The 10 best beaches in Europe you CANNOT miss [2021]

Summer is leaving us, but the sunlight still invites us to spend our weekends or holidays by the beach. Are you looking for a dream beach to spend the rest of your holidays? Come relax on the fine sand of Cala Pregonda in Menorca, breathe the clean air on Nugal beach in Croatia or treat yourself to a romantic getaway on Positano in Italy. 

The best beaches in France, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Italy and even the UK are waiting for you! Come discover them with us on Nautical Channel.

Beaches in Croatia

Nugal Beach

Travellers around the world have voted Nugal beach (a partly nudist beach) as one of their favourite beaches in Europe. Nugal beach is located on the Makarska Riviera, and it can be ranked as one of the best secret beaches of Europe. It takes adventurers around 30 minutes to walk through the surrounding woods before reaching this spot. 

This beach has a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you bring your swimsuit with you or not is your choice. You might like: Watching Sail-Ho or Safe Harbor to find out more about Croatia’s nautical spots. 

Pasjaca Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches of Europe is located in the region of Konavle, 10 minutes from Cavtat and 30 minutes from the famous city of Dubrovnik. Nested at the cliff’s foot, a tunnel was created in 1955 from the fields upstream to the sea. In a few years, the sea transformed the remaining rocks into sand. 

What can you do around the area? You can do some shopping in the town of Popovici (get some sandwiches, water, sunscreen…) before heading towards the beach. The beach is perfect for those who enjoy nature and quietness, and you can access the beach via a small path through the rocks. 

We recommend you find your way through an app or GPS as it is hard to find. Then, a wooden sign will show you the way down the beach. You can park your car in the free car park and walk straight to the most beautiful beach in Europe. Also, don’t forget to visit Cavtat, chosen as one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe by travellers all around the world! 

Beaches in Greece

Cape Drastis

Greece is the perfect destination for those looking for sunny beaches. The island of Corfu is a very good choice for nature, beautiful beaches and hiking. Located to the north of the island, a few kilometres away from the city of Sidari, Cape Drastis is a place of rare beauty. 

We recommend: visiting the beach with your partner or friends as the stony path that gives access to the beach is not within easy reach, making it less recommendable for people with less mobility. Also, if you want more recommendations in Greece, read our article on the 6 best sailing destinations in Greece. 

Vlychos Beach

Located on the beautiful Hydra Island, there are different ways to get here. You can go by car from Athens (3 hours drive and ferry crossing), you can go on foot (37h and ferry crossing), but the easiest way is to take a bus ticket to Athens Harbour and board a ferry to Hydra. There are 6 ferries per day, and there is no need to book in advance. 

Vlychos beach is one of the only sandy beaches on the island. The sand was brought by an Englishman, the owner of the bar. You can grab a seat, order a cocktail and enjoy the 70s music of the bar. 

Beaches in England and France

Porthminster Beach

When you think about sunny holidays, England might not come to mind. However, Cornwall located to the South West has hundreds of beautiful sandy beaches worth visiting. One of them is Porthminster Beach, in St Ives. This old fishing port has crystal clear blue waters and fine sand. 

To get here, you can book flights to London and take a local flight or train to Plymouth, Exeter or Newquay. Around the area, you can discover the cities of Bristol or Birmingham.

Bestouan Beach

Cassis is the best spot for travellers looking for beautiful beaches, coves and sun. Located in the south of France, in the Côte d’Azur region, the area is one of the pearls of the French Riviera preserved from mass tourism. 

The beach of Bestouan is one of the most beautiful beaches in France and one of the best beaches of Europe. You can enjoy more beaches around Cassis such as the Creek of En Vau, the Calanque of Port-Miou or the Beach of the Grande Mer. 

To get here, book your flights to Marseille (the airport is about 50 minutes away from the beach) and get pampered with tours and activities in the French Riviera. The area is very romantic and idyllic for a honeymoon. 

Beaches in Italy

Numana Alta Beach

Are you looking for sun, good restaurants, incredible ice cream, crystal-clear waters and an unspoilt beach? Then Numana Alta beach is the right spot for you. The different beaches of Numana are impressive and have different characteristics as:

Numana Bassa, which is perfect for children as there are different playgrounds, beach facilities and restaurants. 

Numana Alta beach, ideal to spend a quiet time and read a book after diving into the ocean. 

Positano Beach

You probably have heard about one of Italy’s postcard destinations. Together with Portofino, Portovenere and Cinque Terre, many people say Positano is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and one of the best cities with beaches in Europe. 

This spot on the Amalfi Coast is perfect for couples of all ages. Get lost in its steep streets, treat yourself to a romantic meal on one of its terraces or enjoy the beach. Positano is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. 

Beaches in Spain

Cala Pregonda

The paradisiac beach of Cala Pregonda, in Menorca, is just half an hour walk (but we recommend you bring your sneakers with you). Dive under the water and practice snorkelling to see the fishes in the clear waters. 

When you park at the car park you might feel tempted to stop at the first beach on your way. However, this beach is often stormed with people, so keep walking to the red sand beach of Cala Pregonda.

You might find useful: The 5 unmissable sailing destinations in Spain. 

Cala del Pi

Finally, this small secret beach is located on the Costa Brava, in Platja d’Aro. The spot is 2 hours drive from Barcelona and 20 minutes from the beaches of Lloret de Mar. To get here, you will have to walk a beautiful path dotted with other pretty beaches and tunnels. Cala de Pi means creek pine tree in Catalan. 

The beach has crystal clear waters, golden sand, is very calm and is also close to other impressive beaches. We recommend you try some snorkelling as there are plenty of beautiful fishes swimming by. 

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