When you think of Europe, it’s usually the cities that get all the attention. However, the European continent has its own particular natural sites, in particular miles of sandy beaches, islands and bays, which make it a seaside destination which should not be envied by the Caribbean. Here are some of the most memorable.
Shipwreck Bay. Zakynthos Island, Greece
Photo source: getyourguide.ru
In the 15th century, when the Venetians arrived on the Ionian island of Zante (Zakynthos), they called it “the flair of the Orient” for its beautiful landscapes and were not mistaken. This beautiful Greek island has Navachio Beach, or the Wrecked Ship (it’s been famous since 1980 when it baffled a still-wrecked ship), its most iconic image and one of the best beaches in Europe that you can to visit.
The Du Sorel (Torre dell’Orso) Italy
image source: nationalgeographic.com
One of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, the best kept secret in southern Italy. Torre dell’Orso has one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, famous for its “due sorel” (“two sisters”) due to the two large rock formations that lie on its shore. In front of us is a small bay near Otranto with fine sand, surrounded by pine trees and dunes, from which you will never want to leave.
Macarella and Macarelleta. Menorca, Spain
Photo source: tripadvisor.es
In the south of Menorca are two of the most beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands: Macarelleta and its neighbor Macarella (they are connected by a small path). Their clear turquoise waters and the vegetation that surrounds them make them the true beaches of Europe and the best beaches in Menorca.
Cala di Volpe. Sardinia, Italy
Photo source: sardegnaturismo.it
The Emerald Coast, in the north of Sardinia, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Western Mediterranean. In particular, Cala di Volpe in the Gulf of Arzachena deserves the highest praise. Cause? It is an ecological treasure of clean water and rich aquatic fauna. The fine sand and reddish rocks are well worth the trip.
Palombaggi. Corsica, France
image source: hotels.com
At the southern end of the elongated island of Corsica are some of these beaches that bring together all the beauty of the purest Mediterranean. Palombaggi is a cove surrounded by pine trees located in Porto Vecchio, a former maritime city now for tourism. In addition, it is close to the nature reserve of the Kerbicale islands.
Pelosa beach. Sardinia, Italy
Photo source: sardegnaturismo.it
Stintino is a charming fishing village. There is a port with colorful boats and very close – one of the most impressive beaches in Sardinia – La Pelosa. This sandy beach is famous for the transparency of its waters and an island with an observation tower, where the more adventurous can swim.
Scala dei Turki. Sicily, Italy
Photo source: viaggi.corriere.it
Its name means “the ladder of the Turks” and it is a bay surrounded by white rocks. It is located near Agrigento, famous for its archaeological sites. The limestone sedimentary rocks of intense white color have turned into alternating paths that leave the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea at our feet. Among the beaches that are in the area are Le Pergole and Punta Grande, Giallonardo and Rosello.
Cala Goloritze beach. Sardinia, Italy
Photo source: trovaspiagge.it
Fortunately, the Mediterranean still harbors such memorable corners as this one. This sandy beach is sandwiched between white cliffs where Eleanor’s Hawk, an endangered species, nests. This paradise is only accessible on foot or by boat.
Corralejo dunes. Fuerteventura, Spain
Photo source: espanafascinante.com
The dunes of Corralejo are actually a collection of different white sand beaches and crystal clear waters on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura. They are located in a protected area of 9 kilometers of coastline in the Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park. The sandy beaches of the northern area (Medano, El Viejo and El Bajo Negro) are wide and well equipped; but as you move south the beaches get smaller and wilder.
Sarakiniko. Milos, Greece
image source: clickferry.com
To the north of the island of Milos, in the Cyclades archipelago, there is one of those whims of nature that can only be defined as a natural paradise. Sarakiniko Beach owes its worldwide fame to its volcanic rocks, which have been eroded by wind and water over centuries, giving meaning to its nickname “moon beach”. But beyond that, the island of Milos is just one of over 200 Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea that are!
Benagil Beach, Portugal
photo source: quieroserlibre.com
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful corners of southern Portugal. These Benagil cliffs on the Algarve coast hide a treasure in the form of a round cave with a short beach accessible only by swimming or boat. It is located next to Benagil, the fishing village that gives it its name.
His Illetas. Formentera, Spain
image source: worldbeachguide.com
This paradise of white sand and turquoise waters in the natural park of Ses Salines on the island of Formentera is absolutely exceptional: one of the favorite beaches in Europe, thanks to the quality of its waters and the beauty of the landscape. local.
