Think of the most idyllic holiday destinations, and perhaps sandy shores spring to mind. While far-flung destinations like the Caribbean and Thailand hold bucket-list top spots, the best beaches in Europe get our editors’ votes as soon as spring comes around. From Mijorn’s “too good to photograph” sunsets to Fteri’s quiet surroundings, these European beaches are some of the most memorable destinations we’ve been to. Plus we’ve added our favorite places to stay, from romantic hotels to kitsch Airbnbs, so you can make the most of your visit to one of the best beaches in Europe. Add our favorite beaches in Europe to your 2026 travel agenda to see the corners of the world we’ll be returning to time and time again. A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.…