From Portugal to Greece: Europe’s Most Stunning Beaches for 2026

European beaches await you in 2026, and there are some amazing spots to visit. It might be challenging to select the best ones, but we’ll give it a try. This list will guide you through the curated collection of Europe’s most enchanting stretches. From the well-known divine bays like Balos on Crete and Rotonda in Calabria to the lesser-known gems like Paleochori on Milos, Cala Cipolla on Sardinia, and Platja de Son Bou on Menorca—here are several destinations to travel to in 2026.

Best for Old Town views

Calabria is a coastal Italian region with an incredible blue sea, picture-perfect towns, and strong dolce vita vibes. What you won’t find here are the crowds; the tip of the Apennine peninsula’s boot remains largely overshadowed by the Amalfi Coast to the north and Sicily to the south. Rotonda Beach—the main stretch of the spectacular perched town of Tropea—is the quintessence of Costa degli Dei’s (or Coast of Gods) beauty. Not only does it feature pure white sand, but the backdrop is gorgeous. You’ll bathe next to the clifftop Byzantine-style Santa Maria Sanctuary and the stunning Tropea’s Old Town, sewn in the rocky hill above. It’s easily one of the most enchanting stretches in mainland Italy. And then, Rotonda is a town beach, so you’re close to all the trattorias and cafeterias. 

Best for snorkeling

The Bay of Chia in the South of Sardinia features a series of paradise-looking white-sand beaches. Located near Capo Spartivento, Cala Cipolla is a semi-wild jewel of the Domus di Maria coastline. It’s a picturesque combination of the green maqui shrubland, fine sand, and phantasmagoric rocky cliffs. Snorkeling is exceptional here. The cove is perfect for underwater exploration, and the crystal-clear water beckons for long dives. Rocks near the shore are where you should be with the snorkeling gear on. Take your experience to the next level by booking a stay at Faro Capo Spartivento nearby. It’s an old lighthouse converted into a five-star hotel with magical window views and an infinity pool on top. There’s a large parking lot 400 meters away from Cala Cipolla. Su Giudeu, one of Sardinia’s best white sand beaches, is also close by. 

Best for dramatic hiking trails 

If you were to choose one Costa Brava beach, Cala de Sant Francesc qualifies. It’s a scenic sandy cove 10 minutes away from Blanes city center. The beach lies on the Camí de Ronda, a glorious coastal pathway that connects the majority of Costa Brava. While it’s technically a town beach, the craggy cliffs and abundant Mediterranean greenery give an impression of wilderness. Jardí Botànic Marimurtra, a gorgeous seaside botanical garden with exotic plants, is minutes away. Cala de Sant Francesc is also a great day trip idea from Barcelona. You can hop on a regional train to Blanes and enjoy the wonderful Costa Brava sea in an hour. For more adventure, reach the Castell de Sant Joan, a medieval fortress with all-encompassing panoramas. 

Best for soft golden sands

You won’t mistake Algarve beaches with anything else. This region in South Portugal is known for the vast, golden sand stretches and gigantic rock formations. Praia dos Três Castelos is among the most spectacular beaches to visit in 2026. A more low-key neighbor to another Algarve icon, Praia da Rocha, the Three Castles Beach offers a stunning landscape of pleasant sandy surface and large sandstone rocks (or “Castles” from the name). It might be less developed than Praia da Rocha, but it also gets fewer crowds. From there, you can easily walk to Praia dos Careanos and Praia do Vau, the other two stunning Algarve beaches. The historic center of Portimão is a short drive away. The vibrant resort neighborhood of Praia da Rocha, where you can dine and stay, is adjacent to Três Castelos, so you’re never too far from civilization.   

