Best Beaches in the Mediterranean – 30 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Beaches

Are you looking for the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean? You just found them!

Whether they can be found in Italy, Greece, Turkey or Spain, in this guide I included a compilation of all the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

With its crystal clear water, secluded coves and pristine beaches, the shores of the Mediterranean Sea have always been a popular summer beach destination.

If you know you want to head to a beautiful Med beach, but aren’t sure which one yet, this guide will help you choose!

Since I haven’t visited every beach in the Med (yet) I teamed up with other travel bloggers to make this guide as complete as possible.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in (both metaphorically and literally!) and discover the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches!

Best Mediterranean beaches in Italy

Being Italian, I’m probably a little bit biased, but I firmly believe Italy is home to some of the most beautiful summer beach destinations.

From Sardinia to Sicily, from Cinque Terre to Puglia, there are gorgeous beaches dotted all over the “boot”.

Especially if you’re visiting Italy in summer, make sure to schedule some time in your Italy itinerary for one of these gorgeous beaches. There’s a reason they’re considered amongst the best Mediterranean beaches!

Maddalena National Park, Sardinia

If you’re looking for some of the best islands in the Mediterranean, with soft white sand, dramatic pink granite rocks and turquoise water so clear that you can see the shadows of boats on the sea floor, Maddalena is the place for you.

Located in the north of Sardinia, an island region off the main coast of Italy, the Archipelago of Maddalena is one of the most popular destinations on every Italy bucket list.

It’s composed by seven main islands, as well as many smaller islets. I’m lucky enough to have spent every summer growing up in Palau, the town from which many Maddalena Archipelago boat tours start.

There are countless beautiful beaches and coves in this Archipelago, but the ones that in my opinion deserve a special mention are Cala Soraja on the island of Spargi, the Natural Pools of Budelli, and Cala Coticcio on Caprera Island.

Part of the beauty of these islands is that there are no proper human settlements, just some personal villas and abandoned watchtowers.

You can only reach them by boat, either by renting your own or by joining a guided tour starting in Palau.

Cala Soraja is especially beautiful because the big boat tours, the ones carrying 100+ people, can’t dock here. This tiny bay has some of the clearest water you will ever see, as well as a peaceful vibe.

The Natural Pools of Budelli are the most famous and busy part of the Archipelago, but none the less beautiful for the crowds.

They get their name from the incredibly clear water, but also because due to the varied seabed floor (sand, algae, rocks and varying depth) when seen from above it looks like different pools.

Despite taking its name from Budelli island, this area is enclosed between the islands of Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli. Even on very windy days, the pools are sheltered, meaning you can always swim in the dreamy water.

The final beach of the Archipelago you have to visit is Cala Coticcio, also known as Tahiti, on Caprera Island.

You can only reach this beach by sea, or by hiking for 45 minutes amongst the pink granite and wild vegetation of Sardinia.

Here you will find a tiny white sand beach, surrounded by steep granite cliffs that drop into the crystal clear turquoise water, making it extremely scenic.

The beach itself is very small, so make sure to get there early in the morning to enjoy it!

While summer is the most popular time to visit Sardinia, if you can, I recommend visiting Sardinia out of season. That way you will be able to discover some of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches without the crowds.

Cala Luna, Sardinia

Located in the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Luna is another Sardinian beach that deserves a special mention in this compilation. The beach is famous for its soft white sand, crystal clear water, towering white cliffs and sea caves.

With its wild beauty, it even featured in some famous movies. Like the vast majority of beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, you can’t simply drive to them.

The beaches are backed by the National Park of Orosei, with just Mediterranean shrubs and granite rocks behind them.

You can reach Cala Luna either by hiking for an hour through a fairly wild trail, or with a boat tour from Cala Gonone.

There are other famous beaches in the Gulf, such as Cala Mariolu, the Pools of Venus and Cala Goritzé. The hikes to reach these beaches all vary in length and difficulty.

If you like camping and kayaking, I highly recommend renting a kayak and going on an overnight kayak trip.

After spending the day gliding through the pool-like water with your kayak, discovering every cove and bay, you will be able to camp on the beach at Cala Luna.

This will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of this beach after the day tours leave. It’s a magical place, which doesn’t feature only amongst the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, but the whole world.

