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Ready for a Sunny Getaway? Discover Europe’s Best Beaches!

El Cotillo Castillo Beach, Canary Islands, Spain
El Cotillo Castillo Beach, Canary Islands, Spain
Written by Brian Lees

Europe is one of the most geographically diverse continents in the world, with its countries boasting breathtaking mountain ranges, bustling cities, and rolling countryside. As a matter of fact, few places on Earth can compare to Europe’s beaches. With more than 24,000 miles of coastland, the Old Continent’s magnificent beaches are mixed in with fjords, bays, and inlets. Here’s our breathtaking selection of some of Europe’s best beaches!

Croatia

Just a short ferry ride from the high-energy town of Split is Zlatni Rat Beach, in Brac. Considered an Adriatic gem, this beach boasts miles of unspoiled coastline sprinkled with pristine white sand. Brac is not the place to find yachts of partiers ready to enjoy wild nights. Zlatni Rat is a laid-back place, quiet and serene, tucked away as an island paradise for a lucky few. The poster child for beautiful beaches, Zlatni Rat’s distinctive finger-like shape delivers crystal clear water on three sides, and is one of the top tourist destinations in the country!

Spain

Andalucía is one of the most striking regions in Spain, encompassing the destinations of Málaga, Seville, and Granada, which are known for their natural beauty. Just one hour from Málaga lies Nerja, which beach boasts turquoise waters that can rival some of its Caribbean counterparts. The Andalucía coast is definitely an excellent spot for beach lovers. And, if you want to explore more of the country, its more than 2,000 miles of coastline will make sure that you find amazing beach escapes to enjoy in Spain!

Montenegro

It’s difficult to put into words the aggressive beauty of the Sveti Stefan beach in Montenegro. The island, which is only accessible by organized tour, boasts olive trees, oleanders, pines and cotton candy-colored pink sand. The water is bathtub warm and features an impossible, awe-inspiring shade of blue. A favorite to locals and tourists alike, Sveti Stefan can get a bit crowded in high season, so it’s best to go in the off-season when the crowds have died down but the weather is still warm enough for you to enjoy a refreshing dip.

Italy

Cala Goloritzè in Sardinia is a a true display of nature’s paintbrush. With white pebbles giving way to even whiter sand which leads to the deepest aquamarine waters, this European gem is a feast for the eyes. Limestone cliffs provide a bit of shade for bathers below, and this beach’s hard to reach location means it remains relatively unspoiled. You won’t find throngs of partygoers here. Cala Goloritzè is sublime and relaxing and easily considered one of the most sought-after beach breaks in Italy.

Portugal

If Praia de Benagil in the Algarve region of Portugal looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on screensavers, postcards, and everywhere strikingly beautiful beaches are highlighted. Praia de Benagil boasts golden powered sand, sparkling emerald water, and year-round radiant sun. A short boat trip takes you to the world famous Algar de Benagil sea cave, one of the most popular attractions in the region. Portugal has no shortage of beaches, and it is hard to pin down just which one is the most beautiful of all!

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Greece

The gem of the Mediterranean, Greece beaches are considered by many the most beautiful in the world. Take Elafonissi, for example. From its delicate pink sand to see-through azure waters teeming with coral and fish, this wavy beach is a dream come true. A hidden gem in Crete, it’s practically secluded, even during high season. Visitors to Elafonissi love to lounge under swaying palms, ordering one beer after another while enjoying plates piled high with Greek delicacies. If you’re looking for a beach that looks like your screensaver, this is definitely the one!

Cyprus

By day, Nissi Bay is a calm and relaxing beach, filled with turquoise waters and powdery sand. With a gently sloping shoreline that stays shallow for quite a ways out, it’s the top choice for families in Cyprus. By night, however, the beach comes alive with the sound of live music and parties. Packed with beach bars, resorts, and restaurants, Nissi Bay is a hotspot for all things fun in Cyprus. With nearly year-round sunshine and hot temperatures, it’s truly a beach-lover’s paradise!

As you can see, when it comes to strikingly beautiful beaches, Europe has it all, and that’s why they’re ideal destinations if you’re looking to find cheap flights in July for a sunny getaway From the unspoiled Greek seaside to the sandy shores of Sardinia, you won’t find shortage of beautiful beaches here!

Did we miss your favorite Euro-beach? Let us know in the comments section below!

About the author

Brian Lees

Brian Lees is a Content Writer and Editor with 21 years of experience in the travel industry and a lifetime of personal traveling memories. Originally from Scotland, Brian is a big fan of soccer, family, friends, and food. He's now happily settled on South Shore Long Island with a wife, 2 kids, and a dog to keep him busy! Between trips to Jones Beach, he's happy to keep the OneTravel blog filled with travel insights for you all.

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