With spring knocking on our doors, we have multiple reminders about the upcoming summer days. There are more and more short sleeves on displays in retail stores, we occasionally see people wearing sunglasses. And of course, we are not getting wrapped up as the weather has become a bit milder and more welcoming. But the arrival of summer means that we have to know which the hot spots are to visit in 2025, which are the best beaches, and which locations best suit our needs.
For some, this could be a secluded spot with a few people. For others, it could be a holiday getaway for the whole family, and for others, this could be a resort with endless parties and frivolity.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 beaches in Europe to visit in 2025:
Navagio Beach, Greece
Located in Zakynthos, Greece, Navagio Beach is also known as Shipwreck Beach.
It’s an exposed cove accessible only by boat, which makes the journey there an adventure in itself.
It is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, attracting tourists from across the world every year. The beach is famous for its bright, crystal- clear waters and gigantic cliffs that surround its base. The name Shipwreck Beach comes from a shipwreck that was washed ashore in the 1980s. The ship was said to have been smuggling cigarettes but was abandoned by its Turkish crew due to bad weather conditions.
Additionally, there is a beautiful balcony on top of the cliffs, which is accessible only from the village of Volimes. Even though the cliffs cannot be reached from the beach, there are boat tours that stop at both locations.
Here’s more about Navagio Beach on Euronews.
Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia, Italy
Another must-go-to place in 2025 is Cala Goloritzè, nestled in the municipality of Baunei in Ogliastra, Sardinia. Created by a landslide in 1962, the beach is known for its 143-metres high pinnacle above the cove. The beach was declared Italia National Monument in 1995 because of its untouched beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, striking limestone cliffs and a unique natural arch that adds to its breathtaking scenery.
Additionally, the beach is protected, which means that boats are not allowed to cross a rope indicated with floats situated 200 meters from the shore. This allows enthusiastic photographers to get their shots without any other boats in their frame.
Besides the boat ride, the beach can be also reached via a 3.5 kilometres hike via the Cala Goloritzè Trail from Altopiano del Golgo. The beach has clear blue shallow waters near the shore making it ideal for swimming, family visits and getting away from the city on a hot summer day.
Platja de Coll Baix, Mallorca
Ideal of nature lovers, this secluded beach is perfect for anyone who is craving a sense of escape. It is framed by grey cliffs, and it can be accessed by boat or through a hike. Platje de Coll Baix is located 8 kilometres away from Alcúdia in Mallorca, Spain and it is 220 metres long and 50 metres wide. There are no facilities and services at the beach, which is one of the reasons why it is such a beloved destination.
The lack of civilization evokes feelings of serenity and peace.
It is recommended you go in the early morning or evening to see it at its calmest. Because of the challenging hike, the beach is not recommended for young children or people with mobility problems.
Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
Zlatni Rat, often ranked among the top beaches in Europe, is located on the island of Brač in Croatia. Known for its beauty and setting, it is considered one of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean/Adriatic.
Due to its unique shape, Zlatni Rat is considered one of the most extraordinary beaches in the world. Renowned publications such as National Geographic and Insider Travel have frequently featured it, praising its status as one of the most celebrated beaches globally.
Being a symbol of Croatia, Zlatni Rat is seen by many as a natural monument. It is shaped like a small peninsula that stretches into the sea with as much as 900 metres of beach sea line on both sides. The beach is 20,000 square metres and can easily accommodate more than 10,000 people.
Interestingly, depending on the tide, wind, and the current, the beach changes shape. Sometimes it can happen that the tip of the beach rotates so much that it forms a small pool.
Voutoumi Beach, Greece
Another Greek gem is Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos. Being primarily accessible by boat, this beach is renowned for its deep blue waters and blend of white sand and pebbles. The beach attracts many visitors from the neighbour islands of Paxi, Corfu and even from Italy during the summer months.
The water there is shallow, which makes is the perfect spot for people of all ages. Additionally, snorkeling near the rocks is a nice activity for marine lovers or people interested in experiencing something new. Voutoumi is a preferred destination for water taxis, tour boats and private yachts. There is also a tavern on the hill behind the beach serving cooling drinks and traditional snacks for anyone ready to savour Greek culture.
Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan is a small coastal town in Montenegro, renowned for its luxurious accommodations and views of the Adriatic Sea. The beach of the same name is located on the mainland, directly opposite Sveti Stefan Island.
The town itself lies just behind the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the island while relaxing on the beach, which is famous for its pink sand and crystal-clear water. The water at the beach gets deep quickly because the surrounding mountains never adjusted their slopes.
The beach in itself is divided into two sections: a private area managed by the Aman Sveti Stefan resort and a public section accessible to all visitors. While the islet itself is reserved for resort guests only, the beach offers an unparalleled vantage point to admire its historic stone buildings and red-roofed architecture.
Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle, France
A few kilometres from Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne Beach is located near the French village of Ramatuelle. This is a long stretch of white sand and aquamarine water, where celebrities such as U2’s Bono flock to party. One of the most appealing features of Pampelonne Beach is that it is the home of some of the most popular beach clubs in the southern part of France.
Despite its glamorous reputation, Plage de Pampelonne remains an ideal spot to relax in the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim. Although it can get busy in the summer, the 5-kilometer-long beach offers plenty of space and amenities, including public toilets, showers and lifeguards on duty from mid-June to mid-September.
There are six access points, each with public entries and parking.
Diamond Beach, Iceland
Diamond Beach in Iceland is a unique destination, whose beauty attract tourists worldwide. Interestingly, the real name of this beach in Icelandic is Breiðamerkursandur, but the name “Diamond Beach” comes from the contrasts that the black volcanic sand creates with the icebergs that are being washed ashore.
Sadly, no real diamonds can be found on the sands.
This beach is a haven for animal and wildlife lovers offering opportunities to spot seals and sometimes orcas from the shore. There isn’t really a “perfect time” to visit because each season will provide a different experience. For example, in summer, the sun provides endless daylight for exploration, while during the winter, the location is less crowded, and visitors would be able to spot incredible ice formation and potentially see the northern lights.
Playa de Rodas, Spain
Playa de Rodas, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, is a stretch of white sand located on the Cíes Islands in Galicia, Spain. This pristine beach connects two of the islands, forming a natural crescent shape with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by green hills and part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, Playa de Rodas remains largely unspoiled.
Despite its remote location, Playa de Rodas is a popular destination, especially in the summer months when ferries operate from Vigo, Cangas and Baiona. The beach is known for its soft, powdery sand and calm waters, which make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Since the Cíes Islands are a protected nature reserve, visitor numbers are limited, ensuring that the beach maintains its pristine condition.
With no hotels and only basic camping facilities, this is an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful and natural beach experience.
Silistar Beach, Bulgaria
Just 5 kilometres from the Bulgarian resort Sinemorets, Silistar is a hidden gem on the southern part of Bulgaria’s coastline. Famous for its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere, Silistar is the perfect destination for anyone searching a secluded get-away from the busy Bulgarian seaside.
The water in the bay is usually calm and clean as the beach is shallow with a smooth change of depth. Additionally, the beach is protected are as part of Strandzha Nature Reserve, which makes it a perfect place for a peaceful retreat. This is also the reason why the area is not developed.
Consequently, there is no accommodation options so anyone who is interested in visiting will have to find a place to stay in the nearby towns (Sinemorets, Ahtopol, Tsarevo).
If you have a beach recommendation, email us at: terry@dispatcheseurope.com with your tips.
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See more about beaches in Europe here in Dispatches’ archives.
Polya Pencheva
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
