From Iceland to Italy, these seaside destinations are a dream for beach lovers.
PHOTO: FRANZ ABERHAM/GETTY IMAGES
Europe's cultural capitals have long been considered essential destinations, but when it comes to beach vacations, European seaside towns tend to take a backseat to the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Despite the range of oceanfront options on the continent — from the rugged beauty of Iceland to the white-hot nightlife of the Côte d'Azur to the peaceful resort haunts of Greece and Croatia — many tourists overlook the charms of the coast.
Here, we've assembled a collection of the best beaches in Europe, tailored to travelers of every stripe. They've all got stunning scenery and ocean views, but beyond that, these places are as richly varied as Europe itself. Discover off-season hikes along the coast, family-friendly beaches with plenty of activities, secluded spots for private lounging, and party-heavy places thrumming with energy — in other words, no matter who you are or what you're after, there's a seaside destination for you.
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Navagio, Zakynthos Island, Greece
PHOTO:ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
The focal point of this famous spot is the hulking, weathered hull of a freighter that ran aground in the early '80s. The ship now sits in the middle of a crescent beach, a few yards away from the tideline where bone-white sand meets the bright blue Ionian Sea. The sheer cliffs surrounding the beach mean that the cove is only accessible by boat, but an abundance of providers in the area ensures there's a steady stream of tourists all summer long. Even so, it's worth a trip: The rusted shell set against the spectacular natural beauty of Zakynthos Island is a striking sight you need to see in person to truly appreciate.