The Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in Europe to Visit Now

There’s no need for a long haul to the Caribbean when you have so many fantastic white sand beaches in Europe. Pleasant on your feet, shallow, perfect for kids and simply gorgeous, these stretches are usually topping the “best of” lists of beaches in their countries. Wonderful Balearic treasures of Formentera, milky beaches of Sardinia, long Bay of Biscay stunners, and surprising island finds in Greece: these are places you should check out if you’re looking for the pure white sands. While most European beaches are mostly pebbly or stony, the stretches in this article provide a welcoming (and often more comfortable) alternative.

A pearl of the Coast of Gods in the southern region of Calabria, Tropea beaches are a gift that keeps on giving for fans of white sand. The panorama is eye candy: crystal-clear blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea hug the sandy coast as the Tropea Old Town rises above, dramatically perched on a cliff. A huge limestone boulder with the medieval Santa Maria dell’Isola church on top divides the beach into two. More stunning and often crowded, Spiaggia della Rotonda is located directly below the historic core, while Spiaggia di Tropea comes with more space and fashionable beach lidos and restaurants. Drive down south for Oasi Beach, another white sand paradise flanked by the limestone cliffs.

Sardinia is where you find most of Europe’s white sand beaches, and La Pelosa is its most treasured stretch. A chalk-white sand, various shades of turquoise water, and gorgeous islets in front—this spot is truly magical. A ruined 16th-century Aragonese watchtower adds to the romance. It might be the most Caribbean-looking out of all the European beaches. A vision of shallow sandy stretches in the Bahamas and Aruba immediately comes to mind when you’re here. While La Pelosa is incredibly scenic, the beach is also a part of a fragile ecosystem of Sardinia’s north coast. During the summer, you should reserve a spot on the beach by using a special booking system (3.50 EUR per day for adults). Also, you can’t bring towels, only straw mats are allowed.

A long strip of snow-white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, becoming one with the impossibly blue sea. It’s impossible to resist the urge to dive straight into the translucent water—Ses Illetes is a visual and sensory revelation. Located on the north coast of Formentera in the Balearic Sea, this stretch is easily Spain’s most magical beach. One thing to consider: there’s almost no natural shade, so don’t forget an umbrella. The beach is a part of a protected area without developed infrastructure or buildings. There are public toilets and a seafood restaurant in the southern end. Don’t miss Llevant, a continuation of Ses Illetes and another stunning white sand beach.

Located in the lunar-like northwest part of Fuerteventura, La Concha is a triumph of soft, white sand, and the beauty of the untamed Atlantic Ocean. The beach is part of El Cotillo, a surfing town with whitewashed, low-rise houses set against the wild backdrop of the island’s barren landscape. The Atlantic waves create natural pools in the middle of the beach, where kids can play and wade. Like many of Fuerteventura’s beaches, La Concha offers perfect conditions for surfing and paragliding. El Cotillo is ideal for a long, carefree break, where all you do is conquer waves, sample Canary cuisine, and admire spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Sheltered from waves by breakwaters, Playa Flamingo is a beautiful white sand beach on Lanzarote, one of the most enticing islands of the Canaries. Coconut palm trees flank the stretch, giving it a tropical vibe. The setting in Playa Blanca comes with a magnificent vista of the volcanic terrain of Lanzarote. With its shallow access and soft sands, Flamingo is made for families with small children. Playa Blanca is a great starting point for visiting another of Lanzarote’s sandy superstars: the ethereal Playa del Papagayo. This crescent-shaped cove surrounded by sandstone cliffs is an obligatory visit for getting up close with the wild Atlantic coast. Check out Playa Caleta del Congrio and Playa de la Cera for more remote splendor.

