Dreaming of basking in the glorious summer sunshine at one of Europeās most beautiful beaches?
Fine golden sand, crystal clear waters, eternal summer….this yearās selection of the Best Beaches in Europe assembled by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has something for everyone: secluded, hidden, popular or wild beaches, for romantic escapes or family adventures, from intense water sports to unspoiled nature.
The 15 beaches selected are the most-voted by thousands of travelers from 83 countries.
Spain leads the list with a hidden beach, Torrente de Pareis, in the Balearic island of Mallorca, followed by Bordeira Beach in Portugalās Algarve coast and Spainās Amio Beach in Pechon, Cantabria, in second and third places.
Spain with five beaches, Italy with four, and Portugal and Greece with two apiece are the top awarded countries on the list.
āWe have seen some wild beaches top ranked this year, showing an interest in nature less-crowded destinations and less-known places for summer holidays in Europe,ā the EBD notes.
1. Torrente de Pareis, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, the small Torrente de Pareis island has two ways to be reached, according to EBD: One sporty, the other…for those who prefer less adventurous routes.
The sporty way is only suitable for the fittest and most athletic. It can take up to six hours to cross nine kilometers of difficult hiking, possible only during the dry season.
Not for you? Thereās always a Plan B: You can book a boat trip to Torrent de Pareis from Sƶller harbor; there are crossings several times a day, that take one hour.
2. Bordeira Beach, Aljezur, Algarve
Wild nature, a protected natural park, local agriculture an small towns nearby are among the additional attractions to the long, yellow, sandy beaches of the Aljezur.
āDo not miss tasting the sweet potato of Aljezur, the peanuts of Rogil and the locally produced honey!ā EBD recommends. āThis place brings together everything for lovers of tranquility, ocean and nature.ā
3. Amio Beach, Pechon, Cantabria, Spain
Pure nature, exuberant ferns, not a single big resort for miles around, no party entertainers screaming 80s songs, no karaoke bars, no fries that are too yellow or too greasy, no giant beers. Welcome to Cantabria.
āReady for a bit of geology? This beach connects an islet by an isthmus, a long strip of very fine sand, surrounded on both sides by the sea, which makes it unique,ā EBD explains. āThe beach is more beautiful when the tide is low — otherwise it gets covered. You will find on-site parking nearby (free) and a small shop to buy ice cream, drinks, snacks.ā
During your stay, be sure to visit Ballota Beach, also ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
4. La Pelosa Beach, Stintino, Sardinia, Italy
Considered to be the most beautiful beach in Sardinia, with calm and turquoise waters La Pelossa is the Caribbean in Europe.
For this place to remain a paradise, youāre requested to book online in advance, which will trigger a QR code for access to the beach. (Parking is ā¬2 per hour). Thereās a bar onsite and daily deckchair rental.
5. As Catedrais Beach, Galicia, Spain
This sublime natural rocky cathedral can be appreciated with both feet in the water. Check the online tide schedule to be sure to arrive a little before the start of low tide and enjoy an exceptional spectacle.
Access to the site is free but to avoid crowds itās restricted to a maximum number per day. In high season (April-September), itās recommended to book your visit online (free). Parking and toilets are available and free of charge.
During your visit, be sure to visit Ribadassella and Cudillero, which are listed among the best hidden gems in Spain.
6. Cala Granadella, Javea, Costa Blanca, Spain
āWhat can be better than a beach of turquoise waters in one of the sunniest regions of Europe?ā EBD asks. āPerhaps the fact of having two delicious restaurants on site, the possibility of doing nautical activities like kayaking.ā
This beach is supervised by lifeguards, has parking nearby as well as showers and toilets.
Donāt forget to take beach shoes because Cala Granadella is a pebble beach.
7. Butterfly Valley Beach, Turkey
This incredible beach of rare beauty is located in Turkeyās Butterfly Valley, where the insects come to lay their eggs.
Sandwiched between the dramatic ridges of Mount Babadag, Butterfly Valley is a perfect spot for trekking, with lush vegetation, awe-inspiring views, stunning sunsets, and an endless variety of butterfly species.
To escape the crowds, visit in the morning or evening and be careful because the hiking trail is steep and the beach is not easy to access from the hills.
Consider visiting in a boat tour or charter a boat taxi from ĆlĆ¼deniz . Also ĆlĆ¼deniz Beach is a 15-minute drive from Kelebekler Vadisi beach.
