Best beaches in Europe

Sand or shingle, buzzy or chilled, crashing waves or calm waters… not all beaches were created equal. The sweeps in Spain, Greece and Cyprus are staples for sun worshippers, but Europe’s got plenty more to pick from beyond your classic beachy destinations. We’re talking secluded spots in Montenegro and Formentera, watersports wins in Croatia and Portugal, and the place to go for parties on the French Riviera… Whatever your vibe is, we’ve pulled out the best beaches in Europe to match it.    

Best for: escaping the crowds 

Mogren Beach, Montenegro 

Montenegro isn’t an obvious pick for a beachy break, which makes it a great shout for swerving the crowds. It’s the perfect desti dupe for Croatia – it’s literally right next door – so you can expect the same level of beaut beaches minus the buzz. Mogren Beach is within walking distance from Budva Old Town, and it’s backed by aesthetic cliffs and green forests – no filter needed. The beach itself is made up of two stretches – check out both and pick whichever is quietest. Not only is it a peaceful spot, but it’s also been awarded Blue Flag status for its super clean sweep and clear water, too. And although the vibe is stripped back, you can still hire loungers with parasols here, and you’ve got a handy beach bar and restaurant right there, too. 

Best for: watersports lovers 

Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia 

Zlatni Rat – AKA Croatia’s most famous beach – is seriously stun. It’s in Brac on the Dalmatian Coast where most of the beaches are pebbly, so its paper-white sand deffo makes it special. It’s about more than just good looks, though… there’s a strong list of watersports available here, and you can do everything from paddle-boarding, kayaking and windsurfing to banana boat rides and jet-skiing. The underwater scenes are just as dreamy as the ones on the surface, too – the water’s 4K-clear, so grab a snorkel to spot the local sea life, or go all-out with a scuba diving session. For the best angle, try parasailing to soak it all up from above. 

Best for: your Insta grid  

Navagio Beach, Zante 

Warning: This pick may cause serious envy for your mates. Navagio Beach – or Smugglers’ Cove – is Greece’s most-papped sweep, and we get the hype. Nestled on Zante‘s southeast coast, its rocky cliffs, white sand and bluey-green waters are cliché-level gorg, but the mega shipwrecked boat is what makes this beach so iconic. The lore goes that a smuggler ran ashore in 1982, and it’s been a star ever since. It’s also a great spot for snorkelling, although the water can get pretty busy with boat trips coming and going all day, so the best time to come is first thing in the morning or early evening – and it’ll be prime time for that golden-hour glow, too.    

Best for: families 

Nissi Beach, Cyprus 

On Cyprus’ east coast, Nissi Beach is the ultimate family-friendly swim spot. It’s so clean it’s been given Blue Flag status, and the water is super shallow and calm, which is ideal for kids to splash around in, plus there are lifeguards on duty. Don’t forget the bucket and spade, too, because the powdery sand is pure sandcastle material. With so much going for it, you can expect it to get lively here but you’ll usually find things are quieter on the west end of the beach, near the little island. You can hire sunloungers and parasols to set up a base for the day, and there are handy toilets nearby, as well as restaurants, bars and cafés. If you’ve got older kids, they’ll love the watersports on offer like pedalos, kayaks, waterskiing, wakeboarding and paddle-boarding.   

Best for: beach clubs  

Pampelonne Beach, St Tropez, France 

St Tropez is where the party’s at. Stretching for about five kilometres along the French Riviera, Pampelonne Beach is lined by 23 beach clubs, covering everything from chill to boujie. La Réserve brings the boho-chic aesthetic and is known for its unreal Mediterranean cuisine, Club 55 is a go-to for rustic charm and celeb spotting, and Verde Beach is where you want to be for day parties with live DJs. They’ve all got an Insta-ready backdrop for your food and fit pics, plus you can easily get to the water whenever you feel like a swim. The liveliest time to come is in the middle of summer when you can expect volleyball tournaments and other events taking over the beach. It’s the kind of place you’ll stop by for lunch then next thing you know, you’re still there drinking a spritz at sunset.   

Best for: wildlife watching  

Videy Island, Iceland 

You won’t be topping up your tan at this one, but you can embrace your inner David Attenborough. Videy Island’s a nature reserve just off the coast of Iceland’s capital city – jump on the ferry from Reykjavik’s harbour and you can be there in 20 minutes. In the summer, the island’s shores are home to 30 different species of nesting birds, like puffins, oystercatchers, purple sandpipers and black-tailed godwits. Keep an eye out for seals when you come into the harbour and along the coast, and you might even be able to spot humpback whales or orcas. The whole place’s super peaceful, and there’s a network of trails through wildflower meadows that lead down to black-sand bays. You can also check out old ruins and modern art installations, and there’s a cute coffee shop, too. If you’re here during the winter when there’s not much daylight, you’ll be able to see the tall light beam from the Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial for John Lennon from his wife, Yoko Ono. 

Best for: natural vibes 

Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain 

Formentera might be the smallest of all the Balearics, but its beaches are some of the best. A ban on building near the island’s shores means there are no high rises or busy proms here, so the coastline has more of a stripped-back feel. 10 minutes’ drive from Es Pujols, Platja de Ses Illetes is in Ses Salines Natural Park and it’s seriously beaut. Its bleach-blonde sandbars look like they should be in the Maldives and there’s water on both sides, so you’ve got 360° sea views. There are also two little islets you can swim to from the beach – the water around them is so clear and blue, ideal for snorkelling. You can usually see luxe yachts and catamarans moored beyond the shallows, then the backdrop of the archipelago in the distance really ties it all together. Before you head home, there’s a low-key restaurant back towards the carpark that serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with views all the way out to sea.  

Best for: surf scenes 

Praia da Rocha, the Algarve, Portugal 

Portugal’s west coast is a prime pick for surfers thanks to its massive Atlantic waves, especially the beaches along the Algarve. Praia da Rocha is a big name in the surf world for having reliable conditions, especially during the winter months. It’s good for all levels – there are a range of wave types, from gentle swells for beginners to bigger, more challenging waves if it’s not your first rodeo. Hire a board and a wetsuit from one of the many rental shops along the beachfront, and you’ll find a few surf schools here if you want to learn from a pro. The setting is something else, too – tide-worn cliffs break up the long, golden sweep, so you can set up in your own secluded cove away from the busier parts. You get the best of both worlds, though, as the beach also has handy facilities like parking, toilets, cafés and restaurants, so it’s super convenient for spending a full day here. One you’re done, stick around for a beer on the sand and soak up the scenery as the sun goes down. 

 If one of these sweeps sounds like a bit of you, check out our deals to get yourself there.  

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Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 24/03/25