8 Of Europe's Most Beautiful Golden Beaches To Enjoy This Summer

Europe has some of the best beaches in the world. While often seen as more of a cultural vacation destination thanks to its beautiful, historic architecture and vibrant cities, Europe holds its own when it comes to sun, sand, and surf as well. Some of Europe's gorgeous beaches, like Fteri in Kefalonia, Greece, are famous worldwide. But there are plenty of hidden gems as well, often found in places that you might not expect.

Many of Europe's most impressive beaches are the pebble or rocky variety. Spots like Chesil Beach in southern England are stunning, with miles of smooth, round stones that create a visual masterpiece. Similarly, the swimming spots in places like Malta are just as impressive, with natural pools created by the rocky island terrain. But Europe also has plenty of stunning stretches of golden sand, which conjure up images normally associated with places like the Caribbean, the Maldives, or the Seychelles.

So, if you are planning a European vacation this summer, it might be worth adding a few days at the beach to your itinerary. Here are eight of the most impressive golden-sand seaside spots in Europe to give you something to think about.

Tucked away in Huelva province in Andalusia, Doñana Beach is something of a local secret. Part of the Doñana National Park, a 210 square mile area of protected wetlands, the beach is 18 miles of pristine, empty golden sand. Getting to the beach means a walk from the local town of Matalascañas or a boat across the Guadalquivir River, and this seclusion means you'll have the sand to yourself, sharing it only with flamingos, spoonbills, perhaps a wild boar or two, and if you are really lucky, a rare lynx.

Portugal's Algarve region is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in Europe, and its beaches can get pretty crowded. Praia da Falésia is considered one of the best beaches in the world and with a breathtaking 5 miles of golden sand, it offers enough space for everyone, particularly if you are happy to walk a little way from town. With its dramatic rusted orange and white clay cliffs providing a gorgeous backdrop, it is a seriously beautiful spot, and a walk along the pine-covered clifftop taking in the magnificent panoramic views is a delightful bonus.

Greece is full of pretty spectacular beaches, and the island of Naxos in the Cyclades boasts some of the best. Standing out in such extraordinary company is a challenge, but Plaka Beach pulls it off effortlessly. With 2.5 miles of glorious golden sand, shimmering turquoise water, and picturesque taverna tables shaded by cedar and juniper trees, it is the perfect spot to sunbathe, swim, and windsurf. Or you can just enjoy delicious traditional Greek cuisine while watching the waves break on the shoreline.

Not all of the most beautiful golden sand beaches are remote. The town of Cefalu, around 40 miles east of Palermo in Sicily, is a coastal paradise bursting with color and a Rick Steves favorite. Filled with gorgeous medieval architecture and a stunning Norman/Byzantine cathedral, it also boasts an exquisite half-moon beach, backed by the beautiful whitewashed town and flanked by dramatic cliffs. The water is calm, and the views are spectacular, making this one of the best spots to enjoy a beach day on the island. And given its proximity to the town, it is also one of the most convenient and accessible options as well.

The islands of the Outer Hebrides in the far north of Scotland might not sound like a likely spot for one of the best beaches in Europe. But Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris is absolutely jaw-dropping. Stretching for miles, this vast, wide-open beach boasts powdery golden sand fringed by aquamarine water that could have jumped straight out of a guidebook to the Maldives. The brooding hills in the background add a touch of extra ambiance to the scene for a truly unique beach experience. The water tends to be chilly (this is Scotland, after all), but the views are spectacular.

Cornwall's beaches might once have been just for in-the-know Brits, but the secret is well and truly out now. From surfers to sunseekers, spots like Porthtowan, Newquay, and Bude draw the crowds all summer long. Kynance Cove might just be the most spectacular, a gorgeous, photogenic slice of beach perfection, complete with Caribbean-style turquoise water, craggy rocks and sea caves, and soft, golden sands. It is a bucket list beach for a reason, and it looks even better in real life than it does on Instagram.

Playa de Maspalomas is one of the most popular beaches on Gran Canaria, and it is easy to see why. Not content with 2 miles of gorgeous golden-sand beach, Playa de Maspalomas is backed by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, nearly 1,000 acres of rolling, desert-like sand dunes, which makes it a visual treat as well as a great place to swim and soak up rays. The 19th-century lighthouse stands out against the otherworldly landscape, making this the go-to beach destination in the Canary Islands.

Perhaps more famous for its role in the D-Day landings during World War II than as a beach for surfing, sunbathing, or swimming, Omaha Beach is nevertheless an absolute gem. This wide, sprawling beach under vast, open skies is magnificent, with soft sand, sometimes tempestuous Atlantic waves, and an atmosphere of calm serenity that stands in contrast to its heavy history. Flanked by rolling dunes and dotted with monuments, memorials, and a museum, it is a fascinating and moving place to visit, as well as being one of the most beautiful beaches in France.