If you ask a Greek person about the best island for sandy beaches, the answer will often be Naxos. The biggest of the Cyclades, it’s still very much an underrated destination. There’s no Mykonos glamor or Santorini crowds here—just pure Cycladic bliss and many fantastic white sand beaches to discover. This long sandy bay is perfect for families. Wade in shallow waters, build sand castles, and run around without worrying about the stones hurting your feet. The beach is close to the historic Chora of Naxos town, so you’re never too far from the restaurants, shops, and frappe-serving cafes. Don’t stop there though—Naxos has a collection of superb sandy beaches. South of the airport, Agios Prokopios is a long stretch with crystalline waters and fine sands. Another Caribbean-looking hit is Plaka.

Bèrchida beach is wild Sardinia at its finest—long swathes of white sand, zero tourist development, inviting blue sea, and mountains behind. To reach it, follow the dirt road from State Road 125, getting into the Mediterranean scrub heart of the island. Bèrchida stretches for miles, offering gorgeous dunes, pristine forests, and splendid turquoise sea vistas. Don’t miss the magical Oasis of Biderosa—a freshwater pond with pink flamingos and untouched nature. During the season, kiosks sell snacks and drinks. There’s also a water sports equipment rental to try surfing, kayaking, and SUPing among the stunning Gulf of Orosei panoramas. 

Set on the south coast of Sardinia, Su Giudeu is one of the dreamiest beaches on this stunning Italian island. Soft white sands invite lounging and castle building. The water is see-through, and the access is shallow. There’s a lagoon right behind the beach with pink flamingos. Moreover, the edges of Su Giudeu are rocky, so there’s great snorkeling potential. The sands are home to several hip beach clubs providing drinks and snacks with the gorgeous view. From Su Giudeu, you can easily walk to other spectacular stretches, such as Campana Dune Beach, backed by the high dunes, and the sublime Cala del Morto cove.

Corsica’s Santa Giulia beach is the closest you can get to Tahiti scenery in Europe. It’s a long sandy strip between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio on the island’s south coast. Come here for marvelous transparent blue waters, miles of soft sands, beautiful landscapes, and ideal snorkeling conditions. You’ve got a geographical diversity at Santa Giulia: the shallow seabed in the center, boulders with abundant underwater life in the middle of the bay, and large pebbles at the edges. There’s also a long wooden walkway piercing into the turquoise sea in a very Caribbean fashion—a top spot for capturing Santa Giulia’s beauty. If you’re into birdwatching, don’t miss the expansive lagoon behind the beach.

The crescent-shaped La Concha (meaning “a shell” in Spanish) leaves nobody indifferent. It’s an awe-inspiring bay with white and golden sands, which doubles as San Sebastian’s main city beach, and one of Spain’s most gorgeous stretches. Protected by two green hills and overlooking the picturesque rocky Santa Clara Island, La Concha is a feast for the eyes. San Sebastian is lucky to have it —you can sunbathe, dip in the Bay of Biscay waters, kayak, paddleboard, and surf, all while being steps away from the elegant historic streets of the Old Town and many restaurants with Basque food delights. Walk a bit further west to find Ondarreta Beach with superb views of the city and more surfing opportunities.

Lindos might be among the most aesthetically pleasing towns in Greece. Located in Rhodes, it enchants you with a panorama of cascading whitewashed houses beneath the ancient Acropolis on the hill. Of course, there’s a turquoise sea to enjoy, and it’s steps away from the cafe-filled Old Town (or chora) maze. The sands here are of a gentle beige color: soft and shallow. It’s the ultimate family-friendly stretch on Rhodes. Also, it’s the one with the most striking views in Greece—you’ll bathe surrounded by the timeless beauty of Lindos town and the barren coast. Kayaking and paddleboarding are two great ways to admire the view from the water. Also, bring your snorkeling gear to explore the sea life next to the rocks at the northern end of the beach.

Here’s one magnificent European white sand beach you’ve never heard of. Simos, on the under-the-radar Peloponese island of Elafonisos, is an underrated turquoise paradise. Shallow sapphire water caresses milky-white sand, you’re lying on a lounger, and all the life woes instantly evaporate. Simos is, in fact, two beaches connected by a short sandy strip. There will be absolutely no crowds—Elafonisos is out of the regular island-hopping itineraries. If you’re looking for pure Mediterranean bliss with Caribbean flavor, this is the place.