Castillo beach. Puglia, Italy
image source: nationalgeographic
From the center of the beautiful town of Vieste, in Puglia, you can walk to this beach, famous for its impressive 25-meter high limestone monolith – “il pizzomunno”. According to legend, two lovers arrived in Vieste, which aroused the jealousy of the mermaids. They seduced a young lover who resisted all the time, which infuriated the mermaids and they retaliated by turning him to stone. Another unique element of this beach is the castle, which gave it its name, which dominates a cliff. The sea on this coast does not reach a great depth, so the beach is ideal for family swimming.
Benijo Beach. Tenerife, Spain
image source: worldbeachguide.com
It is the most photogenic sandy beach in the Canary Islands. It is located in the north of the island of Tenerife and is a marvel of volcanic origin, allowing you to enjoy communion with nature and one of the best sunsets in the Canary Islands.
Stiniva Beach, Croatia
Photo source: lacroacia.es
The island of Vis (connected by a two-hour boat ride to Split) has one of the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coast of Dalmatia. Surrounded by large limestone rock formations, it is almost invisible from the sea; but once there, Piedras Blanca beach is incredibly beautiful. This natural monument, protected since 1967, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Beach of the Cathedrals (As-Katedrais). Galicia, Spain
Image source: http://www.turismo.gal
La Paya as Catedrais is a natural wonder located in Marinha de Lugo. Its most characteristic feature are the stone arches, domes and spires that the sea, the wind and the passage of time have sculpted as if they were sculptures. Known as the “naval cathedral”, it is a must visit if you are traveling to Galicia. During the summer months (until September 17) and also at Easter, you must apply for a free online permit, which was introduced to protect the beach from large crowds.
Calanques of Maubois, France
image source: beachsearcher.com
Agay is a coastal region of French Provence known for the beauty of its landscapes. Both inland and on the coast, tranquility and nature have been values historically defended and preserved by the inhabitants. On its coast you will find the Calanques de Maubois, a heavenly place where you will meet few people because the only way to get there is by car. Keep in mind that parking here is very limited. An ideal place for those looking for a unique combination of crystal clear waters, clean beaches and absolute tranquility on the Mediterranean coast.
Cassis, France
photo source: planetofhotels.com
The Côte d’Azur is a paradise for beach lovers. For example, this one. It is a small bay among steep gorges with Mediterranean vegetation. From above you can see the turquoise blue sea descending towards the beach. The sea is so clear that sailboats seem to be sailing instead of sailing. Characteristic of the Provencal coast, it is located near the town of Cassis, but is only accessible by boat or after a walk of just over two hours.
Oludeniz, Turkey
Photo source: guias-viajar.com
Oludeniz and its blue lagoon is one of the pearls of the Mediterranean in Turkey. During the high season, it is crowded with domestic and foreign tourists. Stunning surroundings make it essential on any route across the country. In fact, various paragliders fly from the surrounding mountains, showing off the rich blue color of the lagoon protected by the national park. There is an entrance fee, but it’s worth it.
Simons. Elafonisos, Greece
photo source: passionegrecia.com
The Peloponnese has been voted Europe’s best beach destination by the World Travel Awards. The beach of Simos on the small island of Elafonisos is a good example of a well-deserved reward. Its fine white sand interspersed with endemic vegetation and the deep blue color of the sea have made it one of the most famous in the Peloponnese.
Elafonissi. Crete, Greece
Photo source: elmundo.es
Perhaps the favorite color of the Cretan gods was the pink color of this beach. In addition to the white, golden or black sand beaches, there is another special feature: the sandy beach with crystal clear water on the islet of Elafonisi is connected to the island of Crete by a reef at low tide. It is part of the Lafonisi Nature Reserve, so despite increasingly frequent visits, it remains relatively untouched.
Galapinos. Setubal, Portugal
Photo source: allaboutportugal.pt
You don’t need to travel too far from Lisbon to visit one of the best beaches in Europe. Surrounded by the beautiful greenery of the Sierra Arrábida Natural Park, Galapinos is a postcard beach with crystal clear waters. It is a small, quiet sandy beach which, thanks to its seabed, has also become one of the favorite places for diving enthusiasts.
Pu Beach. Asturias, Spain
Photo source: lavozdeasturias.es
It is one of the most picturesque beaches in Spain. The sea, located at the mouth of the Wallina River and having the shape of a funnel, is not visible from the sand until the tide rises. This is when the emerald water enters the channel formed over the centuries. It is said that the water there is like a swimming pool, so at Pu Beach both children and parents can enjoy it safely. Keep in mind that this place is usually very crowded.
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