Tropical & turquoise

Europe's best tropical & turquoise beaches

Sheltered coves, shallow shelving turquoise water and pale sand — Europe's answer to the tropics, concentrated where the Mediterranean is clearest: the Balearics, the Greek islands, Sardinia and Corsica. 79 tropical & turquoise beaches across Europe, ranked by fame and mapped.

When to go

Most of the 79 beaches listed here are at their best June to September, with the season peaking in July. In the warm season the sea runs from about 16°C at Dog's Bay up to ~29°C at Suluada, averaging 25.3°C across the list. 15 stay in season into October.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Europe's best tropical & turquoise beaches?

Of the 79 tropical & turquoise beaches on the atlas, most are in Italy (18), Spain (15) and Greece (12); Balos Lagoon in Greece is the most renowned.

Which tropical & turquoise beach has the warmest sea?

Suluada in Türkiye — typically ~29°C in the warm season.

When is the best time for tropical & turquoise beaches?

Most are at their best June to September, peaking in July.