The 15 best beaches in Europe to post on Instagram

European beaches offer transformative experiences to holidaymakers from all over the world. From sandy strips to rocky stretches, European seascapes can look vastly different from one another, creating ample opportunities for taking captivating, Instagram-worthy pictures along the way.

But if you are looking for the best beach spots on the continent, where should you start? We have researched and collected hashtag data showcasing the most popular and picturesque spots, which will help you get closer to picking your next beach holiday destination.

The 15 best beaches in Europe according to Instagram

Based on the findings of our research, these are the most Instagrammable beaches in all of Europe.

1. Étretat Beach - Normandy, France

An extraordinary white pebble beach, Étretat is renowned for its three arches and their adjacent cliffs, which tower over emerald green waters like nowhere else on the planet.

Number of posts on Instagram: 406,321

Hashtag: #etretat

2. Durdle Door Beach - Dorset, UK

Durdle Door Beach offers social media-worthy views of intricate limestone cliffs, alongside a historical arch that has origins dating back more than 10,000 years.

Number of posts on Instagram: 265,276

Hashtag: #durdledoor

3. La Pelosa Beach - Sardinia, Italy

Exploring Italy by the sea creates many opportunities to take exceptional photos. La Pelosa’s white sands and serene shoreline is well worth adding to your list of photogenic holiday destinations.

Number of posts on Instagram: 109,135

Hashtag: #lapelosa

4. Torre Lapillo - Puglia, Italy

Beloved by young families and retirees alike, Torre Lapillo has some of the finest sand and majestic views you will find in all of Europe. For those wishing to visit this beach, may we recommend the fascinating and stylish Villa Elia? We guarantee you will fall in love with its authentic Puglian atmosphere and thoroughly enjoy its amenities, such as a tennis court, hammam, cinema and pool for when you wish to take a dip a bit closer to home.

Number of posts on Instagram: 95,083

Hashtag: #torrelapillo

5. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) - Zakynthos, Greece

Located in one of the largest expanses in the Poipu area, it is impossible not to take pictures in this four-decade old shipwreck graveyard, which is only accessible by sea.  Although the popular beach was closed for swimming for the 2023 summer season, boats are allowed to enter a safe zone from the northern end of Navagio bay outbound towards the southern end daily from 8am to 3.30pm. Aurora is just 20 minutes from Navagio Beach, making it the ideal base for anyone interested in visiting this picturesque location. Not only that, it also features an easy walk to a selection of other beaches and tavernas, inspiring contemporary design and spellbinding sea views that are sure to put you in the perfect holiday mindset.

Number of posts on Instagram: 80,824

Hashtag: #navagiobeach

6. Cala Luna - Sardinia, Italy

Cala Luna might be one of the smaller beaches on our list, but it features enchanting marine life alongside historical caves.

Number of posts on Instagram: 75,012

Hashtag: #calaluna

7. Punta Prosciutto - Salento, Italy

Punta Prosciutto is known for being the ideal place to be on one of Italy’s signature spellbinding sunny days. Not only that, it is within easy reach of some of our gorgeous luxury villas in Puglia, including the luxurious, spacious and contemporary Masseria Le Querce, a traditional masseria with stunning walled gardens and breathtaking finished interiors.

Number of posts on Instagram: 74,102

Hashtag: #puntaprosciutto

8. La Concha Beach - San Sebastián, Spain

This astonishingly-shaped beach in San Sebastián makes for a highly Instagrammable moment, especially when its pristine sandy shoreline is in full view.

Number of posts on Instagram: 72,11

4Hashtag: #playadelaconcha

9. Playa de Muro Beach - Mallorca, Spain

Playa de Muro — a wide-spanning beach just a short distance from Palma de Mallorca Airport — is the perfect location from which to capture Mallorca in all its majestic glory.

Number of posts on Instagram: 70,831

Hashtag: #playademuro

10. Porto Katsiki Beach - Lefkada, Greece

Mind-blowing Instagram photos await anybody enjoying a villa holiday near this slice of paradise, with a breathtaking view overlooking the 80 steep steps that lead down to its sandy shores. Porto Katsiki Beach is just five minutes away from one of our favourite villas on the island, the extraordinarily panoramic cliff-top Noiya. It was designed by an architect and features unforgettable sunset and sea views, as well as multiple swimming pools, a basketball court and a cook.

Number of posts on Instagram: 55,496

Hashtag: #portokatsiki

11. Kynance Cove - Cornwall, UK

Kynance Cove, just three kilometres north of Lizard Point, attracts some of the most adventurous surfers from all over the world thanks to its rowdy waters. 