Best for surfing

There are historic beaches, and the Côte des Basques in the Atlantic resort town of Biarritz is one of them. It is believed that this large sandy bay is where the European surfing tradition started. The arrival of the wave-taming on French shores coincided with a visit from a Californian filmmaker, Peter Viertel, in 1957 to shoot the adaptation of Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” (which mentions Biarritz). The director and his American friends were astonished by the Côte des Basques’ ideal surf and couldn’t help but ride the tide. Today, Biarritz is among the most popular surfing centers in France and Europe. Côte des Basques beach beckons with soft golden sand and big waves. The surfing schools on the shore provide lessons and equipment. The town nearby is a pearl of the Atlantic coast, with its Belle Époque buildings, romantic oceanside promenade, and Basque-French fusion cuisine. 

Best for translucent, turquoise waters

Spiaggia del Relitto is Sardinia at its most gorgeous. This idyllic cove is located on the Maddalena Archipelago, a collection of picturesque small islands with incredible blue waters. Spiaggia del Relitto (or the “Shipwreck Beach”) is part of the island of Caprera. The wreck in question here is right on the shore—it’s a fantastic addition to your snorkeling exploration. As elsewhere in Maddalena, the sea is transparent and the sand is as white as it gets. This is also the ultimate beach for families with small kids. Steps away from the surf is Ristobar Poldo Beach, a relaxed beach bar, offering grilled seafood and good vibes. If you’re hungry for more turquoise, head to the spectacular Cala Andreani nearby. 

Best for unfiltered, wild beauty

While the majority of the beaches on this list are lesser-known, it’s also necessary to include some heavy-hitters. The stunning Balos is on every Crete tourist brochure for a reason. It might be too remote (expect miles of dirt road), too windy, and too crowded during the high season. Still, it’s one of planet Earth’s most breathtaking beaches that should be seen once in a lifetime. 2026 is a good year to visit this stunner. Tigani Island rises over the pink sand lagoon with a myriad shades of turquoise. Balos is located on the Gramvousa Peninsula, a remote and unspoiled coastline in northwestern Crete. Plan your visit outside of the high season months (July and August) for the best visiting experience. A boat tour is the most scenic way to see Balos.

Best for unique geology and dining

There are several exceptional things about Paleochori on the Cycladic island of Milos. When you arrive, you immediately notice the glisten—thanks to the sparkling pebbles, sapphire waters, and multi-colored cliff formations, the beach literally shines. It’s a mix of pebble and sand here, with a surprise underneath. The volcanic origins and the soil rich in sulfur make the seabed boil. The ochre-colored cliffs back this wonderful beach, giving a postcard-perfect appearance. But it’s also about food in Paleochori. Have you ever tried volcanic cuisine? Well, Sirocco restaurant specializes in just that. The establishment operates special sandpits, where the meat and fish are placed to boil, using the geological peculiarity of Paleochori. Then, the mouthwatering dishes are served on a terrace with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea.

Best for the bluest waters

Vrika on the tiny Ionian island of Antipaxos can serve as an illustration of a perfect beach. It’s a remote island bay with silky white sand, incredible blue water, limestone cliffs, and Mediterranean greenery. Once you reach it, you don’t want to leave. It’s the Greek beach paradise. Vrika also offers wonderful snorkeling. You can spend a whole day gliding next to the many rocks, exploring the underwater Med. There are several beach bars, great for sampling Greek food and soaking in the turquoise perfection with a drink in hand. Ferries connect Vrika to Antipaxos Marina. It’s also the most scenic way to reach the beach. Alternatively, you can hike there from the main town.

Best for kitesurfing and white sand

If you’re into water sports, Corralejo in Fuerteventura is the place to be. Strong winds make the spectacular local beaches perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. But it’s also about the panoramas. Corralejo Dunes are among the most striking spots in the Canary Islands—miles of white desert juxtaposed with the turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean. Although looking desolate, Grandes Playas Corralejo are actually part of a resort area with luxurious hotels, amusement parks, and restaurants. You will also find a naturist section at the southernmost end of the beach if you feel like bearing it all with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Take a short ferry ride to Isla Lobos to find more intimate beaches and lunar landscapes. Playa De La Concha De Lobos is a magnificent snorkeling playground with a volcanic seabed.