If you’re looking for a paradisiacal seaside escape this summer, this new ranking might help you choose between Europe’s myriad coastal delights.
Each year, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, releases a list of the world’s top beaches based on reviews left by travellers on their website.
Four European beaches made the top ten of their Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025 – including one that took the top spot.
Here’s where to find the best beaches in Europe for 2025.
This Greek beach was voted the best in the world for 2025
The analysis of Tripadvisor reviews concluded that travellers’ favourite seaside spot in Europe for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete.
The Greek beach is back on the list for the first time in four years, soaring up 23 places to secure the number one spot.
It is famous for its pale pink sand, which one reviewer described as ‘breathtaking’ at sunset.
The beach has shallow lagoons perfect for paddling with children and deeper waters for swimming and snorkelling.
Nature-lovers can take a cool hike in the surrounding forest of cedar trees or spot birds on the sandbanks.
Take scenic clifftop walks along this beach in Portugal
The fifth spot was taken by Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve region.
The beach is known for its sweep of dramatic, ochre cliffs, rising up 70 metres above the sand in some places. A scenic footpath runs along the top with sensational views.
Down by the shore, the six kilometres of golden sands are perfect for sunbathing while beachgoers can take to the sparkling blue waters for swimming and body surfing.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall.
The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Enjoy watersports on this Spanish island beach
Playa de Muro Beach in Mallorca, Spain, came in eighth place. Fringed by pine trees, it is a family-friendly spot with long stretches of golden sand and plenty of options for watersports.
You can easily spend an entire day here, strolling, sunbathing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or swimming in the warm sea.
There are toilets, showers, and lifeguards on duty, and parking is free, or you can arrive by public transportation.
With a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit is between July and August.
Chill out on this Greek island beach in the shoulder seasons
Another Greek coastal spot came in 10th place.
Surrounded by mountains, Myrtos Beach on the island of Kefalonia is the perfect scenic spot for a peaceful beach day.
Travellers recommend taking a dip in the cobalt blue waters or going snorkelling, then grabbing a bite at a coffee shop nearby.
It rarely gets crowded, so there’s plenty of space to hang out and just enjoy the vibe. Visit in the spring from May to June or in early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
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