9 Best Beaches In Europe To Visit in 2025!

Looking for the best beaches in Europe to visit in 2025? Buckle up, because Europe is flaunting its finest sands and secret shores! This year, the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has crowned a mix of golden havens, wild retreats, and even therapeutic getaways. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, or a family with a penchant for pristine coastlines, the list of the best beaches in Europe has you covered.

Malta’s golden gem near Mellieha steals the spotlight, proving that sustainability and stunning sand can indeed shake hands. Greece isn’t playing second fiddle, with five of its beaches making waves on the list—Canal d’Amour, Porto Timoni, St Paul Bay, Porto Katsiki, and Vai Beach—making Greece the beach-bum royalty of 2024.

Spain makes a splash with three hot picks: the ever-popular Las Teresitas in Tenerife, the hidden gem As Catedrais in Galicia, and the Costa Blanca’s own Miami wannabe, Calpe Beach. And let’s not forget Portugal’s Algarve, where Monte Clerigo and Odeceixe bask in their natural, protected glory.

So grab your sunscreen and your sense of humor—these are the best beaches in Europe that you’ll want to experience in 2025!

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1. Malta’s Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

For those exploring the best places to visit in Europe, Malta’s Ghajn Tuffieha Bay near Mellieha is a must-see. Tucked beneath dramatic cliffs and featuring the remnants of ancient Roman baths, this sun-kissed beach offers a blend of history and relaxation. With its golden sands and serene Mediterranean vibes, it’s the ultimate escape for beach lovers.

Recognized by the European Commission for its dedication to sustainable tourism, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find. With pristine sands, delightful dining options, and plenty of sunbeds to lounge on, it’s a seaside haven. Water sports enthusiasts will love the chance to snorkel, paddle, or dive in this picturesque paradise.

Fancy a little island hopping? The nearby islands of Gozo and Comino, home to the Insta-famous Blue Lagoon, are just a ferry ride away. Oh, and did we mention that Malta is also ranked among the best LGBTQ+ destinations, best family holiday spots, and—you guessed it—home to some of the beautiful beaches in Europe? Pack your bags, because Malta’s calling!

2. Monte Clerigo Beach: Where Unspoiled Beauty Meets the Best Grilled Fish!

Looking for one of the best beaches in Europe that’s as charming as it is unspoiled? Monte Clerigo Beach in Aljezur, Algarve, is your next sun-soaked stop! Nestled just 30 kilometers north of Lagos, this slice of sandy heaven is where pristine nature meets the cozy vibes of a fishing village. Think colorful houses, dunes perfect for a sun-escape, and restaurants grilling up the freshest catch of the day.

Monte Clerigo Beach is more than just a picturesque getaway; it’s nestled between the renowned Alentejo region, famed for its vineyards and sprawling sand beaches, and the Algarve, home to endless Atlantic shores and world-class golf resorts. With such a prime location, it’s no surprise this gem is celebrated as one of the best beaches!

And let’s not forget Aljezur—a picture-perfect market town with whitewashed houses, authentic Portuguese gastronomy, and wines that’ll make your taste buds dance. Nearby, you’ll find even more stunning beaches like Arrifana, Carrapateira, and Amoreira, all within the protected Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

3. Ölüdeniz Beach

When it comes to the best on the beach destinations in Europe, Turkey’s Ölüdeniz Beach, also known as the Blue Lagoon, stands out as a shimmering gem. Imagine a serene lagoon, embraced by stunning coves, with a curved beach that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. It’s no wonder this is one of the popular beaches in Turkey, drawing visitors from all over the world!

Sure, Ölüdeniz might be a ‘hidden’ gem, but with views this good, it’s more of an open secret. Unless you’re an early bird or a night owl, expect to share the sand with fellow sun-seekers. But don’t worry, renting a lounge chair to soak up the sun while watching yachts drift by makes it all worthwhile.

Feeling adventurous? Dive into water sports galore—paddleboarding, paragliding, or scuba diving are all on the menu. Just a heads-up: the single road to this beauty can get busy, so renting a bike might be your best bet.

4. Canal d’Amour

When it comes to the best beaches in Europe, Canal d’Amour on Corfu Island is like a love letter from the gods themselves. Tucked away in Sidari, this ‘secret’ beach is famous for its stunning sandstone formations that create a long, narrow channel—hence the romantic moniker, Canal d’Amour. Legend has it, a French navigator thought the beach resembled a certain feminine shape, and voilà, the name stuck.