Porto Giunco, Villasimius Sardinia

Porto Giunco in South Sardinia is a breathtaking beach that entices visitors with its explosive aquamarine colours.

The water is immaculate and transparent, and the beach is long, which means that you can find a secluded spot to relax, even in the summer. 

Sardinia is known for its exceptional beaches, and Porto Giunco is one of the finest. It’s a unique spot also because, behind the beach, you will see majestic wild pink flamingos relaxing in a pond.

There is also a fantastic hike to a Spanish tower to see the glorious beach from above.

The best time to visit is out of the peak summer season (July and August) due to the cost and crowds. Therefore, the shoulder seasons of June and September are better because the weather is still fantastic to enjoy the beach. 

To reach Porto Giunco, you can rent a car from Cagliari, and parking is available. Alternatively, you can catch a shuttle bus from Cagliari airport or a local bus from Cagliari city centre. 

– by Rachel from Average Lives 

La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia

I promise this is the final entry on Sardinia! However, I couldn’t put together a compilation on the best beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and not include La Pelosa Beach in Stintino.

This beach is famous because of its size, its fine white sand and that typically Sardinian pool-like turquoise water.

What is particularly distinctive about it is that the crystalline water stretches for hundreds of metres, with the soft sandy seabed remaining below waist level even far out at sea.

La Pelosa is framed by an iconic Sardinian “nuraghe” on one end, and the beautiful Asinara Island on the other, making it even more picturesque and recognisable.

Due to its popularity, you know have to register online beforehand to visit La Pelosa. Entrance costs 3 EUR and is capped at a few thousand people per day. Make sure to book well in advance if you’re visiting in summer!

Another rule at La Pelosa is that you have to bring a chair, sun bed or mat, you can’t put your towel directly on the sand to avoid tourists accidentally taking it away from the beach.

Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre

Located in the Liguria region of Italy, Cinque Terre is one of the most popular stops on any Italy itinerary. It’s famous for its pastel coloured houses perched on green cliffs overlooking the sea.

While the sea in Cinque Terre is clear and turquoise, you won’t find many beaches here. It’s mostly tiny coves and rocky outcrops, most of which you can only reach with a boat.

The only proper beach in Cinque Terre is the beach of Monterosso Al Mare, one of the best Mediterranean beach towns.

Located just steps away from the Monterosso train station, this beach is distinguished by colourful umbrellas, clear water and scenic surroundings.

It’s one of the best Mediterranean beaches to visit, especially after spending a long day hiking the famous Sentiero Azzurro, which connects the five towns of Cinque Terre.

You can hike the beautiful coastline trail, taking in the gorgeous views over the sea and vineyards, and then go for a swim and cool down at the scenic Monterosso Al Mare beach.

Marinella di Zambrone, Calabria

Marinella di Zambrone beach also known as ‘Paradiso dei Sub’ (divers’ paradise) is 6 kilometers away from Tropea, in the province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. This is one of the most picturesque beaches on the whole of God’s Coast.

The beach makes all its visitors fall in love with its stretches of fine white sand, which combine rocks and crystal clear waters.

You can get to it by taking a winding path surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean scrub, or by sea by canoes, pedal boats, and other types of small boats arriving from nearby beaches or coves.

This is an ideal location for snorkelers and diving enthusiasts and perfect for a relaxing day at the beach.

If you’re adding this beach to your existing Calabria itinerary and traveling by train, the train stop is called ‘Zambrone’ and the path to take is marked at the exit of the station.

If you’re arriving by car, park near the Zambrone railway station – Hotel Scoglio del Leone.

The best time to visit this beach is in the summer, however if possible, avoid the month of August because it is by far the busiest time of the year. 

– by Dan of Urban Abroad  

Spiaggia Lunga, Stromboli

The Aeolian Islands are a spectacular archipelago off the northeast coast of Sicily. These dramatic islands are home to Malvasia vineyards, fishing villages, beaches of every colour, and volcanoes that explode with lava each night!

You can find nice beaches on all seven of the Aeolian Islands, but the best beaches are on the island of Stromboli. Here the sand is black and shimmers like diamonds, thanks to the continuous volcanic activity.

Spiaggia Lunga is my pick for the best beach on Stromboli — a long expanse of glittering black sand, edged with verdant cliffs plunging into the azure sea. It almost looks like it could be in Hawaii!

