Are you looking for the perfect beach vacation this summer?
This post will give you 18 of the top beaches in Europe that are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. From sun-soaked shores and crystal clear waters to stunning cliffside views and lush surroundings, there’s something for everyone here.
So whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing escape from everyday life, these amazing beaches have it all!
Navagio, Zakynthos Island, Greece
The Shipwrecked freighter in the middle of this beach is a unique feature that adds to its charm. Accessible only by boat, this secluded spot offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The snow-white sand and bright blue Ionian Sea make for a stunning backdrop, making it perfect for sunbathing as well as exploring. With a plethora of marine life just beneath the surface, snorkeling is also highly recommended! Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, this beach has something for everyone!
Calanque d’en Vau, Cassis, France
Head to the south of France for a secluded beach spot accessible only by boat or hiking. You will be mesmerized by the bright colors contrasting against the white limestone rocks, and you can take a dip in the crystal clear, blue Mediterranean waters.
Relax under one of the many umbrellas on offer, or bring your own picnic and find a peaceful perch from which to admire this idyllic landscape. With its rugged cliffs and stunningly surreal views, this beach is sure to provide an unforgettable summer vacation experience!
Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
Rabbit Beach in Lampedusa, Italy is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located just 100 miles off the Italian coast, Rabbit Beach offers shallow waters and plenty of marine life to explore. Sea turtles are particularly fond of this beach, swimming around its clear waters regularly.
The white sand is perfect for sunbathing while taking a break from swimming or snorkeling in search of colorful fish and other sea creatures. There are also plenty of restaurants around the beach offering delicious seafood dishes that will make your summer vacation complete.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach, located on the southwestern coast of Crete in Greece, is an ultimate beach destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or a more adventurous experience, Elafonisi has something to offer everyone. With its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, this secluded paradise provides plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
In addition to sunbathing and swimming in the tranquil Mediterranean Sea, visitors can try their hand at kiteboarding or surfing! The island also boasts some excellent restaurants offering traditional Greek dishes made with fresh local ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds!
Playa de Migjorn, Formentera, Spain
Playa de Migjorn in Formentera, Spain is the perfect spot for a vacation. It boasts incredible scenery and pristine beaches that are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the beach or some fun activities like beach volleyball, Playa de Migjorn has something for everyone.
Spend your days lounging on the golden sand with plenty of time to soak up some sun before heading back out into nature’s playground. Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters or take part in some adventurous snorkeling excursions to discover hidden coves and explore the underwater life abundant off of this coastline. With plenty of restaurants surrounding the area, it’s easy to grab a bite after spending all day exploring these stunning shores!
Scala Dei Turchi, Sicily, Italy
Scala Dei Turchi in Sicily, Italy is a unique beach destination with its stunning white marlstone stairs carved out of erosion. It’s a popular destination for visitors who love the beauty and atmosphere of the area.
If you’re looking to experience this beach without hordes of people, it’s best to arrive before sunrise when it’s still peaceful and quiet. You can also be one of the first to explore this gorgeous landscape, making your trip even more special.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England
Durdle Door Beach, located in Dorset, England is one of the top beaches in Europe for a perfect summer vacation. With its rugged coastline and striking scenery, it is sure to take your breath away! During the warmer months of the year, you can enjoy swimming in its cool waters or take a hike along its shoreline.
The fall season also provides plenty of opportunities for exploration as you wander through this breathtaking landscape. Whether you are looking for some rest and relaxation or an exciting adventure, Durdle Door Beach has something to offer everyone!
Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia
Zlatni Rat beach in Brač, Croatia is a unique and beautiful destination for a perfect summer vacation. With its striking triangle shape, it provides plenty of room for sunbathers while also offering incredible views of both the turquoise waters and dark green forests that surround it.
While you relax on the sandy shores, there are plenty of activities to partake in such as paddle-boarding or windsurfing lessons if you’re feeling adventurous. It truly is an amazing spot to spend your summer holidays!
Vik Beach, Iceland
Vik, Iceland is known for its eerie black sand beaches formed from basalt formations. These extraordinary geologic features give the beach an otherworldly look with its hexagonal columns and captivating scenery. Despite the beauty of Vik’s beach, visitors should be aware that frigid waters can be dangerous due to powerful waves and unexpected rip currents. Be sure to swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards or at least within arm’s reach of a trusted companion when visiting this stunning location!
Tropea, Calabria, Italy
Tropea, Calabria, Italy is a stunningly beautiful beach located on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The white sand and clear waters create an idyllic setting for a perfect summer vacation. Above the beach stands a medieval town that adds to its charm and beauty. Red onions grown in the region are known as Tropea’s most famous delicacy and you can enjoy them in various dishes while taking your holiday here!
Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal
Praia do Camilo in Lagos, Portugal is a stunning beach situated beneath rocky cliffs. It can be accessed via a stairway that leads down to the secluded beach. The turquoise waters of Praia do Camilo is perfect for swimming and sunbathing and it has become popular with thrill seekers looking to experience cliff diving.
