AfarJun 27, 2026
Europe’s Most Beautiful Beaches Aren’t Always Where You Would Expect
Scattered across islands, national parks, medieval towns, and rugged coastlines, these are the shorelines worth building a European trip around.
23 things in this story
- Doñana National ParkSightwetlands with wild boar, red deer, flamingos, spoonbills, lynx
- Elsewhere
- LidoNeighborhoodVenice, Italysix-mile-long barrier island with a large, sandy beach
- Venezia SpiaggeHotelVenice, Italybeach club with swimming pools
- Doñana BeachSightMatalascañas, Spain18-mile expanse of soft, fine sand accessible by foot
- Marielyst BeachSightMarielyst, Denmarkbeach separated from town by undulating, grassy dunes
- Maerk OutdoorPlaceMarielyst, Denmarkrent bikes right by the beach
- Marielyst IsRestaurantMarielyst, Denmarkice cream shop with Danish guf topping
- Praia da FalésiaSightAlbufeira, Portugalfive miles of coastline with beach clubs
- Albufeira Surf AdventurePlaceAlbufeira, Portugaloffers lessons for surfing
- Lister EllenbogenSightList, Germanywhite sands backed by grassy dunes on island of Sylt
- GoschRestaurantList, Germanyseafood outpost in the harbor
- Praia de Augas SantasSightRibadeo, Spainseascape marked by natural rock sculptures
- Playa de las CatedralesSightRibadeo, Spainnatural archways and buttresses carved by wind and sea
- Machir BaySightBowmore, United Kingdomremote Scottish beach offering coastal walks and bird-watching
- Kilchoman DistilleryPlaceBowmore, United Kingdomoffers a tour and tasting
- Plaka BeachSightPlaka, Greeceshimmering yellow sand and tempting turquoise water
- Plaka WatersportsPlacePlaka, Greeceoffers kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Praia da AdragaSightAlmoçageme, Portugalgold-hued sand and reliable surfing waves
- Restaurante AdragaRestaurantAlmoçageme, Portugalbeachfront restaurant serving seafood stews
- Cefalù BeachSightCefalù, Italycurve of fine yellow sand fronting the coastal city
- Cathedral of CefalùSightCefalù, Italyearly-12th-century cathedral presiding over northern end
- Çark BeachSightAlaçatı, Turkeybeach with excellent windsurfing opportunities
- Veranda AlaçatıRestaurantAlaçatı, Turkeytables right on the sand serving local seafood