Europe has no shortage of incredible beaches for a salty dip in the sea or working on your tan beachside.
If you’re looking forward to a European summer and want to find the best beaches in Europe for crystal clear waters, you’ve come to the right place.
These are the top beaches in Europe to soak up the sun with turquoise water you’ve got to see to believe:
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain:
Playa de Ses Illetes is a stunning beach located on the small Spanish island of Formentera, which is part of the Balearic Islands. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning natural scenery, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The beach is approximately 3 kilometers long and features calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and other water activities. The water is also incredibly clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling or diving. The sand is soft and white, and the beach is backed by dunes and pine trees.
One of the most unique features of Playa de Ses Illetes is its location. The beach is situated on a narrow strip of land that separates two bodies of water, the Mediterranean Sea and the Estany des Peix lagoon. You can enjoy views of both the sea and the lagoon, and can even wade across the shallow water to reach the nearby island of Espalmador.
Despite its popularity, Playa de Ses Illetes remains relatively unspoiled, with no hotels or high-rise buildings in sight. However, you will find several beach bars and restaurants where they can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun.
How to get there:
First you need to get to the island of Formentera, which is located just south of Ibiza and can be reached by ferry from Ibiza or from Spain’s mainland city of Denia.
From Ibiza:
There are several companies that operate ferry services between Ibiza and Formentera, with departures from several ports around the island including Ibiza Town, San Antonio, and Playa d’en Bossa. The journey takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the departure point and the ferry company.
From Denia:
Ferry services also operate between Denia on the mainland and Formentera, with departures several times a week. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Once on Formentera, you can reach Playa de Ses Illetes by car, bike, or on foot. The beach is located on the northern tip of the island, about 6 kilometers from the town of Sant Francesc Xavier. There is a small car park near the beach, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. It’s also possible to rent bikes or scooters to explore the island and get to the beach.
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove, is a world-famous beach located on the Greek island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante) in the Ionian Sea. The beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, clear turquoise waters, and the wreck of a smugglers’ ship that is stranded on its shores.
The beach is only accessible by boat, and you can take a tour from the nearby town of Porto Vromi or from the island’s capital, Zakynthos Town. The journey to the beach is breathtaking, with stunning views of the coastline and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Once you arrive at Navagio Beach, you’ll be struck by its unique beauty. The beach is framed by towering cliffs and backed by lush greenery, and the clear turquoise waters lap gently against the soft white sand. The rusted hulk of a smugglers’ ship that ran aground on the beach in the 1980s adds to the beach’s allure.
The beach can get crowded during peak season, but it’s still worth a visit. You can swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the sand, or explore the nearby caves and coves. There are also a few small beach bars where you can grab a refreshing drink or a bite to eat.
It’s worth noting that the beach can be affected by strong winds and currents— hence the shipwreck, so it’s important to check weather conditions and listen to any warnings from local authorities.
How to get there:
The only way to get to the actual beach is by boat. You can hire a boat on Zakynthos, or take a tour that stops at the beach— I love this one that Viator offers.
Ölüdeniz Beach, Turkey
Ölüdeniz Beach is a picturesque and popular beach located on the southwest coast of Turkey, in the Fethiye district of the Muğla Province. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning natural scenery, and gorgeous lagoon.
The beach itself is a long strip of white sand that gently slopes into the shallow waters of the lagoon, which is protected by a natural barrier of mountains and hills. This makes it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
One of the most famous features of Ölüdeniz Beach is the “Blue Lagoon”, a sheltered area of crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. The lagoon is also surrounded by pine forests, which provide a beautiful backdrop and a peaceful atmosphere.
In addition to the beach and lagoon, there are many other attractions in the area, such as the nearby Babadağ Mountain, which is a popular spot for paragliding. There are also many restaurants, bars, and shops in the town of Ölüdeniz, which is located just a short walk from the beach.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport to Ölüdeniz Beach is Dalaman Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. Many airlines operate flights to Dalaman from major cities in Europe and Asia. From the airport, you can hire a car, take a taxi or use a shuttle service to get to Ölüdeniz Beach.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Fethiye city center to Ölüdeniz Beach. The journey takes around 20 minutes and there are several bus companies operating the route. Buses also operate to Ölüdeniz Beach from other major cities in Turkey.
By Car: If you have access to a car, you can easily drive to Ölüdeniz Beach. The beach is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Fethiye city center. There are several car rental companies operating in the area.
By Boat: There are also several boat tours operating from Fethiye and other nearby towns that visit Ölüdeniz Beach and the surrounding area.
Cala Goloritzé Sardinia, Italy:
Cala Goloritzé is a small, secluded beach located on the east coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white pebble beach, and towering limestone cliffs that surround the cove. The beach is part of the Gennargentu National Park and is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Italy.
The beach can only be accessed on foot, as there is no road leading to the cove. The trailhead starts from the nearby town of Baunei, and the hike takes about an hour and a half through a scenic route with panoramic views of the coast and mountains. The path is well-marked, but some sections can be steep, so wearing flip-flops is not advised.
