Golden sandy beaches in the Algarve and the Canary Islands, wild and secret beaches in Greece, healing beaches in Italy and lush green beaches in Albania – all of these are in this year’s ranking of the most beautiful beaches in Europe according to the best European destinations. EBD), offering everything for everyone.
Based on the votes of 103,224 travelers from around the world from 116 countries, the 15 beaches chosen include secluded, popular, and wild beaches for romantic getaways or family adventures; displays everything from intense water sports to unspoiled nature for strolling; and they are also among the safest for a sunny holiday in Europe.
Malta tops the EBD ranking with a golden sandy beach near Mellieha, a destination recognized by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable development.
Greece has five beaches on the list: Canal d’Amour, Porto Timoni, St Paul’s Bay, Porto Katsiki and Vai Beach, making it the top prize-winning country in this year’s ranking.
Spain has 3 beaches on the list: the massive Las Teresitas in Tenerife, the “secret” beach of As Catedrais in Galicia, and the Miami-style beach of Calpe on the Costa Blanca.
The southwest of Portugal has two beaches in the ranking: Monte Clerigo and Odeceixe, both located in Aljezur, in the Algarve, near the border with the Alentejo. They are part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, a reserve.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay with Roman Baths, Malta.
Located close to the coast of the city of Mellieha, awarded for its commitment to sustainable tourism through the European Commission, the bay of Ghajn Tuffieha, with its beautiful cliffs, sandy beach and remains of Roman baths, the highest voted for a sunny holiday in Malta.
“This beach meets the highest standards of cleanliness and services. Restaurants and snacks, sun loungers and water activities are also available,” EBD writes.
The small, picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino (home to the Blue Lagoon between the islands) that are part of the Maltese archipelago can be reached by ferry and boat.
The organization recommends Malta, located in the middle of the Mediterranean between Sicily and the north coast of Africa, as a destination “with an exclusive offer of activities including hiking, cycling, horse riding, paddle surfing, snorkeling, diving and other water sports. “for lovers, families and gourmets.
The architecture and colours of Valletta, the capital of Malta, are stunning with the blue of the Mediterranean as a backdrop.
Malta has been ranked this year as the most successful LGBTQ destination according to EBD, as well as the most successful dive destination in Europe and one of the most successful destinations in Europe for family vacations.
Malta has also been voted the third most productive destination in Europe in 2024.
View of Monte Clerigo beach on the west coast of Portugal’s Algarve region, near Aljezur, Array. . [ ] Costa Vicentina.
Unspoilt nature, a fishing village with colorful houses nearby, several bars, restaurants that grill new fish, dunes to hide from the sun and the good look of the nature that surrounds it: this is how Monte Clerigo beach is described, through EBD.
Thirty kilometres north of Lagos, it is nestled between the Alentejo region, world-famous for its vineyards, reefs, wide sandy beaches that attract celebrities and the sunny Algarve region, with its long Atlantic beaches and golf courses.
Monte Clerigo is also one of the most important beaches in Portugal.
Aljezur, with original gastronomy, elegant wines, stunning nature and centuries-old traditions, is a small old town market with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets.
Aljezur is close to several amazing beaches, including Arrifana, Carrapateira, Amoreira and Bordeira, all located in the Southeast Alentejo Natural Park and on the Costa Vicentina, a strip of developing sea coastline.
Paragliding flight in Fethiye over the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkey
Ölüdeniz Beach, also known as the Blue Lagoon, surrounded by stunning coves, is one of Turkey’s treasures.
A nature reserve with a tranquil lagoon and a curving beach ending in an isthmus, it’s popular for water sports and looks like one of the best beaches in Turkey.
The most productive activity here will be renting a sun lounger to enjoy the sun and calm waters while watching the yachts at sea. But visitors can also rent a paddleboard, paraglide, swim or scuba dive.
Although the beach is a “hidden” gem, unless you arrive early in the morning or late in the day, it is crowded. Access is via a simple road that can be very busy. Bike rentals are recommended.