A unique feature of this beach is its nearby caves, where visitors can explore and discover hidden treasures within the rock formations.
Plage de Saleccia, Corsica, France
The Plage de Saleccia beach in Corsica, France is the perfect spot for an unforgettable summer vacation. With its soft white sand and crystal clear waters it’s no wonder why this beach is a popular destination for tourists.
However, getting to the beach isn’t quite as easy as other beaches on the island. Accessible only by boat or a 45-minute hike through breathtaking nature reserves, you can be sure that your journey will be worth every step when you arrive at your destination.
Exploring these nearby nature reserves while taking in sights of lush greenery and diverse wildlife will make your trip even more special!
Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Cala Macarella is located on the Mediterranean island of Menorca, and it is well known for its beautiful beach. The sand here is white and soft, while the water is a stunning turquoise color. It also boasts lush pine forests and dramatic cliffs that surround the area, creating an idyllic atmosphere perfect for a relaxing summer vacation.
Cala Macarella has become increasingly popular with travelers looking to explore nearby coral reefs as snorkeling activities are particularly abundant here.
Additionally, this beach provides plenty of sunbathing opportunities so you can soak up some rays during your stay!
Praia da Rocha, Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Rocha is a stunning beach located on the Algarve Coast of Portugal. It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, with its white sand and rocky outcroppings providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your next vacation.
The area also offers plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay; nearby caves and grottos provide an exciting exploration opportunity while parasailing, jet skiing, and other water sports are available to take advantage of the crystal blue waters Praia da Rocha has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an active adventure there’s something here for everyone!
Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta
The Blue Lagoon of Comino, Malta is a stunning beach that should not be missed. Its crystal clear, bright blue waters and white sand make it the perfect place to relax and unwind during your summer vacation in Europe.
There are also plenty of activities to do here such as exploring nearby caves or cliff diving off the rugged cliffs into the sea below. You can even take boat trips from this beach to explore other nearby caves and landmarks – an unforgettable experience for any traveler!
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Located on the island of Formentera, Playa de Ses Illetes is one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. With white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is an idyllic destination for a summer vacation.
The beach is also surrounded by low hills with plenty of pine trees offering shade from the sun. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, such as snorkeling and kayaking in the Mediterranean Sea or relaxing on the beach while taking in views of Ibiza across the water.
In addition, there are many restaurants nearby where you can sample delicious local cuisine and some excellent bars for evening entertainment.
Plage de Tahiti, St. Tropez, France
Plage de Tahiti in St. Tropez, France is one of the most popular beaches on the French Riviera. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder why so many flocks to this beach each summer!
Not only does it have a stunning backdrop with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea, but it also has a luxurious atmosphere that attracts celebrities from all around the world. Whether you’re looking for some fun or just want to relax on the beach with friends and family, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and shopping opportunities to explore as well.
So if you’re searching for an unforgettable beach experience in Europe this summer, Plage de Tahiti should definitely be at the top of your list!
Beach of the Two Sisters, Ancona, Italy
The Beach of the Two Sisters is located on the Adriatic in Ancona, Italy. It’s an ideal spot for a summer vacation due to its unique rock formations and caves that can be explored during your stay. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and boat tours nearby if you’re looking to explore more than just the beach. The Beach of the Two Sisters is also popular among snorkelers who appreciate its calm waters and diverse marine life. With its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and many activities to choose from, it’s no wonder why this destination has become one of Europe’s top spots for summer vacations!
Cala Comte, Ibiza, Spain
Cala Comte is the perfect beach for a summer vacation in Ibiza, Spain. Its white sand and crystal clear waters make it ideal for relaxing in the sun or taking a dip in its tranquil waters. But if you’re looking for some nightlife, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and bars that offer an exciting atmosphere after dark.
For those who seek something even more lively, there are also several sunset parties and beach clubs available on Cala Comte that provide an unforgettable experience with music, dancing, and drinks!
Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia, Spain
Playa de las Catedrales, located on the northwest coast of Spain, is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. Its unique rock formations resembling cathedrals can only be accessed at low tide, making it a truly special experience.
Surrounding activities include hiking and boat tours that provide visitors with an incredible view of this picturesque landscape.
Galicia’s stunning scenery attracts thousands of tourists each year and those who visit Playa de las Catedrales are sure to have an unforgettable time!
Praia do Vau, Algarve, Portugal
Praia do Vau, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is one of the top beaches in Europe for a perfect summer vacation. This stunning beach sits on the Atlantic coast and boasts white sand and clear waters that make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
If you’re looking to explore more than just the beach itself, there are plenty of nearby restaurants offering delicious local cuisine as well as shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking to relax or get active with thrilling water sports activities Praia do Vau has something for everyone!
From vibrant cities to stunning coastlines and crystal clear waters, each destination offers something unique for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s sunbathing on golden sand beaches in Croatia or exploring hidden coves in Greece, these locations offer some of the most memorable experiences imaginable.
No matter what your dream beach vacation looks like, there is a perfect spot waiting for you somewhere along Europe’s coastline. So grab your sunscreen and head off to explore one of these incredible destinations!