European Beaches

There are popular European beaches all over the continent, but some spots are more picturesque than others. Located in countries such as France, Portugal, Italy and Spain, these beach destinations are some of the most scenic places in Europe. Here is a list of the ten best European beaches.

1. Biarritz, France Home to the annual Biarritz Surf Festival, the beaches at Biarritz are some of the best in Europe. Since the town is near the border of France and Spain, elements of both countries can be seen in the local architecture.
2. St. Tropez, France St. Tropez is a well-known celebrity beach destination, so it easily qualifies as one of the best European beaches. Located along the beautiful French Riviera, the area has many restaurants, bars and nightlife attractions for tourists.
3. Marbella, Spain Marbella is a traditional European beach destination, complete with palm trees and oases, but it has layers of luxury. The town has the highest per-capita income in Europe.
4. Cannes, France The European beaches at Cannes, France are another luxurious destination for celebrities and the wealthy. The area is famed for the annual Cannes Film Festival, but it also has everyday luxury with private beaches, lavish parties and imported sand.
5. Salema, Portugal Not as popular as the other spots, the beaches at Salema, Portugal are still one of the best European beach destinations. The restaurants offer freshly caught fish and the town has retained its culture, thanks to the local residents who still reside there.
6. Sorrento, Italy Settled on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento has become a popular European beach resort in recent years. Since the area has remained a small community, there are few thrills here, but the scenic beaches and quiet atmosphere make Sorrento a nice hideaway for tourists who like privacy.
7. Ibiza, Spain Ibiza is one of the best European beaches for visitors that like to party. The nightlife atmostphere is busy here with late-night DJ parties, watersports and street entertainment. The beaches are beautiful in Ibiza, featuring clear water and green vegetation.
8. Mykonos, Greece Jackie Onassis used to visit the European beach town of Mykonos in the 1960s and the area is still attracting some of the elite today. Mykonos has an active nightlife for tourists, but also hosts classical Greek parties featuring local cuisine.
9. Tarifa, Spain Sport enthusiasts will appreciate the beaches at Tarifa, Spain. Noted as one of the windiest beaches in the world, Tarifa is perfect for water sports, including windsurfing. Rock climbers might also like to scale some of the surrounding mountain cliffs.
10. Cefalu, Sicily Cefalu is one of the best European beaches for tourists who want to unwind. The small community has kept its old world charm intact, offering locally caught fish, historical landmarks from the twelfth century and quiet beaches.