Number of posts on Instagram: 55,015

Hashtag: #kynancecove

12. Myrtos Beach - Kefalonia, Greece

Myrtos Beach is the crown jewel of Kefalonia, offering the perfect opportunity for taking photos thanks to its windy shore, white rocks and aquamarine waters. On the opposite side of the island, about 55 minutes from Myrtos Beach, is Odyssea. Staying at this spacious cliff-top villa is well worth the journey, however, as it has general accommodation and sensational sea views, as well as an ideal location near a selection of other Kefalonian beaches, tavernas and more.

Number of posts on Instagram: 52,465

Hashtag: #myrtosbeach

13. Cala Goloritzé - Sardinia, Italy

A beloved beach in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé was first created by a natural landslide over 60 years ago and is only accessible by boat. 

Number of posts on Instagram: 47,742

Hashtag: #calagoloritz

14. Playa de Alcúdia - Mallorca, Spain

This popular tourist beach is close to one of the most historic old towns in Mallorca, which offers lazy days followed by bustling nightlife once the sun goes down.

Number of posts on Instagram: 44,042

Hashtag: #alcudiabeach

15. Torre Guaceto Beach - Brindisi, Italy

The only beach on the list located inside a protected nature reserve, serene and secluded Torre Guaceto is easy to cover by bike or on foot. The Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, where this beach is located, is just 15 minutes away from the luxurious and beguiling Masseria Belvedere, an authentic masseria that has been lovingly restored. Here you can enjoy extensive landscaped grounds, an irresistible heatable infinity pool and, of course, the panoramic sea views you would want to see on a beach holiday to Italy.

Number of posts on Instagram: 43,143

Hashtag: #torreguaceto

The best Mediterranean beaches to post on Instagram

Staying in one of our luxury villas in the Mediterranean is a fantastic way to enhance an already beautiful beach holiday. Explore these beaches in Greece, Italy, Spain and France, known for their almost unreal beauty and just waiting to be captured by your camera.

The 5 best beaches in Greece

These beaches in Greece are bucket list destinations for anyone looking to enhance their Instagram feed.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on Zakynthos

An exceptional sight to behold, visitors flock to this beach to catch a glimpse of the MV Panagiotis, a 49-metre long shipwreck that resulted in the area being nicknamed “Smugglers Cove”. 

Number of posts on Instagram: 80,824

Hashtag: #navagiobeach

Choose from our entire selection of villas on Zakynthos.

Porto Katsiki Beach on Lefkada

A secluded beach at the bottom of a hollow cliff, Porto Katsiki was once completely inaccessible, but in recent years has since become a prominent tourist attraction on the popular Lefkada.

Number of posts on Instagram: 55,496

Hashtag: #portokatsiki

Find your perfect luxury villa on Lefkada.

Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia

Perfectly situated between the towering Dynati and Kalon Oros mountains, Myrtos Beach radiates panache thanks to its white pebbles and crystalline waters.

Number of posts on Instagram: 52,465

Hashtag: #myrtosbeach

Explore our Kefalonia villas.

Elafonisi Beach on Crete

Elafonisi is one of the most alluring beaches in the Mediterranean, with its unique pink sands offering a variety of different looks, depending on the tide, temperature and season.

Number of posts on Instagram: 40,749

Hashtag: #elafonisibeach

Balos Lagoon on Crete

This highly revered lagoon on the biggest island in Greece is only accessible by boat or hike, adding to its allure and affirming its reputation as one of most photographed landscapes in the country.

Number of posts on Instagram: 38,380

Hashtag: #baloslagoon

Why not explore our entire selection of villas in Greece, many of which are ideally situated by a beach?

The 5 best beaches in Italy

For the best water activities in Italy, coupled with sunshine galore, try one of these Italian seascapes.

La Pelosa Beach on Sardinia

The perfect place for a break from everyday life, La Pelosa Beach is part of Sardinia’s extended coastline, which also offers magnificent mountain ranges to traverse in peace.

Number of posts on Instagram: 109,135

Hashtag: #lapelosa

Cala Luna on Sardinia

Cala Luna is a mystical beach with a fickle tide. Named in honour of the moon, it has an array of secluded spots that are perfect for anybody looking to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, or nature itself.

Number of posts on Instagram: 75,012

Hashtag: #calaluna

Cala Goloritzé on Sardinia

Experience the charm of Cala Goloritzé with a visit to Baunei in the south of Sardinia. Seeing this bewitching landscape by boat is essential for having the best chance to avoid large crowds and take dazzling photos.

Number of posts on Instagram: 47,742Hashtag: #calagoloritz

Positano Beach in Positano

Positano’s beach has a similar reputation to its namesake village. Grand, vivacious and glamourous, it’s no surprise that it is a popular destination for tourists with a sense of adventure.

