It’s no secret that we all dream of basking in the glorious warm sunshine at a gorgeous beach. However, when we think about beach holidays, the first thing that pops into our heads is far-flung, tropically exotic beaches. Hence, we tend to forget that some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are just a few hours away from home. That’s why we came up with a list of the best beaches in Europe in 2025.
A getaway to the best beaches in Europe
In fact, there are many places in Europe scattered with some of the best coastlines in the world. To illustrate, these coasts with endless stretches of golden sand, secluded bays, serene turquoise waters and its brawling waves.
Exceeding the seashores, similarly, you will find everything else in line for an extreme beach holiday. Surf joints, family-friendly beaches, and more! So, if you’re looking for a dreamy beach holiday, keep reading to find out about our selection of the best beaches in Europe.
The best beaches in Italy
Have you ever visited Italy and become enamoured with its coastlines? Well, you would be surprised by what other coastal beauties Italy has to offer! Miles of stunning coastlines sprinkled with some of the best beaches in Europe. Likewise, you’ll enjoy powder-white sand, rugged cliffs, the clearest waters and more!
1. Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
One of the best beaches in Europe for families, the seashores of Scala Dei Turchi are a stunning coast near Realmonte by a rocky cliff with a striking uniqueness. In addition to its glowing brown sands and the sharp blue seas, you’ll witness a stunning contrast against the rough limestone cliffs behind. Surely, the area is one of the most popular natural beauties in Sicily.
2. Atrani, Campania
Atrani, a small village situated along the Amalfi Coast, is less crowded but very famous in Italy. With its vivid cliffside roost, beautiful churches, and elegant piazzas, the unspoiled beach flows toward the Tyrrhenian Sea, making it indeed one of the best beaches in Europe.
3. Isola di Spargi, Sardinia
Ideally located in the Maddalena Archipelago amidst Corsica and Sardinia, this beach will have you confused with the tropical beach of Tahiti. This is one of the best beaches in Europe, with turquoise shoal waters perfect for snorkelling and the shimmering sand-beds for sunbathing.
4. Spiaggia di Sansone, Elba Island
Elba Island in Tuscany is home to many beautiful beaches with immaculate shores and a blend of smooth stones and white sand that guides you through shallow, tranquillizing waters. A favourite amongst families and snorkelers, thus, making it one of the best beaches in Europe for families.
The best beaches in Greece
Greece takes a top spot on the list of best beaches in Europe, possessing the Mediterranean’s most extensive coastline with diverse beaches of peacock blue waters encircled by volcanic rock formations, bronze sand, or smooth seashell shores. There are numerous exotic, sumptuous beaches on the mainland or on a beautiful island that will surely impress you and blow your mind away!
1. Ornos, Mykonos
Ornos is a vibrant yet quaint beach in the Cyclades Isle, Mykonos, with sandy beaches, warm waters, and every convenience you could wish for on a wonderful beach holiday. One of the best beaches in Europe for families and is a perfect place for the smaller kids to swim in waters that increase with the tides.
2. Glyfada, Corfu
Corfu, one of the most adored beaches in the Ionian, is overflowing with beautiful beaches fringed by pine and fir woodlands. Glyfada is one of the liveliest beaches on the island. One of the best beaches in Europe for families fringed with sunbeds, beach umbrellas, water sports, and restaurants. It is also a popular party hotspot, which draws in an energetic crowd.
3. Elafonisi, Crete
Pink tinted sandy beaches because of the tiny washed-up seashells, Elafonisi Beach is an unmissable place when visiting Crete. As can be seen, located on the largest island in Greece, this island is separated by a shoal lagoon and a sandbar—a preserved nature reservation where unique plants flourish.
4. Navagio, Zakynthos
Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is an Instagram famous coast. Situated on the Ionian Island of Zakynthos, it is considered one of the best beaches in Europe and the world! Teal-blue waters lap the grainy shores where a corroded shipwreck lays immersed in the sand, towered by cliffs, and vibrant nightlife makes it one of the best beach party destinations in Europe.
The best beaches in Spain
Spain is not only famous for tapas, flamenco, impressive architecture, and diverse culture but also popular for some of the best beaches in Europe. With some of the most beautiful islands like Gran Canaria, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Cabrera, Spain hosts captivating beaches that decorate the vast coastlines of the country.
