Top 10 best public beaches in Europe

Lots of tourists love travelling around Europe as there are so many things that you can see and experience. But one of the best things to do that you should absolutely cross off your bucket list is to visit Europe’s top beaches. Prefer sandy or pebble? Not sure where to start? No worries. Here is the list of the 10 best public beaches in Europe (+ nearby campsite) you simply need to go. Thus, many campsites in Europe have prime seaside locations and therefore often have their own stretch of beach. What could be better? 

Pasjača Beach is a small, hidden sand and gravel beach in the Konavle region, in southern Croatia. It is situated below the Konavle cliffs where it meets the Adriatic Sea forming a narrow sandy-gravelly coastal strip of unique beauty. It is one of the prettiest beaches in the country. Although its gravelly sand and pebbly bottom might not be the best for your feet, it adds some charm to the natural beauty of the area. However, not many people go here because of the steep path that makes this shorefront challenging to reach. But it is really worth it! 

We recommend to stay in Autocamp Trstenica And Apartments Kate. The campsite is located in a very calm and peaceful neighborhood, just above the gorgeous, main sandy beach in the shade of pine trees. You can relax on the terrace which is surrounded by a traditional Mediterranean garden. 

Nerja is a municipality located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. It is most known for its sandy beaches, natural underwater caves, and hidden coves. Burriana Beach is an energetic beach offering boat rentals, kiosks, lifeguards, plus a promenade with many eateries and shops.

It is also well-known as an excellent spot for practising water sports. Though Burriana Beach might be the most famous, the other beaches in Nerja offer other amazing experiences. For example, Maro Beach offer waterfalls and underwater caves. Thus, the crystal clear, deep waters of Las Calas del Pino Beach are sure to invite snorkelers and divers alike.

We recommend to stay in nearby Camping El Pino. The campsite offers stays in pitches, cottages, and bell tents. 

Nugal Beach is an all-nude beach on the Makarska riviera in Croatia, between the towns of Makarska and Tučepi . Situated in a pebbled bay surrounded by steep cliffs, the beach is only accessible by foot following a stony path along the coast from Makarska or Tučepi. Its pebbly shores are hidden from the view and offer absolute privacy. You will love the peace and tranquillity that you will experience on this beach. But it is recommended to come prepared as there are no facilities. It is also a good idea to wear sandals with straps as the beach path can be slippery and rocky.

We recommend to stay in Camping Autocamp Krvavica (8,7 km). It is a small family-owned campsite just 6 km from Makarska. The campsite is surrounded by pine and olive trees. Here you can enjoy quiet evenings on the cosy terrace, and take advantage of an amazing beach nearby with lots of shade and many other facilities. 

This small beach in Girona with clear green-blue water, white sand, and places to eat, drink and dive, is further enhanced by the fact it is one of eight coves – all with various merits (sheltered, natural, nudist and more) strung like charms from the coastal footpath, the Camí de Ronda, below Begur. The path has four sections, and Aiguablava is at the south of the most southerly, linked to neighbouring Fornells and Platja Fonda (secluded at the base of cliff steps).

We recommend to stay in Camping Mas Sant Josep, which is some 32 km away. It is one of the best campsites in Spain, has a huge swimming pool area, and offers stays in mobile homes, tents and spacious pitches.

Traditionally this was a nudist beach, although, with the passing of years, its use by other visitors has increased. It is noted for its tranquillity and still retains many unspoilt areas. Of course, it has the minimum services necessary, including a beach bar. Cars cannot reach as far as the beach. For this reason, you will have to leave your car on the road that leads to the chapel of Santa Cristina, then walk along for just over 200 metres. With rocky areas that link the sand and the sea at various points, the beach of Sa Boadella is about 250 metres long and about 40 metres at its widest point. And, it has been awarded a blue flag. 

We recommend to stay in Camping La Masia, which is just about 8 kilometres away. Camping La Masia is a pleasant medium-sized family campsite with numerous facilities. Thus, it is only a few minute walk to the beautiful sandy beach S'Abanell too, and the bustling centre of Blanes. Although the sea is close by, the site has two large swimming pools with separate children's pools.

It takes a good couple of hours to walk from one end of soft, sandy Praia da Falésia to the other. Fortunately, the route has plenty of excellent beachside bars and seafood restaurants to keep you going. Fresh sardines and cold beer are not the only reason to dally, however. At low tide, it is possible to hunt for conquilhas (small clams) in the shallows. White sand lilies flower at the base of the beach’s distinctive, burnished-red cliffs. Water sports lovers can check out the surf schools at the eastern end of the beach.

We recommend to stay in Camping Albufeira (15 km), which offers pitches, cottages, and mobile homes.

It is a less crowded and a very beautiful beach in Budva . It is located near the old town and during the peak summer season, this picturesque beach gets extremely crowded, though slightly less busy than its sister beach, Mogren 1. The view of Mogren 2 is backed by rugged mountains, with transparent waters and a fine pebble-strewn coastline dotted with sun loungers. You will also find cafés, terraces and changing booths on site. For a change of scenery, you can swim to the right of the beach where the rocky seabed is or go snorkelling in the shallow waters where you can get a glimpse of marine life. A word of advice: swimming shoes are recommended to protect your feet from sharp rocks and sea urchins.

We recommend Camping Maslina (21 km). The campsite provides 100-120 pitches and is ideally positioned in peaceful area, between the beach (200m) and the regional road (200m). 

Bolonia beach is located in the coastal village of Bolonia in Cadiz province of southern Spain. It is one of the most beautiful wild beaches in Spain with an idyllic view of the San Bartolome mountains. The coffee-coloured sand and turquoise waters will make you fall in love with this place for sure. While you are on the shorefront, make sure to visit Baelo Claudia’s ruins, an ancient Roman town founded at the end of the 2nd century BC.

We recommend to stay in Camping Valdevaqueros (12 km), which is situated in a privileged location that makes it ideal for many different sports activities as well as for pleasant relaxation on the site. Thus, the city of Tarifa has two beautiful natural parks, a nature reserve and the “Los Alcornocales” National Park, a hilly complex with the largest cork oak forest in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world. 

Numana Alta Beach is located in the coastal town of Numana in the Ancona province. It is one of two beaches in Numana. Numana Alta Beach has two bays that you can visit: Spiaggiola Beach and the friars and the beach at Numana Bassa. You will have the perfect views of the sea and mountains from either bay. The waters in Numana Alta Beach are usually calm. You can also visit the beach clubs around if you just want to relax on sun loungers under umbrellas.

Camping Numana Blu is located just 6 kilometres away from the beach and offers pitches, cottages, sports facilities and a huge swimming pool area. 

Positano main beach is just a postcard material beach. It is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan of all those on the Amalfi Coast. Along the large, three hundred meters long beach, which lies almost directly opposite the archipelago of Li Galli, there is a string of restaurants and bars and a famous discotheque (Music On the Rocks). It is easy to see why the beach has become the focus of the town's social life, where the locals come to mingle with the world's celebrities and tourists. The beach has two bathing establishments and a free area, from where excursions along with the coast and shuttle boats to the nearby bays depart.

We recommend to stay in Villaggio Camping Nettuno (25 km). The campsite is located on the beach in the middle between Sorrento and Amalfi coast, a few miles from Sorrento, Capri and Positano in Marina del Cantone - Nerano bay. The village can provide different kinds of accommodation: mobile homes, a residence, and apartments in ancient “Saracen” towers.