Europe’s best beach can be found on this tiny island

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Travelers love flocking to Europe to relax and recuperate at one of its many beaches.
It’s no wonder why. Europe’s diverse coastline is full of natural beauty, from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. These beaches are set against the backdrop of charming coastal villages and host iconic European beach clubs (Aperol Spritz, anyone?).
To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe’s most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and air temperature, calmness of the water, TripAdvisor reviews and average cost to visit (including food, drink and an overnight stay). The beaches spanned beloved destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy but also included lesser-known locales such as Slovenia.
“Anyone planning a vacation to Europe should be sure to visit these beauty spots featured in our index, especially our top three hidden gems Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia,” CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, told USA TODAY in a statement.
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Read below to find the best beaches in Europe.
Located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of mainland France, Corsica offers beaches comparable to the Caribbean, and Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with crystal-clear water, soft white sand and secluded coves. The beach scored the 10th spot on the ranking for its gentle waters and its more than 3,300 five-star reviews. Visiting the beach won’t come cheap, however. Plage de Palombaggia is the most expensive beach on the ranking at €233 (about $260) for an overnight stay with food and drink.
Tucked beneath cliffs, sprawling Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the U.K. on TripAdvisor, offering rare warm waters for the country, a bustling pier and calm surf. Visiting the beach is a bit costly – the beach is the second-most expensive on the index – clocking in at an average of €180 (about $200) for a one-day stay.
Spain’s Canary Islands are idyllic, offering diverse beaches made of black or golden sand. Playa de Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria is well-known for its lighthouse, rolling dunes and warm waters, which earned it a spot on QuoteZone’s index. The beach is surrounded by restaurants and hotels, and visiting costs, on average, €151 (about $168).
One of Portugal’s most famous beaches, Praia da Falesia is worth the hype. The beach has an array of natural beauty on display with its sandstone cliffs and bright blue water, but it also offers a lot to do. Visitors can check out the tide pools at low tide, swim or surf. Visitors can expect to pay about €137 (about $152) for a one-day stay.
Located on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a picturesque escape for travelers, and its beaches are no different. La Pelosa Beach’s tranquil waters and white sands have made it so popular that you need to book your visit in advance, which will cost €3.50 (about $3.90). Staying near the beach is pricey at €166 (about $185).
Translating to “Golden Horn,” Zlatni Rat is a famous triangle-shaped beach on the Croatian island of Brac that extends into the ocean. As the tides and swells change, the beach also shape-shifts. It’s stunning, but it’s also relatively inexpensive to visit, coming in as the second-least expensive on the index. For food, drink and a one-night stay, the average price is €96 (about $107).
Crete is beloved by travelers, and Elafonissi Beach is one of the Greek island’s famous beaches. Depending on the season, you may encounter the iconic pink sand, and year-round, the beach is beautiful with calm azure waters. The beach isn’t exactly tranquil, however; it gets quite crowded as the day goes on. To visit, the average cost is €184 (about $205).
Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, Portoroz Beach is a gorgeous pebble beach fronting Portoroz’s resort area, so you can take a break from the sun and stroll the promenade. The beach is also the cheapest on the index at €93 (about $103) on average for a one-day stay.
Not only is Mellieha a sheltered bay that provides gentle and warm waters, but it’s also the largest sand beach in Malta, which makes it the perfect place for families. The beach scored high on the index for its warm temperatures and water. Visitors can rent sunbeds, swim, kayak and more. To visit, it will cost €117 (about $130) on average.
Earning the top spot on the index is the picturesque Nissi Beach in Cyprus – and rightfully so. The beach seemingly has it all: warm weather and water temperatures, and calm waters because it’s in a bay. Close by is a small island, which adds to the beach’s natural beauty. “This destination ranked in the top spot across all factors, including water and air temperatures, waves, value for money and the number of 5-star reviews left by visitors,” Wilson said. To visit for one night, it will cost €103 (about $114).