The Best Beaches in Europe for Every Type of Traveler

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

Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan

Europe's cultural capitals have long been considered essential destinations, but when it comes to beach vacations, its seaside towns tend to take a back seat to the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Despite the range of oceanfront options on the continent — from the rugged beauty of Iceland and the white-hot nightlife of the C?te d'Azur to peaceful enclaves in Greece and Croatia — many tourists overlook the coastal charms.

Here, we've assembled a collection of the best beaches in Europe, tailored to travelers of every stripe. All offer stunning scenery and ocean views, but beyond that, these places are as richly varied as Europe itself. Discover off-season hikes, 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

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 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. (When work isn't being done to prevent landslides, that is.) It's worth the trip: The rusted shell set against the spectacular natural beauty of Zakynthos Island is a striking sight you need to experience in person to truly appreciate.

Related: How To Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

Calanque d'En-Vau, Cassis, France

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 gives it a dreamlike feel.

Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy

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

Laid-back beachgoers and adrenaline junkies alike 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

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 umbrella and chair, take advantage of oceanfront beverage service, enjoy the views on a walk, or join a game of 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

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 by car (or a half-hour on foot) 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 café open during the summer.

Durdle Door Beach, Dorset, England

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 sea views across the rugged Jurassic Coast on the other is something you won't soon forget.

Zlatni Rat, Brac, Croatia

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.

Related: The 15 Best Beaches in Croatia

Reynisfjara Beach, Vík, Iceland

You won't want to take a dip at this beach — the rough, frigid waters of the North 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. Basalt formations have eroded over time to form Vík's eerie black-sand beaches. 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 area hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable.

Playa Sa Caleta, Ibiza, Spain

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 island's northern side. 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, drive 30 minutes southwest to the Sa Caleta Phoenician Settlement — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — for an archaeological exploration.

Lubenice Beach, Cres Island, Croatia

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 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 a cliff a few yards down from the edge of the beach. You'll need to swim 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

For a mix of beautiful scenery and a party-ready atmosphere, Nissi Bay Beach is the place to be. It's on the island of Cyprus, which is known to have some of the clearest waters in 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. 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 anyone hoping to spend all day sunning and all night partying by the sea.

Palombaggia, Corsica, France

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. 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. Yards of visibility and abundant schools of fish will keep older kids busy snorkeling for hours.

?lüdeniz Beach, Turkey

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 surrounding forest are nature preserves with secret beaches, so it's unsullied and free of the overdevelopment that characterize many Turkish resort towns. Thankfully, it still has the necessary amenities (bathrooms, showers, cafés) to make your visit more comfortable. The place is a top spot for paragliders thanks to nearby Mount Babada?, and the lagoon's excellent visibility is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England

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 a show at the open-air Minack Theatre, complete with an ocean soundtrack and a view of the Atlantic.

Su Giudeu, Sardinia, Italy

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

Playa de Pechón, Cantabria, Spain

Seeing waters so blue and sand so golden, 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. The area is a 90-minute drive from the nearest city, Oviedo, so the sheltered bay gives a sense of privacy. If you have the itch to walk, you'll also find beautiful hiking routes nearby for a spectacular top-down view.

Sveti Stefan Beach, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

On Adriatic Sea south of Croatia lies Montenegro, a little-known playground for celebrities seeking privacy on European beaches. In the resort-lined Bay of Kotor, all eyes are on Our Lady of the Rocks, a church perched on a picturesque artificial island in the middle of the water. 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

Stretching north of Barcelona to France, the stunning Costa Brava provides endless pockets of blue-green waters and dramatic vistas. On this vibrant 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. There's no need to stay in one place for too long, though, because part of the fun of this destination is exploring other nearby villages and beaches, like Tamariu and Begur.

C?te de Granit Rose, Brittany, France

It might not be your typical 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.

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