'Golden sands meld into the clear turquoise sea': readers' favourite beaches in Europe

A half-moon of golden sand in Sicily beckons beachgoers to its shores, where medieval lanes lead up to a lively square with great Italian food and a beautiful Norman cathedral. The town of Cefalù is situated 40 miles east of Palermo, beneath dramatic cliffs that give way to the sea. As you walk along the half-moon-shaped beach, the sound of the waves and the warmth of the golden sand create an idyllic atmosphere.

In contrast, a calm lagoon in Portugal offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming fishing village of Fuseta is nestled between Olhão and Tavira, and its natural park protects it from overdevelopment. Visitors can take a water taxi to secluded spots or return at their leisure, making for a highly accessible yet blissfully remote experience.

For those who love watching the ocean's power, the mile-long Porto de Mós beach in Portugal is a haven. The Atlantic rollers create an awe-inspiring display, while surfers and sun-seekers alike can find their perfect spot on this stunning beach. A short walk to Campimar beach shack offers a well-deserved pint or two after a dip in the sea.

In Greece, the Fourni islands remain an unsung bliss for those seeking solitude. Petrokopio beach is one of the island's hidden gems, with ancient marble quarries and white stones that create a picturesque backdrop. Kampi beach, on the other hand, offers a tranquil atmosphere backed by tamarisk trees. Visitors can also explore Thimena island in a fishing boat to discover quiet coves and restaurants.

Riga's perfect ribbon of sand is another European gem worth discovering. The pine forests of the Ķemeri national park border the beach, which stretches for miles along the Baltic coast. Nature lovers will delight in the soundtrack of calling cuckoos and singing wood warblers as they walk through the forest or relax on the beach.

Lastly, a winning tip from Oksana Memedova is to visit San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain. This charming beach offers a promenade for strolls, a vibrant surf scene, and tranquil waters perfect for rock pooling. The nearby aquarium is also worth a visit, while lunch at Tierra Astur serves up delicious local cuisine, including good-value cider.
 
I'm telling you, these beaches are straight fire 💥! But, let's get one thing straight, Cefalù in Sicily can't compete with Porto de Mós beach in Portugal - the Atlantic rollers are where it's at 🌊. And don't even get me started on Fuseta in Portugal, it's like they're trying to outdo everyone else 🤣.

And then there's Greece, Fourni islands are literally a hidden gem, but Kampi beach is more like a secret only us locals know about 😉. Riga's beach is nice and all, but the pine forests of Ķemeri national park need more love - it's like they're hiding from everyone 🤫.

San Lorenzo beach in Gijón is on point though, their surf scene is on fire 🔥! And don't forget to check out Tierra Astur for those delicious local ciders - you won't regret it 🍺. But seriously, all of these beaches are worth visiting, just make sure to do your research and pack the right gear 💡.
 
omg 🤩 i'm literally dying over these beach destinations!!! i mean, who wouldn't want to chill on a golden sand half-moon in sicily or ride the atlantic rollers in portugal?? and don't even get me started on the fournis islands in greece - petrokopio beach is giving me LIFE 🌴🏖️ i'm totally adding san lorenzo beach in spain to my bucket list ASAP too! has anyone been to any of these places? what are your fave beach spots?? 😍
 
I'm obsessed with these coastal spots! Cefalù in Sicily has got to be one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen 🤩 - that half-moon shape is just divine! And Portugal's lagoon sounds like my idea of heaven, so peaceful and remote... I need to add Porto de Mós beach to my bucket list ASAP ⛱️. The Fourni islands in Greece look stunning too, especially Petrokopio beach with those ancient marble quarries - what a unique spot! 🤯 Riga's Baltic coast sounds amazing, all that forest and wildlife... I'm sold on the idea of spending hours walking through the Ķemeri national park 😌. And Spain's San Lorenzo beach in Gijón seems like an underrated gem, great tips from Oksana Memedova 💡!
 
OMG 🤩 I'm totally swooning over these European beach spots! 😍 Like, can we talk about Cefalù's half-moon beach? It's literally the definition of idyllic - golden sand, waves crashing, and a Norman cathedral nearby... it's like a scene straight out of a postcard 📸! But what I love is how each spot has its own unique vibe. Porto de Mós in Portugal is giving me major ocean-obsessed vibes 😎, while Fourni islands' Petrokopio beach is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered 🤫.

