When we’re thinking of the best beaches in Europe, we’re not just thinking of the sand and the surf. We’re also thinking about the culture and the history of each place. From the bustling streets of the ancient port city of Dubrovnik to the secluded beach resorts of Bibione in Italy, there are plenty of reasons why you consider beach-hopping across this old world continent.
Peruse our list of the best beaches to travel to in Europe and you’ll discover a collection of natural wonders and man-made monuments to luxury. No matter your preferred flavor, you’re sure to find a coastal paradise to add to your travel bucket list!
Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)
Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio, is an incredible beach in Greece. It is located in Zakynthos Island. The secluded cove has the beauty of a white sand beach with sheer limestone cliffs.
Visiting Navagio is a very popular tourist activity in Zakynthos. During the high season, the beaches are busy with tourists. There are many boats departing from the Zakynthos Town harbour. To avoid the crowds, you can hire a private boat tour.
You can take a glass-bottom speedboat to the famous Navagio Shipwreck beach. These speedboats will take you to a scenic cliff-top viewpoint, where you can enjoy the views of the beach.
Shipwreck Beach is a popular tourist attraction on Zakynthos. Several thousand visitors flock to the beach each year. However, the area has recently been closed for investigation.
This is due to several accidents that have occurred in the past. One of the most deadly incidents happened when a tourist fell to his death on Navagio cliffs. Another incident involved a freightliner which crashed on the beach.
Zlatni Rat Beach in Brac
The Zlatni Rat Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. It is located on the south coast of the island of Brac. You can reach the beach by car in less than two kilometers.
The beach is situated in a pine tree grove and offers plenty of activities for both children and adults. There are several playgrounds, as well as a children’s adventure park.
If you want to explore the area, there are also boats and jet skis available at the beach. Visitors can bring their own drinks and food.
During the summer, the beach can get busy. However, if you are looking for a quieter time, you should visit in the early summer months.
The Zlatni Rat Beach is perfect for swimming and surfing. You can also take a banana boat ride. In addition, the beach has a bar that plays music.
As for the beach itself, it’s composed entirely of fine pebbles. While the pebbles feel comfortable enough to walk in bare feet, they are much courser than sand. If you are looking for a destination with a sandy coastline, this destination might not be at the top of your list.
Bibione Beach in Italy
Bibione Beach in Italy is a wonderful beach destination, offering a peaceful getaway. It offers a wide range of amenities. Located near Venice, it offers an excellent destination for any kind of holiday.
It is considered one of the best beaches in Europe. Bibione Beach has a pristine sea and sand that is soft and warm. There are plenty of activities on the beach, including kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons.
The beach is free to access, and the area is smoke-free. Visitors can relax in the sun, enjoy a nice walk or take part in a bike ride along the beach. In the evening, Bibione Beach hosts firework shows.
The Bibione beach health initiative is supported by the World Health Organization. Several first-aid stations are available, with nurses and dermatologists on duty. They are also equipped with defibrillators.
One of the most important attractions in Bibione is the thermal water and its healing properties. It is possible to enjoy hydromassage facilities and saunas at Bibione Thermae.
You can easily reach Bibione by train from Venice. It takes about an hour.
Talamanca Beach in Ibiza
Talamanca beach is located in Ibiza, Spain. This lovely curved bay has soft sands and a wooden boardwalk that runs its length. There are several quality hotels in this area, along with a great selection of restaurants.
Talamanca is a popular year-round resort for families. It has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury. These include the Lili Apartments, which are one-minute walk from the beach. They offer spacious rooms and swimming pools.
A few km down the coast is the charming seaside town of Portobello. The curved promenade features elegant architecture and a fantastic range of amenities. It also offers a boat ride to see the sights.
In the summer months, the area hosts interesting events. One of them is the water bus that runs regularly between the marina and Ibiza Town’s port. Another is parasailing.
The beach is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. You can find restaurants, cafes and boutiques on the promenade.
During the high season, there’s plenty of live music on the beach. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can hire a pedalo.
Uvala Lapad in Dubrovnik
Located on the peninsula of Lapad, Uvala Lapad is a great beach for swimming. It is a family friendly place that offers a range of bathing facilities. Ideally suited for cliff jumping, it is also a good spot for watching the sunset.
The beach is located a few minutes from Dubrovnik’s city center. It is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and people looking for a relaxing holiday.
There are many different hotels to choose from in the area. Some are very expensive, while others are more budget friendly. Hotels in the area are surrounded by stunning scenery and are a short walk to Old Town.
Sveti Jakov Beach is a popular swimming spot with a combination of sand and pebbles. Visitors will find plenty of shops and bars on the beach.
Another top swimming spot is the island of Lokrum. From the port of Old Town, visitors can take a boat to the island, which is located off the coast of Dubrovnik. This special forest vegetation reserve is a popular swimming spot.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is a stylish and contemporary hotel on the outskirts of Ibiza town. A modernist mid-rise complex, this hotel features two pools, two dining options, and a Six Senses Spa. The hotel is located on Talamanca beach, a mere fifteen minutes from the Marina Botafoch.
Nobu is known for its innovative dining experiences and chic design. In addition to the Nobu Restaurant, the hotel also offers Peyotito, a Mexican restaurant with a Mediterranean twist.
Nobu Ibiza Bay is a five-star luxury hotel. Rooms are furnished with whites and blues, and are designed to complement the surroundings. Each room has a mini bar, a flat-screen television, and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Some rooms are accessed via a terrace or balcony with views of Talamanca Bay.
Nobu Ibiza Bay is an ideal choice for a family or couple looking for a luxurious getaway. The hotel features a private pool and beach deck, as well as a fitness center, kids’ club, and a spa. Guests can take advantage of the Six Senses Spa, which offers a range of treatments and salon services.
Hillside Beach Club in Turkey
The Hillside Beach Club in Turkey is one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the world. It is nestled against the backdrop of pine-clad hills, overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. This luxury resort has been recognized by a number of awards.
Among its many features, the Hillside Resort is home to a spa and a private Blue Flag beach. In addition to its extensive array of watersports, it also offers a wide range of land activities and cultural excursions.
One of the most unique experiences at Hillside Resort is the Sunset Tour. Guests travel by traditional Turkish wooden gulet boat to nearby bays and coves to watch the sun set.
Another exciting experience at Hillside Resort is the Sanda Nature Spa. Located at the center of the resort, this spa has an amazing assortment of massages and treatments. Besides its tree-top treatment rooms, the spa also has a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
Other fun activities at the Hillside Beach Club include wakeboarding lessons. These lessons are led by a world-class champion.
Porto Katsiki in Greece
Porto Katsiki is a pristine beach located on the Greek Island of Lefkada. The beach is surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs and engulfed in crystal clear water. This beach is one of the most beautiful in Europe and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
Porto Katsiki has become one of the most popular beaches in Greece. Its white, pebbled beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views make it a popular tourist destination. However, the beach is not child-friendly, so you should consider it carefully if you are traveling with children.
Porto Katsiki is best visited during late May and early June. During this time, you will be able to take advantage of the amazing sunsets. You can also explore other beaches on the island.
Porto Katsiki is a popular destination for private yachts. Many families stay on the other shores of the island, preferring to explore other beaches. In fact, Porto Katsiki is a favorite among solo travelers.
There are several cafes and restaurants at Porto Katsiki. These are perfect for enjoying some snacks or refreshing orange juice. Some taverns offer catering services and you can find wine, beer and toasts here as well.