The Best Beaches in Europe For Every Type of Traveler

From Iceland to Italy, these seaside destinations are a dream for beach lovers.

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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.

Navagio, Zakynthos Island, Greece

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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.

Calanque d'en Vau, Cassis, France

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Adventurous types won't want to miss this secluded spot on France's southern coast: It's only accessible via boat or a two-hour hike from the Cassis harbor, and the effort it takes to get there makes the destination all the more appealing. Tucked at the end of a long inlet, this beach is surrounded by massive, craggy cliffs, and the visual contrast of bright blue Mediterranean against the white limestone makes the place feel like something from a dream.

Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy

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This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but its remote location on the island of Lampedusa, 100 miles southwest of Sicily between Tunisia and Malta, tends to dissuade all but the most intrepid of travelers. But for those who make the journey, there's ample reward: The water is shallow enough to wade far out into the bay, and it's reliably calm and clear, making it a haven for swimmers and snorkelers. Keep an eye out for sea turtles — this is one of the few regular nesting sites of the endangered loggerhead.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

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Laid-back beachgoers and adrenaline junkies alike will love Elafonissi for its array of activities and spectacular scenery. The pink sand and mountainous backdrop will keep shutterbugs happy, while active types can partake in surfing, kiteboarding, or windsurfing. And once you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the local tavernas for a plate of dakos — a local specialty of crisp bread topped with a mix of fresh tomatoes, mizithra cheese, olive oil, and herbs.

Playa de Migjorn, Formentera, Spain

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Formentera's beaches are known for their wild scenery — long sandy stretches covered with coastal vegetation and sky-blue bays. You'll find something for everyone on this patch of the Balearics' smallest island. Rent a beach chair and umbrella for the day and take advantage of oceanfront beverage service, enjoy the views on a walk, or join a game of beach volleyball. And since the beach is the longest on the island, it's a good bet for travelers hoping to find a secluded spot.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal

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Framed by golden limestone cliffs and dramatic rock formations, Praia da Marinha is one of the most picturesque places in the Algarve. The sheltered beach is about an hour's drive west of Faro Airport and just 10 minutes from the spectacular Benagil Cave. Visitors can hike along the clifftop Seven Hanging Valleys Trail to view the beach from above or head down a long set of stairs to relax on the sandy shore. If you plan to spend the day here, bring a beach umbrella — there are no beach clubs, though you will find a small cafe open during the summer.

Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England

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The United Kingdom isn't a typical destination for international beachgoers, but the striking scenery at this Dorset coastline makes it a must-see. In the summertime, swimming in the shadow of Durdle Door — a massive rock arch that plunges into the sea — is an otherworldly experience. And when temperatures start to dip, a hike along the cliffs with Dorset's rolling green hills on one side and the sweeping ocean views across the rugged Jurassic Coast on the other is something you won't soon forget.

Zlatni Rat, Brac, Croatia

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A narrow triangle jutting out into the sea, Zlatni Rat's unique shape means even more sandy surface area for sunbathers. The natural beauty here is plentiful — turquoise sea, a dark green spit of forest, bright white beach — and it's a playground for active types since water sports abound. Take a windsurfing class, rent a paddleboard, or just snorkel in the bright, pristine waters. And with snack kiosks and lifeguards on duty across the beach, it's the place to go if you're looking for a family-friendly Croatian getaway.

Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland

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You won't want to take a dip at this beach — the rough, frigid waters of the Atlantic are particularly dangerous here — but nonetheless, it's a must-see spot on your Icelandic journey thanks to the one-of-a-kind scenery of the area. Basalt formations have eroded over time to form Vik's eerie black-sand beaches, and the combination of dark sand and strange geological features, like clusters of hexagonal rock columns and sharp sea stacks jutting out of the waves, make this a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.

Playa Sa Caleta, Ibiza, Spain

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It's easy to burn out after a few days in Ibiza's party-heavy atmosphere. When you do, head to this beach — it's not on the typical tourist itinerary, so you'll find it a bit calmer than the more popular places on the northern side of the island. And the setting alone is enough to leave you feeling recharged: Nestled in a break between two red rock cliffs, the beach itself is protected from the elements, and the ocean here is as blue and clear as they come. Once you've maxed out on sunbathing, stop by the nearby Phoenician ruins for an archaeological history of the area.