There are few facilities here beyond a small drink stand, so grab a panino from in town and bring it with you.

The Aeolian Islands are very much a summer destination, though you can enjoy the beach as early as May or as late as October. To get there, fly to Catania, take a shuttle to Milazzo, and take a ferry to the island of your choice.

I recommend spending at least two nights on Stromboli, to take advantage of the nightly lava show in multiple ways and enjoy the best of the beaches. Spend the rest of your time on the beautiful island of Salina.

– by Kate, author of Adventurous Kate 

Spiaggia di Isola Bella, Sicily

Located in the city of Taormina, on the eastern coast of Sicily, Spiaggia di Isola Bella is a must on any Sicily itinerary. The beach takes its name from a small islet connected to the beach by a small strip of sand.

Unlike many other beaches in this compilation, Spiaggia di Isola Bella is a bit rocky, but nonetheless beautiful. There are bars, umbrellas and infrastructure on the beach, as well as the town of Taormina located right behind it.

You can easily walk to the beach from Taormina, and if you forget anything, you’ll find plenty of shops to stock up again. The beach is famous not only for its turquoise water, but also for its very scenic surroundings.

The old town of Taormina is perched on top of a hill overlooking the sea, which you can see from the beach.

After spending the day relaxing at the beach, make sure to head up and visit the roman amphitheatre at sunset, the views are sure to amaze you!

Spiaggia Grande, Positano

Visitors to Positano, Italy come for the incredible scenery and the cascade of pastel-coloured buildings clinging to the cliffside.

But one of the main attractions, especially to vacationing Italians, that make Positano one of the most popular destinations in Italy is the Spiaggia Grande, or the Great Beach on the blue Mediterranean.

Positano lies at the western end of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, and is only accessible by bus, car, or ferry boat. Visitors to Naples and Sorrento often opt for the ferry to enjoy the amazing coastal scenery from the sea.

From late spring to early fall, Spiaggia Grande is popular with visitors.

Its stunning location at the base of the town is lined with bright umbrellas and beach chairs, and there are several very good restaurants on the beach serving local Campania specialties. 

– by Lori, author of Italy Foodies 

Mediterranean beaches in France

When you think of France you might think about the Eiffel Tower and Paris first, but France is actually home to some gorgeous Med beaches. Here they are!

Plage des Sablettes

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean is Plage des Sablettes. This is a beautiful beach that you can find in the city of Menton.

What’s special about this beach is that there are very colourful houses next to it. Because of this, when you relax on the beach or walk on the pier next to the beach, you have a beautiful view.

Also, the beach is great for taking photos because of this view. Furthermore, there are several restaurants and bars next to the beach with great food and drinks.

Going to this beach is easy to do as it is close to the train station and city center of Menton. From other cities in France, you can easily reach Menton by train and then walk here.

What’s great is that you can visit Plage des Sablettes all year round because the weather in Menton is great, even in winter.

– by Dymphe, author of Dymabroad  

Calanque d’En Vau

The beach at Calanque d’En Vau is unlike any other in France, or perhaps the world.

Located within the Calanques National Park, an area of immense natural beauty on the coast between Marseille and Cassis, Calanque d’En Vau sits at the end of a deep fjord.

Steep limestone cliffs rise up on either side of impossibly clear water and make you feel like you’re a million miles from civilization. To get there, you must hike around 1.5hrs from Cassis along a dedicated trail.

It’s not too strenuous, but the footing can be unsteady due to loose rocks and stones, so proper footwear should be worn.

Alternatively, you can kayak into the calanque from Cassis or Port Miou, or take a boat. If you arrive by boat, you won’t be able to land on the beach, but instead, dive into the azure water and swim the rest of the way.

During summer, the park sometimes closes due to the risk of wildfires, and at other times, despite the somewhat difficult access, it’s surprisingly busy.

So it’s best to visit on a weekday during the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn when the weather is still sublime but you don’t have to compete for a spot on the beach. 

– by Nadine, author of Le Long Weekend 

Île Piana, Corsica

Located just off the coast of Corsica, Île Piana is one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen. And growing up spending my summers in Sardinia, I think that’s a pretty bold statement!

