The UK is home to some beautiful coastlines, and nine beaches have been named as the best across Europe.
With stretches of golden-sand beaches, turquoise waters, dramatic white-washed cliffs, hidden coves, sand dunes, lapping waves, and traditional Victorian piers, the UK coastlines are perhaps some of the most diverse. And now they’ve earned recognition as some of the best in Europe, and it’s in perfect time ahead of the summer months.
Holiday home letting agency, Holidu, analysed thousands of Google Maps reviews to reveal the 25 best beaches in Europe for 2026, and a staggering nine beaches in the UK made the list. Wales led the way with three of its beaches securing a well-deserved spot, while Devon, Dorset and Sussex also found their shores among the top 25.
In an impressive second place was Barafundle Bay Beach, in Pembrokeshire, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt golden sand that have earned it the nickname ‘Welsh Caribbean’. It has a breathtaking backdrop of dunes and pine trees, and its isolated position only adds to its appeal, with nothing but the calming sound of waves, crisp sea air, and stunning coastal views to enjoy.
Following closely behind was another slice of paradise in Wales, the Traeth Mwnt beach in Ceredigion, with its hidden sand cove, tucked away among the mountains for a secluded retreat. It’s become a prime spot for wildlife, and is said to be one of the best places in the county to spot dolphins, while also proving popular for a family day out at the beach.
Another UK beach that made the top 10 was the golden sands of Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, which has often been a favourite among Brits seeking that seaside escape. Those visiting can lap up miles of soft sand against the backdrop of rolling dunes, take a dip in the pristine waters that are a haven for surfing, and soak up its sweeping views across to Lundy Island.
Meanwhile, Dunraven Bay in Glamorgan, Trebarwith Beach and Bigbury Beach in Devon, Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex, Man O’War Beach in Dorset and Benone Beach in County Londonderry, also made the top 25. Proving that the UK really does have some of the most spectacular shores that certainly warrant a visit during the summer months.
Top 25 beaches in Europe
- Spiaggia dei Conigli, in Lampedusa, Italy
- Barafundle Bay Beach, in Pembrokeshire, UK
- Traeth Mwnt, in Ceredigion, UK
- Platja de Muro, in Islas Baleares, Spain
- Cala Mariolu, in Serdegna, Italy
- Playa de Cofete, in Canarias, Spain
- Simos beach, in Attica region, Greece
- Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, UK
- Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, in Canarias, Spain
- Praia da Adraga, in Lisbon Region, Portugal
- Kedrodasos Beach, in Crete, Greece
- Playa de Mataleñas, in Cantabria, Spain
- Praia de Cacela Velha, in Algarve, Portugal
- Praia da Ursa, in Lisbon Region, Portugal
- Dunraven Bay, in Glamorgan, UK
- Praia da Bordeira, in Algarve, Portugal
- Trebarwith Beach, in Devon, UK
- Cuckmere Haven, in East Sussex, UK
- Odeceixe Mar Beach, in Algarve, Portugal
- Praia da Prainha, in Algarve, Portugal
- Man O’War Beach, in Dorset, UK
- Praia da Cordoama, in Algarve, Portugal
- Bigbury Beach, in Devon, UK
- Castelejo Beach, in Algarve, Portuga
- Benone Beach, in County Londonderry, UK
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