Number of posts on Instagram: 35,949Hashtag: #positanobeach

Tonnara di Scopello Beach in Sicily

Well hidden and protected within the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the translucent waters of Tonnara di Scopello Beach have much to offer swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. Located just five minutes away from the nature reserve by car is Ai Faraglioni, which enjoys a uniquely privileged seafront position. The villa itself is modern and has been recently refurbished, giving it an elegant and contemporary feel that our guests love.

Number of posts on Instagram: 24,170

Hashtag: #tonnaradiscopello

From sensational Sicily to perfect Puglia, don’t miss a stay in one of our luxury Italian villas.

The 6 best beaches in France

Along with seeing the best vineyards in the country, these beaches will make any French holiday one to remember.

Etretat Beach in Normandy

A hotspot for impressionist painters in the 1800s, Etretat’s cliffside views are a spectacular sight, towering over the impressive Atlantic Ocean.

Number of posts on Instagram: 406,321

Hashtag: #etretat

Deauville Beach in Normandy

Formerly a secret spot that locals kept close to their chests, Deauville Beach now offers an upscale experience that is popular with relaxed and adventurous travellers alike. 

Number of posts on Instagram: 33,502

Hashtag: #deauvillebeach

La Grande Plage in Biarritz

Naturally grand, this beach transforms Biarritz into a tourist’s paradise every year. Its iconic, twenties-style beach umbrellas should create ample Instagram-worthy moments for keen photographers.

Number of posts on Instagram: 26,736

Hashtag: #grandeplage

Calanque d'En Vau in Marseille

Affectionately dubbed a hiker’s paradise, Calanque d'En Vau is both beautiful and well-kept, with majestic blue waters and stirring cliffs that come alive in the summertime.

Number of posts on Instagram: 18,698

Hashtag: #calanquedenvau

Paloma Beach in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Paloma Beach offers exceptional snorkelling experiences for its visitors, in a sparsely populated region beloved for its surprising amount of lush greenery.

Number of posts on Instagram: 15,734

Hashtag: #palomabeach

Honourable mention: Palombaggia Beach on Corsica

Located in the south of Corsica, this unique beach has been part of France since the mid-1700s but still exudes a decidedly Italian atmosphere all these centuries later. Palombaggia Beach is only 20 minutes away by foot from our stylish villa Fontana, which is known for its spellbinding coastal and sea views, panoramic heatable infinity pool and close proximity to some of the best restaurants on the island.

Number of posts on Instagram: 4,026

Hashtag: #palombaggiabeach

Immerse yourself in our gorgeous Corsican villas.

The best beaches in the UK to post on Instagram

These highly Instagrammable beaches prove that the UK is worth being added to your travel list this year:

Durdle Door Beach in Dorset

A visit to this immaculate beach — offering cliff-top views of a historic rock arch right next to serene ocean waters — provides the perfect pairing of relaxation and a cultural experience.

umber of posts on Instagram: 265,276

Hashtag: #durdledoor

Kynance Cove in Cornwall

Located on the east of Mount’s Bay, Kynance Cove is known for its incredible scuba diving experiences, as well as its high rock towers that invite daring jumpers to indulge in an adrenaline rush.

Number of posts on Instagram: 55,015

Hashtag: #kynancecove

Sennen Cove Beach in Cornwall

This bright and bold beach in the heart of Cornwall is popular with tourists all year round. Found by walking down a relatively steep embankment, it offers exceptional sunrise and sunset views overlooking sparkling sea-green waters.

Number of posts on Instagram: 39,647Hashtag: #sennencove

Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea

This particular bay takes its name from a trio of sea cliffs containing numerous small caves, each of which have been the site of incredible fossil discoveries over the years.

Number of posts on Instagram: 32,582

Hashtag: #threecliffsbay

Holkham Beach in Norfolk

This golden sand beach showcases Miami-esque pine trees alongside creative beach huts, both of which overlook tranquil waters that are perfect for swimmers of all ages.

Number of posts on Instagram: 29,880

Hashtag: #holkhambeach

UK beach holidays are ideal for those looking for a staycation. For when you desire a holiday further afield, we recommend visiting one of the lovely beaches in Greece, Spain, France or Italy. For more guidance on which destination is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Enjoy a taste of the best European beaches with The Thinking Traveller

Before visiting the vast beach landscapes in Europe and across the Mediterranean, it’s worth exploring some of the best accommodation options nearby to make the experience as memorable as possible. Our selection of villas are renowned for offering an abundance of Instagram-worthy views and more. Not only that, but our team will be present and on hand to assist you in getting the most out of the areas surrounding these beautiful beaches and uncovering all manner of luscious hidden gems. We are here to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, so feel free to get in touch with us whenever you’re ready to embark on your next adventure.