a sandy beach next to a body of water

Date of publication 02/08/2017

Holidays

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.

<h2>Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece</h2>

<p>The <strong>knee-deep and crystal clear waters of the lagoon</strong> make it possible to wade across the water to the island where a protected nature reserve lies, full of interesting rock formations and over a hundred species of plants. The exotic scenery and cool, shallow waters make Elafonissi one of the top beaches in beautiful <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/crete" target="_blank">Crete</a>.<strong> A heaven for naturalists and <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/inspiration-guide/travel/beach-tourism-8-destinations-beachgoers-know" target="_blank">beachgoers</a> alike, </strong>Elafonissi delivers an undeniably memorable experience for visitors of all ages.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Sveti Nikola, Montenegro</h2>

<p>Along the magnificent shores of the Adriatic,<strong> Sveti Nikola is one of the most striking jewels along Montenegro&rsquo;s Budva Riviera.</strong> Only one kilometer from the charming old town of <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/budva" target="_blank">Budva</a>, the uninhabited Sveti Nikola is Montenegro&rsquo;s largest island, stretching two kilometers in length. While quite popular among visitors to Montenegro&rsquo;s gorgeous coastline,<strong> most of the island still remains wild. </strong>And staying in our <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/budva/iberostar-bellevue">hotel with spa in Budva</a>, you&#39;ll get the most of your holidays.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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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.

<h2>Sveti Nikola, Montenegro</h2>

<p>Boasting a remarkable landscape of <strong>soaring cliffs, lush greenery, and extraordinarily clean waters,</strong> Sveti Nikola is a fantastic option for a day trip from Budva. Here, visitors can sunbathe on the island&rsquo;s three sandy beaches, swim in aquamarine waters, explore secluded coves, and admire rare bird species. Only accessible by boat, the island is just a short ride from Budva and <strong>a must-see for visitors on this unique coastline.</strong></p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/majorca" target="_blank">Majorca</a> earns its name as one of Europe&rsquo;s top dream destinations, and <strong>the spectacular Playa de Muro might just be Majorca&rsquo;s best beach. </strong>Its picturesque coastline characterized by soft white sand and sparkling blue water provides a luxurious and relaxing escape into paradise. <strong>Perfect for long walks by the sea, </strong>its shallow waters also allow swimmers to wade quite far out beyond the beach.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain</h2>

<p>The sun-soaked shore backed by a lovely pine forest makes Playa de Muro the ideal setting for <strong>sunbathing, swimming, or yoga getaways.</strong> 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, <strong>excitement is the only&nbsp;option on beautiful Playa de Muro.</strong></p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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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.

<h2>Playa de Bolonia, Cadis, Spain</h2>

<p>Along the Strait of Gibraltar in the municipality of Tarifa and close to the coastal village of <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/chiclana" target="_blank">Chiclana de la Frontera</a>, Spain,<strong> the wild and windswept shores of Playa de Bolonia offer much more than a paradise for sunbathers.</strong> Facing the Moroccan city of Tangier directly across the water, the beach forms part of Estrecho Natural Park, enjoying the preservation and tranquility that come with it. <strong>The largely undeveloped coastline of clear blue water and sugar-white sand forms one of Spain&rsquo;s most pristine and untouched natural beaches. </strong>Iberostar has 2 greats <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/cadis">hotels in Cadis</a> where you will be taken care of in the best way possible.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Playa de Bolonia, Cadis, Spain</h2>

<p>Bolonia is well known for its beautiful sand dunes and also home to the<strong> Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia,</strong> one of the most important and well-preserved archaeological excavations on the Iberian Peninsula. And if ancient history and secluded shorelines aren&rsquo;t enough,<strong> the wind and waves make Bolonia Beach a nice surfing spot for adventure seekers</strong> visiting this remarkable landscape of sand dunes and surrounding cliffs.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Corralejo Beach, Fuerteventura, Spain</h2>

<p><strong>Once a simple fishing village, Corralejo now stands out as one of the most beautiful natural gems of Spain&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/canary-islands" target="_blank">Canary Islands</a>.</strong> Its transparent turquoise water and wide, unspoiled beach push up against <strong>the Dunes of Corralejo Natural Park, </strong>a protected area on Fuerteventura Island. The stunning scenery invites nature lovers to wander its isolated shores and admire <strong>unique landscapes.&nbsp;</strong>Iberostar offers the<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/fuerteventura">best hotels in Fuerteventura</a></strong>, where you can set your worries aside and enjoy a perfect few days&rsquo; rest.</p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.

<h2>Corralejo Beach, Fuerteventura, Spain</h2>

<p>With<strong> good conditions for a variety of water sports,</strong> adventure buffs will enjoy activities like surfing or windsurfing along the shores of Corralejo as well. For the nature lovers, a short ferry ride takes visitors to nearby <strong>Lobos Island, </strong>a nature preserve known for its impressive biodiversity just fifteen minutes from Corralejo. Offering activities for every type of beachgoer, <strong>Corralejo is an excellent destination that the whole family can enjoy. </strong></p>

<p>RACHEL GRAF&nbsp;I 31/07/2017</p>

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.