Golden sand beaches in the Canary Islands and the Algarve; others wild and secret in Greece; also with therapeutic effects in Italy, along with almost wild and green beaches in Albania: all of them appear on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe , which is compiled every year by European Best Destinations. (EBD) .
Based on the votes of 103,224 travelers around the world, from 116 countries, the 15 selected beaches include secluded, popular and wild sandy beaches for romantic getaways or family adventures. On these beaches you can practice all activities, from exciting water sports to walks in the middle of virgin nature. And, of course, they are also sun insurance for vacations.
Spain has three beaches on the list: the very popular Las Teresitas , in Tenerife, the not so «secret» Las Catedrales (As Catedrais), in Lugo, and Calpe beach , on the Costa Blanca.
The list is headed by Malta , with a golden sand beach located near Mellieha, a destination recognized by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainability. While Greece gets five beaches on this list: Canal d’Amour, Porto Timoni, St Paul Bay, Porto Katsiki and Vai Beach, making it the most recognized country in this year’s classification.
For its part, the nearby Portuguese Algarve has two beaches on this list: Monte Clérigo and Odeceixe, both located in Aljezur. They are part of the protected area of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
1. Malta , Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach, Mellieha
Located near the coastal town of Mellieha, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, with its magnificent cliffs, sandy beach and remains of Roman baths, was voted the most for a sunny holiday in Malta.
According to European Best Destination, “this beach offers high standards of cleanliness and services. Restaurants and cafes, sun loungers and water activities are also available . It is accessible by boat from the small, picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino, also part of the Maltese archipelago.
EBD recommends Malta as a destination “ with a unique offer of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, horse riding, rowing, snorkelling, diving and other water sports” for all audiences.
Malta has been classified for yet another year as Best LGBTQ+ Destination by EBD, as well as Best Diving Destination in Europe and among the Best Destinations in Europe for family holidays. It was also voted as the third best destination to visit in Europe in 2024.
2. Portugal, Monte Clérigo Beach, Aljezur, Algarve
Virgin nature next to a fishing village with colorful houses, several bars, restaurants that grill fresh fish, dunes to hide from the sun and the beauty of the nature that surrounds it: this is how EBD describes Monte Clérigo beach.
About 30 kilometers north of Lagos, it is nestled between the Alentejo region, world-famous for its vineyards, reefs, long sandy beaches that attract celebrities, and the sunny Algarve region, with its long Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Monte Clerigo is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive beaches in Portugal.
For its part, Aljezur, with authentic gastronomy, good wines, impressive nature and centuries-old traditions, is a small, picturesque, worldly town of whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.
Aljezur is close to other fantastic beaches, including Arrifana, Carrapateira, Amoreira and Bordeira, all within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a strip of coast sheltered from current development.
3. Turkey, Ölüdeniz Beach, Fethiye, Mugla
Ölüdeniz Beach, also known as the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by impressive coves, is considered one of Turkey’s treasures. This nature reserve with a calm lagoon and a curved beach that ends in an isthmus, is very popular for water sports and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
The best activity here might be to rent a sun lounger to enjoy the sun and calm waters, while watching the yachts in the sea. But visitors can also rent a paddle board, go paragliding, swim or scuba dive.
Although the beach is considered a “hidden” gem, unless you arrive early or late in the day, it is often crowded. Access is via a busy road. That is why it is recommended to come by rental bicycle.
4. Greece, Canal d’Amour, Sidari, Corfu Island
Canal d’Amour beach is one of the most famous «secret» beaches in the village of Sidari on the island of Corfu. It is surrounded by curious sandstone formations that form a long, narrow channel to which it owes its name. Its name comes from a French sailor who found a certain similarity between the shape of this beach and the shape of the female sexual organ.
This stunning natural beach is quite small, but visitors can also sunbathe on the rocks that flank it. There you can find sun loungers and parasols, while further up there is a restaurant and a hotel.
According to tradition, couples who swim in this channel of love will get married within 12 months. Whoever wants to find out, already knows what he has to do.
5. Greece, Porto Timoni, Corfu
For the second time, Porto Timoni, in Corfu, is on the list of the best beaches in Europe. It also appears as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Corfu is one of the best-known Greek islands and one of the greenest, thanks to the abundant winter rains. There Porto Timoni “hides” in a secluded place and offers two beaches, one open to the sea and the other to a lagoon.
Perfect for diving, Porto Timoni is a lush, green paradise. “It is advisable to wear good shoes, because the path there is long and rocky ,” advises EBD. Also ‘park at ‘Afionas Parking’ (€5 per day) and walk 20 minutes. Take food and drink with you and don’t forget to leave only your footprints on the beach .”
6. Spain, Las Teresitas Beach, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Las Teresitas is considered by EBD to be the most beautiful beach in the Canary Islands and the Canary Islands. A very suitable place for families, relaxing afternoons on sun loungers, swimming and walking on sand that reaches from the Sahara, or diving in warm waters all year round.
