With the winter nights seeming never-ending and miserable January on the horizon, what better time than now to plan a soul-replenishing, mid-winter jaunt to a beach in the sunny Mediterranean?
The folks at Conde Nast Traveller have done just that. Their latest guide to the best beaches in Europe for 2025 are sure to stir up nostalgia for those summer months.
When planning where to go, the Greek islands are undeniably a top spot. In fact, if you want to lose yourself in the rolling blue of the Ionian Sea then look no further than Fteri beach in Kefalonia.
Dubbed by Traveller as the best beach in Europe for seclusion-seekers, this sandy strip of shoreline is something out of a dream. Pristine shoreline set against rugged, white clifftops, clear, turquoise water and luxury superyachts – Fteri beach has everything you want for a quiet and sunny getaway.
The beach is on a secluded cover accessible only via boat or an hour-long hike. Get there early enough and you might just get the beach to yourself.
If small crowds and endless stretches of sand are more your thing then you might want to consider Praia da Comporta in Portugal. Located between the Algarve and Lisbon, Praia offers more than 11 miles of sand, broken up by pockets of exciting restaurants. According to Traveller, there are also countless hotels nearby. They suggest enjoying a long lunch at Comporta Cafe or a fine pina colada at Sublime Beach club before wandering back to your beachside hotel.
Those looking for the best sandless beach day may want to visit Mala Beach in the South of France. The beach sits against the cliffs of Cap d’Ail and is accessible via two staircases. The water is crystal clear and calm and the beach is rarely overcrowded thanks to its relatively hidden signage, according to Traveller. Enjoy an ice-cold glass of wine at La Deserve de la Mala or at Eden Plage Mala. If it’s a day trip you’re after, try the romantic mediaeval town of Eze.
For family-friendly water, check out Akyarlar Bodrum in Turkey or for rugged beauty and meals with a view, perhaps Cala de Deia in Mallorca might sate your appetite. Whatever your desire, there is one beach which cannot be missed.
And that is Corniglia in Cinque Terre, Italy. This gem was voted the best secret swimming hole in Europe by Traveller and it’s not hard to see why. Located at the bottom of a picturesque town in Cinque Terre, this secret bay is hidden at the back of a village. Follow the signs for the marina and venture down the zig-zag steps and you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful spots in the region.
It is such a hidden gem it has no sand or loungers, just crystal clear waters and a magnificent view, which makes it the “best” beach in Europe, according to Traveller.
Travellers can also visit the other centuries-old villages which make up the Cinque Terre. This stunning piece of the Italian Riviera is also home to delicious food and wine, which was once picked from the mountainous hinterlands. Cinque Terre is located in Italy’s Liguria region, a region famous for sauce and pesto and breathtaking cliffs.
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