The top spot was taken by the picturesque Haukland Beach in the Lofoten Islands, Norway.
For many tourists, a beach holiday in Europe is associated exclusively with southern destinations such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, or Croatia.
However, experts from the world’s largest travel publisher, Lonely Planet, assure that it is possible to have a good beach holiday in the summer in more northern European countries.
In their latest ranking of the best beaches in Europe, the publication’s team placed Haukland Beach in the cold Norwegian Lofoten Islands at the top.
“Hawkland Beach is an otherworldly place, with sharp granite peaks towering over the creamy sands and the sapphire sea. The water is cool, never rising above 15°C, but you can’t help but want to jump in,” the experts explained.
The second place in the ranking went to Cala Goloritze Beach on the Italian island of Sardinia, and the third place went to West Beach on the Scottish island of Berrinay.
The 20 Best Beaches in Europe in 2025
- Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway.
- Cala Goloritze, Sardinia Island, Italy.
- West Beach, Burneray Island, Scotland.
- Palombaggia Beach, Corsica Island, France.
- Illas Beach, Formentera Island, Spain.
- Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Arrifana Beach, Algarve, Portugal.
- Cala Macarella, Menorca Island, Spain.
- Navajo Beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece.
- Call-Baix Beach, Mallorca Island, Spain.
- Porquerolles Island, Côte d’Azur, France.
- Raudasandur (Red Beach), Vestfirðir Peninsula, Iceland.
- Praia as Catedrais, Galicia, Spain.
- Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.
- Lara Beach, Cyprus.
- Zlatni Rat, Brač Island, Croatia.
- Dueodde Beach, Bornholm Island, Denmark.
- Kim Bay, County Mayo, Ireland.
- Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia Island, Greece.
- Coniglia Beach, Sicily Island, Italy.