The 15 Most Beautiful Beaches In Europe: Malta Tops 2024 Ranking By European Best Destinations

02.05.2024 - 20:45 / forbes.com

Golden sand beaches in the Algarve and the Canary Islands, wild secret counterparts in Greece, others with therapeutic power in Italy and lush, green beaches in Albania: They all grace this year’s rankings of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe assembled by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization, offering something for everyone.

Based on the votes of 103,224 worldwide travelers from 116 countries, the 15 beaches selected include secluded, popular and wild beaches for romantic escapes or family adventures; feature every activity, from intense water sports to unspoiled nature for walks; and are also among the safest for sunny European holidays.

Malta leads the EBD ranking with a golden sandy beach located near Mellieha, a destination recognized by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainability.

Greece has five beaches on the list: Canal d'Amour, Porto Timoni, St Paul Bay, Porto Katsiki and Vai beach, making it the the most awarded country in this year’s ranking.

Spain has three beaches on the list: the highly popular Las Teresitas in Tenerife, the ‘secret’ beach of As Catedrais in Galicia, and the Miami look-a-like Calpe beach on the Costa Blanca.

Southwest Portugal features two beaches in the ranking: Monte Clerigo and Odeceixe, both located in Aljezur, in the Algarve, near the Alentejo border. They are part of the Vicentina Natural Coastal Park, a protected reserve.

Located near the coastal town of Mellieha, awarded for its commitment to sustainable tourism by the European Commission, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, with its glorious cliffs, sand beach and remains of Roman baths was the most voted for sunny holidays in Malta.

“This beach offers high standards of cleanliness and services. Restaurants and snack bars, sunbeds and water activities also available,” writes EBD.

Accessible by ferry and boat are the small, picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino (home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon between the islands) that are part of the Maltese archipelago.

The organization recommends Malta, located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, as a destination “with a unique offer of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horse riding, paddle, snorkeling, diving and other water sports” for lovers, families and foodies.

The architecture and colors in Valleta, Malta’s capital, are spectacular with the blue Mediterranean as backdrop.

Malta has been ranked as the Best LGBTQ+ destination yet again this year by EBD, as well as Best Destination to Dive in Europe and among the Best Destinations in Europe for family holidays.

Malta was also voted as the third best destination to visit in Europe in 2024.

Unspoiled nature, a fishing village with colourful houses nearby,