Stunning Limestone Formations, Majestic Cypress Groves, and Pure White Cliffs: Four Exceptional European Shores Rank Among Top Global Beaches

Ready for a beach getaway? Discover the world's top 10 unspoiled gems, with two stellar European spots included

As summer approaches and vacation dreams bloom, sifting through beach reviews can feel like a never-ending parade of tired tropes - golden sands, azure seas, and so on. But what if you're after something more extraordinary?

Enter The World's 50 Best Beaches, an annual ranking that delves deeper into beach perfection. "Unearthing exceptional beaches is far trickier than it seems," the company confesses. "Our 2025 list is the culmination of countless adventures spanning the globe."

But enough about the journey - let's get to the destination! So, what qualifies a beach for this elite list?

More than just a stunning view

The selection process is no walk on the beach. Each year, the company invites a staggering 1,000 travel industry pros to cast votes for the best beach on the planet, with no specific criteria - they're just asked to justify their pick. The team then scrutinizes each submission, debates the merits of each beach (the lucky ones to make the cut), and collaborates with a team of Beach Ambassadors, seasoned globetrotters, particularly beach-loving ones.

The ambassadors weigh in, and the final list is born, taking into account criteria such as:

a unique landscape
the chance to encounter wildlife
an sounds created only by nature
being off the beaten path
calm, crowd-free waters
superb accessibility without ruining the charm

So, which European beaches earned a spot in this exclusive club?

Italy and Greece: Two stunning nature havens

Fancy the world's best beach? Make a beeline for Cala Goloritzé on the Italian island of Sardinia. "Its raw beauty will move you the moment you lay eyes on it," beams the Best Beaches description. "Whether you're gazing down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore, the scene is breath-snatchingly beautiful."

While the entire Baunei Coast is picture-perfect, Cala Goloritzé stands out, thanks to its iconic 143-metre limestone pinnacle, a replica of a Gothic cathedral spire. The water is clear and perfect for a dip, but it's the conservation efforts surrounding the beach that truly set it apart. "This natural monument remains remarkably preserved," the judges applaud. "Access is limited, with a daily ticketing system and boat traffic restricted."

If Cala Goloritzé keeps you too tethered to the Mediterranean, dive into Fteri Beach on Kefalonia, Greece, which landed 4th spot worldwide. This hidden cove oasis is only reachable by boat or a steep hike, ensuring its pristine charm. "White cliffs frame the beach, swirling around a stretch of striking pebbles and white sand, meeting the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea," the description purrs. "The untouched beauty and tranquil environment of Fteri Beach make it a haven for those seeking a deep connection with nature."

Europe's breath-taking shorelines - don't miss these two must-visit spots!

Two additional European beaches also squeezed into the top 20:

Voutoumi Beach on the Greek island of Antipaxos, 16th place, is accessible only by boat, maintaining its tranquility. "The beach boasts deep blue waters ideal for floating hours under the sun," the judges rave. The beach, a mix of pebbles and fine white sand, lies at the foot of a steep, green hill dotted with cypress trees.
Playa de Rodas, a 700-metre long beach gracing the Cíes Islands off Spain's Galicia coast, snagged 18th place. Known as one of Europe's most beautiful bays, Playa de Rodas offers white sand, clear, calm waters, and a serene atmosphere. Many compare it to a Caribbean paradise with the cooling embrace of the Atlantic. To reach this beach, you'll need to sail, ensuring a peaceful haven where you can swim, sunbathe, explore the nearby trails, or simply bask in the privacy.

Enchanting experiences await beyond the traditional beach reviews, as The World's 50 Best Beaches offers a deeper exploration of beach perfection.
The selection process for this esteemed list is anything but casual, with over a thousand travel industry professionals casting votes for the top beach worldwide, each required to justify their pick.
The beaches that make the cut are evaluated based on criteria such as unique landscapes, encounters with wildlife, natural sounds, off-the-beaten-path locations, crowd-free waters, and superb accessibility without compromising charm.
Among the European beaches on this exclusive list are the jaw-dropping Cala Goloritzé on Sardinia, Italy, and Fteri Beach on Kefalonia, Greece, each offering a distinct, breathtaking natural beauty.
Cala Goloritzé, with its striking limestone pinnacle and crystal-clear, conserved waters, is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable connection with nature.
Fteri Beach, accessible only by boat or a steep hike, is a hidden cove oasis that promises tranquility and untouched beauty.
Don't forget to add Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos, Greece, and Playa de Rodas on the Cíes Islands off Spain, to your travel itinerary for unique European beach experiences that rival the Caribbean.