8. Praia Nova, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
Located at the foot of the “Capela Senhora da Rocha,” one of the symbolic places of the Algarve, Praia Nova beach is perfect for a day of relaxation under the Algarve sun.
This sheltered beach is located near another beach that has also been awarded the title of āmost beautiful beach in Europe,ā ā the Cova Redonda Beach. Both are located in Porches, a small corner of paradise still little known by tourists.
9. Cala Moraig, Benitatchel, Costa Blanca, Spain
To access this hidden beach, you must park uphill and walk down. āThe beautiful photo gives only an overview of the incredible beauty of the place. We have been there and we can tell you that Cala del Moraig is worth it,ā EBD writes.
Itās a pebble beach and less recommended for families ā but well worth the visit for nature lovers.
Turquoise water awaits you, so bring beach shoes because the pebbles may be slippery.
10. Cala Tonnarella dellāUzzo, San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
A āsecretā beach surrounded by nature, it boasts crystal clear waters (and sunshine).
Like other secret and wild beaches, Cala Tonnarella dellāUzzo is a bit difficult to access. It requires a 20-minute walk from the parking lot.
āBring food and water with you,ā advises EBD. The beach is part of a nature reserve and there is no restaurant on site ā only a small street vendor in high season at the entrance of the reserve. The place is ideal for snorkeling.
11. Sykia Beach, Milos Island, Greece
Another āsecretā beachā, Sykia is located on the mythical, horseshoe-shaped island of Milos, that floats serenely in the Aegean sea and where the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered.
Take refuge in this little ācocoon beachā formed in the heart of a sea cave.
Sykia Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, classified among the best natural pools in Europe as well as among the best beaches in Europe.
Be sure to visit nearby Sarakiniko Beach and its famous volcanic rocks, which offer sunbathers a lunar scenery.
One of the best ways to visit Sykia is to book a private boat; otherwise, itās almost inaccessible.
12. Kriaristi Beach, Sithonia, Halkidiki, Greece
Kriaritsi Beach, located in the southeast of Greeceās Sithonia peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, with its golden sand and clear blue marine water.
Kriaritsi consists Š¾f Īæne mŠ°in bŠµaŃh and Š° few smaller covŠµs separŠ°ted by rŠ¾cks. On the main bŠµŠ°ch, there arŠµ two Ńampsites, Š° supermarkŠµt and Š° few beach bars.
The smallŠµr coves Š°re usually Š¾ŃcupiŠµd bŃ nudists. Kriaritsi is not Š° shallŠ¾w beach Š°nd pŠµĪæple with Ńhildren should bŠµ careful.
13. Monterosso al Mare, Liguria, Italy
Monterosso al Mare is one of the emblematic villages of the Cinque Terre in Liguria, northern Italy. Like most villages in the area, it has magnificent houses on the side of the cliffs, its grounds covered with lemon trees, vineyards and olive trees.
As the largest city in the Cinque Terre, Monterosso offers plenty of accommodation, leisure and nautical activities, restaurants and larger beaches appreciated by Italians and travelers from around the world.
14. Ostriconi Beach, Northern Corsica, France
Twenty kilometers from the Ile Rousse island, Ostriconi Beach with its fine white sand is among the most beautiful beaches in North Corsica and very appreciated by families.
A parking lot is located 10 minutes away by foot, with some small drinks and ice cream shops, and is supervised by lifeguards.
āHowever, as the seabed difference in height is steep (quickly deep), there are small waves and sometimes seaweed. The beach is, rather, recommended for families with children already used to swimming rather than baby dabbling,ā EBD notes.
15. Spiaggia Rosa, Cala di Roto, Budelli Island, Sardinia, Italy
This beach of rare beauty is unique for its white-and-pink sand made of crushed fossils and coral. Spiaggia Rosa in Cala di Roto, southeast of Budelli Island in Sardinia, La Maddalena Archipelago, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and of all Europe, although unapproachable.
It’s not just the sand that makes it spectacular. The landscape, turquoise waters and protected nature also add to the magic. But the only person allowed to set foot on this beach is the local Robinson Crusoe who has lived on the island for decades. Due to the fact that many tourists took to the bad habit of stealing the pink sand that will take years to recover, itās now forbidden to walk on the beach or swim in its waters.