The beach is located in a protected bay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, surrounded by cliffs and nature and close to the authentic town of San Andrés. The city council applies a policy of affordable prices for everyone here, with free parking and sun loungers for 4 euros per day.
7. Portugal, Odeceixe Beach, Aljezur, Algarve
Odeceixe, on the border between the Alentejo and the Algarve, is described by the Portuguese as one of the wonders of the country. With its river beach and shallow waters, it is ideal for nature lovers and families, as well as surfers.
The town of Odeceixe is also worth visiting, with traditional architecture, local restaurants and regional specialties.
8. Greece , St. Paul’s Bay Beach, Lindos, Rhodes Island
This is one of the most beautiful secret beaches in Greece. Located in the southeast of Rhodes, it is one of the most popular sandy beaches on that island, considered among the best in Greece.
Crystal clear waters, protected from winds and waves and with numerous services, it is an ideal beach for families. It offers the possibility of renting sun loungers and parasols (€5-10) and has bars and restaurants.
Lindos, meanwhile, has a charming old town that surrounds the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes and extends to several beaches, including St Paul.
9. Spain , Las Catedrales Beach, Ribadeo, Lugo
Praia das Catedrais is the name that the tourism industry has given to Praia de Aguas Santas. Located in the Lugo municipality of Ribadeo, it is a natural monument, with flying buttresses 30 meters high, sea caves with pointed domes, arches within arches and tongues of sand surrounded by slate walls, like those of the central nave of a cathedral. .
The Cathedrals beach has fine sand and has an extension of almost 1 1/2 kilometers. It is best to admire it with your feet in the water. To do this, you should consult the tide schedule online, to ensure you arrive before the start of low tide and enjoy this exceptional place to the fullest.
“Access to the venue is free but, to avoid crowds, it is restricted to a maximum number of people per day ,” warns EBD. In high season (April-September), it is recommended to book your visit online (free).
10. Spain, Calpe Beach, Alicante
Calpe beach in that worldly city, with its famous Peñón de Ifach, is one of the most fashionable destinations on the Costa Blanca. The rock and its surroundings are a nature reserve located in the heart of the town and is accessible through well-marked paths.
“Give yourself an aerial view while climbing the rock (wear good shoes) ,” recommends EBD. “What we like most in Calpe is swimming in its calm, warm and crystalline waters. Even in spring or autumn the temperatures are mild and the beaches are so large that they are rarely crowded.
11. Greece, Porto Katsiki, Lefkada island
Located on the Ionian island of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki beach is also on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Known as the «goat beach» because in the past, the area was only accessible to those animals, the only creatures capable of climbing the steep rocks. Today, paths and stairs allow travelers to reach the beach, famous for its landscape and clear blue sea.
Located at the foot of a pale, concave cliff, it is 35 kilometers from the city of Lefkada, near the village of Athani.
12. Italy, Scialara Beach, Vieste , Apulia
Also called Castello Beach, Scialara is one of the main and most beautiful beaches in Vieste, a coastal town in the Gargano National Park, in southeastern Italy.
The beach is crossed by several streams carrying fresh spring water and is shaded by the Pizzomunno, an imposing limestone monolith that in the local dialect means «peak of the world’s cape» and is the symbol of the town.
Nearby are Castello Svevo, a medieval fortress, and the 11th-century Vieste Cathedral with its Baroque bell tower and painted ceiling.
This beautiful beach of fine golden sand, almost 5 kilometers long, is perfect for families. The sea is calm and the slope gentle. You can park nearby and also rent sun loungers with umbrellas, eat and drink in bars and restaurants and do some shopping.
14. Albania, Ksamil Beaches, Saranda , Vlore
Boasting some of the most beautiful and secret beaches in the country, Abania’s four Ksamili islands are admired for their lush, green vegetation all year round and are only accessible by small boats.
A 20-minute drive from the city center of Saranda, Ksamil is a village and former municipality on the South Coast of Albania, part of the Butrint National Park and one of the most youthful in Europe.
The islands are among the most popular destinations in the region and the area is known for the cultivation of olives, lemons and mandarins. Mussels are raised in the nearby Butrint lagoon.
15. Greece, Vai Beach, Vai, Crete
Vai («palm» in Greek) is a region in eastern Crete between Cape Sidero and Cape Plaka. Its beautiful beach, with fine sand and pebbles, is located at the eastern end of Crete. What makes this place unique is its delicious palm grove, the Vai Palmeraie, a species only found in Crete and which extends all the way to the beach.
“To have a complete view, you have to go up to the viewpoint and admire this place of exceptional beauty ,” suggests EBD. « Crystal clear waters rich in fish, natural palm fiber parasols, nature as far as the eye can see and the Cretan sun are all the necessary ingredients for a dream holiday.»
You have to reserve four euros for parking and ten for the sunbed. There are beach bars and bathrooms available for visitors.
