16 Unique (And Stunning) Beaches in Europe That Are Truly One-of-a-Kind
With coastlines along the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and beyond, Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From golden stretches of sand to rugged cliff-backed shores, the variety is endless. But while there’s no shortage of stunning beaches, some stand out for being truly unique.
Whether shaped by volcanic activity, lined with dramatic rock formations, or featuring otherworldly colors, these beaches offer something you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a beach experience that’s as fascinating as it is beautiful, these are 16 unique, stunning beaches to add to your list.
16 Most Unique & Stunning Beaches in Europe
1. Sarakiniko Beach, Greece
Sarakiniko Beach on the island of Milos, Greece, is often called a “moonscape” because of its striking white volcanic rock. Shaped by wind and sea over time, the smooth, curving formations look like something straight out of a lunar landscape.
The main beach at Sarakiniko is tucked away in a little inlet, and its shallow, protected waters make for a very relaxing swim.
But that’s just the tip of what you can find in Sarakiniko. The moonlike landscape stretches far in all directions, and you can walk through the undulating shores, finding cool viewpoints and hidden caves.
One of the most popular spots, though, is this curved cliffside – the perfect place for cliff jumping into the warm Mediterranean waters.
2. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara Beach is one of Iceland’s many, many black sand beaches, but it is easily the most iconic, thanks to massive wall of basalt columns on one edge of the beach, and the stark rock stacks just offshore.
The black sand and basalt columns come directly from volcanic rock, and volcano eruptions continue to be a regular occuence in Iceland. The rock formations make for one of the most jaw-dropping views in the country.
This beach is definitely not for swimming, both due to the chilliness of the air and water temperatures (Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle), but also due to the dangerous waves. Known as “sneaker waves”, these waves come hard, strong, and high – it’s important to stay away from the waterline so you don’t get caught off guard and pulled in.
3. Calanque d’En Vau, France
Just outside of Marseille in southern France, Calanques National Park stretches along a stunning coastline filled with unique natural inlets known as “calanques.” These steep limestone formations rise dramatically from the Mediterranean and are all very unique and pretty, but the most iconic of them all is Calanque d’En Vau.
Calanque d’En Vau has a gorgeous beach tucked back in the cliffs, and because of the geography of the land, you can only reach the beach via hiking (with a fairly intense, steep, scambly descent) or via kayaks or canoes from nearby villages.
Still, the effort is absolutely worth it, as you’re rewarded with incredible views surrounded by wild nature.
4. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Elafonissi beach in West Crete is known not only for it’s beauty and turquoise waters, but especially for its distinctive pink sand, one of the few pink sand beaches in the world .
Where does the pink sand come from? Unlike white or black sand beaches, where the sand comes from rock, pink sand is actually from calcified and eroded microorganisms known as foraminifera. These small sea creatures have red shells and are responsible for pink sand beaches around the world.
The geography of the beach is also unusual as it’s lagoon-like with a small islet that you can walk out to. Not only that, but the water at Elafonissi stays quite shallow, keeping the temperature very warm and making for an excellent swimming beach. It is reminiscent of the Maldives and unlike any other beach in Greece I’ve ever visited!
Given it’s stunning beauty and uniqueness, Elafonissi beach gets very busy in the summer months so it is best to get there early if you can.
You can visit Elafonissi from Chania Town which is 75 km away, a beautiful city with so many interesting things to do.
5. Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Praia da Marinha often makes the list of “most beautiful beaches in the world”, and it’s easy to see why! The beach on the Algarve coast is known for its arches and rock formations, and the dramatic and colourful cliffs look even more impressive during sunset!
The beach itself is not very large, but it’s still perfect for swimming on a summer’s day. Most visitors come for a cliff walk instead, though, to fully admire this unique landscape.
Praia da Marinha is also the starting (or end) point of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. This coastal path runs until Carvoeiro and leads past the famous Benagil Cave. In addition to hiking, boat tours along the coast are fantastic, and the views are even more spectacular!
6. Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
If you’re searching for a stunning yet affordable beach getaway in Europe, you should definitely consider adding Sveti Stefan in Montenegro to your travel plans. Located just a short 15-minute drive from Budva, this beautiful destination boasts a distinctive pink beach that serves as a more affordable option to the famous pink Elaffonisi beach in Crete.
Sveti Stefan is also unique for its shape – the beach connects to a small sandbar that is all that connects the island to the mainland. Along one side of the beach, you’ll discover lively beach bars and hotels, with spectacular views of the island and the surrounding Adriatic Sea. On the other side, the beach is quieter, perfect for those looking to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds Sveti Stefan.