You can reach Île Piana via boat from Bonifacio, or even from Palau in Sardinia (which is why I head there so often), as well as driving from Bonifacio.

A sand bank where the water is never more than waist deep connects Île Piana to the Corse mainland.

You can settle on the main beach, walk along the sandbank to the beach or dock your boat in the crystalline water. The water here is so clear, at times it looks instead of turquoise, due to the soft white sand seabed.

If you’re looking for the most jaw-dropping and unique beaches in the Mediterranean, Île Piana will without a doubt leave you speechless.

Nice

No trip to the French Riviera is complete without a visit to Nice, and no trip to Nice is complete without a visit to the beach!

The many beaches of Nice are like a beautiful string of pearls hugging the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.  There is a mix of public and private beaches for you to choose from along this four-mile stretch of coastline.

One of the best things to do when visiting the beach in Nice is to take a stroll on the iconic Promenade des Anglais. 

This famous boulevard has all the beaches on its south side, with swanky hotels, casinos, and restaurants on its north side.

If you want to enjoy sunny weather in Nice without too many tourists, aim for a visit in June or September. 

Note that these beaches are made of pebbles rather than sand, so you’ll get a little complimentary acupressure from Mother Nature as you spend your day enjoying the sun and surf.

 – by Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones 

Beautiful beaches in Croatia

Croatia is one of my favourite countries in Europe. I visited multiple times, and always marvel at its natural beauty and architecture. But there’s no denying that the beaches and islands are one of its main selling points.

Wherever your Croatia itinerary takes you, make sure to include some of these iconic beaches!

Vis Island

You may have heard of Hvar, Korčula, and Brač — but what about Vis? Vis island is the furthest island from the Croatian mainland, and was off-limits to travellers for many years due to being a military outpost.

If you take the time to visit Vis today, you can enjoy the Croatian seaside with less mass tourism.

Stiniva Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, and for good reason — it’s surrounded by towering cliffs and difficult to access.

Your two options are to either climb up and down a mountain to get into it, or to take a boat trip, dock outside, and swim into it!

Want something more accessible? Grandovac Beach is a larger beach, close to the neighborhood of Kut in Vis Town, and has neon blue water with views of ferries and sailboats going by.

The islet of Biševo is home to Vis’s famous Blue Cave, but on the other side of the island, Porat is home to a sandy beach — rare in Croatia, and great for families.

Don’t be surprised if Vis ends up being your favourite island in Croatia! It sneaks up on you that way.

– by Kate, author of New Hampshire Way

Hvar Island

Hvar is one of the most visited islands in Croatia, and it’s easy to see why. Many travellers visit on a day trip from Split, but they don’t know just how much they’re missing out on!

There are many lovely places to stay in Hvar, where you can base yourself and explore all the gorgeous beaches this island has to offer. A beach you can’t miss is Malo Zarace Beach.

This rocky beach is characterised by the cliffs around it and the crystal clear turquoise water. Despite visiting Croatia in summer, we were the only people there, and got to enjoy this peaceful bay all to ourselves.

There aren’t any umbrellas, places to eat or toilets at Malo Zarace Beach, so make sure to bring everything you need! Dotted all along the coastline of Hvar you will find many beautiful coves and beaches, just waiting to be discovered!

Kasjuni Beach, Split

Located in Split, this beach is one of the most popular in Croatia. While it might not be as famous as Zlatni Rat, or as iconic as those in Hvar Island, it’s one of the most visited thanks to how easily you can reach it.

You can walk to Kasjuni Beach from Split town centre, walking through the beautiful green Park Marjan. After walking for 30 minutes amongst the lush trees, you will reach this beautiful beach.

At Kasjuni Beach you will find clear emerald water and white pebbles lining the beach. It’s the perfect place to relax between the many exciting Split day trips you’ll be taking, for example to Krka or zip-lining in Omis.

Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands is a small archipelago consisting of several islands, located northwest of Dubrovnik. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik, and it’s easy to see why.

You can only visit these islands by boat, and there are plenty of tours to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a private speed boat or a large party catamaran, in Dubrovnik you will find the perfect boat for you.

The biggest islands of the archipelago are Koločep, Šipan and Lopud. The tours take up all day, leaving early in the morning and returning at sunset, giving you the full day to enjoy these beautiful islands.

