12 of the Best Beaches in Europe

Yes Trip.com is here to shout about some of the very best beaches in Europe to visit - at any time of the year. Not only that, we've also given you the nearest (or most convenient) international airport, and a couple of local hotel recommendations too.

Top tip: many of the below recommendations for beaches in Europe are quite remote - as the best places often are. So, car hire may well be necessary. But luckily, we have that covered for you too…

Çirali Beach, Antalya

Cirali Beach at night

Turkey is teeming with beaches, from the busiest tourist spots to the most secluded of nooks. Antalya is an understandably popular choice for those looking for some sun and sand, but that doesn't necessarily mean being shoulder to shoulder with other visitors…

Cirali Beach has earned its reputation as a beautiful beach to visit. A mix of sand and pebbles, it's 4 km (2.5 miles) long and surrounded by fragrant citrus trees. Even better, it's just an hour's drive away from Antalya's busy city centre - and if you're at the beach in the summer, there are even sea turtle nests to see too…

Nearest Airport: Antalya

Click here for cheap flights to Antalya

Hotels:

Marti Myra

Hotel Casa De Padre

Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

Corsica is one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean, so it's unsurprising that there are loads of gorgeous sandy beaches to see here. Porto-Vecchio is home to some of the best, including the Plage de la Folaca and Plage de Tamaricciu - but in a crowded field, we're going to plump for the Plage de Palombaggia.

The seaside is home to turquoise water and bright white sand, with a backdrop of lush green trees. What's more, despite the picturesque, unspoilt location, there are places to eat nearby too.

Nearest Airport: Figari, Corsica

Click here for cheap flights to Corsica

Hotels:

Hôtel Ambassador Palombaggia

Hotel Costa Salina

Arrifana, Algarve

Long-known as a European travel hotspot, the Algarve arguably doesn't get the credit it deserves for its sheer gorgeousness. But while much of the area is home to tourism, there are plenty of little getaways for the more discerning beach-lover to go and visit.

One such place is Arrifana, a village on cliffs that lays claim to a stunning beach. Popular with surfers, this smallish beach is well worth the effort - for be warned, you will need to hike to get here. But, the best things in life often require a little endeavour, no?

Nearest Airport: Faro

Click here for cheap flights to Faro

Hotels:

Vicentina Hotel

Praia do Canal Nature Resort

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

La Concha Beach in the Basque

Picking one beach in Spain is incredibly difficult - the home of European sunshine (as only this writer has ever called it) has thousands of miles of coastline to explore. However, for the sake of variety, we've resisted the urge to recommend the tourist-heavy south of the country to shout about the north.

La Concha Beach is located in the autonomous Basque country and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Spain - and that's saying something. Silky sand, mountainous backdrops strewn with the unique Basque architecture and a wonderful atmosphere.

Nearest Airport: Bilbao

Click here for cheap flights to Bilbao

Hotels:

Mercure Monte Igueldo

Axel Hotel San Sebastian

Santa Severa, Lazio

We thought we'd throw in a little incentive when it comes to highlighting a star beach in Italy - this must-visit haunt is close to Rome, that cradle of ancient civilisation, as well.

Santa Severa is not the most hidden of getaways, but the gorgeous seaside hamlet lays claim to centuries of history, which is encapsulated by the namesake beach that has a castle in the background. A gorgeous beach found near one of the world's finest historic cities - what more could you ask for?

Nearest Airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome

Click here for cheap flights to Rome

Hotels:

Hotel Cavalluccio Marino

Villa Delle Palme

Killiney Beach

If you automatically think of the Med or southern Europe when it comes to a beach adventure, may we humbly suggest alternatives to get your brain whirring. For example, did you know that there is a gorgeous bit of seaside not too far from Dublin?

Just 16 km (10 miles) south of the emerald isle's capital lies Killiney Beach. It may be stony, but it's a gorgeous bit of the country, with the sweeping vistas of Bray and the Sugar Loaf Mountain supplying a feast for the eyes. Those of you with a strong disposition can swim in the chilly water here, too…

Nearest Airport: Dublin

Click here for cheap flights to Dublin

Hotels:

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

The Strand Hotel (former Home of Oscar Wilde)

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

The secluded beauty of Navagio Beach

Another country in which singling out one beach is unfair - how do you pick from the wealth of seaside options in Greece? Well, we had to pick one, and we decided to head to Zakynthos, an island bursting with gorgeous architecture and food options as well as beautiful sea views.

