11 Best Beaches in Europe for Swimming, From Italy to Croatia

There’s nothing like a good swim in a beautiful setting—but not every beach delivers. Big waves, strong winds and sudden drop-offs can quickly crash the party. But don’t worry, Europe has plenty of stretches with ideal swimming conditions. Practice your butterfly stroke with views of Alicante’s charming Old Town, float lazily through the coves of Croatia’s islands, wade into the shallow, sandy shores of Sardinia, or soak up the easygoing seaside bliss in Greece. These are the best beaches in Europe for swimming in 2025.

Imagine two tall gate-like rocky cliffs that give way to turquoise Adriatic waters. Mother Nature was definitely inspired the day it created this corner of Vis Island. This remote Mediterranean paradise is the farthest inhabited island in the country.

Reaching Stiniva requires some adventurous hiking, but once you’ve accomplished that, a calm beach with ideal swimming conditions is your reward. This hidden beach offers calm, pristine waters that practically beg you to dive in. As with many Croatian coves, arriving by boat is the best way to experience it—rent one from Vis Town or Komiža.

There are pretty beaches, and then there’s Balos. Located on Crete’s west coast, it’s a treat for your senses. Looking like a watercolor palette, the scenery here includes pristine white sands mixing with blue waters that hug brown islets. It’s the ultimate kid-friendly beach with a shallow lagoon and endless wading and snorkeling opportunities.

The surrounding wild landscapes are breathtaking, and swimming here is an unforgettable experience. The long sandy strip divides the beach into a warm and waveless lagoon and a “regular” open sea area where you can put your swimming skills to the test. Keep in mind that Balos is remote and reached by a dirt road if you’re driving, or you can opt for a boat tour from Chania.

A somewhat hidden gem along Italy’s enormous coastline, Baia del Silenzio is bliss. The beachline begins just meters from the pastel facades of Sestri Levante’s Old Town. The Silence Bay (Baia del Silenzio in Italian) enchants with serene waters and gorgeous views of the Ligurian coast. Not only is it a pleasure to swim here—you’ll be bathing with dreamlike panoramas, too. That’s the Ligurian seaside magic right there.

For locals, it’s the go-to family beach in the region. A combination of soft sand and shallow access makes it an ideal spot for little ones learning to swim. Fancy a more wavy, open-sea beach? Just cross the Old Town to find Baia delle Favole, a long, pebbly stretch with equally dramatic views.

If you’re a more adventurous swimmer who loves deep, wavy waters, Fenals might be the perfect pick. Widely considered Costa Brava’s best urban beach, it’s a beautiful stretch of coarse sand close to the center of Lloret de Mar. Unlike the town’s main beach, it’s usually less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful swim.

The scenery is stunning—flanked by the lush greenery of the Gardens of Saint Clotilde on one side and overlooked by the 11th-century Castell de Sant Joan on the other. While the water entry is fairly flat, there’s a sudden depth drop close to shore, ideal for deep-sea bathing. Lifeguards are on duty from May to October, and the beach also offers floating chairs for visitors with disabilities.

Calanques are fjord-like inlets that line the French coast south of Marseille. Sheltered from wind and waves, they offer exceptional, scenic swimming. Just outside the picturesque resort town of Cassis, Calanque de Port Pin is a dream for swimmers who love untouched nature. Unlike many other calanques, which require steep and tiring hikes, Port Pin is relatively easy to reach. Park your car, walk for about 30 minutes and you’re there.

Bring water shoes—the beach is rocky, and they’ll come in handy for cliff jumping, too. Thanks to its narrow shape and surrounding cliffs, the cyan waters of Port Pin are calm and inviting. If you’re craving more postcard-worthy turquoise coves, check out Calanque d’En-Vau, but be prepared for a hike that takes around four hours. The most exceptional beaches often take effort to reach.

