Date of publication 02/08/2017
Beach Tourism Discover Europe's 5 Best Beaches
Discover the 5 best beaches in Europe and add this experience to your next trip.
Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
The sunlit shores of Elafonissi Beach, an unusual paradise in the remote southwestern corner of Crete, invite exploration. Surrounded by pink-hued sand created over time by crushed shells and coral, Elafonissi’s distinctive setting is a true Mediterranean treasure. Take in this natural wonder and stay at one of the Iberostar hotels in Crete, offering everything visitors look for during their time on the Greek island.
A natural paradise in the Elafonissi lagoon
The clear, shallow waters of the lagoon make it possible to wade across to the islet, home to a protected nature reserve filled with striking rock formations and more than a hundred plant species. Its exotic scenery and calm, refreshing waters place Elafonissi among the finest beaches in Crete. A haven for both nature lovers and beach enthusiasts, Elafonissi offers an experience that stays with visitors of all ages. To extend the magic of this corner of Crete, a hotel with a pool in Crete such as Iberostar Selection Creta Marine is an ideal choice, bringing together relaxation and nature in one trip.
Sveti Nikola, Montenegro
Along the striking Adriatic coastline, Sveti Nikola stands out as one of the most remarkable spots on Montenegro’s Budva Riviera. Just under a mile from the charming old town of Budva, the uninhabited island of Sveti Nikola stretches for about 1.2 miles, making it the largest in Montenegro. Although it is popular with visitors exploring the country’s coastline, much of the island remains untouched. Staying at our spa hotel in Budva allows you to make the most of your time in this destination.
The island of three beaches off Budva
With a landscape defined by dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and exceptionally clear waters, Sveti Nikola is a wonderful option for a day trip from Budva. Visitors can relax on the island’s three sandy beaches, swim in aquamarine waters, discover quiet coves, and spot rare bird species. Accessible only by boat, the island is just a short ride from Budva and well worth including in any visit to this distinctive stretch of coast.
Practice yoga and water sports
This sunlit coastline, backed by a gentle pine forest, makes Playa de Muro a natural setting for sunbathing, swimming, or even a quiet yoga session by the sea. After unwinding, visitors can choose from a wide range of nearby activities. Dolphin watching, water sports, horseback riding, snorkeling, and sailing all shape the rhythm of days here, where there is always something to explore. It is no coincidence that a beachfront hotel in Mallorca such as the Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro is located here, placing everything just a few steps from the sand.
Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
The sun-soaked shore backed by a lovely pine forest makes Playa de Muro the ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, or yoga getaways. And after unwinding a bit, visitors can choose from a variety of activities offered nearby. Between dolphin watching, water sports, horseback riding, snorkeling, and sailing, excitement is the only option on beautiful Playa de Muro.
Bolonia Beach, Cádiz, Spain
Along the Strait of Gibraltar, in the municipality of Tarifa and near the coastal town of Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain, the wild, windswept shores of Bolonia Beach offer much more than a place to soak up the sun. Facing the Moroccan city of Tangier directly across the water, the beach lies within the Strait Natural Park, benefiting from the protection and sense of calm that come with its preserved setting. Its largely undeveloped coastline, with clear blue waters and sugar-white sand, makes it one of Spain’s most pristine natural beaches. Iberostar has two excellent hotels in Cádiz, where every detail is designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Dunes, Roman ruins, and waves for surfers in Cádiz
Bolonia is known for its beautiful dunes and is also home to the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, one of the most important and best-preserved archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula. If ancient history and secluded shores are not enough, the wind and waves also make Bolonia Beach a great choice for adventurous surfers visiting this remarkable setting of dunes and surrounding cliffs. After a day spent out on the water, Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus, an all-inclusive hotel in Cádiz, offers an easy place to recharge and relax.
Corralejo Beach, Fuerteventura, Spain
Once a simple fishing village, Corralejo has become one of the most beautiful natural areas in Spain’s Canary Islands. Its clear turquoise waters and broad, unspoiled beach stretch alongside the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, a protected area on the island of Fuerteventura. The scenery invites nature lovers to explore its quieter stretches of coastline and take in distinctive island views. Iberostar offers some of the best hotels in Fuerteventura, where you can leave everyday concerns behind and enjoy a few restful days by the sea.
Nature and fun for the whole family
With excellent conditions for a range of water sports, adventurous travelers can also enjoy activities such as surfing and windsurfing along Corralejo’s shores. Nature lovers can take a short ferry ride to nearby Lobos Island, a protected nature reserve known for its remarkable biodiversity, just 15 minutes from Corralejo. With something to suit every kind of beachgoer, Corralejo is a wonderful destination for the whole family to enjoy. To make the experience even more complete, Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace offers all the comforts needed for a relaxing stay, whether traveling as a couple or with children.