Corfu, the beach of the Canal of Love with tourists and umbrellas on a summer’s day
Canal d’Amour beach is one of the most famous “secret” beaches in the village of Sidari on the island of Corfu.
The beach is surrounded by sandstone formations that form a long, narrow channel to which it owes its name. “Canal d’amour” comes from a French sailor who discovered a similarity between the shape of this beach and that of a female sexual organ.
This amazing herb beach is small. But visitors can also sunbathe on the adjacent rocks. On-site there are sun loungers and umbrellas, while upstairs there’s a dining spot and a hotel.
According to tradition, couples who swim in this love channel will get married within 12 months. Find out for yourself.
Aerial view of Porto Timoni, Afionas area, Corfu
At the moment, Porto Timoni in Corfu has risen to the top spot on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It also appears as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Located on Corfu, one of the most famous Greek islands and one of the greenest thanks to the abundant winter rains, Porto Timoni is “hidden” 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 green paradise. “Wear fancy shoes, as the hike there is long and rocky,” advises EBD.
Park at the Afionas car park (€5 depending on the day) and walk for 20 minutes. Bring food and drink and leave only footprints on the beach.
With a mix of Venetian, French and British cultures, close to Italy and Albania, Corfu is an island rich in history, with picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches and a delightful climate all year round.
View of the village of San Andrés and Las Teresitas, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Las Teresitas is the most beautiful beach in the Canary Islands and the Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa, one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations.
The beach is suitable for families, lazy afternoons on the sun loungers, swimming and walking on the golden sands, which blow from the Sahara, or snorkeling in the waters all year round.
The beach is located in a bay of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the largest island of the Canary Islands, surrounded by cliffs and nature and close to the original village of San Andrés.
The city council of Santa Cruz (capital of the largest island of the Canary Islands) has voluntarily implemented a policy of prices, free parking, hammocks at €4 per day to make it available to everyone.
Colorful Odeceixe in Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal, in full summer splendour
Odeceixe beach, on the border of the Portuguese 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 will be ideal for nature lovers and families, as well as surfers.
You can also visit the village of Odeceixe, with its classic architecture, local restaurants and regional specialties.
View of St. Paul’s Bay and the temple of the goddess Athena at the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes
One of the most beautiful secret beaches in Greece, St Paul Bay Beach, southeast of Rhodes, is one of the most popular beaches on the Greek island, classified in turn as one of the islands of Greece.
With crystal clear waters, resistant to wind and waves and with numerous services, it is a charming beach for families. It offers the option of renting sun loungers and parasols (€5-10) and has bars and restaurants.
Lindos is an ancient and captivating city that surrounds the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes and stretches along several beaches, including St. Paul’s.
On Playa de las Catedrales, the turbulent waters of the Cantabrian Sea have sculpted astonishing shapes, creating long corridors and arches more than 30 meters high.
Praia das Catedrais, on the northwest coast of Spain, is the tourist name given to the beach “Praia de Aguas Santas”.
Located in the municipality of Ribadeo, in the province of Lugo, on the Cantabrian coast of Galicia, it is a herbaceous monument, with flying buttresses 30 meters high, sea caves with very high domes, arches within arches and sandy corridors surrounded by slate walls like those of the central nave of a cathedral.
The beach of the Cathedrals is of fine sand and stretches for a kilometre and a half.
Admire this cathedral in the sea, with your feet in the water. Check the tide schedule online to make sure you arrive before low tide starts at this exceptional location.
“Access to the venue is free but, to avoid crowds, it is limited to a maximum number of people per day,” warns EBD. In high season (April-September), it is advisable to book the stopover online (free of charge). ). Parking and restrooms are available and free.
Panoramic view of the sandy beach of Calpe, Spain
Compared to the golden sandy beaches of Miami or Monaco, Calpe Beach in the cosmopolitan city of Calpe, with its well-known Peñón de Ifach, is one of the trendiest destinations on the Costa Blanca.
