crete will be well worth the journey. Famed for its azure ocean that laps over the sand, forming two sandy parts, this beach gets our ticket for uniqueness. Throw in the pink sands, transparent waters and wildlife haven, and you’ll wonder why you ever questioned venturing off the beaten track to experience it for yourselves.
Photo Credit :Â Rev Stan
La Concha Beach, Spain
If you’ll be staying in or near to San Sebastien, then visiting La Concha Beach is a must. Stand on this long stretch of sand and feel yourself relax in the sun’s warm rays. As you gaze out into the ocean, you’ll see the island of Santa Clara. Luscious green mountains lie to either side, ideal for photographing. It’s a beach that can keep you entertained for hours with swimming and surfing, or simply a stroll and sunbathe. Once you turn to face land again, you’ll be reminded that this coastal paradise rubs shoulders with the city. And it won’t take long for the buzzing bars and restaurants to beckon you inside…
Photo Credit :Â Abir Anwar
Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
Tear yourself away from the walled cities of the Dalmatian coast and add this island beach to your Croatia bucket list now. Forming an incredible triangular shape that points out into the ocean, with a pine forest that runs up to the sand, you probably won’t find any other beaches in Europe quite like Zlatni Rat Beach. Located on the Croatian island of Brac, the beach is best appreciated from the air. Alternatively, take it all in from the water itself as you embrace one of the many water sports on offer.
Photo Credit :Â Nikolaj Potanin
Rondinara Beach, France
If you think all that France has to offer are vineyards, chateaus and the romance of Paris, think again. Whether you’ve visited one time or ten, you’ll struggle not to fall in love with the horseshoe-shaped bay that is Rondinara Beach, located on the French island of Corsica. If you plan to spend any time here, start by dipping your toes in the shallow waters. With a perfectly chilled drink in hand, you’ll soon find the idyllic hours take care of themselves.
Photo Credit :Â Nick Grosoli
Calgary Beach, Scotland
On the North West coast of the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s many enchanting islands, you’ll find Calgary Beach. There’s a reason this sandy corner takes the second spot on TripAdvisor for things to do on the island. With a sea renowned for being a twinkling clear blue, even tourists who explore this bay in the wet weather still leave spellbound by its charms. It’s one of the best beaches in Europe for those who want beautiful scenery in an isolated spot. Little surprise when you consider there’s also parking, a café and scenic walks nearby, although there’s no guarantee of sunshine.
Photo Credit :Â denisbin
if you are heading to the South of Portugal, don’t miss the Three Most Beautiful Beaches in Algarve
That’s a lovely picks – the beaches are so beautiful. They look like a great place to visit. I haven’t been to Europe but I’m adding this to my bucket list.
Crete is amazing! They all look amazing!!! I need to add them to my list.
Hey Adrianna,
OOHHHH!! Now I want to go travel and find a beach, this lingering spring weather at home is making me want to run for the ocean.
Thanks for your recommendations,
Nadalie
Great picks! I’ve heard great things about San Sebastien and hope to make it there one day. We also thought that the red beach in Santorini was very unique!
Great photos. Crete looks like a place I would love to visit one day. Been to Scotland, but not that part – may have to revisit now 🙂 Thanks!
I currently live in Europe and I wish there was a way I could visit every single one of these this summer! 😀
Portugal’s beaches are stunning, specially with the extraordinary rock formations. We stayed on the Praia de Rocha at Portimao and the sunsets were to die for.
I have been traveling for so long and I have been avoiding beaches for so long as well because I cannot swim. But this last summer I went to Parga, Greece and since then I am addicted too.
Such beautiful beaches!! The summers in India are really bad and I’m desperate for a beach holiday after reading this
All of these are gorgeous, but Calgary Beach really stands out to me! I wouldn’t mind spending a weekend lounging on any of them though 🙂
I’m absolutely a beach bum! I’m currently living in Florida and am spending as much time as humanly possible at the beach! I’m moving to the EU this autumn and am definitely gonna need a good beach fix! This list looks fantastic – particularly Elafonissi Beach – that looks absolutely stunning!
oh wow.. they look beautiful! I can’t believe I haven’t been on any of them! 🙂 I think I like Calgary Beach the most !
When you think of Europe, mostly we don’t think of beaches. So this is a wonderful theme with some great picks! <3 loved the beach in Crete! You have some stunning pics here!
Any beach is a good beach to me but these are great! The beach in Croatia seems more turquoise than I would have thought. Who would have thought Scotland would make the list. Corsica has always been on my list. Thank you for making me want to go to the beach now.
Wow I’ve never seen that beach in Croatia before! Definitely one to put on my ‘to visit’ list at some point!! Lovely photography!
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