The Best Beaches in Europe For Every Type of Traveler

Sveti Stefan, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

PHOTO:COURTESY OF AMAN RESORTS

 

Down the Adriatic Sea, south of Croatia, Montenegro is a little-known playground for celebrities seeking privacy on European beaches. In the resort-lined Bay of Kotor, all eyes fix themselves on Our Lady of the Rock, a church located on a picturesque island in the middle of the bay. You'll get the best view from Sveti Stefan Beach, where you can lounge in the sun on the pink-hued pebble strip and dip your toes in the clear waters.

Llafranc, Costa Brava, Spain

PHOTO:JOHN HARPER/GETTY IMAGES

 

Stretching north of Barcelona all the way to France, the Costa Brava is a stunning destination that provides endless pockets of blue-green waters, dramatic coastal vistas, and a few sandy beaches along the way. On this charismatic coastline, pairing a beautiful beach with a small village is the way to go — which is why you should set your sights on the tiny hamlet of Llafranc. Located in a small bay, the waters here are warm and the sand has a slightly golden hue. Avoid staying in one place for too long though, because the fun of this destination is exploring the area and visiting other nearby villages and beaches like Tamariu and Begur.