Europe’s best beaches: our top picks for 2026
- By Simpson Travel
- 28 Jan 2026
- Where to go
Southern Europe is simply unbeatable for a summer beach holiday. Corsica’s chic ports and pristine, powder-soft beaches are breathtaking, while Crete charms with its sheer variety, from the other-worldly beauty of Xerokambos to world-class windsurfing at Palekastro. Sivota seduces with wild beaches and peacock-blue sea; for sandy strands, pebble coves and turtle spotting, it has to be Zakynthos. All of the above are perfect for families, and if you’re after somewhere especially child-friendly, Île de Ré is utterly idyllic while the Algarve is a brilliant all-rounder for couples, groups and kids of all ages.
To enjoy the beaches to the full, we recommend picking a villa within walking distance or a short drive of the beach. See our recommendations for each area below.
1) Porto Vecchio, Corsica
The sublime coastline between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in Corsica’s Grand Sud is a unique mix of Caribbean-style beaches and discreet celebrity yacht spots where the paparazzi-shy can moor offshore in the island's signature sapphire seas. Little ones love the shallow water and silky-soft sand, while older kids and parents have a choice of watersports to enjoy.
Best for: gently-shelving sand and sapphire seas; family fun, yacht-spotting, strolling hand in hand
The best beaches around Porto Vecchio
Palombaggia: fine sand, limpid turquoise water and trendy beach restaurants, about 20 minutes north of Porto Vecchio.
Rondinara: a spectacular half-moon bay of white sand, about half way between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.
St Cyprien: gorgeous shallow bay north of Porto Vecchio, with natural shade and several beach restaurants, popular with families.
Recommended villas near the beach around Porto Vecchio
2) East Crete, Greece
The landscape of the east is beautifully rugged, shaped by nature and history rather than tourism. Winding roads skirt mountains dotted with tiny villages and ancient ruins. This region is home to some of Crete’s finest beaches, among them spectacular Xerokambos, palm-fringed Vai, and the 1.5km sands of Kouremenos. To the south sits Makrigialos, a fishing village turned small resort, with its own magnificent sandy beach on the warm Libyan Sea.
Best for: fishing villages and waterfront tavernas; dramatic landscapes, watersports, the warmest of welcomes
The best beaches in Eastern Crete
Xerokambos: a string of smaller beaches lapped by amazingly clear water, with tavernas nearby. About 45 minutes from Palekastro.
Makrigialos: also known as Hani, or Long beach, it's a great family beach with watersports, tavernas and other facilities all nearby.
Kouremenos: take the road out of Palekastro and you'll reach this lovely beach in a couple of kilometres. 1.5km long, popular with windsurfers.
Recommended villas near the beach in Eastern Crete
3) Sivota, Greece
Sivota sits in the unspoilt Epirus region of mainland Greece, on a coastline is punctuated by picturesque harbours, hidden coves and long sandy beaches. Sivota has its own lovely sand-and-pebble beaches, with more to explore on the uninhabited islands offshore. Hire a boat, pack a picnic and potter gently till you find your own perfect spot for lunch and a swim.
Best for: crystalline water and offshore islands; boat hire, watersports, a beautifully natural feel
The best beaches around Sivota
Bella Vraka: a wild and natural beach on Mourtemeno island near Sivota. Get there by kayak or slip on some water shoes and wade across.
Piscina: named for the swimming-pool clarity and blueness of its water. Get there by water taxi or hire your own boat; just remember to pack plenty of water.
Karavostasi: name-checked in The Telegraph as 'one of the best unsung beaches in Europe', 500m of fine sand backed by steep cliffs.
Recommended villas near the beach in Sivota
4) Zakynthos, Greece
Southern Zakynthos has its well-known resorts and Gerakas Beach, a key conservation area in the Mediterranean, synonymous with the Caretta Caretta turtle. Head north however and the coast becomes much less developed; discover stunning Makris Gialos or Xigia, where the bright blue water claims healing powers. Alykes, Alykanas and Psarou have golden sand, and for pristine little coves that are blissfully free of development, the deep, cool waters of Climati and Kremidi are highly recommended.
Best for: cute pebble coves and long sandy beaches; turtle-spotting, the Blue Caves, exploring by boat
The best beaches on Zakynthos
Makris Gialos: stunning spot on the north east coast, with clear, deep water for excellent snorkelling. Cliffs and sea caves add a sense of drama.
Caretta Caretta turtle: often spotted in the waters around Zakynthos, and even in the harbour in Zakynthos Town.
Xigia: three small beaches clustered together on the north east coast. The sulphur in the natural springs offshore makes the sea slightly opaque and incredibly bright blue.
Recommended villas near the beach in Zakynthos
5) Île de Ré, France
With 100km of unspoilt coastline, a sunny micro-climate, just ten delightful villages and a fabulous foodie culture, Île de Ré suits those in search of low-key elegance and old-fashioned charm. The best way to get around the island is by bike, with numerous dedicated cycle routes connecting its beautiful beaches. The most popular island beaches are found on the sandy south coast, with plenty of watersports available.
Best for: fabulous seafood and chic seaside villages; soft sand, watersports, bucket-and-spade nostalgia
The best beaches on Île de Ré
Plage de Trousse Chemise: a local favourite, with a dreamy, desert-island feel and lovely natural shade in the woodland behind.
Plage de la Cible: an excellent family choice near the harbour in Saint Martin. There's a sailing school and a restaurant, with lots more eateries available in town.
Plage des Gollandières: with plenty of activities for children and a lively summer holiday buzz, this is a top family option near Le Bois Plage village.
Recommended villas near the beach on Île de Ré
6) The Algarve, Portugal
One of Europe's most recognisable coastlines, the Algarve delivers fine sandy beaches backed by ochre-yellow cliffs, sea stacks and rock archways that stand testament to the power of nature. The east and central areas are where you'll find the luxury resorts, golf courses and fantastic family-friendly activities, whilst heading west towards the Spanish border are more traditional towns and stunning island beaches connected to the mainland via ferries.
Best for: active holidays and spectacular coastal scenery; luxury resorts, character towns, blissful beaches
The best beaches on the Algarve
Praia de Carvoeiro: a classic Algarve beach below Carvoeiro village with cliffs on either side and well serviced by restaurants, beach shops and cafes.
Praia da Marinha: located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, this beach is accessed via steep cliff steps but well worth the effort of getting there.
Praia Grande: a short walk from Ferragudo village, this lovely family beach has a sheltered position at the mouth of the Arade river, which means calm water as well as wide views of the Portimão skyline
Recommended villas near the beach on the Algarve
Looking for more beach inspo? Take a look at the full list of our villas near the beach or browse all beach holidays.