Once you reach Cala Goloritzé, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning natural setting that has been untouched by mass tourism. The beach is small but pristine, with soft white pebbles and crystal-clear water that is perfect for soaking in the hot Italian summer. The limestone cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, and there are several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the beach and the surrounding coastline.
You should note that because of it’s secluded location, there are no facilities or amenities at Cala Goloritzé, if you go, you should pack everything you need for the day, i.e. food and lots of water. During the summer months, there are boat tours that offer trips to the beach, and there are several small restaurants and cafes in the nearby town of Baunei.
How to get there:
By Foot: The trailhead starts from the nearby town of Baunei, and the hike takes about an hour and a half
By Boat Tour: During the summer months there are many boat tours, however, it’s a popular activity so it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot. My favorite is this one by Viator.
Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn Beach, is a stunning and unique beach located on the southern coast of the Croatian island of Brač in the Adriatic Sea. While the name would suggest there’s rodents running rampant on this beach, there are not any rats on the beach.
What makes Zlatni Rat Beach so special is its shape. The beach extends like a horn or a tongue into the sea, changing its shape depending on the direction of the wind and the currents. The beach is made of fine pebbles and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Zlatni Rat Beach is located near the town of Bol, which is easily accessible by ferry from Split. It is a protected natural area and has been awarded the Blue Flag designation for its clean and well-maintained environment. There are several facilities and amenities available at the beach, including restaurants, bars, showers, and sun loungers.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also engage in a variety of water sports at Zlatni Rat Beach, such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach is also surrounded by a pine forest, which provides a lovely shaded area for you to relax and some hiking opportunities in the area.
How to get there:
By Ferry:
One of the most popular ways to get to Zlatni Rat Beach is by ferry. The closest mainland city is Split, and there are regular ferries that operate between Split and the town of Supetar on the island of Brač. From Supetar, you can take a bus or a taxi to Bol, which is about a 45-minute drive away. Once you arrive in Bol, the beach is about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
By Car:
If you have a car, you can take a ferry from Split to the town of Supetar on Brač, and then drive to Bol. There is a parking lot near the beach, but it can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early.
By Bus:
There are also regular buses that operate between Split and Bol, which is the nearest town to Zlatni Rat Beach. The journey takes about an hour and a half and buses depart from the main bus station in Split. Once you arrive in Bol, the beach is about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach is a beautiful beach located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Crete. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and pinkish-hued sand dunes that create a stunning contrast against the blue sea.
One of the unique features of Elafonisi Beach is a small island that is connected to the mainland by a shallow lagoon that is around waist-deep. This makes it possible for you to walk across the lagoon to reach the island, which is home to a number of secluded coves and beaches that offer even more breathtaking views of the surrounding sea.
The area around Elafonisi Beach is a protected nature reserve, home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including the Caretta Caretta sea turtle, which is a protected species that nests on the beach between May and August. Visitors to the beach are asked to respect the natural environment— be sure to follow the leave it better than you found it rule while visiting, don’t leave trash or disturb the sand dunes.
How to get there:
By Car:
The easiest way to get to Elafonisi Beach is by car. The drive from Chania takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road to the beach is well-marked and there are plenty of signs along the way. The last part of the journey involves driving on a narrow and winding road through the mountains, which can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. There is a parking lot near the beach, but it can get crowded during peak season.
By Bus:
There is a daily bus service that runs from Chania to Elafonisi Beach during the summer months. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and the bus makes several stops along the way. The bus departs from the main bus station in Chania, and tickets can be purchased at the station or on the bus. It’s best to check the bus schedule in advance, as it may vary depending on the season.
By Taxi:
Taxis are also available from Chania to Elafonisi Beach, but it can be quite expensive, especially if you are traveling alone or with a small group. It’s best to negotiate the price with the taxi driver in advance to avoid any surprises.
Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France:
Plage de Palombaggia is a beautiful white sand beach located in the southern part of Corsica, France. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The beach stretches for about 2 kilometers and is surrounded by hills covered in fragrant pine trees. The water is crystal clear and turquoise in color, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. The beach also has several rocky outcrops which provide good spots for sunbathing or simply taking in the stunning views.
There are several beachside restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while enjoying the views. The beach is also equipped with showers and toilets, making it a convenient place to spend the day.
How to get there:
By Car: The easiest way to reach Plage de Palombaggia is by car. From Porto-Vecchio, take the D468 road towards Bonifacio and follow the signs for Palombaggia Beach. There is a parking lot near the beach, but it can get crowded during peak season.
By Public Transport: During the summer months, there are regular buses that run from Porto-Vecchio to Palombaggia Beach. The bus stop is located about 1 kilometer from the beach, and you’ll need to walk the rest of the way.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Porto-Vecchio, and you can arrange for a taxi to take you to Palombaggia Beach. This is a good option if you’re traveling with a group or if you want to avoid driving.
By Boat: Another way to reach Palombaggia Beach is by boat. There are several boat tours and excursions that depart from Porto-Vecchio and other nearby towns, which will take you to the beach and allow you to enjoy the stunning coastline along the way.
Looking for more beaches in Europe to choose from? Checkout the beaches with the most dramatic landscapes.
