The most beautiful beaches in Europe can be found in the Mediterranean. Some are larger and have throngs of visitors, some and small and tucked away, hidden from view to most tourists. To see the best spots, the best way is to go by boat and discover the continent’s natural beauty off the beaten path. Share the experience with a group of friends or family and have a vacation you won’t soon forget. If you are looking for some new sensations where the sand color is the main attraction, discover some of the black sand beaches we definitely recommend visiting.
We’ve rounded up the most beautiful beaches in Europe for you to explore by boat:
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10. Explore the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe and Start with Podrače Beach in Croatia
A drive from Split airport, Podrače beach is one of Croatia’s most beautiful. A little further from the Dalmatian Coast’s most popular spots, this quieter spot attracts visitors and locals alike.
Highlights
- Turquoise waters
- Rocky coastline
- Pine tree surroundings
How to get there
- Book your boat in Croatia
- Fly to Split, and drive down the gorgeous Brela Coast.
9. Navagio Beach – Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach is an open cove off Zakynthos, one of the southernmost Ionian Islands in Greece. The site of Greece’s most famous shipwreck in 1980, there’s plenty of local history – and lore – to explore.
Highlights
- White sands
- Gorgeous limestone gravel surroundings
- Clear blue waters
How to get there
- Book your boat in Zakynthos
- This beach is only accessible by boat
8. Elafonisi, Crete
Located on the southwestern edge of one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands, Elafonsi is famous for its pink hue, thanks to the broken seashells that line its edge. Part of a protected nature reserve, the beach is a perfect place to relax.
Highlights
- Clear blue-green waters
- Pinkish sands
- Shallow depths, perfect for a half-dip
How to get there
- Fly to Crete (airport Iraklio or Chania)
- Rent your boat in Crete and visit this amazing beach.
7. Cala Gat Rajada, Mallorca
On the eastern end of one of Spain’s most famous islands is Cala Gat Rajada, a beautiful beach area with plenty of local flavors to explore.
Highlights
- Lively harbor of Cala Ratjada
- Clear, calm waters
- Shallow water
How to get there
- Fly into the Palma airport
- Charter a yacht in Mallorca and make your way to the island’s eastern edge.
6. Las Teresitas, Tenerife
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands, La Teresitas has everything to offer visitors: bars, restaurants, paddle rental and more.
Highlights
- Proximity to village of Sant Andrés, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Good sailing winds
- Farms and orchards nearby
How to get there
- Fly into San Cristobal de la Laguna
- Book your boat in Tenerife
5. Lungomare di Cefalù, Sicily
Popular with visitors from Italy and abroad, Celafù is a scenic medieval town with monuments and delicious food to explore.
Highlights
- Shallow, calm waters, ideal for young families
- Clear waters
- Golden sand
How to get there
- Fly to Palermo
- Rent a boat in Sicily
4. Saleccia Beach, Corsica
One of Corsica’s less built-up areas, Saleccia Beach is the perfect place to relax and get away. There are no cafés (as of yet), so bring a snack with you and enjoy the scenery.
Highlights
- Road free area
- Sparse, untouched feel
- A kilometre long
How to get there
- Take a water taxi from Saint-Florent
- or brave the seven hour hike across the Désert des Agriates
- or make it by your own boat in Corsica
3. Blue Lagoon of Ölü Deniz, Turkey
Sail the southwest coast of Turkey and discover the country’s most stunning shorelines. Known for the Blue Lagoon off Ölü Deniz and the surrounding nature reserve, there’s plenty to discover. It definitely deserves its place in the top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Highlights
- Walk the Lycian Way, a footpath starting in Oludeniz with stunning coastal views
- Amazing sandy beach
- Calm waters to enjoy
How to get there
- What about a Gulet in Turkey to explore the area?
- Fly into Dalaman International Airport
2. Praia do Submarino, Portugal
Nestled in Portugal’s beautiful Algarve, the Praia do Submarino features a beautiful landscape and sandy coastline.
Highlights
- Small, hidden quality
- Stunning rock formations
- Calm waters
How to get there?
- Book your boat in Portugal (Portimão)
- Fly to Faro and explore the beauty of the country by sea.
1. Mamula Beach, Montenegro
Located on an islet of the same name, small Mamula Beach offers beautiful views of the Adriatic sea.
Highlights
- Rocky shore
- Deep waters, ideal for diving
- Explore the 19th century fort
How to get there
- By boat, or sail in from larger beaches Zanjic or Mirista.
- Reachable by boat in Kotor