Although a mainland resort town, Brela has an island vibe. The coast here is drenched in pine trees and dotted with tiny pebbly beaches. For the perfect swim, head to Punta Rata. Thanks to the nearby Brač Island—the largest in Dalmatia—Brela enjoys calm waters and gentle winds. The crystal-clear blue sea is hard to resist. Lifeguards are on duty, and there’s a designated swimming area for added safety.

While it may feel remote, Punta Rata is actually Brela’s main beach, steps away from the charming harbor with sea-facing restaurants and cafes. It’s also right next to Brela Stone—the picture-perfect symbol of Makarska Riviera. You’ll find another tiny swimming cove behind the limestone formation.

Spain is fortunate to have some of the best beaches for swimming in Europe. The advantage here is that some of them are right in the city centers. Take Postiguet, for example, a primary urban stretch of the Costa Blanca capital, Alicante. Fine golden sands, a magnificent vista of Alicante’s medieval Moorish fortress and inviting Alboran Sea waters make it a top bathing spot. Because what’s better than going straight to the water after a sun-soaked day exploring the city’s many sights?

While it’s an open-sea beach, the waves are rarely rough during the season. The shallow entry makes it a top choice for families—and there’s even a children’s playground. A wooden ramp also provides easy access for visitors with disabilities.

San Vito lo Capo is where untamed Sicilian beauty is at its most vivid. Located in the northwest of the island, this wide stretch of fine sand has a spectacular view of the rocky Monte Monaco mountain. If artificial intelligence were asked to generate the perfect beach, San Vito lo Capo might just be the result. The waves here are gentle, making for smooth, easy swimming.

Unlike many of Sicily’s more remote beaches, this one is nestled beside a lively resort town—meaning easy access to affordable accommodations and delicious local food (think arancini, cannoli and all the pistachio gelato you can handle). Plus, you’re just a short drive from one of the island’s most stunning hits: the sublime Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro, with magnificent hidden coves.

Hvar Island is one of the best places in Croatia to experience the authentic Dalmatian lifestyle. The word pomalo—loosely translated as “taking it slow”—sums it up perfectly. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Hvar is the perfect backdrop for living the Adriatic life with an easygoing flair. If a picture-perfect turquoise beach is what you imagine when you think of Croatian leisure, that place exists—and it’s Malo Zaraće.

Just a short drive from Hvar Town, this cove stuns with its unbelievably blue water that makes swimming feel like pure bliss. Azure is best enjoyed by jumping off the limestone cliffs. Then, stretch out on the white pebbles under the shade of pine trees, close your eyes and let the sound of cicadas lull you into total relaxation. Take it slow—pomalo-style.

It’s hard to believe you’re still in Europe when you arrive at Su Giudeu Beach. Located on Sardinia’s southern coast, its impossibly white sand could easily be mistaken for the shores of the Caribbean or Thailand. With crystal-clear water and gentle waves, Su Giudeu ranks among Europe’s top beaches for swimming. Its remote setting, tucked among rolling dunes, only adds to the appeal.

During high season, beach clubs set up with umbrellas and loungers, but the public area remains spacious enough for everyone to enjoy. The shallow waters make it especially ideal for families with young kids. Just beyond, Campana Dune Beach continues the stretch, offering even more pristine sand and excellent swimming conditions.

Protected bays offer some of the best waters for swimming, and in this category, Arenal d’en Castell is hard to beat. A hidden gem on the Balearic island of Menorca, this beach is a peaceful alternative to the busier stretches of Ibiza and Mallorca, which can get overcrowded in summer. While you can rent a catamaran if you’d like, the crescent-shaped bay is delightfully free of boat traffic, giving it a more low-key, intimate vibe.

You’ll also find several seaside restaurants and bars where you can try local seafood delights or sip a margarita with a view of turquoise waters. And if you’re into wild swimming, take a quick boat ride—less than 10 minutes—to Cala Pudent, an idyllic, secluded cove.