Praia da Falésia

Algarve, Portugal

Praia da Falésia is one of the Algarve's most striking beaches, a long stretch of golden sand backed by red, orange and white cliffs. It runs for several kilometres, so even in high summer there's room to find your own spot, and the clear water is great for swimming.

A walk along the shoreline at sunset, with the cliffs glowing behind you, is one of the best things you can do on an Algarve holiday.

Platja de Muro

Majorca, Spain

On Majorca's north coast, Platja de Muro is a long sweep of soft white sand with shallow, calm water that feels almost Caribbean. The sea stays shallow a long way out, which makes it a favourite with families.

Behind the beach are pine trees and the S'Albufera nature reserve, and the lively resort of Alcudia is close by.

Paleokastritsa

Corfu, Greece

Paleokastritsa is a cluster of small coves on Corfu's west coast, surrounded by green hills and cypress trees, with a monastery on the headland above. The water is famously clear and very blue.

Boat trips leave from the beach to nearby sea caves, and the views from the hilltop villages are some of the best on the island.

Playa de Maspalomas

Gran Canaria, Spain

Maspalomas is famous for its huge sand dunes, a protected nature reserve that rolls right down to the sea. The beach stretches for miles towards Playa del Inglés, with the Maspalomas lighthouse at one end.

Thanks to the Canary Islands' year-round sunshine, it's a beach you can enjoy in winter as well as summer.

Spiaggia La Cinta

Sardinia, Italy

La Cinta – “the ribbon” – is a long, narrow strip of white sand at San Teodoro on Sardinia's north-east coast. On one side is the clear, shallow Mediterranean, and on the other a lagoon where you can often see flamingos.

The views across to the dramatic island of Tavolara make it one of Sardinia's most photographed beaches.

Want to treat yourself? The 5-star Baglioni Resort Sardinia is also close by. View the Baglioni Resort Sardinia →

Fig Tree Bay

Protaras, Cyprus

Fig Tree Bay takes its name from a fig tree that has stood here for centuries – and it's the only Cypriot beach on this year's European list. Its golden sand and calm, crystal-clear water make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with a small island just offshore that strong swimmers can reach.

With bars and restaurants right on the beach, it's easy to spend a whole day here.

Cala Comte

Ibiza, Spain

Cala Comte is the place to be for sunset in Ibiza. Its small sandy coves and rocky ledges look out over remarkably clear, shallow water in shades of turquoise, with tiny islands dotted along the horizon.

Arrive early to find a spot, then stay until the sun goes down.

Tsambika Beach

Rhodes, Greece

Tsambika is a wide bay of golden sand on the east coast of Rhodes, sheltered by headlands on both sides. The water is shallow and warm, which makes it perfect for families.

If you're feeling energetic, climb the steps to the small monastery on the hill above for incredible views over the bay.

Ölüdeniz

Dalaman coast, Turkey

Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous views in Turkey: a sheltered pool of turquoise water edged by a white sand spit and pine-covered mountains. The calm water is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can paraglide down from Babadağ mountain and land on the beach.

Zlatni Rat

Brač, Croatia

Zlatni Rat – the “Golden Horn” – is a spit of fine pebbles that reaches out into the Adriatic from the town of Bol. Its tip shifts with the wind and currents, so it never looks quite the same twice.

The water is beautifully clear, and the steady afternoon breeze makes it one of Europe's best spots for windsurfing.