Though this natural wonder is petite, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Sunbathers can sprawl out on the adjacent rocks, soaking in both the sun and the view. Plus, you’re never too far from a cold drink, thanks to the restaurant and hotel perched just above.

And if you’re visiting with your sweetheart, take a dip in the channel—tradition says you’ll be married within a year.

5. Porto Timoni

When talking about the Europe’s best beaches, Porto Timoni in Corfu has no intention of staying hidden. Making its way back into the spotlight, this stunning spot offers not one, but two beaches—because why settle for just one? Nestled in one of Greece’s lushest islands, thanks to those winter rains, Porto Timoni is a gem among the green.

But don’t let its beauty fool you—getting to this secluded paradise is no walk in the park. It’s a long, rocky hike, so be sure to lace up those sturdy shoes. Pro tip: Park at ‘Afionas Parking’ for a mere €5 and brace yourself for a 20-minute trek. Pack some snacks and drinks because once you’re there, it’s just you, the sea, and some of the best snorkeling in Europe.

Corfu itself is a melting pot of Venetian, French, and British cultures, offering a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a climate that’s always beach-ready.

6. Las Teresitas

When it comes to the popular beaches in Europe, Las Teresitas in Tenerife isn’t just showing up—it’s showing off. Often crowned the most beautiful beach in the Canary Islands, this golden wonder is a family-friendly paradise where the sand isn’t just ordinary sand—it’s imported straight from the Sahara! Because when you’re one of the best beaches in Europe, you get the best sand, too.

Tucked into a protected bay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, Las Teresitas offers everything you need for a lazy beach day. Whether you’re swimming in its warm waters, strolling along the golden shore, or simply lounging on a sunbed for just €4 a day, this beach has you covered.

The surrounding cliffs and nature, along with the nearby authentic village of San Andrés, add to the charm. Plus, the Santa Cruz town hall ensures the experience is accessible with free parking and affordable amenities. Ready to bask in one of Europe’s finest? Las Teresitas awaits!

7. St. Paul’s Bay

If you’re searching for one of the best beaches in Europe that feels like a well-kept secret, St. Paul’s Bay in Rhodes is calling your name. Nestled in the southeast of this iconic Greek island, St. Paul’s Bay offers crystal-clear waters that are so calm, they might as well come with a “no waves allowed” sign—perfect for families looking to splash around without the drama of big waves.

This little slice of paradise isn’t just about the views (though they’re absolutely stunning). With sun loungers and parasols available for a steal at €5-10, you can lounge in comfort. When the sun gets too much, you’ll find plenty of bars by the beach nearby, offering the perfect escape with refreshing drinks and a cool breeze.

All of this is wrapped in the charm of Lindos, an ancient town that cascades from the Acropolis of Rhodes down to the sea. For a taste of Grecian paradise, St. Paul’s Bay is one of the best sand beaches in Europe that you don’t want to miss!

8. As Catedrais Beach

Say hello to As Catedrais Beach, a stunning marvel on the northwest coast of Spain. Officially known as Praia de Aguas Santas, this beauty in Ribadeo, Galicia, isn’t just any beach—it’s like stepping into a grand Gothic cathedral, with 30-meter high buttresses, arches within arches, and sea caves that would make any architect green with envy.

Stretching for nearly 1.5 kilometers of fine sand, As Catedrais Beach is the perfect place to walk through sandy corridors flanked by towering slate walls, all while the sea gently laps at your feet. Just make sure you check the tide schedule; this beach reveals its true magic at low tide.

Pro tip: Visiting in high season? You’ll want to book your spot online (it’s free!) to dodge the crowds. With free parking and toilets, this beach is a must-visit on your tour of the Europe’s best beaches.

9. Scialara Beach

Dreaming of a beach with a side of history? Scialara Beach, or “Castello Beach,” in Vieste is one of the Europe’s best beaches, where you can soak up the sun and centuries of history simultaneously. Nestled in Italy’s stunning Gargano National Park, this 5-kilometer stretch of golden sand is perfect for families looking to dip their toes in calm waters and their minds in local legends.

Overshadowed by the mighty “Pizzomunno”—a towering limestone monolith that locals believe holds the secrets of the world—Scialara Beach is more than just a pretty coastline. Nearby, you’ll find the medieval Castello Svevo and the 11th-century Vieste Cathedral, complete with a baroque bell tower that practically begs for an Instagram post.

With easy parking, sunbeds for rent, and plenty of bars and restaurants to refuel, Scialara Beach is not just a beach day—it’s a beach experience. So why not make your next sandy adventure at one of the best beaches in Europe?