Originally, the island was home to a small community consisting of twelve families who lived within the fortress. Today, its a picturesque backdrop to the sea, as the island itself is not open for public exploration,
7. Bamburgh Beach, England
Bamburgh in Northumberland County, England, is where a walk on the pristine white sand will take you back in time. Located along the sleepy village, Bamburgh Beach is filled with rolling dunes, with the charming Bamburgh Castle making an incredibly picturesque backdrop on the beach.
The 6th-century castle is a perfect addition to your beach trip if you are a history lover. If you prefer a bit of adventure, ride the waves and enjoy surfing – this is one of the best surf spots in northeast Europe.
Bamburgh has lots of great amenities, from fishing to surf lessons to ice cream stands – plus itis one of England’s best dog-friendly beaches. This unique beach deserves to be a part of your European itinerary, and it’s easy to reach Northumberland by train from London or Edinburgh.
8. Haukland Beach, Norway
Not all beautiful beaches are places where you can lay out in the sun and swim in the water. Sure, you can do that at Haukland Beach in Norway, you just might be a bit cold.
Haukland Beach, tucked away on a cove on the Atlantic side of the Lofoten Islands, just above the Arctic Circle, is one of the most stunningly beautiful beaches you will ever see. It hardly ever gets warm in the Lofoten Islands, though, so the beach is best enjoyed by viewing it from the rugged mountains that surround it.
The Mannen Hike takes you up a steep mountain that overlooks Haukland Beach. From the peak, you get a spectacular view of the white sand and turquoise water of the beach. If you visit during a rare warm day, you might see people sitting on the beach. Or on a more typical day maybe even doing the polar plunge!
9. Diamond Beach, Iceland
Diamond Beach on Iceland’s south coast is a stunner! This black sand beach is right next to Jokulsarlon, commonly referred to as Glacier Lagoon. Here, icebergs, broken off from the neighboring glacier, float in the clear waters.
A small channel runs from the lagoon to the sea, where the icebergs eventually follow. Once the icebergs reach the ocean, they are tossed and “polished” in the waves, until some of the remnants are pushed back onshore at Diamond Beach.
The entire beach is covered in pieces of polished ice that truly glitter and twinkle like diamonds, especially considering the contrast between black sand and crystal clear ice. While this is, again, a beach you admire but don’t swim in, it’s a beach you’ll never forget.
10. Polignano a Mare Beach, Italy
Polignano a Mare is a town located in Italy’s Puglia region – the boot heel of the country, a region full of culinary and coastal delights. Located in the heart of the old town of Polignano a Mare, Lama Monachile Beach is the centerpiece that many of the village’s panoramic views look towards.
The stunning Lama Monachile is easily one of Italy’s most Instagrammable beaches. This stunning beach is nestled between two craggy cliffs, which are dotted with many caverns and grottos that can be admired and explored.
What really makes the beachside cliffs unique, though, is how the town is built all the way out to the end of the cliffs, right up to the sheer drop to the sea.
The town of Polignano a Mare is also famous for producing delicious gelato, so the best way to experience Lama Monachile is to visit a local gelateria and then eat your ice cream on the beach, taking in the sparkling Adriatic Sea.
11. Durdle Door Beach, England
Durdle Door is a 200-foot-tall limestone arch near Dorset, England, and one of Europe’s most iconic natural landmarks, shaped by tides over thousands of years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on Southern England’s Jurassic Coast attracts thousands of visitors annually, and its dramatic beauty makes it a must-visit.
Walking along the South West Coast Path offers some of the best views of the arch and surrounding coastline. The golden pebble beach is a great spot for a picnic, and if you don’t mind chilly waters, you can take a dip in the sea. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography at Durdle, as the lighting makes the arch look even more impressive.
Getting to the beach involves a steep walk, so sturdy shoes are recommended. For those with mobility issues, there are grassy areas above the beach where you can sit and enjoy the views. Just a short drive or a 30-minute walk away, Lulworth Cove is another stunning spot worth visiting while you’re in the area.
12. Famara Beach, Spain
Lanzarote, an island in the Canary Islands of Spain, offers a spectacular coastline full of diverse and stunning beaches. Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear waters or black sand beaches, this island has it all.
That being said, if there’s one beach that truly stands out among the rest, it’s Famara Beach, arguably one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, if not the world.