 Lubenice Beach, Cres Island, Croatia

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If historical reputation is any indication, this Croatian beach is not to be missed. The area has been settled for roughly 4,000 years and continues to be a popular spot in Croatia for locals and tourists alike. The beach itself is secluded, and sturdy shoes are a must since you'll have to brave a steep 45-minute hike to get there,

 

Don't miss the Blue Cave, a grotto carved into the cliff a few yards down. You'll need to swim to the edge of the beach to reach it, but once you're inside, the experience is unlike any other — sunlight reflecting through the water makes the scene appear lit from within. Once you've had your fill of the seaside, hike back up into town for a taste of Lubenice's ultra-fresh seafood in a medieval setting.

Nissi Bay Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus

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For travelers who hope for a mix of beautiful scenery and a party-ready atmosphere, Nissi Bay Beach is the place to be. It's located on the island of Cyprus, which is known to have some of the clearest waters in all of Europe. A tiny strip of soft, pale sand divides two sections of light blue shallows, ensuring picturesque views no matter where you set up camp. And Nissi Bay Beach Bar is ground zero for the region's nightlife: The hot spot hosts a rotating list of foam parties, DJs, and summertime bacchanals, making it a major draw for tourists hoping to spend all day in the sun and all night partying on the oceanfront.

Palombaggia, Corsica, France

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If not for the evergreens lining the shore, this spot could be easily mistaken for a Tahitian resort destination. Palombaggia is widely considered the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the French island of Corsica, and though it has caught on among beachgoers, it's still free of the shoulder-to-shoulder hordes you'll find on some of France's better-known beaches. Perfect for families, the gently sloping shelf is great for young swimmers who are content to splash in the shallows, while yards of visibility and abundant schools of fish will keep older kids snorkeling for hours.

Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey

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It's known as the Blue Lagoon, and the moniker is apt — the bay is so richly colored it almost doesn't look real. The bay and the surrounding forest are nature preserves with secret beaches, so it's unsullied and free of the overdevelopment that plagues many Turkish resort towns. Thankfully, it still has the necessary amenities (bathrooms, showers, cafes) to make your visit more comfortable. The place is a top spot for paragliders thanks to the nearby peak of Mount Babadag, and the lagoon's excellent visibility is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England

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Located within a six-hour drive of London, this beach in Cornwall is famous for its white sand and turquoise waters. It's flanked by cliffs, so the cove remains calm even during the windy season. Bring your mask and snorkel — the visibility here makes spotting sea life a guarantee — and pack a change of clothes. Once the sun sets, you'll want to make a beeline up the cliffs to catch an outdoor show at Minack Theatre, complete with an ocean soundtrack and a view of the Atlantic.

Su Giudeu, Sardinia, Italy

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On Sardinia's Chia Coast, this famous beach shows off with a long, wide stretch of soft white sand and calm, shallow water perfect for those who prefer wading. This lovely beach is among good company in Sardinia, which features dazzling blue waters in every direction. From the airport in Cagliari, this beach and the nearby resorts along the bay are an hour's drive away. The wind can be quite strong here on some days, so check the weather forecast before you head out.

Playa de Pechón, Cantabria, Spain

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With waters so blue, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're somewhere much more far-flung than the northeastern coast of Spain. Here, the Atlantic Ocean turns turquoise and although the beach is easy to reach from the nearest city of Oviedo, the sheltered bay gives a sense of privacy to this golden-sand beach. If you have the itch to walk, you will also find beautiful hiking routes nearby where you can get a top-down view.

Sveti Stefan, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

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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

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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.

Côte de Granit Rose, Brittany, France

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It may not be your typical paradisiacal beach destination, but you can't deny the striking beauty of the rock formations that trim the coast of Brittany. The scenic shoreline is best suited for travelers who love a bit of drama and long beach walks contemplating the pink-and-orange granite boulders.

 You can splash around in calm, shallow water at sandy beaches like Plage de Tresmeur or head to heritage sights like the Phare de Men Ruz Lighthouse, located at the end of a scenic trail.