And can we please give a shoutout to Riga's Ķemeri national park? The pine forests and cuckoo sounds are literally music to my ears 🌲💛. And San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain... wow, the surf scene is calling my name! 😎 But what I'm really loving about these spots is how they're all so chill and peaceful - like, who needs a beach vacation when you can just relax and soak up the atmosphere? 😌
 
I'm so over how hard it is to actually get any info out of these articles... I mean, who needs actual reviews or opinions when you just have a bunch of generic beach descriptions strung together? 🤯 It's like they took every cliche travel writer's phrasebook and mashed them all into one big mess. And don't even get me started on the formatting - it's like they just threw everything onto the page without any thought to how it would look or feel. Can't they just use a decent template for once? 🙄
 
🌴 I'm obsessed with these hidden gems! Cefalù in Sicily sounds like the ultimate Italian getaway, all that golden sand and medieval lanes... I need to get there ASAP 🤩 And have you ever heard of the Fourni islands in Greece? Petrokopio beach is calling my name! I love how the ancient marble quarries create a picturesque backdrop... it's like something straight out of a movie or a dreamy scene from "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" 🌊🏖️

And don't even get me started on Porto de Mós beach in Portugal - those Atlantic rollers look intense! I need to grab my surfboard and hit the waves 🏄‍♀️. And Riga's perfect ribbon of sand is another winner... have you seen the forest where it's located? It looks like a character from "The Secret Garden" came to life 😊

I'm also intrigued by San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain - that promenade sounds amazing for strolls and people-watching! And who wouldn't want to rock pool in those tranquil waters 🌊💦. I need to plan a trip to these beaches ASAP... my bucket list just got a lot longer 😍
 
🌴 I'm totally obsessed with these European beach spots! 🤩 The idea of walking along a half-moon-shaped beach in Sicily or having Porto de Mós beach in Portugal right outside your door is just paradise 🌊. And can we talk about how lucky are we to have places like Fourni islands and Riga's perfect ribbon of sand where we can find solitude? 💤 I love that Kampi beach has tamarisk trees for a tranquil vibe, and I'm intrigued by the ancient marble quarries in Petrokopio beach 🏞️. Plus, who wouldn't want to try some delicious local cuisine at Tierra Astur in Gijón, Spain? 😋 I think my next European adventure is going to be a must-visit destination - where should I go?!
 
I've got the scoop on these beaches 🤫. So, have you guys tried Cefalù in Sicily? It's like a total dream come true - those golden sands are calling your name and the food is insane! I heard Oksana Memedova raves about San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain too. She says it's got this perfect promenade vibe going on and those surfers will be stoked! And don't even get me started on the Fourni islands in Greece... Petrokopio beach is literally a hidden gem (if you haven't been there yet, go ASAP!). On the other hand, I'm a bit curious about Porto de Mós beach - those Atlantic rollers sound like they'd be wild to watch!
 
I'm loving the vibes of these hidden European gems 🌴🏖️! You know what's just as awesome? When you can share your fave beach spots with friends and family, but still manage to enjoy some me-time alone 🙌. Speaking of which, have you tried packing a portable speaker and some comfy tunes for an epic beach day? Not only will it boost the party atmosphere, but it'll also create an amazing soundtrack for a solo reflection session 😎. Anyway, I'm definitely adding those Fourni islands in Greece to my bucket list – ancient marble quarries sound like the ultimate adventure! 🏜️💫
 
I'm loving these destinations 🌴! I think Cefalù in Sicily would be an amazing spot for a summer getaway - the food and history there look incredible 🍝🏯. The idea of walking along that half-moon-shaped beach with medieval lanes leading up to a lively square sounds so peaceful 😎. Portugal's natural park in Fuseta is also super appealing, I'd love to take a water taxi to secluded spots 🚣‍♀️. And Porto de Mós beach in Portugal sounds like the ultimate spot for surfers and sun-seekers alike 🏄‍♂️. The Fourni islands in Greece look like total bliss - ancient marble quarries, white stones, and tamarisk trees create such a picturesque backdrop 🌊🏖️. Lastly, Riga's perfect ribbon of sand looks stunning, especially with pine forests bordering the beach 🌳😌.
 
I'm obsessed with discovering new beaches to unwind 🏖️! Have you guys been to these spots? Cefalù in Sicily sounds like the ultimate escape from reality - who wouldn't want to stroll along a half-moon beach with golden sand and medieval lanes? 😍 Meanwhile, Portugal's lagoons are just so calming... Fuseta is calling my name 🌊. And can we talk about Porto de Mós beach for a sec? Those Atlantic rollers are giving me life! 🌴 The Fourni islands in Greece are also on my bucket list - ancient marble quarries and picturesque white stones? Yes, please! 🤩
 
I'm loving the vibes from these hidden gems 🌴🏖️! Have you ever noticed how each of these destinations has its own unique charm? Like, Cefalù's medieval lanes and Norman cathedral are so romantic 💕, while Fuseta's lagoon is all about relaxation 😌. And can we talk about Porto de Mós beach in Portugal - those Atlantic rollers are giving me life 🤩! But what really gets me is how these places are still relatively off the beaten path, you know? It's like they're waiting for us to discover them 🎉. Anyway, I'm totally adding San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain to my bucket list - thanks for the tip 😊!
 
