Two European beaches are among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. And they are accessible with a plane ticket for less than 100 euros. So we dive?
Europe is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, which perfectly blend nature and history. From Mediterranean shores to Nordic beaches, each region offers a unique palette of colors, from golden sand to volcanic black, from crystal clear waters to deep blue hues. The beaches of Southern Europe are prized for their sunny climate, while the Nordic countries offer wild and unspoiled beauty. Furthermore, Europe is dotted with countless secret coves and vast stretches of sand, offering something for everyone.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bragging about our spectacular beaches to tourists, but external validation is always welcome, and having two European beaches on the hallowed list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches is the ultimate consecration. Put together by Banana Boat – a company firmly rooted in beach culture – the compilation draws on more than 750 of the world’s leading travel journalists, influencers and agencies to gather their votes on the best places to swim around the world.
To find out which European beaches have earned a spot in the top 10, browse the ranking from 10th to 1st place.
10th: Balandra, Mexico
Balandra, Mexico is a natural gem with crystal clear turquoise waters that offer perfect swimming in a postcard setting. Its most emblematic feature is the mushroom-shaped rock, an exceptional geological spectacle, which, together with its surrounding mountains, creates a true oasis of tranquility and beauty.
9th: Navagio, Greece (Europe)
Navagio, Greece is a hidden wonder, surrounded by towering cliffs and blessed with pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Its uniqueness is further marked by the beached ship that rests in the center of the beach, adding a touch of adventure and mystery to this natural paradise.
8th: Reynisfjara, Iceland (Europe)
Reynisfjara in Iceland is a stunningly beautiful and unique beach with its volcanic black sand, providing a stark contrast to the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Impressive rock formations, basalt columns and cliffs populated by seabirds add to its mystical and wild charm.
7th: Honopu, Hawaii
Honopu Beach in Hawaii is a true hidden gem, only accessible by water, which adds to its secret charm and tranquility. With its deep blue sea, golden sands, soaring cliffs and distinctive natural rock arch, it is an absolutely breathtaking tropical paradise.
6th: Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay, located in the US Virgin Islands, is renowned for its dazzling beauty with crystal clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Plus, its marked underwater trail, populated by vibrant marine wildlife, makes it a dream spot for snorkeling, adding to its appeal as a true tropical paradise.
5th: One Foot Island, cook islands
One Foot Island, located in the Cook Islands, is a vision of paradise with its turquoise water lagoon, pristine white sand and rippling coconut palms. With breathtaking views of the surrounding coral reef and an almost unreal tranquility, it’s a true escape to a tropical dream.
4th: Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach in Australia is a breathtaking sight with its impossibly pure white sand stretching for over 7 km, contrasting dramatically with the turquoise and emerald waters of the Pacific. Its unspoiled natural beauty, its limited access and the changing vision of its tides make it one of the most photogenic and popular beaches in the world.
3rd: Hidden Beach, Philippines
Hidden Beach in the Philippines is a natural wonder, known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Its seclusion gives it a sense of tranquility and serenity, while its rich marine life makes it ideal for snorkeling, adding a dimension of adventure to this hidden paradise.
2nd: Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Source d’Argent Beach in the Seychelles is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world with its soft, white sand, lined with gigantic granite rocks sculpted by erosion, offering a breathtaking visual spectacle. Its shallow, turquoise waters, protected by a coral reef, make it a paradise for swimming and snorkeling, creating a true tableau of tropical paradise.
1st: Lucky Bay, Australia
Lucky Bay in Australia is a dream destination with miles of pristine white sand that merge into crystal clear, bright blue waters. Its unique local wildlife, including kangaroos often spotted on the beach, adds to its charm, making this beach not only beautiful but also distinctly Australian.