Beach Bucket List: 11 European Beaches You Need To Visit ASAP

Summer's all about clear waters, blue skies and perfect sand.

To make your sunny season as good as can be, don't merely content yourself with subpar, stony stretches of beach — you deserve better than that.

If you're going abroad to spend the summer at the seaside, here are the best places in Europe to do it...

1. Santa Giulia, Corsica, France

On this island off the coast of mainland France you'll find powdery white sands, clear blue seas and all the water sports under the sun to enjoy.  

2. Praia do Bordeira, Algarve, Portugal

This long stretch of sand is known for its dramatically rugged look and, with its impressive waves, is hugely popular with surfers.

3. La Concha, San Sebastian, Spain

Deriving its name from its striking shell shape, the spacious La Concha beach is a wonderful place for a long walk, with the beautiful San Sebastian on one side and an expanse of clear water on the other.

4. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus

This sandy beach is distinctive for the fig trees which surround it and those crystal clear waters which are just perfect for snorkelling.

5. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, England

This two-mile stretch of golden sand and rocky coast is a beacon to the surfers and kite-surfers who can't get enough of those wild Atlantic waves.

6. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands

This is the best example of what the island of Formentera has to offer, with its perfect waters, soft sand dunes and vibrant atmosphere.

7. Cefalu, Sicily

This resort town will satisfy those in search of sea and sun as well of lovers of history, with the nearby town boasting a culturally significant cathedral that was erected by one of Sicily's Norman rulers, Roger II.

8. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya, Turkey

Here you can enjoy calm waters and beautiful scenery while surrounded by all the seaside comforts and facilities you could wish for.

9. Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia

Also known as the 'Golden Cape' or 'Golden Horn', this beautiful and naturally formed beach is where you need to visit to take some seriously enviable holiday snaps. 

10. Vik Black Sand Beach, Iceland

If you're looking for an altogether unique trip to the seaside, feast your eyes upon the breathtaking black basalt sands that can be found upon the volcanic island of Iceland. 

11. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

Also known as 'Shipwreck Beach' or 'Smuggler's Cove', this beach is so secluded, so fantastical, that it might just be the most perfect beach in the entire world...