12 Top European Beaches for a Sun-Soaked Holiday
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If you want to discover a beautiful European beach that’s pleasingly crowd-free, you need this guide. All the following sun-kissed spots are perfect for your summer holiday. From more obvious countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain to the gorgeous beaches of Croatia, Denmark, and the UK, here’s where to head to and why.
La Pelosa, Sardinia, Italy
With calm waters ideal for swimming, La Pelosa is considered Sardinia’s best beach. It’s picture-perfect, with bone-white sand and turquoise water. Torre della Pelosa, also known as Peloda Tower, sits atop a tiny islet, making the landscape completely unique.
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Read also: Hidden Beaches in Europe
Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia
This Croatian beach stands out because of its unique shape. It resembles a pointed tip and features tiny golden pebbles rather than sand. The projection often produces perfect wind conditions for stand-up paddle boarders, windsurfers, and jet skiers.
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Read also: Hidden Beaches in the World
Egkremnoi, Lefkada, Greece
Known as Egkremnoi, Egremnoi, or Egremni, this beach can be found on the Greek island of Lefkada, one of the Ionian Islands. Though relatively remote, a sealed road has made it far more accessible since the mid-1990s. Even now, you’ll need to hike up a steep incline before descending over 300 steps to reach it. Pale, powdery sands and the unbelievably blue ocean make it more than worth the effort.
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Read also: Lefkada, the Caribbean of Greece
Praia da Bordeira, The Algarve, Portugal
Bordeira Beach, or Praia de Bordeira, is among the Algarve’s most breathtaking beaches – and that’s saying something. Expect a clean sweep of finely textured golden sand lapped by azure water, accessed via a wooden walkway. When it’s windy, you can watch kite surfers here.
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Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, England
Though not known for its warm climate, it can get surprisingly hot in the UK during summer. Cornwall in the southwest of England boasts a clutch of beaches that look like they belong in the tropics, and Porthcurno, with its rolling waves, is the best example. Expect fine golden sand and azure waters, contrasting against gloomy granite cliffs.
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Read also: Bucket-List Worthy European Destinations
Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Sicily, Italy
Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo might be Sicily’s best-kept secret. You’ll have to take a 20-minute walk from the car park to reach it, laden with your own supplies, as there are no shops or stalls here. But it’s worth the effort, offering crystal clear waters for snorkeling. The beach also forms part of the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
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Read also: Hidden European Gems
Torrent de Pareis, Mallorca, Spain
A one-hour boat trip from Soller’s harbor, or an epic six-hour hike, will get you to Torrent de Pareis. It’s a sure-fire contender as Europe’s most beautiful beach and has towering cliffs, soft sands, and water that sparkles in the sunshine. Soller is also a pretty town, surrounded by orange groves.
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Read also: Spain and Portugal Itinerary
Tisvilde, Denmark
Denmark’s not the most obvious choice for a sunny seaside holiday, right? But visit during summer, and this part of Scandinavia might surprise you. Cute, colorful beach huts and grassy dunes add interest to the local landscape at Tisvilde, where the sun doesn’t set until after 10 pm during the longest days of the year.
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Read also: Romantic European Destinations
Butterfly Beach, Butterfly Valley, Turkey
This glorious Turkish valley beneath Mount Babadag is named for the pretty winged insects who come here to lay their eggs. The beach within the valley is simply stunning, by day and at sunset. You can access the beach via a steep hiking trail, or hop on a boat in Ölüdeniz.
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Read also: Best Value Beach Destinations in Europe
Praia da Falésia, Albufeira, Portugal
Praia da Falésia in Portugal stands out due to the orangey-red cliffs backing the golden sands. The water here is ideal for a cooling dip. In spring and summer, coastal wildflowers nestle at the base of the cliffs, and you can see evergreen pines on the top all year round.
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Ostriconi Beach, Northern Corsica, France
With powdery white sand and small waves, Ostriconi Beach in Northern Corsica is perfect for swimming rather than paddling. The fact that it’s only a 10-minute walk from the car park makes it more family-friendly than other hidden beaches. You can buy drinks and ice creams at the car park, ideal for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.
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Read also: Hidden Gem in Southern France
Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Sarakiniko Beach is the most beautiful on Milos, a gorgeous Greek island. The beach is in the north and home to some very photogenic rock formations. It features a typically Greek color palette of whitewash and vibrant blue. Do take care when jumping from the rocks or exploring the caves here.
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Read also: Top Greek Islands for Beaches
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