What makes Famara Beach so special isn’t just its beauty but how large it is. Stretching for several kilometers, this vast beach sits right at the base of Risco de Famara, a dramatic cliff that rises over 600 meters in height.
The landscape is nothing short of spectacular, but Famara isn’t just about the views; it has a unique vibe. It’s the perfect place for a long walk, an epic surf session, or simply watching the sunset.
For a view that will take your breath away, make your way up to the Mirador de El Risco de Famara, which is one of the best places to visit in Lanzarote. From there, the entire coastline unfolds before you, and trust me, it’s an unforgettable view!
13. Voidokilia Beach, Greece
Looking for a picture perfect beach in Greece that’s full of natural beauty and not swarming with tourists? Well, Voidokilia Beach is it!
Located on the farthest tip in the Peloponnese (a region of mainland Greece), Voidokilia is one of the most unique beaches in the town of Kalamata.
Surrounded by rolling sand dunes, this crescent–shaped piece of paradise is known for its long stretch of golden sand, calm, turquoise waters, natural beauty, and of course, it’s distinct shape.
It’s part of the protected Natura 2000 area which includes Sphakteria island, and nearby Gialova Lagoon, a haven for birdwatchers. It offers a peaceful escape compared to other nearby beaches, even though it’s only an hour from Kalamata.
A short hike leads you to King Nestor’s Cave and the Old Navarino Fortress, which offer gorgeous views of the lagoon and coastline.
Keep in mind, Voidokilia is not an organized beach. You won’t find sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, or restrooms in this unspoiled spot. The nearest restaurant is almost 10 minutes away, so bring your beach essentials with you.
Getting to the beach means navigating a bumpy dirt road and trekking over a couple of sand dunes. But finding your way to this little slice of paradise is well worth the effort.
14. Praia do Norte, Portugal
Portugal’s Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) is a stunning stretch of Atlantic coastline halfway between Lisbon and Porto. It’s here that you’ll find the magical beach town of Nazare.
While Nazare has a few stunning beaches, Praia do Norte, or North Beach, is the crown jewel. It is renowned as the home of the world’s largest surfing waves. Due to an underwater canyon right in front of the beach, the waves are amplified as they reach the beach. The waves are often rightly called monster waves, with heights of over 20 meters (65 feet)!
If you’re dreaming of bagging a monster, big wave season runs during the winter months. However, Nazare is a popular destination year-round, with good surfing on Praia do Norte and calmer beaches in town.
Even non-surfers will enjoy Praia do Norte’s wild, empty beach, which is perfect for long walks and sitting and watching the waves from the dunes.
The best place to see (and surf) Nazare’s big waves is at the lighthouse on a headland at the Praia do Norte’s southern end, between Nazare town and the beach. The lighthouse also houses a small but interesting museum with various surf paraphernalia, stories, and quotes from world-famous surfers who braved Nazare’s monsters.
15. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Located on the southern coast of Brač Island in Croatia, Zlatni Rat is one of Europe’s most extraordinary beaches. This stunning stretch of coastline, often referred to as the “Golden Horn” or “Golden Cape,” owes its fame to its distinctive shape—a slender, crescent-like landform that extends into the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, constantly shifting direction with the wind and tides.
What makes Zlatni Rat truly unique is its natural beauty and versatility. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it’s a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers. The beach is also a top destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding, thanks to the favorable winds. Visitors can relax under the shade of the surrounding pine trees, take a leisurely paddle, or rent a jet ski for more adventure.
To reach Zlatni Rat, travelers can take a ferry to Brač Island and a short drive or bus ride to Bol. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Zlatni Rat offers a truly unique and memorable European beach experience.
16. Marble Beach, Greece
Marble Beach, or Saliara Beach, is one of the most unique beaches in Europe, located on the northern coast of Thassos, Greece.
Its bright white marble pebbles give the water an almost unreal turquoise glow, making it one of the most photographed spots on the island (second only after the Giola Lagoon).
And the marble pebbles are truly marble – brought in from the neighboring marble quarry. For thousands of years, marble has been excavated from Thassos and used in fine buildings and statues around the globe.
Getting to the beach takes a bit of effort — the road is unpaved and bumpy — but the reward is a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming (or underwater photography).
In addition to a beautiful cove, here, you will find a small beach bar where you can enjoy cocktails or rent sunbed and umbrella.
The Wrap Up
There is such an amazing diversity of beaches to find around Europe, and these 16 beaches are among the most unique. So if you’re ready for something different in your travels, be sure to check out these incredible spots!
