10 Most Magnificent Beaches in Europe
You don’t need the Caribbean in order to have a sun-soaked beach getaway. While Europe is often most lauded for its cuisine and culture, it also boasts countless stretches of dreamy coastline. These are the ten best beaches in Europe to make a splash or kick back and let the waves be your gentle soundtrack, all with their own signature scenery.
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1) Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia, Greece
The Ionian Islands are known for their spectacular beaches, and Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach is often hailed as the best of in all of Greece. Spend the day lounging on the pebbly shore or taking a dip in the electric blue waters, before heading up to one of the viewpoints to watch the sunset over the horseshoe of rocky cliffs surrounding the beach.
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2) Scialara Beach – Puglia, Italy
Hallmarked by its giant stone monolith, known as “Pizzomunno”, and matching white cliffs, Scialara Beach in Puglia easily stands out from the other best beaches in Europe. In addition to being mythical and incredibly picturesque, the long stretch of flat, shallow shoreline is perfect for a leisurely walk on the beach. And although it’s located in Italy, the legend of how Pizzomunno was formed sounds more like one of the many tragic love stories in Greek mythology. The story goes that Pizzomunno was a target of the sirens who stayed true to his lover, Cristalda, and never gave into their temptation. In retribution, the sirens pulled Cristalda down to her death in the depths of the sea and transformed Pizzomunno into the monolith found there today.
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3) Praia do Camilo – Algarve, Portugal
Climbing down 200 steps with the knowledge that you’ll have to make a return trip eventually may not sound like the greatest start to a day on the beach, but Portugal’s Praia do Camilo is well worth the workout. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll have an amazing view the whole way down. Praia do Camilo is exemplary of the wondrous rock formations that have brought the Algarve region so much attention, with pillars and archways as golden as the sand between your toes.
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4) Chia Beach – Sardinia, Italy
South Sardinia is comprised of one gorgeous beach after another, but Chia Beach proves itself as one of the best. The fine sands and crystal waters speckled with greenery look more like something you’d expect out of the Caribbean than one of the best beaches in Europe. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some flamingos or dolphins nearby.
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5) Voidokilia Beach – Peloponnese, Greece
Voidokilia Beach is one for the nature lovers. Though the gentle waves and soft sand are alluring enough, its location might be its most standout feature. The beach sits on a narrow strip of land bordered on one side by Voidokilia Bay, and on the other side by Gialova Lagoon, a natural habitat for over 270 species of birds and reptiles. Located in Pilos of the Peloponnese, Voidokilia Bay is also believed to be the “sandy Pylos” mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey.
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6) Playa de Ondarreta – San Sebastian, Spain
As the smaller strip of sandy coast lining the stellar Concha Bay, Playa de Ondarreta is the more tranquil counterpart to popular Playa de La Concha. Families often favor Ondarreta for its wealth of activities, from playgrounds to kayak rentals. If you wish to visit both, it’s easy to hop between the two through the short tunnel lined with nautical artwork that connects them. The paradise found in tight proximity to downtown San Sebastian, Spain is what leads these to be considered two of the best urban beaches in Europe.
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7) Balos Beach – Crete, Greece
Not only is Balos Beach a sight to be had as it spans the gap from mainland Crete to the Tigani Peninsula, but the lagoon also provides ideal conditions for a beach day in Greece. The sand is soft, perfect for laying out a towel, and the water is warm and welcoming. And no matter if you choose to reach the beach by the short hike in from the car park or by ferry, you will be provided with amazing views of this truly unique space.
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8) Porthcurno Beach – Cornwall, United Kingdom
When people think of the best beaches in Europe, the United Kingdom doesn’t often come to mind. But Porthcurno Beach is paradise in a land known for dreary weather, with its white sands, turquoise waters and granite cliffs. Finish out a relaxing day on the beach with a quick trip up to the Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffs and home of fantastic views of Porthcurno Bay.
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9) Zlatni Rat – Brac, Croatia
Coupled with unbelievably blue waters, Zlatni Rat’s unique v-shape formed by sea and wind currents makes it stand out among the array of outstanding beaches speckled throughout Croatia. The same conditions that formed Zlatni Rat are also constantly changing its form, albeit very slowly. If you’re looking to spend your day doing more than just lounging, this is also one of the best beaches in Europe to try snorkeling or windsurfing.
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10) Palombaggia – Corsica, France
Found in the sea between France and Italy, the island of Corsica is famous for its clear waters and luscious sands. Among a multitude of beaches, Palombaggia is often considered a step above. The diverse terrain splashed with pine trees and reddish rocks makes for a very photogenic environment, and the warm, shallow waters are perfect for a light swim or some snorkeling.
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