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Europe's Most Sizzling Beaches to Visit This Summer

Lampedusa, Italy's Beach of the Rabbits, recognized for its vibrant turquoise waters, triumphantly secures the top spot among Europe's most acclaimed beaches.

European Beaches to Captivate This Summer's Sun-Seekers
European Beaches to Captivate This Summer's Sun-Seekers

Europe's Most Sizzling Beaches to Visit This Summer

As the summer holidays approach, there's a growing interest in water-based vacation destinations that offer scenic beaches, clean waters, and a great atmosphere. Holidaymakers are seeking spots with easy access, making it easier than ever to find the perfect beach getaway.

One such destination is Woolacombe Beach in Devon, UK. This expansive sandy beach boasts a long shoreline, making it an ideal spot for water sports. The area is well-equipped with tourist infrastructure, reflected in the high number of positive reviews it has received.

In Wales, Traeth Mwnt offers a different kind of charm. Situated in a protected cove with views of Cardigan Bay, this small beach is characterised by a chapel above the beach, steep grassy slopes, and adjacent hiking trails.

Holidu, a popular holiday rental platform, has compiled a ranking of the top-rated beaches in Europe for 2025. The list is based on publicly accessible Google Maps data, combining average ratings and the number of reviews.

Spain's Playa de Cofete, a remote, kilometer-long beach with strong waves and no tourist infrastructure, features on the list. Similarly, Playa de Mataleñas, located in a steeply indented bay near Santander, is accessible by stairs and is popular with bathers due to its sheltered location.

Southern Europe is well-represented on the list, with well-known beaches such as Simos Beach in Elafonisos, Greece, and Praia da Adraga in Portugal, both earning high ratings. Simos Beach consists of two half-moon-shaped bays with fine sand and clear waters, while Praia da Adraga is nestled in the coastal landscape of the Serra de Sintra and offers striking rock formations and direct road access.

Italy's Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa and Cala Mariolu in Sardinia also make the list. Spiaggia dei Conigli is located within a nature reserve and is known for its clear waters and fine sand, while Cala Mariolu is a rocky cove with turquoise waters, accessible partly by boat or steep paths.

Barafundle Bay in Wales, UK, is another highly-rated beach, accessible only by a coastal path and tucked away between cliffs and dunes. Its natural surroundings consistently earn positive reviews.

Interestingly, the state authorities responsible for monitoring and protecting water quality at beaches in Europe vary by country. For example, in Greece, major water quality oversight is conducted by state-owned entities such as EYDAP (Athens) and EYATH (Thessaloniki).

Woolacombe Beach, despite its popularity, earns positive reviews due to its spaciousness. These top-rated beaches offer the perfect combination of natural beauty, amenities, and cleanliness, making them must-visit destinations for any water-lover this summer.

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