Europe not only has bustling cities with rich cultural heritage, but it’s also full of incredible beaches where you can spend days just relaxing and swimming in the endless blue. From the most popular Greek hotspots and glamorous Mallorcan crystal coves to hidden jewels of Montenegro, we’ve collected the most beautiful beaches to explore during your next yacht charter vacation on board one of our many fantastic yachts for charter.
Portals Vells, Mallorca
The Balearic island of Mallorca is famous for its pristine seas and glamorous bays. Whether you’re looking to rub shoulders with celebrities or hide in a natural oasis with wild nature, you’ll surely find your perfect spot in Mallorca. Portals Vells is a wonderful turquoise cove with a sandy beach perfect for families and those in search of a serene leisure time, dotted with numerous caves to explore. Popular among yachties, this oasis is located in the municipality of Calvia, on the southwest coast, and is ideal for those in search of wild, gorgeous nature and seductive seas.
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Once a quiet medieval residential village, Sveti Stefan has been the favourite spot of the glitterati for quite some time. The favourite spot for celebrities like Marylin Monroe and Sophia Loren in the 60s and recently attracting A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, this exclusive islet is drenched in history and offers stunning, uncorrupt nature and enchanting pink sand beaches. The two westward-facing beaches are called King’s and Queen’s beaches, as they were reserved only for the royal family members who spent their free time marvelling at the beauty of nature during balmy summer afternoons.
Spiaggia Blanca, Sardinia
Located in the scenic Golfo Aranci, La Spiaggia Blanca is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches with seemingly endless stretches of white, sugar cane sand. The shallow, glossy lagoon is curvy and boasts limpid, azure water, without abrupt depths making it perfect for families travelling with little ones. If you look south, you’ll notice enchanting views of Isola Tavolara gleaming in the distance.
Palombaggia Beach, Corsica
Situated between France and Italy, the stunning island of Corsica blends the best of both countries. The Palombaggia Beach sits on the southern coast and overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and Italy, offering visitors translucent turquoise waters and fine alabaster sand. Fringed with pine trees, this gorgeous beach is one of Corsica’s finest and has spectacular restaurants where you can refresh after swimming. If you feel like further exploring the lush nature, visit the nearby Cerbicale islands, a nature reserve home to sea birds, in particular crested cormorants.
Paloma Beach, France
Located a stone's throw from Nice in the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Paloma Beach has long been a hub for the rich and famous looking to escape the city. The Rothschilds own an estate here with sprawling gardens, and a beach named after Pablo Picasso’s daughter, Paloma. The iconic beach was built in 1949 by the architect André Deperi and was frequented by Matisse, Cocteau, Winston Churchill, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Elton John, and Tom Cruise.
Navagio Beach, Greece
An exposed cove with electric blue seas and soft, light sand, Navagio Beach in Zante is a bucket list destination everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Accessible only by boat, it can be viewed from the panoramic spot at the top of the promontory facing the beach itself - don’t forget to bring your camera to snap stunning shots. Also known as the Shipwreck beach, this Zakynothos beach is close to the scenic Anafonitria village, where you can spend some exploring the rich Byzantine history and picturesque surroundings.
Sakarun Beach, Croatia
While Croatia is famous for stunning nature and elite resorts, sandy beaches are a rarity - but an exception to the rule is Sakarun Beach in Dugi Otok (Long Island). Surrounded by scented pine trees, this protected cove is ideal for families looking to enjoy crystal-clear seas and paradise-like scenery. Just 20 minutes away, the bustling city of Zadar offers vibrant nightlife if you’re looking to finish the day off with good music and refreshing cocktails.
Kleftiko Beach, Greece
Located on the island of Milos, Kleftiko Beach offers dramatic, rugged scenery with sculptural cliffs beautifully juxtaposed by sapphire-coloured seas. While cruising the area, you can snorkel to explore the lush aquatic life and visit the numerous caves that adorn the coast. Because it’s only accessible by boat, the stunning cove is tranquil and often overlooked by tourists, providing a sense of privacy for those looking to relax far away from crowds.
Butterfly Valley, Turkey
One of the most enchanting beaches in the East Med, Turkey’s best-kept secret is named after over 100 butterfly species that add a pop of colour to this fine white sand cove. Butterfly valley is charmingly backdropped by mountains, and can only be reached by boat, making it ideal for those looking to swim in unspoiled nature. There’s not much development here, aside from one chill bar frequented by those fascinated with the rich flora and fauna of the environment.
Pasjaca Beach, Croatia
If you fall in love with the stunning medieval town of Dubrovnik, but find yourself a little disappointed by the beaches, it’s only because you haven’t discovered Pasjaca, a sandy oasis just minutes away from the pearl of the Adriatic. Leaning on the dramatic cliff in the historic region of Konavle, this small cove is the result of both nature and man’s work. Nearby, you’ll find the bustling town of Cavtat, a must-see destination for all yachting aficionados.
Ses Salines, Ibiza
Attracting hip crowds who come to bar-hop and work on their bronzy summer tan, Ses Salines beach is one of the most iconic in Europe and offers more than lazy days in the warm summer sun. Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, the gorgeous crescent bay is lined with fragrant pine trees that offer some shade in hours of intense heat. Bustling with cool bars with upbeat music that creates a unique atmosphere and spills out to the beach, it’s also a great spot to enjoy windsurfing.
Icmeler Beach, Turkey
A mesmerizing family-friendly haven in the town of Marmaris, the golden sand Icmeler beach is surrounded by pine trees and impressive Taurus mountains that give this spot a unique charm that will ingrain in your memory long after autumn arrives. Whether you’re looking for some calm relaxation or vibrant bars and restaurants, this beach has it all. Well-maintained and stretching over 6 km, Icmeler is perfect for both families and young groups of friends coming for a good time.