You’ll spend the day island hopping, tanning on the beach, enjoying the delicious local cuisine and swimming in the clear Croatian sea.

In Dubrovnik you won’t find many beaches, but the nearby islands more than make up for it! They’re not only amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia, but even some of the most beautiful Med beaches.

Zlatni Rat, Island of Brac

Zlatni Rat Beach in Croatia, better known as the Golden Horn, is one of the most famous beaches in the country and certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

This beach jewel is often mistaken for a sandy beach, but it is actually a very bright, fine pebble beach that stretches 500 meters into the azure sea like a giant golden horn. 

The sea is crystal clear on this dream beach and shines in the most beautiful blue and turquoise water colours.

A wonderfully fragrant pine forest, more than a hundred years old, also gives a breathtaking contrast to the bright golden beach and the intense blue of the sea.

And in the background rises the imposing mountain Vidova Gora – all this creates a panorama like from a travel magazine.

The approach is really easy to organize: Either by ferry from Split to Bol (Brac), or with a guided tour from the surrounding islands or from the mainland! 

Our tip: Zlatni Rat is not only beautiful, it is also world-famous. If you want to experience this dream beach really quiet and romantic, then visit it best in low season.

– by Martina of PlacesofJuma

Best beaches in Spain on the Mediterranean

Spain is one of my favourite countries in Europe, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular on every Europe bucket list. However I don’t have a lot of personal experiences with beaches in Spain.

I spent a lot of time in Tenerife and Barcelona, but haven’t had the pleasure to visit the beautiful Spanish Med beaches of its southern coast or of the Balearic Islands.

Which is why, for this guide, I teamed up with other bloggers to share with you the most beautiful beaches in Spain!

Caló del Moro, Mallorca

Mallorca is full of pretty beaches and coves to explore, but Caló del Moro is definitely one of the most beautiful. 

This small beach is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs, and there is only one footpath down to the sand.  It can get very busy in the summer, so arrive early to enjoy the best views and bag a good spot on the sand.

There are no facilities or special things to do here apart from enjoying the turquoise water and taking a walk along the clifftop – bring your own gear for snorkelling or SUP as well as drinks and snacks.  

The beach is privately owned and managed by a family who maintains the footpath to the beach and along the cliffs, but it is free to access. 

There is a car park about 15 minutes walk away from the beach, by the roundabout on Camí de Cala Llombards, parking is not allowed on the narrow residential streets closer to the beach. 

Due to landslides, currently, the only path to the beach is via the pretty Cala S’Almonia – follow the steps down to that beach at the end of Carrer des Caló des Moro, and follow the signs around to Caló del Moro.  

– by Claire, author of Why Visit Barcelona

El Playazo Beach, Cabo de Gata Natural Park

Cabo de Gata Natural Park in southern Spain is jam-packed with mesmerizing beaches, and one of the most beautiful is El Playazo beach.

Situated just south of the white village of Las Negras, it can be accessed by the coastal hike La Molata, which takes you across the rugged cliffs past Castillo de San Ramon that overlooks the beach.

But if you don’t want to walk, there is a large parking place by the beach where you can park if you get there early enough.

The month of August especially is usually very busy, but if you head there in September or early summer, it is more quiet. 

Like so many other beaches in Cabo de Gata, El Playazo does not have any facilities, so you will have to bring your own shade and blanket to lay on.

But that is what makes it beautiful. Flanked by a mountain on one side and the view of the castle on the other, the bay is nothing but idyllic.

Head to the tiny beach on the left if you want to do some snorkelling, or explore the fossil dunes further ahead for epic cliff jumping.

– by Linn Haglund of Andalucia Hiking 

S’Amarador

S’Amarador is one of the most beautiful beaches and a hidden gem in Mallorca.

The beach is located in Mondrago Natural Park and is accessible only by foot from either the nearby Cala Mondrago beach or from the fishing village of Cala Figuera. The latter is a 45-minute hike away. 

Surrounded by tall pine trees and sharp cliffs, the beach is 145 meters long and 50 meters wide.

It has fine, white sand, and the most beautiful shades of azure and turquoise waters. The sea is quite shallow and crystal clear, which makes it great for families with children. 

The beach is very quiet, as there are no water activities permitted in the national park. However, boats are allowed to anchor in the bay. What makes this beach special are the views and the colours of the water.

