Europe is not short of beaches. From France’s surf-pummeled shoreline to golden sandy coves in Croatia, there’s a vast variety of spots to explore along the continent’s 68,000km-long (that's over 42,000 miles) coastline.
Surfers are well catered for along the Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and the UK, while those that prefer gentle lapping water while they sunbathe can venture over to the Mediterranean side of Spain. For pristine white beaches and unfathomably clear turquoise water, Italy and Croatia won’t disappoint.
And the best part? Europe is easy to navigate by train, thanks to the impressive railway network that links all of the individual countries. With the Trainline app, you can board a train in London and end up in Barcelona without the fuss of booking tickets with multiple companies.
Pack your swimsuit — here’s our rundown of the finest beaches in Europe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Porthminster Beach, Cornwall, England
Porthminster Beach, UK
Best for families
Nearest station: St Ives
Cornwall in England has long attracted families to its idyllic coves, but few are better than Porthminster Beach in the pretty fishing town of St Ives. This soft, sandy crescent is the perfect playground for kids with its shallow, crystalline water. Make sandcastles, grab an ice cream from the Townside Takeaway or play a round of mini golf on the palm-fringed putting green. Lifeguards monitor the water here from May to October, plus dogs aren’t allowed on the sand during peak times. St Ives Station is less than ten-minutes away on foot.
La Grande Plage, France
Best for surfing
Nearest station: Biarritz
World-class waves pound France’s southwestern coast from Bisacarosse to Hendaye; it’s easy to see why this region is a key stop on the WSL (World Surf League) championship tour. Biarritz sits at the south end of this iconic stretch. La Grande Plage, the town’s main beach, beckons surfers from across Europe to ride its excellent wave. September to November boast the best surf conditions. However, beginners will appreciate smaller, cruiser waves that dominate between June and September. Beyond the golden sand, La Grande Plage is backed by Biarritz’s stylish promenade and the luxurious Hotel du Palais.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jarana Creatives. Image Location: Praia de Rodas, Cíes Islands, Spain
Playa de Rodas, Spain
Best for wild, natural beauty
Nearest station: Vigo
With its gin-clear waters and white sand, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Caribbean. In fact, you’re on the Cíes Islands, located just off the coast of northeast Spain. There are no cars, no hotels and only a limited number of visitors allowed on this remote archipelago each day. Playa de Rodas is the jewel at the heart of this archipelago, a half-moon strip of sand backed by forest and a tranquil lagoon. Be warned though, the water is deceptively cold. Facilities are limited here, but that’s part of the appeal. Visit by catching the ferry from Vigo; May and September promise the best chance of good weather.
Due Sorelle Beach, Italy
Best for clear water
Nearest station: Ancona
Take a trip to Italy’s Adriatic Coast and, just south of Rimini, you’ll find this idyllic beach. Listerine blue waters lap white sand at the “Beach of the Two Sisters”, named after the two spiky rocks that sit off its jagged promontory. However, do note: it’s only accessible by boat. Take the bus from Ancona to Numana and join a vessel from the harbor bound for this remote gem. Late May to early July is the best time to visit when temperatures hover around 77°F and the European summer crowds are yet to arrive.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Darko Mlinarevic. Image Location: Kasjuni Beach, Croatia
Kasjuni Beach, Croatia
Best for swimming
Nearest station: Split
Dive into the sapphire water of the Adriatic Sea at Kasjuni, a C-shaped bay in the forested Marjan Park outside of Split (which is just a seven-minute taxi ride away). This sheltered spot is perfect for swimming from June to September, thanks to its warm, super clear water. Two small cafés provide much-needed icy drinks, plus there’s free showers nearby for rinsing off after your dip. Just make sure you bring water shoes as the beach is pebbly, rather than sandy. Come at sunset for a front row view of the crimson pink sunset.
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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Karl Hendon. Image Location: Italy