1. Barceloneta, Barcelona
Most beaches in Spain offer a wonderful party vibe, and this particular one is one of the best beach party destinations in Europe. Positioned in a traditional fishing town along the Costa Brava coast, this is one of the oldest and one of the best in Europe. Moreover, Barceloneta, in Barcelona, is a famous region by the sea, Popular among foodies for seafood tapas.
2. Ibiza
Of course, Ibiza delights tourists with its many charms, but also it is a well-known fact that it is one of the best beach party destinations in Europe. The beaches are diversely beautiful, and many are some of the best beaches in Europe. Secluded coves, legendary beaches, and spectacular bays. The best beaches in Ibiza include Calla Bassa, Las Salinas, Aguas Blancas, Cala Llenya, and Cala Moli.
3. Mallorca
With some of the best beaches in Europe where tourists flock to sunbathe, swim, or dine on great seafood. The ruggedly beautiful shores and soft sand can be found on the north coast of Mallorca, on beaches like Cala Torta.
4. Canary Islands
There is something special about the beaches in the Canary Islands; so many beautiful beaches to choose from. Tenerife, with its vibrant hacienda in La Laguna. Similarly, pristine is the north coast of Lanzarote with its warm waters and golden beaches of Famara beach, popular with surfers. In the same fashion, in Gran Canaria, you’ll witness explicit beauty. Such as, the dunes overlook the south while the cold turquoise of the sea shimmers like a bright fantasy.
The best beaches in Portugal
In like manner, Portugal, too, boasts of bronze sands set wide across the coasts of the striking blue Atlantic Ocean. Be that as it may, here you will be drenched in Boho beach vibes, popular surf spots plus, much more! Some of the best beaches in Europe rest in Portugal, making it the ideal beach holiday.
1. The Algarve
The Algarve is a perpetual favourite among party-goers, making it one of the best beach party destinations in Europe, renowned for its hot atmosphere, stunning beaches, and legendary sunsets. The most striking beaches include the Ilha da Fuseta and Praia do Carvalho, which are famous for their sea caves.
2. Portugal’s west-coast beaches & holiday islands
Many secluded beaches are yet to be discovered. Not to mention the alluring scene that has been gradually escalating in Comporta, in the south of Lisbon. Likewise, further up in the south, Costa Vicentina has developed into a popular surf district. The Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Cape Verde have unbelievable atmospheres and sunshine all year round. These are the most tranquil places and the best beaches in Europe if you want to relax.
The best beaches in Croatia
Croatia has some of the best beaches in Europe! Moreover, like in the classic coastal towns of Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split, you’ll find remarkable beaches that are the key points to the secret islands of Croatia. In addition to that, there are secluded sandy shores at Kupari and Sunj beach on Lopud island. Also, the panoramic Stiniva beach which is also one of the best beaches in Europe for families.
BONUS
★ Best white sand beaches in Europe
Generally speaking, there are many amazing destinations that offer awesome shorelines mostly consisting of pebbled shores or golden sands. But sometimes, you just want to sink your toes into sugary sand. So, see below the most spectacular shores with the best white sand beaches in Europe.
Top 10 Best White Sand Beaches in Europe
- Pelosa, Sardinia
- Santa Giulia, Corsica
- Cala Mesquida, Mallorca
- San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
- Ses Illetes, Formentera
- Balos, Crete
- Koufonisia, Greece
- Cala Galdana, Menorca
- Agios Prokopios, Naxos
- Tahiti Beach, Sardinia
★ Best beach wedding destinations in Europe
Planning to tie the knot on a dreamy beach? Did you think you have to fly off to the Maldives or the Caribbean to have your dream wedding? Think again! Europe has plenty of gorgeous spots with some of the most beautiful coastline in the world and all within a short flight from the UK. Find out the best beach wedding destinations in Europe that are more than a match for those in any other exotic place.
Top 10 Best Beach Wedding Destinations in Europe
- Cornwall, UK
- Tuscany, Italy
- Santorini, Greece
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- The Amalfi Coast
- The Algarve, Portugal
- Mallorca, Spain
- Hvar, Croatia
- Sicily, Italy
- Ayia Napa, Cyprus
So, in the event that, you decide, or if you find it appealing to book a relaxing getaway to one of the best beaches in Europe, feel free to reach out to us at Travel Center. From promotional offers and other cheap flights, there’s no lack of what we can do to make your trip better.
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