Europe is known for its stunning beaches, ranging from mysterious coves and crystal-clear waters to pristine coastlines and sand dunes. Whether you’re looking for a place to sunbathe or devour a novel, we’ll show you the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
1. Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach)
Where: Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach is located on the Greek island of Zakynthos and is also known as Shipwreck Beach due to a huge stranded ship. The landmark for many tourists can only be reached by boat, but the costly journey is worth it: you are greeted by white cliffs and baby-blue water like you only see in magazines.
2nd Praia da Rocha
Where: Algarve, Portugal
One of the most popular beaches is Praia da Rocha on the southern Algarve coast of Portugal, near the town of Portimão, is known for its impressive rock formations and the high cliffs that surround it. With its fine golden sand and turquoise waters, Praia da Rocha could be Arielle’s home. A popular destination for surfers and bodyboarders – and who knows, maybe even princes.
3rd Cala Macarella
Where: Menorca, Spain
Cala Macarella, on the Balearic island of Menorca in Spain, is located on the south coast of the island and is around ten kilometers from Ciutadella. Clear, turquoise waters and a white sandy beach surrounded by high cliffs and pine trees will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief all day long. If you are looking for a little more peace and quiet, this is the place for you, as this paradisiacal place can only be reached on foot or by boat.
4th Cala Goloritze
Where: Sardinia, Italy
The bay of Cala Goloritze on the east coast of Sardinia in Italy belongs to the municipality of Baunei. Crystal-clear waters, a white pebble beach and the natural rock arch that rises majestically above the beach make all the cares of the world disappear with just one breath of sea air. If you like hiking, you won’t be surrounded by snow and mountains here for once, but by picturesque cliffs and hot sand.
5th Elafonisi Beach
Where: Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach is located in the southwest of Crete, Greece, and will take your breath away with its turquoise waters and soft, white sandy shore. The lagoon, which is located at the eastern end of the beach, is shallow and has crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Not only will you feel at home here, but so will the turtles – they hatch their cute offspring here.
6th Playa de Ses Illetes
Where: Formentera, Spain
Playa de Ses Illetes is famous for its pristine white sandy coastline and azure waters. Ses Illetes is located on a headland in the north of the island of Formentera and offers great views of the sea and the surrounding islands. The shore stretches for around two kilometers, where there are also bars and restaurants for refreshments.
7th Plage de Palombaggia
Where: Corsica, France
The Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most famous beaches on the island of Corsica, even among locals. You can go boating, diving and snorkeling very close to Porto-Vecchio in the southeast of the island. The landscape offers many picturesque bays nearby, which you can also discover on your own.
8th Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn)
Where: Island of Brač, Croatia
Zlatni Rat beach is characterized (as the name suggests) by its unique shape, which is reminiscent of a horn or tongue and protrudes into the Adriatic Sea. The beach consists of fine pebbles and is surrounded by turquoise water. Zlatni Rat is located near the town of Bol and can be reached by ferry or catamaran from Split. During the high season, it’s tourist hell here, but it’s still worth a visit.
9th Myrtos Beach
Where: Kefalonia, Greece
The spectacular Myrtos Beach, located on the Greek island of Kefalonia, has repeatedly been named one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece (and even the world!). It has also been used as a backdrop in several films and commercials. The coast is relatively isolated and unspoiled, which gives it a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
10th Sylt Elbow Beach
Where: Sylt, Germany
The Sylt Elbow Beach on the island of Sylt on the North Sea coast of Germany is literally shaped like an elbow. It offers fine sand and is therefore perfect for long walks and sunsets. There are also many water sports options such as surfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling for sports fanatics.
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