Navagio Beach (or Shipwreck Beach) is worth the boat trip. Its relative isolation is part of its exquisiteness, with the tiny spot of sand nestled in a wealth of deep blue sitting in front of a dramatic sweeping cliff. Trust us - make the effort to visit.

Nearest Airport: Zakynthos Airport

Click here for cheap flights to Zakynthos

Hotels:

Cavo Orient Beach Hotel

Contessina Suites and Spa

Maslinica Beach, Šolta

Šolta island near Split is a popular spot for visitors, but don't let that deter you from one of Croatia's best beaches. Maslinica has gorgeous views, clear water, and abundant places to eat. We surely don't need to say any more than that…

Should you wish for other beaches, Šolta boasts a wealth of sandy options across the island. Just be prepared to take a little adventure if you're staying in Split (which is what holidays are all about, no?).

Nearest Airport: Split Airport

Click here for cheap flights to Split

Hotels:

Hotel Cvita

Hotel Martinis Marchi

Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan

This is one for the truly adventurous. Located on the western extremities of Scotland is Sanna Bay, a remote beach of wild charm. This should absolutely be a landmark if you plan on going on a road trip around the northernmost parts of the British Isles.

If you weren't aware that there are beautiful beaches in Scotland, let us enlighten you. While the latitude may not necessarily mean heat is guaranteed, the white sands and rugged beauty of the surroundings mean that Ardnamurchan - like much of the Scottish Highlands - is a true bucket list location. Fly or train it to Glasgow, hire a car, and get driving…

Airport/Train Station: Glasgow

Click here for trains to Glasgow

Hotels:

Ardtorna

Best Western Muthu Queens Oban Hotel

Sveti Stefan

There are gorgeous beaches in Sveti Stefan

Montenegro is still comparatively (we emphasise that word) unknown in holiday-going circles - expect that to change soon, with the Balkan country laying claim to truly mesmerising sights. And, you may well have guessed by now, that includes gorgeous beaches.

The good news for the less mission-inclined among you is that you don't even have to travel far from the capital of Podgorica to sample the lovely beaches in Montenegro. Sveti Stefan is only an hour's drive away from Podgorica Airport but boasts some of the most spectacular views in the country. There's even a 15^th century fortress in your eyeline…

Nearest Airport: Podgorica Airport

Click here for cheap flights to Montenegro

Hotels:

Hotel California

Villa Katarina

Westerland Beach, Sylt

Germany may be more famous for mountains and forests, but the only coastline of the country, in the north, is also home to some stunning sandy surroundings to sink your feet into.

The island of Sylt is located in the North Frisian archipelago, reachable by train from Hamburg (a fun city in itself, travel fans), and is home to seriously beautiful beaches. We've chosen to shout about Westerland Beach because the sea constantly changes the area of the island - meaning that the beach changes shape. Cool, no?

Nearest Airport: Hamburg (note: there is a small domestic airport in Sylt as well)

Click here for cheap flights to Hamburg

Hotels:

Boutique Hotel Villa Monika

Hotel Stadt Hamburg

Djúpalónssandur Beach, West Iceland

Another area that falls squarely into the realms of 'beach experience'. Djúpalónssandur Beach (we think you may have to be Icelandic to be able to pronounce it) is located in the remote west of the country, but those of you with a sense of adventure should really make the drive from Reykjavik.

Also known as Black Lava Pearl Beach, which may be easier to say, the area is a volcanic wonder that offers a truly mesmerising experience. Grab your hiking shoes rather than your sandals, because this is a part of the world you'll truly want to explore…

Nearest Airport: Keflavik Airport, Reykjavik

Click here for cheap flights to Reykjavik

Hotels:

Arnarstapi Hotel

The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Trip.com is a site that offers a huge range of flights, hotels, attraction and tour tickets, car hire options, train tickets, and more. With our Trip Coin reward system ensures that the more you book, the more you benefit from using us.
The Trip.com app offers exclusive offers and holiday deals. Download our app now to see what all the fuss is about.