The 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe in 2023

1. Porto Santo, Madeira

In 2012, the nine-kilometer beach was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal among other beaches and scenic spots. The fine sandy beach is located on the northernmost island in the Madeira archipelago, Porto Santo.

2. Bologna, Spain

The four-kilometer beauty stretches about 20 miles northwest of the southernmost city of Tarifa in Spain. The beach is shallow, with soft, fine sand. It is often stormy here, so the location is ideal for various types of water sports. The ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia lie close to the beach and are among the most complete ruins of Roman cities in Spain.

3. Seixal, Madeira

Seixal Beach, located across the island from Funchal, is well worth the effort to get to, as it’s like stepping into a movie. Lush and dramatic mountains surround the black lava beach and the water turns all kinds of blue and green.

4. Cala Goloretz, Sardinia

If you find the 128-meter-high limestone cliffs, you’ve found the beautiful Goloritze Beach in the middle of Sardinia’s eastern side. You can get here by boat from Santa Maria Navarrese or on foot from the parking lot at Su Porteddu Bistro.

5. Mitjanita, Menorca

Without a doubt one of the most beautiful bays in Menorca. Small and unspoiled, this strip of white sand lies on the south side of the island, surrounded by cliffs and forests.

6. Monolia, Lychadonisia Island, Greece

Dubbed Greece’s answer to the Maldives, the tiny, uninhabited archipelago of Lichadonisia is a little hidden gem at the northernmost tip of Evia. The largest of the seven small islands is Monolea, and here we find the beautiful beach. Crystal clear Mediterranean waters, golden sands and pine forests. You can get here by ferry from Evia, the island you reach in about two hours from Athens.

7. Baia delle Zaghari, Italy

Zagare in Puglia in the northern part of the Italian heel is one of the ten best beaches in Italy. This beautiful and privileged beach can be reached in two ways. Either by boat from Mattinata, or by land via lift from the two hotels on the cliffs above the beach.

8. Elafonissi, Crete

Elafonisi in western Crete is always on top of the most beautiful beaches. Above all, it’s the shifting pink sands that make it so special. Add to that the crystal clear turquoise waters and surrounding mountains and you have the recipe for a successful tourist attraction.

9. Santa Julia, Corsica

Santa Giulia is simply heaven on earth according to many who have been there, and it is one of the most popular beaches in Corsica. Soft white sand, crystal clear water, but above all smooth rock formations, remind of the Seychelles. The beach is located in eastern Corsica, south of Porto-Vecchio.

10. Hill, Poland

The small intestine-like Hill Peninsula is just north of Gdansk and is made up of kilometer-long sandy beaches on either side. The outer beach is the nicest, but the inner beach is often a little warm, and there are also good surfing opportunities. If you want to stay for a while, there are many alternative camping sites and hotels in nearby towns.

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