Best Beaches In Europe

Dreaming of a beach getaway in Europe this summer? From the shores of the Mediterranean to the wild coasts of the Atlantic, this guide—listed in no particular order—highlights some of the best beaches in Europe to help you find your ideal beach getaway.

Elafonisi, Greece

Elafonisi is a small island just off the southwest coast of Crete, and it's officially part of the Chania region, in the Kissamos municipality. It's easy to reach and technically still considered part of Crete, even though it feels like a little paradise. There are four main ways to visit Elafonisi Beach when in Crete, such as by car, bus, taxi or boat. To get from Chania to Elafonisi without a car takes 1h 40m and costs €6 - €9. The bus from Chania to Elafonisi takes 1h 40m, including transfers and departs once daily.

The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. To avoid large crowds, visit early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or during the shoulder months of May and October. Peak season is from June to August, when the weather is hot and the beach is busy. Elafonisi beach has sunbeds and umbrellas on the mainland part. However, if you're visiting during the high summer season, the area will be rather crowded, so it's always a good idea to have your umbrella or towel with you, too.

Activities at Elafonisi include swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking along nearby trails. Nature lovers can explore the lagoon's ecosystem, while others can capture stunning shots of the pink sands and turquoise waters. Facilities at Elafonisi Beach include parking, toilets (requiring cash), snack bars, and stalls selling beach toys.

This beach has popular food spots nearby by such as Glykeria restaurant, which has outdoor seating, great cocktails and is open 8:30 am until 9:00 pm. Taverna Stomio is another option if you are looking for a place to eat; it offers a kids' menu, outdoor seating and cheap food.

La Pelosa, Italy

La Pelosa Beach—where the sea looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. Located on the northwestern tip of Sardinia, this is one of the island’s most famous spots, thanks to its clear waters and soft sand. La Pelosa is a small beach of just about 300 meters (984 feet) – and no more than 60 meters (196 feet) wide.

A total of 1,500 visitors per day are allowed. Of these, 700 can book well ahead of time, and 700 can book within 48 hours of their intended day of visit (perfect for last-minute visits). 100 spots are reserved for those who are staying in one of the hotels and guest houses in Stintino. Keep in mind that the beach gets fully booked in the peak months of July and August. If that’s when you intend to visit, make sure to book well ahead!

If you are staying in the village, you can easily get to the beach by public bus. Alternatively, the easiest way to get there is by car. Keep in mind that the La Pelosa parking fee is quite expensive (€2 per hour and up to €20 for the whole day), and depending on what time you arrive, you will struggle to get a good parking spot.

At La Pelosa, everything you need for a relaxing day is right at your fingertips. A few kiosks offer quick meals, snacks, gelato, and a variety of drinks, and you can also rent beach essentials like umbrellas, sunbeds, kayaks, and pedal boats. As it is quite exposed to the wind, La Pelosa beach is a perfect place to practice water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing.

Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey

Nissi Bay, Cyprus

Cala Macarella, Spain

Ksamil Beach, Albania

Banje Beach, Croatia

Plage de Notre Dame, France

Praia da Marinha, Portugal