The beach has only one small beach bar from where you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella as well.

– by Joanna, author of The World In My Pocket 

Best Mediterranean beaches in Turkey

While I had the opportunity to visit Turkey during a Mediterranean cruise, I haven’t been lucky enough to explore all its beaches (yet)! Here are some of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish coast.

Kaputas Beach

Kas in southern Turkey is known for its dazzling beaches. Of them all, Kaputas Beach is the crown jewel.

Kaputas rises above the rest for its stretch of sandy beach and incredibly cerulean-blue water. (Most beaches in the area are pebble beaches) You’ll love this beach from the moment you lay eyes on it from the cliff overlooking it.

It is also a favourite stop on the gulet cruises that run along the Turquoise Coast. Entrance to Kaputas is free of charge and includes free bathrooms, showers and changing rooms.

There is a small beach restaurant where you can order food and drinks and sunchairs and umbrellas can be rented by the hour. You can easily spend the whole day here.

Kaputas is about 20km outside Kas, on the way to Kalkan. The best way to get here is to rent a car or scooter in Kas and drive along the stunning coastline.

Regular minibuses running between Kas and Kalkan can also drop you at Kaputas Beach.  

– by De Wet & Jin, authors of Museum of Wander 

Kizkalesi

Kizkalesi, not far from Adana or Mersin, is the best beach in all of Turkey. The Mediterranean waters warm up in late April and don’t get too cold until around November, so there is a very long swimming season.

The beach is not very large, but it’s also not overrun with beach-goers. Most tourists choose larger resort towns, making Kizkalesi a hidden gem. What makes Kizkalesi even more special is that the town has two castles.

One of the castles is right next to the beach, and one is off-shore about 200 meters. You can swim to it. If you want to do this, bring water shoes, because the rocks are a bit sharp.

Another popular activity is to hire a boat for at least a day, but many people rent them for up to a week. Boats will take you to secret swimming caves and feed you fresh seafood. It’s a lot of fun and not too expensive.

– by Corinne, author of Reflections Enroute

Best beaches in Greece

While I’ve been lucky enough to visit Greece a few times, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to tick off a Greek island hopping trip from my travel bucket list.

With its picture perfect white towns, secluded coves, pristine beaches and crystal clear sea, Greek beaches are the stuff of dreams. The Greek beaches outlined below are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Med!

Myrtos Beach

Located in the region of Pylaros, in the north-west of Kefalonia Island, is the famous Myrtos Beach. Myrtos Beach has been repeatedly ranked amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s easy to see why.

The beach is characterised by the classic Greek turquoise sea, and is flanked by two tall mountains; Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros. From these mountains you will get a beautiful and extremely scenic view.

Many travellers are surprised to find that the beach isn’t formed by fine white sand, but actually by smooth white pebbles. There is also a cave, Myrtos Cave, located on the beach that attracts many visitors.

Agios Nikitas beach in Lefkada

Agios Nikitas beach in Lefkada island is a true pearl among other amazing Mediterranean beaches. Lefkada island is known for its long sandy beaches and turquoise seawater, which is also crystal clear.

The beach is connected with a small charming village, named the same as the beach. From there you will find several fish restaurants, coffee bars, bakeries, souvenir shops, and small boutiques. 

If you want to get more privacy, then close by is also Milos beach. It needs a bit of a hike, but it’s worth the effort because there you will find a long sandy beach with plenty of space for yourself.

The best time to visit Lefkada is from mid-May till the end of September. Then the weather is sunny and warm. The peak months are July-August, and then the beach is extremely busy.

It’s close to the main town Lefkada and it’s easily reached by car.

– by Erki from Genem Travels

Simos

Simos is probably the most spectacular beach in Greece, and that says a lot considering that the Mediterranean country in Europe’s far south has no shortage of pristine, breathtakingly beautiful beaches.

Situated in Elafonisos, a tiny island at the tip of the stunning Peloponnese peninsula, Simos is famous for its long stretches of white and pink sand and almost otherworldly azure waters.

Add to this the fine sand dunes that act as a frame to this dreamy setting, and it’s easy to understand why Simos is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Mediterranean.

You can access Simos Beach for free but if you want to hire an umbrella and sunbeds set, you must pay the corresponding fee.

