Travel pros pick Europe’s top sands; only one repeats

Faro, Portugal – Ten seasoned travel insiders reveal the European beaches they return to again and again, from Portugal’s Algarve to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. FARO, Portugal — Europe’s shorelines are famed for postcard-worthy coves, secret inlets and sweeping arcs of sand, yet even frequent fliers struggle to pick a single favorite stretch. To help travelers narrow the choices, 10 veteran travel planners, agents and tour operators compared notes on the sands they believe stand above the rest. Their selections crisscross the continent — from the cliffs of France’s Côte d’Azur to the pine-scented islands of the Balearics — but only one beach earned a double vote: Praia da Marinha in Portugal’s Algarve.

Why Praia da Marinha Tops the List

Portugal’s southern coast has no shortage of alluring coves, yet Praia da Marinha near Lagoa impressed two separate experts. Its honey-colored limestone bluffs form a natural amphitheater that frames vivid turquoise water and photogenic sea stacks. “Many travelers say it’s a must-see,” Bowerson said in the article, pointing to clifftop trails that overlook sandstone arches and hidden grottos. Fellow adviser Georgia Fowkes agreed, adding that Marinha “is a natural amphitheater where the ocean cuts into cliffs,” Fowkes said in the article. Visit at low tide to stroll between tide pools or time a boat excursion for cave-hopping at high tide. Despite its popularity, there are no high-rise hotels on the beach, so the setting remains largely wild.

Calanque d’en Vau, France: A Reward for the Determined

Occupying a narrow inlet near Cassis in southern France, Calanque d’en Vau requires effort. To reach the pebble cove, travelers must hike a rugged coastal path or arrive by small boat. “The scenery is unbeatable: towering limestone cliffs plunging into sparkling turquoise water,” Delia said in the article. Pack water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes; there is no shade and no on-site facilities. The payoff is a swim beneath sheer white walls that glow under the Provençal sun.

West Runton, England: A Year-Round Escape

Closer to home for U.K. travelers, West Runton on Norfolk’s Cromer Ridge mixes sand and smooth gray stones, plus a backdrop of gentle cliffs that invite kite-flying and sunset walks. “West Runton offers total escapism,” Clarke said in the article, citing winter bat-watching and summer rock-pooling as equal draws. Toilets stay open all year, and a seasonal café keeps families fueled between games of beach cricket.

Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Formentera may sit just a quick ferry ride from Ibiza, but its star beach, Platja de Ses Illetes, delivers a blissfully mellow vibe. A thread of ivory sand narrows into the sea, presenting Caribbean-like hues of turquoise and cobalt. “If you stand at some points on the beach, you can see both ends of Formentera,” Ordorica said in the article, praising the mix of barefoot calm and nearby beach clubs. Aim for shoulder season — late May or September — to find warm seas minus the high-summer crowds.

Ramla il-Hamra, Gozo, Malta

Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, shelters Ramla il-Hamra, named for its rust-red sand that glows at sunset. “Gozo is Malta’s smaller, more traditional island — quieter, less built up,” Lamourie said in the article. A pair of modest eateries sit behind the dunes, but strict protection laws prevent further development, leaving the beach almost as Homer’s Odysseus might have seen it from nearby Calypso’s Cave.

Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain: Pines, Cliffs and Aquamarine Seas

Menorca’s south coast is laced with secluded coves, none more coveted than Cala Macarelleta. Travelers follow a coastal footpath where pine needles perfume the air and sudden flashes of aquamarine appear between trees. “The water is so clear you can literally count the fish,” Johnson said in the article. Go early with a towel and sturdy sandals; space on the pale sand disappears quickly by mid-morning in peak season.

San Fruttuoso, Liguria, Italy: A Beach Beside a Monastery

Hidden within Portofino Regional Park, San Fruttuoso combines a tiny crescent of shingle with a 1,000-year-old Benedictine abbey. “Arriving by boat is unforgettable,” Gaia said in the article. Ferries link Camogli, Recco and Portofino, or hikers can tackle a four-hour trail that dips through Mediterranean scrub to the bay. Divers come for the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue, while photographers favor the abbey’s loggia that frames the sea through stone arches.

Zlatni Rat, Brač Island, Croatia: The Shape-Shifting Spit

Perhaps Croatia’s most recognizable strip of sand, Zlatni Rat unfolds like a pale arrow from Brač Island’s south shore, its tip swiveling with wind and currents. “Zlatni Rat is ideal for both swimming and water sports,” Šarić said in the article, noting the cape’s reputation among windsurfers and kitesurfers. A pine wood behind the shingle offers respite from Adriatic sun, and a seaside promenade leads to lively cafés in Bol.

Spiaggia Rosa, Sardinia, Italy: Protected Pink Sands

On the uninhabited isle of Budelli in the Maddalena archipelago, Spiaggia Rosa gains its blush from microscopic shells of miniacina algae. Italian law bans visitors from setting foot on the sand; sightseeing boats linger offshore to preserve the fragile hue. “We glimpsed the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa from the deck of our yacht, an otherworldly brushstroke of color,” Carter said in the article. Even at a distance, the contrast of pastel rose against glass-clear water mesmerizes photographers and sailors alike.

Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early or go off-season. Many of these coves are small; visiting in May, June, September or October helps secure a quieter patch of sand while temperatures still hover in the 20 C range.
• Pack light but smart. Several beaches lack facilities. Bring water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen and collapsible shade if you are trekking in.
• Respect local rules. Spiaggia Rosa prohibits landing, while parts of Calanque d’en Vau and San Fruttuoso sit within protected areas that fine illegal anchoring or littering.
• Combine beach time with hiking. Trails to Calanque d’en Vau, San Fruttuoso and Cala Macarelleta provide panoramic views and help disperse crowds.
• Book boats early. Ferries to San Fruttuoso and Formentera, plus kayak tours at Praia da Marinha, can sell out quickly in midsummer.

FAQs for Sun-Seekers

When is the best time to visit Praia da Marinha?

Late May through early October offers warm water and mostly dry weather. July and August are busiest; aim for September for thinner crowds.

Is Calanque d’en Vau suitable for children?

The hike involves uneven terrain and little shade, so it suits older kids with good footwear. Boat shuttles from Cassis can be a gentler option for families.

Can I stay overnight near Spiaggia Rosa?

No accommodations exist on Budelli Island. Base yourself on nearby La Maddalena or Palau and book a day cruise that detours past the protected cove.

Do I need a car for Menorca’s Cala Macarelleta?

Public buses run to Cala Galdana, from where the signed coastal path reaches Cala Macarelleta. Parking bays fill rapidly in summer, so buses or taxis are recommended.

What water sports are available at Zlatni Rat?

Rental huts offer stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, windsurfing and kite lessons. The prevailing mistral winds peak in the afternoon, perfect for sail-powered thrills.

The Take-Away

Europe’s best sands span dramatic geologies and diverse cultures, yet they share common threads: clear water, striking backdrops and a sense of discovery. Whether you crave the pink blush of Sardinia, the cliff drama of the Algarve or the pine-fringed coves of Menorca, each beach on this insider list promises a journey as memorable as the destination itself. Pack sunscreen, respect local ecosystems and savor the distinctive character that makes every shore — from Faro to Brač — unmistakably European. — as various experts told the original outlet.