The Peñón de Ifach is a natural reserve of flora and fauna in the heart of the town and accessible through well-signposted paths and paths.
“Enjoy a panoramic view as you climb the rock. (Wearing shoes) recommends EBD. ” What we like most about Calpe is swimming in calm, warm and crystal clear waters. Even in spring or autumn, the temperatures are mild and the beaches are so gigantic that they are rarely crowded.
Calpe is also modern and unforgettable.
Bathers and swimmers at the famous beach of Porto Katsiki, southwest of Lefkada (Levkas), island, Ionian Sea, Greece
Located on the Ionian island of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki beach is also on the list of the most important beaches in Greece.
Known as “Goat Beach” because in the past, the domain was only available to goats, the only creatures capable of climbing the steep rocks. Today, paths and stairs allow travelers to reach the beach, noted for its landscape and crystal blue sea.
Situated at the foot of a pale concave cliff, it is 35 kilometers from the town of Lefkada, near the village of Athani.
Park in the nearest parking lot and then head down the stairs to paradise.
In the background, the city of Vieste, overshadowed by the monolith of Pizzomunno (from the local dialect Array. . [ ] : Cap du Monde peak), which is the symbol of the city.
Also known as “Castello Beach”, Scialara is one of the most important and beautiful beaches in Vieste, a coastal town in the Gargano National Park in southeastern Italy.
The beach is crisscrossed by streams that carry brand new spring water and is dominated by the “Pizzomunno”, an imposing limestone monolith that, in the local dialect, means “summit of the cape of the world” and is the symbol of the city.
Nearby are the Castello Svevo, a medieval fortress, and the 11th-century Vieste Cathedral with its Baroque bell tower and painted roof.
This beautiful beach of fine sand and countryside of almost five kilometers is ideal for families. The sea is calm and the slope is gentle. You can park nearby and also rent sun loungers with umbrellas, eat and drink in bars and restaurants and go shopping.
City in the archipelago of Grado and its beaches aerial view, Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy
Located in the Adriatic Sea between Venice and Trieste, Grado and its 10-kilometer Blue Flag beach for the quality of its waters is also called the Island of the Sun for its iodine-rich microclimate that makes it ideal for thalassotherapy.
Grado beach is close to the town of the Doges in Friuli Venezia Giulia and its sand is known for its regenerative and healing properties.
With a multitude of Habsburg-style seaside resorts and 16,000 hectares of lagoon dotted with islets, the island of Grado has been a destination for Italian and international beach tourism for more than a century.
Grado offers a wide variety of other recreational activities, in addition to kitesurfing and a colorful nightlife.
Umbrellas, sun loungers and boats on Ksamil beach, Vlore, Ionian Sea, Albania
The four Ksamili islands of Abania, home to some of the most beautiful and secret beaches in the country, are admired for their lush, green plants all year round and are only accessible via small boats.
A twenty-minute drive from the city centre of Saranda, Ksamil is a village and former municipality on the southern Albanian Riviera, part of the Butrint National Park and one of Europe’s young capitals.
The islands are some of the most popular destinations in the region and are famous for growing olives, lemons, and tangerines. Mussels are farmed in the nearby Butrint lagoon.
The palm forest and beach of Vai, east of Crete, Greece
Vai (Greek: “palm tree”) is a region in eastern Crete between Cape Sidero and Cape Plaka.
The beautiful Vai beach, with fine sand and pebbles, is located on the eastern tip of Crete. What makes this position unique is its lush palm forest, the Vai Palm Grove, a species discovered only in Crete and which extends to the beach and gives one of the few palm beaches discovered in Europe.
“To get a full view, go to the observation deck to appreciate this exceptionally beautiful,” EBD suggests. “The crystal clear and fish-rich waters, the grass umbrellas made of palm fiber, the nature as far as the eye can see, the Cretan sun are all the essential ingredients for a dream holiday. “
Calculate €4 for parking and €10 for the sun lounger. There is a sandbar and restrooms on-site.