Don’t simmer in jealousy when you see friends travelling to far-flung beaches that boast astoundingly white shores. There are countless in Europe’s very own borders! From Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast to Spain’s many beautiful offerings, you don’t have to travel far to get to beaches that rival that of the Caribbean.
1. Croatia
Make a beeline for the Dalmatian coast of Croatia – that’s where the best white sandy beaches are. One of our favourites lies in Brela: crystal clear waters, blindingly white sands, and fringed by leafy pine trees. You could happily spend your entire holiday here.
2. Turkey
Kaputas beach is just outside of Kalkan, Turkey. It may be small but it’s 150 metres of perfection – its paradise shores have been used in many TV shoots. Butterfly Valley in Fethiye is a close runner up for most beautiful beach. Its resident butterflies are sure to enchant!
3. Portugal
Portugal’s beach Troia is 18 kilometres south of Lisbon. Soft white sands, rolling waves, and frolicking dolphins within eyesight are all par for the course on this beachside heaven. It’s so pretty it’s even beginning to be seen as competition for the Algarve’s famed beaches.
4. Sweden
Sweden isn’t the first place you’d think to go for a beach holiday but Falsterbo near Malmo will change your mind. Bring sunglasses for the glare off the ridiculously white sand! The multicoloured beachside huts make this peaceful spot distinctly Swedish. Plus there are delicious ice cream shops – bonus.
5. Greece
Not only is it located in Kefalonia, the stunning location where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed, but Myrtos beach is often lauded as the best beach in the world, let alone Greece. With the whitest of pebbly shores and bluest of waters, you can easily see why.
6. Formentera
South of the party island of Ibiza lies Formentera. Platja de ses Illetes is Caribbean-like in its surroundings, without the long-haul flight. Curl your toes into soft-white sands and swim in azure waters – it’ll be hard to leave. Grab a towel and claim a spot.
7. Sicily
Rabbit Beach can be found on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa – sans any rabbits. Bleached sands, glassy turquoise waters and deliciously fresh fish restaurants a few steps away, it’s a stripped back beach without any showers or sunbeds. Better to hear those waves rolling in.
8. Corsica
Corsica has plenty of beautiful beaches but Plage de Saleccia will steal all your attention. While secluded and a bit of a trek to get to, the half mile of blindingly white sand and sapphire waters make it worth it. Bring some binoculars to scout the celebrities on the yachts moored off-shore.
9. Majorca
Spain has a wealth of incredible beaches to pick from. Majorca’s in particular attract hordes of sun worshippers. Instead of popular Cala d’Or, head to Es Trenc in Campos. It’s part of the Es Trenc-Solobrar wetland reserve and its unspoilt shores are backed by dunes and tamarind groves.
10. Menorca
Escape the winds so popular with windsurfers in the north of the island and travel to Cala Turqueta. On the southwestern coast of Menorca, the beach is pristine, the blue waters are clear, and its secluded nature is a welcome respite from the crowds.