With summer fast approaching, now is the time to start planning your next adventure. If you are a Jane who loves a holiday sunbathing on a beautiful beach without the hefty price tag, Europe will leave you spoilt for choice.
We often assume that stunning beaches are found at expensive Caribbean beach resorts or on a desert island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but in reality Europe has it’s own broad selection of paradise beach escapes.
Top 10 beautiful beaches in Europe:
10. GREECE: VOUTOUMI BEACH
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, the only downside is the crowds. Thankfully though, Voutoumi beach doesn’t have this issue. Located on the Greek island of Paxos, it boasts stunning cliff-top surroundings and a turquoise sea. With a population of no more than 100 inhabitants, it is the ideal place for a little peace and relaxation.
9. SCOTLAND: TANGASDALE BEACH
We kid you not, this incredible beach is in Scotland. If you don’t mind passing up the warm temperatures of the Med, you will be rewarded with some out-of-this-world scenery. Located on the Isle of Barra, prepare yourself for sensational sunsets, powder white sand and clear blue water.
8. CROATIA: RAB ISLAND
It could be easily mistaken for a secluded paradise island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but Rab Island is much closer than you think. Located just of the Northern coast of Croatia in the heart of the Adriatic, head over to Lopar beach for stunning golden sands and enjoy a swim in the warm blue sea.
7. CRETE: ELAFONISSI BEACH
Finding a virtually untouched beach in a popular tourist destination is impossible, right? Wrong. The beautiful pink-tinted Elafonissi beach is located just off the busy island of Crete and is somehow still unspoiled and not (yet) a honey trap for visitors. At certain points during the day it is walk-able from the main island due to it’s shallow waters.
6. IBIZA: ILLETES BEACH
There is more to Ibiza than partying all night long. Just twenty minutes away by boat, you’ll find Illetes beach, a stunning hidden gem located on the island of Formentera. This UNESCO protected beach boasts similarities with a Caribbean paradise, and without a building in sight, it is the ultimate break from the non-stop action of Ibiza.
5. LATVIA: JURMALA BEACH
We typically wouldn’t associate Latvia with splendid beaches, but Jurmala well and truly proves us wrong. The beach is 26 kilometers long and a popular tourist spot, although if you were looking to get away from the crowds, head in the direction of Jaunkemeri for a little peace and tranquility. Make sure you stay there until the sun goes down, trust us, the view will be worth it.
4. PORTUGAL: PRAIA DA MARINHA
The Algarve has a lot going for it, including it’s array of picture-perfect beaches. The beautiful small cove of Praia Da Marinha is yet to be discovered by the masses, so expect crowd-free peace and quiet. Fantastic for snorkelling, take yourself on a little adventure around the cove and keep your eyes peeled for many different marine species.
3. TURKEY: OLU DENIZ
From the air, Turkey’s Olu Deniz could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean island. As one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, Olu Deniz, which literally translates as ‘dead sea’ due to its calm waters, is a big favourite for visitors and locals. Popular due to it’s laid-back nature, spend your afternoon in the lovely secluded sandy bay at the mouth of the resort.
2. MALTA: THE BLUE LAGOON
With a population of just 4 inhabitants, Comino is by far the smallest of the three Maltese islands. Despite its size, it is home to one of the most picturesque beaches in Europe: The Blue Lagoon. Due to its crystal clear waters, it is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling and the ideal place for Janes who prefer water activities to sunbathing.
1. SARDINIA: CALA MARIOLU
In at number one is the unbeatable Cala Mariolu. It offers a sublime turquoise sea, glorious white sand ladened with pink-coloured pebbles and limestone rocks offering shade at the end of an afternoon. It’s easy to see why this is a popular favourite among locals and visitors.
If one of these idyllic European beaches takes your fancy, head to DealChecker to find the best offer for your next adventure!