The 2019 list by European Best Destinations (EBD) of trendiest beaches in Europe includes some hidden gems as well as other, better-known, romantic and beautiful spots, from the ‘secret’ Cala Pregonda on Spain’s Balearic island of Menorca to Vlychos Beach on the Greek island of Hydra.
“Come breathe the fresh air of pine trees on Nugal Beach in Croatia or Cala Sa Boadella in Spain, or treat yourself to a romantic break on the beautiful beach of Positano in Italy,” invites the Brussels-based EBD organization that promotes the continent’s best destinations while rewarding and spotlighting its most-visited places.
“The best beaches in France, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Montenegro but also England, Bulgaria and Romania are awaiting you .”
Working with the European Commission to promote sustainable tourism and in partnership with more than 300 European tourism offices, including 80 sustainable tourism destinations, EBD organizes tourism competitions in Europe based on the votes of travelers from around the world, such as Best European Christmas Markets, Most Romantic Destinations and Best European Ski Resorts.
Looking for a dream beach for your next holiday? Here are nine of the beautiful beaches that made it to the top of the list in the EBD competition for the title of “Best Beach in Europe.”“
The #1 spot was awarded to Pasjaca Beach in the Konavle Region, 10 minutes from Cavtat – which was also chosen among the most beautiful destinations in Europe - and a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnic, the pearl of the Adriatic.
With the Game of Thrones fever that has exponentially increased fan-tourism in Croatia and particularly in Dubrovnik, where several key scenes were shot in the Adriatic Sea town known in the series as “King’s Landing,” the region and some of its most popular beaches have suffered a tourist “invasion.”
The beach is the product of nature and man: In 1955, a tunnel was created from the fields upstream to stop floods. The remaining rocks were left on the seaside. With time, the waves transformed the rocks into sand.
Nugal Beach, Croatia
Also in Croatia, Nugal Beach in Tucepi was voted on to the list of favorite European beaches.
A partly nudist beach on the Makarska Riviera “could also be ranked among the best secret beaches in Europe; it takes more than 30 minutes to walk in the rocks to get there,” explains EBD.
Apprehensive about nudism on the beach? “It’s like diving into the water, once you’ve dared you will not regret it. This beach is a small haven of peace with a family atmosphere.”
Porthminster Beach, England
Never thought of England for a beach holiday? Have you heard of Cornwall? Located in the country’s far southwest, it’s a beautiful county that boasts hundreds of sandy beaches.
Porthminster, part of the old fishing port of St Ives, is full of authenticity, charm, crystal-clear blue waters and fine sand. St Ives also attracts artists from around the world who come to find inspiration.
St. Nicholas Island, Montenegro
The small island of St. Nicholas, ‘Sveti Nikola’, in Budva, has landed on the list of the most beautiful islands in Europe thanks to the votes it won in the European Best Destinations competition.
Home of some extraordinary beaches and of deer on its wild side, the island is located opposite the beautiful city of Budva, 30 minutes from Tivat airport in Montenegro and two hours from Dubrovnik’s airport in Croatia.
Saleccia Beach, Corsica, France
The remote beach of Saleccia is located on the northern coast of the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which has been part of France since 1768 but retains a distinct Italian culture.
Saleccia’s fine white sand and crystal clear waters are less accessible than other Corsican beaches and for that reason also better preserved.
“Courage and patience will be necessary to drive from the village of Casta to the beach (15 kilometers), the roads are in very bad conditions!” warns EBD. “You may feel all alone but not completely, though: There is a campsite and a small shop located 400 meters from the beach.” Don’t miss the nearby village of Nonza, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
Numana Alta Beach, Italy
Sun, good restaurants, delicious ice cream, a crystal-clear sea and an unspoiled beach with a delicate scent of pine trees in the air – that’s the description of Numana Alta beach. And it’s not the only such beach in the area.
Numana Bassa, for example, “is perfect for children, with playgrounds, beach facilities and restaurants.”
Numana Alta is quieter and “perfect for a rest with a good book or if you want, to dip into the sea.” It’s protected from the wind by the reefs.
Positano Beach, Italy
Also in Italy, Positano beach is located on the famous Amalfi Coast, one of Italy’s “postcard” destinations as well-known as Portofino, Portovenere and Cinque Terre.
While for some it can feel like a tourist trap, it’s still considered one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Positano is recommended for couples of all ages. “It’s hard not to succumb to the charm of this place that seems to have been created by gods.”
Cala Pregonda, Menorca Island, Spain
This ”paradise beach” is located on the island of Menorca, one the four larger islands forming the Balearic archipelago in the Spanish Mediterranean Sea that includes Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Arriving to Cala Pregunda follows a half-hour walk along a stunning path. Pregonda is a clear, scenic bay in a cove with a golden-sand beach and rock formations. “Dive under the water, beautiful little fish are dancing in the clear waters: nature is everywhere around you,” advises EBD. The parking lot is large (and free.) “Do not stop at the first beach on your way; it is pretty but often stormed by the first holidaymakers.”
Vlychos Beach, Hydra Island, Greece
There are different routes for reaching the idyllic Hydra Island and the beautiful beach of Vlychos. You can go by car on a three-hour drive, plus a ferry crossing from Athens. Braver visitors go by foot (a 37-hour-hike plus ferry). The easiest method is by bus to Athens Harbour (the port of Piraeus) and then aboard a ferry to Hydra for a two-hour crossing. There are six ferries each day so no need to hurry or book in advance.
From Hydra port to the beach is a 30-minute walk.
Vlychos is one of the only sandy beaches on Hydra. The sand was shipped there by an Englishman, the owner of the bar. “If you like music of the seventies, grab a stool, order a nice cocktail from the bar and enjoy that moment of pure nostalgia,” recommends EBD. “If not, rent a deck chair away from the speakers and enjoy this little slice of paradise.”
For more detail, refer to the complete list of winning beaches.
