Great Beaches in Europe

The Fodor's Community—from our forums, offices, Facebook, and Twitter—has contributed some of their top stretches of sand throughout Europe. Whether you are looking for beauty, nightlife, or even a little history, you'll find many of the favorites in Greece and Spain.

Do you agree with these choices? Share your best European beach experiences in the comments below.

Croatia

"Bol on the island of Brac in Croatia is famous for windsurfing and also has the most beautiful beach in the Adriatic [Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) ]." —Forum's member Robert

"Vis, Croatia. Crystal clear water in a gorgeous setting, with it all to yourself." —Facebook user Laura D.

Greece

"Any beach on Mykonos in Greece. :)" —Facebook user Chelsea S.

"Crete for both nightlife and beauty." —Forum's member sheila

"Rhodes - Lindos is one of the most memorable beaches I have visited (and there have been many!). We took the public bus there from Rhodes Town on several days - you must go there for the beach, village, tavernas, views!" —Forum's member parosblue

France

"I really got a lot out of seeing the beaches at Normandy and imagining myself there on D-Day. What would I have been feeling and seeing. Would I have even survived?" —Facebook user Jo A.

Italy

"Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany is nice." —Fodor's editor Matt_L

"In terms of natural beaches absolutely none of Europes beaches come close to those in the Caribbean, other than those on Sardinia." —Forum's member humptynumpty

Netherlands

"North Holland beaches!" —Facebook user Celia F.

Portugal

"Algarve in Portugal, or Madeira Islands. Very popular beach destinations with European travelers." —Fodor's editor Molly_M

"Nightlife and beaches: central Algarve (Albufeira, Praia da Rocha).Natural beaches: eastern Algarve (Tavira)." —Forum's member MyriamC

Scotland

"Scotland - west coast islands-for everything except guaranteed sun"—Forum's member sheila

Spain

"I could recommend Barceloneta in Barcelona, which is fun for people-watching. Castell in Palamos and Cap de Creus in Cadaques de Palafrugell (both in the Costa Brava of Spain) are also beautiful and well preserved." —Fodor's editor Maria_H

"Tossa de Mar is one of the most beautiful, enchanted, and majestic beaches of Costa Blanca in Barcelona. This beach was made famous by one of the most beautiful women of the world, Ava Gardner from the movie Pandora and the Flying Dutchman." —Facebook user Kyriaki C.

"In terms of nightlife and beaches - Mallorca or Ibiza." —Forum's member humptynumpty

See our Europe Beach Itineraries to start planning your trip.

Photo Credits: Navagio Beach (Smugglers Cove) in Greece by rusmrusm / iStockPhoto, Beach umbrellas in Positano, Italy courtesy Fodor's member Ann Forcier.