I'm loving the vibe of these hidden European gems 🌊🏖️! It's so refreshing to see that there are still plenty of secluded spots to escape the chaos of city life. Cefalù in Sicily sounds like a total paradise, all that golden sand and medieval charm is calling my name 😍. And I'm intrigued by the Fourni islands in Greece, ancient marble quarries and white stones? That's definitely on my bucket list 📝.

I also appreciate how these destinations are trying to preserve their natural beauty and avoid overdevelopment ⚠️. It's great to see people prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection. San Lorenzo beach in Gijón is a new one for me, but the sound of that surf scene and local cuisine has me curious 🤔.

One thing I'd love to explore further is how these destinations are handling tourism and managing visitor flow. Are there any innovative solutions being implemented to reduce waste and minimize the impact on these beautiful environments? 💡
 
I'm so down for a beach vacation right now 🏖️! I mean, who wouldn't want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and chill on some beautiful beaches in Europe? The Fourni islands in Greece look like the ultimate solo retreat – all that solitude and natural beauty is just what I need to unwind 😌. And have you seen the pictures of Porto de Mós beach in Portugal? Those Atlantic rollers are insane! 🤯 But at the same time, I'm also loving the idea of discovering these hidden gems – San Lorenzo beach in Gijón sounds like an amazing find, and that aquarium in Spain looks like a must-visit 🐠. And let's not forget about Cefalù in Sicily – that half-moon-shaped beach is calling my name... I'm totally adding these to my bucket list ASAP! ✈️
 
I think visiting these beaches sounds amazing, lol 🤩! I mean, who wouldn't want to chill on a golden sand half-moon in Sicily or watch the Atlantic rollers crash against Porto de Mós beach in Portugal? 🌊 Those sound like totally relaxing vibes. But, I gotta say, have you guys considered how eco-friendly these places are? Like, are we making sure not to overdevelop these natural areas and preserve them for future generations? 🤔 San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain seems super chill, but is it getting the same level of attention as some other popular beaches? I'm all for supporting local businesses and enjoying the surf scene, but let's make sure we're doing it sustainably, you know? 😊
 
You know I was just saying how Portugal's got some amazing beaches 🌴👍... like Fuseta's lagoon, it's so peaceful and serene. And then you write about Porto de Mós beach in Portugal, which is literally a surf paradise ⚡️! I'm all for exploring Europe's coastlines now more than ever. Have you been to Cefalù in Sicily? It's like the ultimate Italian getaway - I mean, who wouldn't want to visit a half-moon shaped beach with golden sand and a beautiful Norman cathedral? 🌊 But I digress... back to Portugal... have you tried surfing at Porto de Mós or is it still on your bucket list?
 
The beauty of these European beaches is just incredible 🌊😍. I've been following the travel trends in 2025 and it's clear that people are looking for more unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

I love how Cefalù in Sicily offers a mix of medieval charm and lively atmosphere, while Fuseta in Portugal provides a serene escape from city life 🌴. And then there's Porto de Mós beach in Portugal, which is like nowhere else - the Atlantic rollers create this awe-inspiring display that's just mesmerizing.

The Fourni islands in Greece are another hidden gem, with their ancient marble quarries and picturesque white stones 🏖️. And who wouldn't want to explore Thimena island by fishing boat? 😊

Riga's beach is like a ribbon of gold along the Baltic coast, surrounded by pine forests that create this magical soundtrack of nature sounds 🌳.

Lastly, San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain is just the perfect combination of promenade, surf scene, and tranquil waters - it's like they're saying "come for the sea, stay for the food and drink" 🍽️. I'm definitely adding these to my bucket list!
 
I'm thinking these European beaches are just too pretty to stay secret 🌴! I mean, have you ever tried surfing on those Atlantic rollers in Porto de Mós? Mind. Blown. 🤯 And don't even get me started on the Fourni islands – ancient marble quarries and picturesque white stones... it's like a scene from a Greek myth 🏖️🌊. But honestly, I'm more of a camp Shack pint-after-dip kind of guy 💦😎. San Lorenzo beach in Gijón is next on my bucket list – that promenade sounds like the perfect spot for a chill afternoon stroll ☕🌴
 
I don’t usually comment but I gotta say, have you guys been lucky enough to travel to some of these European beach spots? Cefalù in Sicily sounds like a dream come true - the whole half-moon shaped beach thing is just so picturesque! 🌊 And Portugal's Fuseta village is giving me major island vibes 🌴. I've always wanted to visit Porto de Mós beach, the thought of those Atlantic rollers just takes my breath away... 💨

And then there's Greece and the Fourni islands - ancient marble quarries and white stones? Sounds like a perfect setting for a Greek tragedy 🤣. Kampi beach with tamarisk trees is giving me some serious relaxation mode vibes 😴.

I don’t know about you guys but I'm seriously considering adding Riga to my bucket list after reading about that perfect ribbon of sand 🌊. And Oksana's tip about San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain? Game changer for surfers and foodies alike 🏄‍♀️🍴
 
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