Travel Inspiration

10 Of The Best Beaches In Europe

12 April 2023 | Updated 1 April 20255 min read

Aerial view of Elafonissi Beach on the Greek Island of Crete

Elafonissi Beach This Greek beauty should be top of your beach bucket list!

Looking to book a much-needed beach break in Europe but aren’t sure where to find that perfect stretch of sea and sand? Say no more!

We’ve picked out ten amazing European beaches that ooze tranquillity and Insta-worthy views by the bucketload, and you may even be a little surprised by where you'll find them.

Check out the line-up and prepare for those beach holiday cravings to really kick in…

1. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece

Elafonissi Beach tops most lists of beautiful beaches in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. Its enchanting baby-pink sand (yes, pink!) is a sight to behold, made even more dreamy by the shallow topaz water that gently laps the shore.

You’ll find it in the southwest corner of Crete, offering a peaceful stretch of shore to sit back and relax upon.

Ranking at number 1 in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in the world this year, it’s a must-visit during your next Greek island adventure!

Elafonissi beach with pink sand on Crete, GreeceElafonissi beach with pink sand on Crete, Greece

Golden Beach Hotel

Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
  • 13 June 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Half board
  • From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£559 pp
View deal

2. Kleftiko Beach, Milos, Cyclades

There are more than 70 beaches situated on Milos, but tiny Kleftikois is our pick of the bunch. Secretly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the island and sheltered by almighty cliffs and rocks, it’s the definition of beach bliss.

It’s only accessible by boat, so either join a tour or rent your own to reach it. Exploring the surrounding caves is all part of the fun.

Kleftiko cove and beach on the island of Milos on GreeceKleftiko cove and beach on the island of Milos on Greece

3. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

We couldn’t compile a list of the best European beaches without adding in a UK entry!

Found on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre is one of the largest beaches in Scotland. It’s a remote one we’ll admit, but the expansive silky swathes and views out to Taransay Island that greet you when you get there are totally worth the journey.

Pack a picnic and make the most of the peace and quiet.

An aerial view over the vast beach of Luskentyre on the The Isle of Harris in ScotlandAn aerial view over the vast beach of Luskentyre on the The Isle of Harris in Scotland

4. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily

Another regular on Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Beaches is Spiaggia dei Conigli (that’s Rabbits Beach to you and us), located on the sun-drenched Italian island of Sicily. We’re not sure how many rabbits you’re likely to come across, but you’ll certainly be able to spot a whole load of sea life in its gin-clear waters!

It’s part of a protected nature reserve thanks to the loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs here, so you can expect pristine white sand untouched by tourists. Sold.

A view over Spiaggia dei Conigli beach (also known as Rabbit Beach) in SicilyA view over Spiaggia dei Conigli beach (also known as Rabbit Beach) in Sicily

Capo Peloro Resort

Torre Faro, Sicily, Italy
  • 22 October 2025
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£579 pp
View deal

5. La Côte des Basques, Biarritz, France

France’s chic southwestern seaside town of Biarritz is perfect for holidaymakers seeking out a classy beach break. La Côte des Basques beach is easily the pièce de résistance with an epic sweep of honey-coloured sand curving along the coast.

There are a number of hotels, B&Bs and private holiday rentals nearby if you want to make a real trip out of your visit, as well as some fab bars and restaurants to experience La Côte des Basques in style.

Beach and coastline of Biarritz, a seaside town in FranceBeach and coastline of Biarritz, a seaside town in France

6. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey

Bookended by gorgeous green hills, this spectacular Turkish beach really has to be seen to be believed! The 4.5km-long (2.8 miles) bar of sand is backed by a web of lagoons, and is another major turtle nesting site in the Med.

It’s a popular one with tourists – often visited as part of a river cruise taken from Dalyan. But there’s plenty of sand to go around if you’re looking for a quiet spot to kick back for the afternoon. Don’t forget snacks and sun cream!

An aerial view over Iztuzu beach near Dalyan in TurkeyAn aerial view over Iztuzu beach near Dalyan in Turkey

Binlik

Dalyan, Dalaman Area, Turkey
  • 2 August 2025
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Liverpool

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£559 pp
View deal

7. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, UK

With almost a whopping 5km (3 miles) of sand, Woolacombe Beach in the southern UK county of Devon has regularly been voted one of Britain’s best. It deserves the limelight too, all silky soft and backed by lush sand dunes peppered in sea grass.

The peak period in summer can get a little busy with families and surfers (but that’s just a sign of how good it is!), though if you want a quieter break, the winter months are still a great time to visit for scenic strolls.

A view over Woolacombe Beach in Devon, UK on a bright sunny dayA view over Woolacombe Beach in Devon, UK on a bright sunny day

8. Cala Mariolu, Baunei, Italy

Tucked away neatly into the island coves and only accessible by boat, this pretty pebbled beach may just be Sardinia's most glorious. It’s on the smaller side, but that only adds to the exclusive vibe.

The crystal-clear blue waters are a magnet for scuba divers and snorkellers. Pack your own snorkel to join them, or simply float in the shallows while soaking up the sunshine. You don’t have to tell us twice!

Cala Mariolu beach on a clear day in SardiniaCala Mariolu beach on a clear day in Sardinia

9. Balos Lagoon, Kissamos, Greece

It may be the third Greek beach on our list, but Balos Lagoon in Crete is every bit as worthy as the rest!

It’s one of the most photographable spots on the island and once you see it, you’ll want your camera at the ready too. Translucent turquoise water swirls around white sand bars, all shimmering beneath golden sunshine.

Surrounded by shallow sea, it’s easy for boats to dock, or you can also visit by car.

A view of Balos Lagoon on a bright sunny day in Crete, GreeceA view of Balos Lagoon on a bright sunny day in Crete, Greece

Ourania Apartments

Gouves, Crete, Greece
  • 21 September 2026
  • 5 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Stansted

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£419 pp
View deal

10. Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland

Iceland is famous for its ‘wow’ spots and Reynisfjara Beach is certainly one of them!

A slightly chillier beach destination, its striking black volcanic sand and craggy rock formations make for exhilarating views out across the island’s south coast.

Swimming might not be top of the itinerary here, but sandy-toed walks and photoshoots definitely should be.

Reynisfjara beach near Vik in southern Iceland with striking headlands and black sandReynisfjara beach near Vik in southern Iceland with striking headlands and black sand

Fosshotel Raudara

Reykjavik, Reykjavik Area, Iceland
  • 2 October 2025
  • 4 nights
  • Room only
  • From Birmingham

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£515 pp
View deal

Get our best deals straight to your inbox!

Sign up for huge holiday savings, hot deals and the chance to win holiday prizes!

We won't pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign up button you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.