10 Best European Beaches For 2025, Per Google Maps
Rabbit Beach and Rabbit Island Lampedusa 'Spiaggia dei Conigli'
Analysis of thousands of Google Maps user reviews and ratings by Holidu, a holiday rental portal, has revealed the best European beaches for 2025. While you'd expect Spain, Italy or Greece to dominate the rankings, a surprise is that British beaches are in the top five. The top beach in Europe according to the research is Spiaggia dei Conigli (4.9 rating on Google Maps/2967 reviews) in Lampedusa, Italy turquoise waters while in second place is Barafundle Bay Beach (4.9 rating/1668reviews on Google Maps) in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, UK. Here are the best ten beaches in Europe.
(4.9 rating on Google Maps/2967 reviews)
Spiaggia dei conigli beach. Lampedusa island. Italy.
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) on the Italian island of Lampedusa is loved for its powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. As part of a protected nature reserve, the area is also known for being a vital nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, enhancing its appeal for nature enthusiasts and visitors looking for a peaceful getaway.
(4.9 rating on Google Maps/1,668 reviews)
Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire, UK Barafundle Bay Pembroke Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire Wales
Tucked away in the Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales, Barafundle Bay Beach features soft golden sand framed by dunes and pine trees. The beach is guaranteed to be peaceful as it's only accessible by it a half-mile walk from the nearest parking area. Its remote location and pristine surroundings make it an ideal escape for those looking to enjoy quiet and solitude far from busy tourist spots.
(4.9 rating on Google Maps/722 reviews)
Panoramic aerial view of a beautiful sandy beach and headland (Mwnt, Ceredigion, West Wales)
Located in Ceredigion, Traeth Mwnt is a picturesque Welsh beach celebrated for its soft white sands and the historic Mwnt Church perched above the bay. The surrounding coastal trails provide breathtaking views, attracting both hikers and nature lovers.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/32,006 reviews)
The beach at Woolacombe, North Devon, England, UK, on one of the hottest days of the year.
Woolacombe Beach is one of Devon's most hectic beaches but visitors don't seem to be deterred, judging from the number of glowing Google reviews. Known for its vast stretch of golden sand and consistent surf, it's one of England's most popular destination for both families and surf enthusiasts.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/18,412 reviews)
Aerial view of spectacular coastal limestone cliffs and ocean at Southerndown, Wales. UK
Another Welsh beauty, Dunraven Bay is recognized for its striking cliffs and distinctive geological features. The bay features a blend of sand and rocks, with intriguing rock pools revealed during low tide. It's a favored spot for fossil seekers and walkers.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/18,412 reviews)
Cala Mariolu beach, Sardinia, Italy.
Most beach lovers reach this beach by boat and its remote location helps preserve its untouched appeal. The beach is covered in smooth white pebbles and surrounded by incredibly clear turquoise waters. Towering limestone cliffs enclose the cove, creating a striking setting ideal for snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying a peaceful escape in nature.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/4,746reviews)
Playa de Cofete on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura with sandy beach and surf
The remote Jandía peninsula of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, offers a breathtaking blend of scale and wild beauty. This expansive sweep of golden sand is framed by the stark, towering mountains of Cofete, crafting a dramatic and almost surreal atmosphere. Its isolated position—reachable only by a rugged drive—enhances its sense of seclusion, making it ideal for adventurers and solitude seekers drawn to unspoiled natural landscapes.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/4,552 reviews)
The incredible Simos beach in Elafonissos island, Greece
Simos Beach, located on the wee Greek island of Elafonisos in the Attica region, is famous for its striking twin bays and soft golden sand. The beach's shallow, shimmering turquoise waters are perfect for leisurely swimming, making it especially popular with families. Fringed by juniper trees and offering panoramic views of the Peloponnesian coast, Simos captures the essence of a serene Greek island escape
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/2,585 reviews)
Adraga Beach (Praia da Adraga) at sunset in Portugal
Praia da Adraga is located along the rugged shores of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park near Lisbon. With towering cliffs, golden sand and impressive rock formations, it offers a striking backdrop that attracts nature lovers and photographers alike. Another reason to visit is to eat at Restaurante da Adraga, a well-known seafood restaurant overlooking the beach.
(4.8 rating on Google Maps/2,421 reviews)
Playa de Mataleñas, Spain
In a scenic cove, this lovely beach offers a peaceful retreat just outside Santander. Surrounded by steep cliffs and bordering a golf course, this beach features golden sands and a calm, inviting setting. Its protected location ensures gentle waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. Loved by locals, it's an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the Bay of Biscay.
Holidu devised this ranking of European beaches by creating a dataset of beaches in Europe by analysing the Google Maps database for the term 'beach' in all of Europe's coastal provinces. From nearly 10,000 results, they filtered out all results that were not beaches, took the Google Maps user rating (out of 5 stars) for each beach and created a ranking based on the top-rated beaches, prioritising those with the most reviews. Beaches with less than 100 ratings were not included, as the average rating for such beaches can be interpreted as unreliable or irrelevant. The data for this 2025 ranking was collected in May 2025.
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