Europe's best beaches for 2026 revealed - and two UK spots are among the top

From the French Riviera to Barcelona, a European beach holiday is always a good idea.

But with a wealth of stunning options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.

Do you fancy the secluded paradise of an untouched Greek island? Or are you more partial to a buzzing hotspot with plenty of beach bars and restaurants to try?

Whatever your preference may be, it’s certain there will be a fabulous option for you.

TimeOut’s ranking of the best beaches in Europe has been revealed – and it’s a great list to keep you informed of the top options for your next trip.

The top 14 beaches on the continent have been listed – and the shortlist includes two UK spots.

Here’s the full list for you to peruse…

1. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal

Praia da Falésia is an immense beach, flanked by a line of high cliffs in strong red colours

Praia da Falésia in Portugal is crowned the best beach in Europe in the list.

It’s often described as Mars-like, for the red shade of the limestone cliffs surrounding the beach.

Stretching for more than six kilometres, it boasts red cliffs and golden sands. It’s especially good for hikers and walkers, with magnificent views.

One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘A unique beach that deserves a visit. Very nice colors, the cliffs are mesmerizing and the ocean very clean. A must in the Algarve, a favourite!’

2. Isola Bella, Taormina, Sicily

The Ionian Sea and the island of Isola Bella are impressive from the viewpoints in Taormina

Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’, Isola Bella in Taormina is famed for its beauty and pebble beach.

The unique spot is in one of Sicily’s most magnificent, coveted areas is reachable by cable car or steps, and can be hard to get to during high tide.

The small tidal island has received much acclaim over the years, and in recent times has racked up even more popularity thanks to many sharing videos and photographs of the beach on social media.

3. St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes, Greece

St Paul’s Bay is a picturesque beach on the Greek island that draws in many visitors

St Paul’s Bay in Rhodes, Greece takes spot number three on the list.

Situated at the foot of the Acropolis in Rhodes with a view of the rock face, it’s near the city’s old town and is well worth a visit.

One visitor said it’s the ‘dream beach’, especially during the low season, and it’s been hailed as a great snorkel spot.

4. Sant Sebastià, near Barcelona, Spain

The beach, Town Hall and Mount Urgull in San Sebastián near Barcelona

Coming in fourth place is Sant Sebastià, near Barcelona, Spain, one of the longest sandy beaches in the area.

It’s known for having an especially lively ambience, with water sports available.

Be warned, though – Sant Sebastià has a nudist area. If that’s not your cup of tea, make sure to steer clear of that part.

5. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, south Wales is the first UK spot to make the list

Rounding out the top five is Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, one of the UK’s most-loved beaches.

Often described as having ‘views reminiscent of the Caribbean’, it has a beautiful green backdrop, turquoise waters and a golden sandy shore that mirrors what you might find on a tropical island.

The sheltered curve of golden sand is a favourite among Brits, and it’s easy to see why.

6. Arco Magno, Calabria, Italy

Arco Magno’s natural rock arch and its small sea lagoon in Italy

Next up is Arco Magno, situated in Calabria, Italy, which comes in sixth place.

The beach, in the town of San Nicola Arcella, has a limestone arch and hidden pebble beach on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

With a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, it’s clear visitors are impressed, with one writing: ‘Not surprisingly considered one of the 10 beaches in Italy. To get there, there is a path a bit tortuous… but it is worth it, beautiful to the eye, beautiful sea and opportunity to take many beautiful photos. If you pass by San Nicola Arcella do not miss this.’

7. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

Pink sands are the defining feature of Elafonissi Beach, located in Crete, Greece

Coming in seventh place is Elafonissi Beach, world-famous because of its pink sand and crystal-clear water, having been described as ‘the Maldives of Europe’ by several reviewers.

Luckily, it’s easy to get to, as Brits can fly to Chania Airport in Crete, a 90-minute drive from the beach – from just £44 with Ryanair.

Reviews praise the beach as ‘one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world’ and ‘the icing on the cake called Crete’.

8. Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia

The distinctive shape and crystal-clear Adriatic Sea of Zlatni Rat beach

The stunning Zlatni Rat (meaning Golden Horn) beach is number eight on the list.

Its unusual shape contributes to its wide appeal, and it is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, or even beach volleyball.

There are also a number of restaurants dotted along the shore, improving the ease of your visit and providing you with access to any of the refreshments you might require while soaking up some rays.

9. Stokksnes Beach, Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland

The Vestrahorn mountain range and Stokksnes beach in Iceland

Unlike most of the other beaches on this list, Stokksnes Beach in the Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland, takes spot number nine.

It’s a black sand beach, giving it a dramatic atmosphere, and is known for the mirror reflections of ‘Batman Mountain’ (Vestrahorn) in the water.

The beach is also a popular location for photographing the Northern Lights, so could be one to add to your bucket list.

10. Voidokilia Beach, Messinia, Greece

Voidokilia Beach in Messinia, Greece rounds out the top 10 in the list

Voidokilia Beach in Messinia, Greece comes in 10th place – and photographs make it easy to see why.

Located along the Navarino coast, the unspoiled beach features a dramatic landscape and clear waters.

One rave review on Tripadvisor reads: ‘This is pure, untouched seaside tourism… a unique and memorable place, perfect for breathtaking photos and a special experience.’

11. Plage Notre Dame, Porquerolles, France

The famous Notre Dame beach (Plage Notre-Dame) on Porquerolles Island

Plage Notre Dame on the Porquerolles Island in France takes spot number 11 on the list.

It’s been ranked as one of the best Mediterranean islands to visit during the summer, and is often hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

With fine sand, turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s an uncrowded paradise.

12. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain

Macarella beach has a beautiful seaside landscape, white cliffs and turquoise sea

Cala Macarella, located on Menorca’s southern coast, takes spot 12 in the ranking.

A cove surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, the beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

But its turquoise waters and pine-lined cliffs draw in large crowds of tourists – and it has been voted one of the most crowded beaches in Europe.

13. Haukland Beach, Lofoten, Norway

Haukland beach in the summer, in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

Haukland Beach in Lofoten, Norway is the 13th beach to make the list of the best beaches in Europe.

In fact, Haukland Beach is so special it made Lonely Planet’s list of the 100 best beaches in the world, it was reported.

The guide described the spot as ‘a blinding stretch of luscious sand’, adding: ‘The sea doesn’t really creep higher than around 59F (15C) and that’s in August, but the spectacular natural setting still makes this one of the most unbelievably beautiful spots among Norway’s thousands of beaches.’

14. Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England

Kynance Cove beach in Cornwall has long been a favourite among Brits

Best beaches in Europe