The best time to visit Simos Beach is June and September to avoid the crowds of holiday-makers that July and August bring.

You can get to Elafonisos Island by ferry from Neapoli Port at the southern tip of the Peloponnese. Journey time is less than 10 minutes. To get to Neapoli, you can either rent a car or catch a bus from Athens.   

– by Maria & Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me 

Other beautiful beach destinations in the Med

We’ve already look at all the most popular and best Mediterranean destinations, but that’s not all. Here are some other gorgeous beaches dotted around the Med.

Blue Lagoon in Malta

Located on the small island of Comino in Malta, Blue Lagoon is an incredibly beautiful beach in the Mediterranean Sea.

Spending a beach day in Blue Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Malta. It’s a firm favourite with the sunbathers and swimmers for the turquoise water.

Plus, the calm and shallow water makes it a perfect spot for snorkelling.

When you are out of the water, buy a cocktail (served inside a pineapple) from the food truck and take a sip savouring the stunning view.

In summer, Blue Lagoon gets super busy with swimmers. If you want a nice towel spot on the beach, come early. You will have to catch a ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta Mainland) to reach here – private boat tours are also available.

The best time to visit Blue Lagoon is summer (Jun-Sep) when days are long and dry. April-May is also a good choice if you want to avoid the crowd in summer.

– by Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Mogren Beach in Montenegro

Mogren Beach, located on the Budva Riviera, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro. It is actually two beaches, connected at the narrowest part by a tunnel.

Nestled at the base of cliffs covered in forests, the sandy stretch of beach is spectacularly scenic, with the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea providing a beautiful contrast.

There is some gravel, though, so be sure to bring water shoes when you visit.

The Blue Flag beach is a popular swimming spot, and you can sunbathe or stroll the beach as well. More adventurous visitors can try cliff-jumping off Shark’s Rock, just beyond the beach.

Mogren Beach has sun loungers for hire, as well as snack bars. The beach is easy to reach from Old Town Budva via a well-signed coastal path.

Although it’s a popular beach that can get crowded in the summer, you will want to visit during the summer or early fall for swimming.

– by Dhara, author of It’s Not About the Miles

Livadhi Beach in Albania

Tucked between Himare and Dhermi Albania, Livadhi Beach is a slice of paradise that remains largely under the radar of mainstream tourism in Europe. 

Livadhi Beach boats crystal clear, azure water that is a delight to take a dip in and a wide stretch of a sandy beach framed by the rolling hills.

There are a few beach bars that offer sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as plenty of room for stretching your towel.

For water sports enthusiasts, standup paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent. Because Livadhi Beach is sheltered in a cove, the seawater is super calm and perfect for kayaking or paddling.  

The best time to visit Livadhi Beach is between June and September. If you’re staying in Himare, it is possible to walk to the beach, through a scenic coastal path, which makes visiting the beach even more special. 

– by Mal, author of Raw Mal Roams

Aphrodite’s Rock in Cyprus

Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is one of the most famous beaches in Cyprus. According to the legend, beautiful Aphrodite came out from the sea in the south coast of the island.

Who wouldn’t want to swim in a place where the Greek goddess of love was born?  

The incredible setting of the beach and convenient location make it a must-see when exploring this island. Visiting Aphrodite’s Rock is definitely one of the top things to do in Cyprus.

The lovely scenery of the beach with impressive rock formations will make you fall in love with this place.

It is just 20 minutes drive from Paphos International Airport, or half an hour from Limassol. On site, there is free Petra tou Romiou Car Park and Touristic Pavilion.

To get to the beach you will need to use the underground passage, which is just a short walk from the most beautiful beach in Cyprus.

– by Paulina, author of Ukeveryday

Final thoughts on Mediterranean best beaches 

There you have it, the ultimate compilation of best beaches on the Mediterranean Sea! Have you visited one of these beaches before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Personally, I’ve had to pleasure visit quite a few beautiful Mediterranean beaches, although I’d love to see more! Whether they’re in Italy or Spain, I do believe the Med is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find.

Don’t forget to check out my other travel guides to discover more about these gorgeous Med beaches, and to plan your trips there accordingly!

I hope you find this guide useful in deciding which one is the best Mediterranean beach for you. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

If you haven’t had enough of beach inspiration, check out these amazing beach quotes!

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