Top 10 European Beaches
Cruise Circle
Top 10 European Beaches - From stylish spots to scenic wonders
1. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
Framed by sheer limestone cliffs covered in luscious greenery, be sure to appreciate the dramatic natural beauty of Myrtos from the clifftops before winding your way down the steep hillside to reach the beach itself. A beautiful white-pebble bay awaits, lapped by the warm Ionian sea, which shimmers in almost every shade of blue.
2. Étretat Beach, Normandy
Explore the iconic white chalk cliffs of Étretat, where wild rock formations and needle-like structures soar from the sea. Bordered by a pebbled beach and home to a pretty little seaside town of the same name, it’s a must-see when making port in Le Havre.
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3. Balos, Crete
Just a little over an hour away from the popular port stop of Chania, lies a genuine piece of Greek Island paradise. Balos’ warm, lagoonal waters are met with soft, powder-white sands that could put the Caribbean to shame. Not to mention the area’s incredible natural beauty, framed by rocky headlands with views across the lagoon and out to Gramvousa Island.
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4. Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands
Haukland’s long stretch of pearly-white sand, turquoise sea and spiny jade mountains is just a 10-minute drive from Leknes. Whether you’re basking in the glow of the midnight-sun or witnessing the majestic northern lights, few spots can top this Arctic paradise.
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5. Zlatni Rat, Brac, Croatia
Translating to ‘golden horn’, Zlatni Rat (accessible from Split) owes its name to the 400m-long tongue of tiny golden pebbles and sand that stretch out into the Adriatic sea. Found on the beautiful Dalmatian Island of Brac, it constantly changes shape and colour thanks to the effects of winds and tides.
See all cruises that stop in Split, Croatia
6. Marina Grande Beach, Positano
The seascapes of glamorous Positano are among Amalfi’s most iconic. Marina Grande Beach is a brochure staple for Italy holidays and one of the most coveted stretches of coast in the world. Surrounded by soaring cliffs and chic boutiques, grab your favourite sunglasses and get ready for a taste of la dolce vita.
See cruises that go to the Amalfi Coast
7. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica
Paradise is well and truly found on this 3km curling cove, and despite the beach’s popularity, there’s little trace of tourism. Powder-soft sands shelve into crystal-clear cerulean blue waters, whilst fascinating rock formations and silky smooth boulders accessorise the sea. Snorkelling here is a must.
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8. Luskentyre, The Isle of Harris
It’s almost hard to believe that this beach isn’t from a tropical island in the South Pacific, but tucked away in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Crystalline waters meet expansive, golden low-tide sands – it’s just the water temperature that’ll remind you it’s the UK!
See cruises that stop in Stornoway
9. Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
Literally translating to ‘stairs of the Turks’, Scala dei Turchi has been subject to a barrage of Turkish pirate invasions, with raiders historically making the most of the natural limestone staircase. Photography enthusiasts will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven as jaw-dropping scenes of (what is best described as) a mammoth meringue unfold in every direction.
See cruises that stop in Sicily
10. Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria
Swap limestone stairs for rolling dunes at one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic natural landmarks. Maspalomas golden sand dunes cover a total of 400 hectares – you’ll feel like you’re making your way across the Sahara as you navigate this otherworldly oasis.
