December 27, 2024, 6:30 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Every year, the organization “European Best Destinations” (EBD) selects the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Very few people know the winner of this year’s ranking for the best beach in Europe.
The days are currently cold and gray, and many people are already dreaming of their next summer vacation somewhere with beautiful beaches, clear water and soft sand. Anyone who thinks they always have to fly to the same destinations in Italy and Greece is mistaken. Because, according to the ranking published last summer by the organization “European Best Destinations” (EBD), the most beautiful beach in Europe is actually somewhere else—and could serve as inspiration for your summer vacation in 2025.
This Is How the Best Beaches in Europe Were Chosen
“European Best Destinations” (EBD) is an organization founded in 2009 that promotes tourism and culture in European cities and regions. It works together with the European Commission’s EDEN network, a platform for exchange in the field of sustainable tourism, as well as with leading global media. For several years now, the organization has held an annual competition for the most beautiful destinations in Europe. The winners are determined by open online voting, in which several hundred thousand people worldwide take part.
The Top 3 Best Beaches in Europe
1. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach, Mellieha, Malta
The first place in the ranking might surprise some, as very few people know the quiet Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach on Malta. Its sustainable tourism, magnificent cliffs, as well as fine, reddish sandy beach are impressive. To reach the secluded sandy shore of Europe’s best beach at the northern end of the island, a considerable descent of over 100 steps is required—but it’s worth it. Those who make it will be rewarded with crystal-clear bathing water, wildflowers, and hiking trails along the cliffs.
2. Monte Clerigo Beach, Aljezur, Portugal
Portugal’s Monte Clerigo Beach is located on the picturesque west coast of the Algarve and impresses with its vast expanses of sand, surrounded by impressive cliffs, as well as a dune landscape. It is the perfect place for those who want to experience breathtaking nature, as well as authentic gastronomy and culture. Also, Aljezur is a hidden gem with a charming settlement of traditional fishermen’s houses, a few bars, and restaurants serving fresh, local seafood.
3. Oludeniz Beach, Fethiye, Turkey
According to the ranking, Oludeniz Beach in Turkey is also one of the best beaches in Europe. It is located on the Turkish Riviera and is also known as the “Blue Lagoon” because of its spectacular, turquoise-colored bay with crystal-clear water. The beach is surrounded by wooded mountains and offers a breathtaking backdrop. The protected lagoon is great for swimming, while the adjacent national park offers numerous hiking trails, as well as nature experiences.
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While some of the beaches listed, such as Porto Timoni on the Greek island of Corfu and Calpe Beach on the Spanish Costa Blanca, are likely to be familiar to most travelers, there were also a few surprises in this year’s ranking. Beaches such as Ksamil in Albania, Oludeniz Beach in Turkey, as well as Malta’s first place in the ranking of Europe’s best beaches are rather unexpected.
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach, Mellieha, Malta
- Monte Clerigo Beach, Aljezur, Portugal
- Oludeniz Beach, Fethiye, Turkey
- Canal d’Amour, Corfu, Greece
- Porto Timoni, Corfu, Greece
- Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife, Spain
- Odeceixe Beach, Aljezur, Portugal
- St Paul’s Bay Beach, Rhodes, Greece
- As Catedrais, Spain
- Calpe Beach, Alicante, Spain
- Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece
- Scialara Beach, Apulia, Italy
- Grado Beach, Italy
- Ksamil Beach, Saranda, Albania
- Vai beach, Crete