There’s actually quite a lot to assess when it comes to finding the best beach. Sure, if the water’s blue and there’s plenty of marine life to see, that’s great for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. But what about the swimmers, sunbathers and sandcastle builders?
Well, they’re in luck. We have our own brilliant list of Europe’s best beaches, but it can’t hurt to get a second opinion.
BookRetreats has evaluated beaches from across 16 European destinations based on their popularity, typical weather conditions, safety, accessibility and water quality, giving each one a total score out of five.
Claiming the crown as the best beach in Europe for 2024, it was La Choncha Beach in Spain. The scenic stretch of coast in San Sebastian scored 4.7 out of five, thanks to its balmy summer temperatures (an average of about 24C) and excellent water quality.
Spain dominated the list overall – the Mediterranean country is home to 28 percent of the best beaches in Europe (that’s seven of the top 25 spots). Surprisingly, Greece only makes one appearance in the top 25, as does Germany, which is hardly your typical beach destination.
Portugal claimed six spots including second place with Praia da Falésia, which is a stunning, rugged beach in the Algarve. It’s only 31.4km from Faro Airport meaning it scored well for accessibility, and Portugal ranks well for safety, too.
The study also revealed the best destinations for different types of beach-goer. If you’re after some guaranteed sun for a tan top-up, Sardinia and Sicily are your best bets; while swimmers should head to Cyprus, where 99.2 percent of the country’s beaches have excellent water quality.
Europe’s 25 best beaches
1. La Choncha Beach, Spain
2. Praia da Falésia, Portugal
3. Pasjača Beach, Croatia
4. La Canteras Beach, Spain
5. Lama Monchile, Italy
6. Cala Comte, Spain
7. Tuerredda Beach, Italy
8. Seagull’s Rocks, Croatia
9. Mala Raduča Beach, Croatia
10. Marinha Beach, Portugal
11. San Juan Playa, Spain
12. Rabbit Beach, Italy
13. Cala Saladeta, Spain
14. Playa de Mónsul, Spain
15. Ponta da Calheta, Portugal
16. Seitan Limania, Greece
17. Praia da Armona, Portugal
18. Oprna Bay, Croatia
19. Spiaggia di Mari Pintau, Italy
20. Praia do Garajau, Portugal
21. Warnemünde Strand, Germany
22. Primera Playa del Sardinero, Spain
23. Terra Estreita Beach, Portugal
24. Porto Giunco Beach, Italy
25. Cala Capreria, Italy
To read BookRetreats’ report in more detail, you can do so right here.
Seas the day
With beach season right around the corner, we’ve got all the info you need about the world’s best destinations for swimming, sunbathing, and everything in between.
For those craving a little marine adventure, here are the best destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling around the world. We recently covered the beaches with the bluest water, too, and these are the best beaches in Europe and the best ones on the planet.
Did you see that these are the new beach rules you’ll soon have to follow in Greece?
Plus: This popular travel destination is doubling its entry fee this year.
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