Greece, Cyprus, UK: Seven of the world’s top 10 best sustainable beaches are in Europe

14.03.2024 - 23:45 / euronews.com

Over half of Tripadvisor’s users say that helping the environment is important to them and sustainability increasingly factors into travellers’ choices about where to go.

When it comes to beaches, this means clear waters, clean sand and environmentally friendly initiatives.

Each year, Tripadvisor releases a ranking of the world’s best beaches with European destinations topping the list in 2024. For the first time, this year’s ranking also includes a category for the most sustainable beaches.

Travel sustainability company BeCause provided data from beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag - marking them clean and safe - between May 2023 and April 2024. This was combined with positive reviews which referenced terms such as “environmentally friendly,” “eco-tourism,” and “clean water” over a 12-month period.

With European beaches taking seven of the top 10 spots, here are a few of the destinations that made the list.

This British spot claimed first place on Tripadvisor’s list of the most sustainable beaches. It has maintained its Blue Flag award for more than 30 years - longer than any other beach in the country.

Back before Brexit, it was also one of the few areas in the UK commended by the European Commission for its high standards of cleanliness. Visitor comments describe it as “clean and tidy” and “sandy, clean and beautiful”. With a team of volunteer litter pickers keeping this coastline clear of rubbish, it's unsurprising that this often gets a mention.

The soft, clean golden sands are perfect for little ones to build sandcastles without having to worry about digging up trash. There’s even a children’s play area just behind the beach to blow off some extra steam before heading home.

Sandbanks also offers stunning views of Studland and Old Harry Rocks - on a clear day you may even be able to spot the Isle of Wight.

Sandbanks Beach is a small peninsula which crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour. If you are travelling from London, it is around four hours by train to reach this stretch of the UK’s south coast.

If you want to travel to the beach in a sustainable way, several bus routes connect with local hubs in Poole and Bournemouth. In the summer, a ferry service crosses Poole Harbour from Studland and Swanage, providing a scenic way to reach the beach.

Beautiful nature spots make Sandbanks a good choice year-round. It's popular in summer so expect bigger crowds but there’s still plenty of space to set out your blanket and enjoy the sun.

But Tripadvisor also notes that visitors love to visit this beach on a cold day too. Walk its length to take in the best views of the British south coast or look on in awe at the incredible properties along the seafront.

This sheltered bay on the western coast of the island of