Every beach has something unique. Think gold-flecked or biscuit-coloured grains, pebbly patches, watercolour-style hues of azures and cobalts... Plenty of beaches are backed by long promenades and casual eateries, too.

Looking for the finest pockets of coast on the continent? Here’s our breakdown of some of the best beaches in Europe...

Falésia Beach, Portugal

After clinching the crown for Europe’s Leading Beach destination back in 2022, it’s no surprise that the Algarve’s chock-full of standout sunbathing spots. Praia da Falesia is one of the best, a 6km-long strip of sand backed by cayenne-coloured cliffs. Slip off your sandals and stroll along the water’s edge or lay out your beach towel and get stuck into a good read.

Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura

Regarded by many as the best beach in Fuerteventura, this sun-blazed spot has got your R&R covered. Windsurfing and kiteboarding are particularly popular here, so active types will find plenty to get stuck into too. It’s prime stomping territory, with kilometre after kilometre of shimmering sands and uninterrupted vistas to enjoy.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

This pure-white whisper of ‘sand’ (in reality it’s pebbles) is up there with the Greek greats, regularly featuring in the country’s top ten beaches list. It’s up on the north coast, surrounded by emerald hills and dramatic cliffs. You can even follow in the footsteps of film stars here, as it featured as the backdrop for scenes in Hollywood hit Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

Cala Macarella, Menorca

Past Cala Galdana lies Cala Macarella. It’s a quintessentially beautiful Menorcan beach, with wispy, ivory sands and transparent waters. As one of the best white sand beaches in Europe and with paddle-friendly shallows, it’s suitable for everyone.

Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Say hello to your future screensaver, Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat. This eye-popping sweep unrolls into topaz waters, shapeshifting with the tide. It delivers a dreamy dose of scenery, blanketed in snow-white pebbles and flanked with pine trees. A steady breeze is the main draw for windsurfers and kitesurfers, and a waterside promenade leads to the tranquil village of Bol.

Lara Beach, Antalya

This 8km golden sweep, lined with luxury hotels, is an all-round delight for families. Its soft sands are ripe for sandcastles and the rippling waves are perfect for pint-sized paddlers. Find a shady spot under a parasol and stay until sundown when the seafront bars come into their own.

Bitez Beach, Bodrum

Aquatic pursuits are the order of the day at this popular patch, with everything from parasailing to windsurfing on offer. If you’d rather just recline and unwind, there’s oodles of space to sprawl, plus a selection of beach bars and restaurants to keep you refreshed.

Levante Beach, Benidorm

Benidorm’s sandy showstopper, Levante Beach, is the perfect setting for some fun in the sun. It boasts a handy position on the edge of town and it’s backed by Madrid Avenue, so you can swan from sunlounger to shop with ease. Be sure to look out for artists crafting sand sculptures too!

Lloret Beach, Lloret de Mar

Blue Flag Lloret Beach is the largest of Lloret de Mar’s sandy offerings, stretching for more than a mile. When you tire of lounging, you’ll find it’s a hotspot for snorkellers and fishing fanatics. If you want to discover more of this region’s tucked-away spots, take the scenic path along the coastline.