When we think of Europe, the pictures that spontaneously come to our mind include images of castles, lush green fields, cathedrals and churches; however, there is a lot more to Europe than that and if you are actually looking to dip your feet in crystal clear water and let the white sands powder your hair, Europe definitely has a lot to offer. Here’s a list of the top five beaches in Europe:
Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach, Greece
Navagio beach – Navagio beach is located in Zakynthos, Greece and is also known as Shipwreck Bay. This is not the most famous beaches in Greece and also across Europe and has huge vertical cliffs looking over white sandy beaches. It goes without mention that Greece is the most popular summer playground of Europe and if there’s one word that can accurately describe Navagio beach, it has to be “Paradise”. The best time to hit this beach is between April and September if you don’t want to share those precious moments with hundreds of people from all over the globe. You need to hire a boat from Porto Vromi to reach there.
Playa Papagayo Beach
Playa Papagayo Beach, Spain
Playa Papagayo beach in Spain – This is one pristine beach in Spain that can be reached via a dirt road. The hiking opportunities are immense and if you stand on the cliff’s edge you are going to be like being on top of the world. This tranquil beach is located in Lanzarote and has not been spoiled by the touch of modern man. The very fact that this place has not yet been touched by modernization makes it all the more attractive.
Zlatni Rat Beach
Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
The Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia – the Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia is a golden pebble beach and is in the shape of a “V”. This is one of the most beautiful Adriatic beaches in Croatia and the beach owes its name to its unique geographical formation. In Croatia and language Zlatni Rat means Golden Horn. There is also a pine tree grove near the beach and you can also wash off the salt water and sand by taking a dip in the swimming pool present inside the pine grove.
Cala Tarida Beach
Cala Tarida Beach, Spain
Cala Tarida in Spain – Well, this beach is bound to be beautiful because it’s located in Ibiza! There are actually a handful of splendid beaches tucked behind rocky contours in Ibiza and Cala Tarida is one of the most beautiful ones amongst them. If you visit Cala Tarida beach, the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza comes as a bonus. And, it goes without mention that there’s a lot to do and a lock to see apart from the fantastic beaches in this part of Spain.
Sagres Beach
Sagres Beach, Portugal
The Sagres beach in Portugal – Well, this is more of an undeveloped beach and that is actually its biggest draw. The Sagres beach stretches for miles and there are innumerable natural sandstone formations that are going to leave you awestruck. On the western end of the beach there is a white fort with a backdrop of rocky terrain and these things actually make the beach more picture-perfect.
Russ Beech is director of travel at Kefalonia based travel website Kefalonia.co.uk. He travels Europe regularly documenting the best places to visit and writing tip to help fellow travellers make the most of their time away from the office.
