Defoes Lifestyle Travel Team

Blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

More to Explore

Are you thinking of studying abroad?

The entire family can enjoy themselves on a Little Londoners trip.

The best places in the US for a bachelor party

Getting into the spirit of Vienna, Austria

Your Private Island Resort Destination in the Bahamas

The Top Five Places for a Romantic Honeymoon

The Art of Choosing the Perfect Private Island Retreat

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica

What does a vacation that costs a million dollars look like?

Unforgettable Luxury Travel Experiences: A Journey Beyond Imagination

London to Stockholm by sleeper train in one day

Here are the best places in Europe to buy a second home, from luxury city homes to vacation rentals

The world’s ten expensive holiday spots

A new trend in hotels that will actually put you to sleep

The Five Best European Beaches of 2023

In this year’s edition of Europe’s finest beach destinations, we’ve let the voice of the people guide us, relying on social media metrics to determine the popularity of these coastal gems.

In 2023, data analytics will raise eyebrows within the European Union (EU). Following France’s record-breaking fines imposed on tech giants Google ($120 million) and Amazon ($42 million) for obfuscating cookie tracking consent options for their users, the EU has taken a tough stance on data collection policies, aligning with the increasingly digital world. Large and small businesses have harnessed data analytics for insights into their target audience’s lives and preferences, utilising this information to craft tailored advertisements. While many of us have recognised the somewhat voyeuristic nature of online tracking, others embrace these “targeted ads” as personalised product or service recommendations.

Social media platforms, for instance, already curate content based on powerful sorting algorithms, making them prime sources for travel inspiration. Holidu, a Munich-based platform for renting vacation homes, has tapped into this power by creating a list of Europe’s best beaches using readily available online data.

So, how did they do it? Holidu’s methodology began with sifting through Google Maps ratings and reviews, selecting only beaches with the highest ratings and at least 500 reviews. The average ratings and comment counts and a filter based on the frequency with which each beach appeared in Instagram and TikTok posts using its name as a hashtag further refined the initial ranking.

Europeans are well-acquainted with the continent’s stunning beaches, from Santorini to Ibiza. Whether you seek tranquil, untouched shores to commune with the sea or vibrant urban beaches teeming with parties and water sports, Europe offers a beach experience for every taste. Without further ado, here are Holidu’s top five trending European beaches of 2023:

Omaha Beach, France France’s iconic Omaha Beach, along the Normandy coast, claims the top spot in Europe. With an impressive 152,376 Instagram hashtags and a staggering 132,000,000 TikTok views, Omaha Beach consistently attracts travellers from across the globe. The Normandy coast offers a picturesque vista where sky and ocean appear to merge on the horizon. Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge that many visitors come to pay their respects to the poignant history of World War II landings, creating an emotionally charged blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria The second-place honour goes to the Spanish gem, Playa de Las Canteras, nestled along the north coast of Gran Canaria. With 286,340 Instagram hashtags and 14,600,000 TikTok views, Las Canteras’ beauty is undeniable, featuring expansive stretches of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a world-renowned coral reef along its coastline. This beach is no stranger to tourists, offering a vibrant promenade with restaurants, bars, and shops to enhance your beach day.
Praia da Rocha, Portugal: Right next door, along the Algarve coast, you’ll find Portugal’s proud contender, Praia da Rocha, boasting 118,596 Instagram hashtags and 3,700,000 TikTok views. Framed by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, Praia da Rocha offers natural beauty and a touch of history, with a 17th-century fortress standing guard at its eastern edge. Praia da Rocha is known for its liveliness, making it a beloved destination for locals and travellers seeking the perfect beach getaway.
Zandvoort Beach, The Netherlands In fourth place, we have Zandvoort Beach from the Netherlands, with 125,577 Instagram hashtags and 3,700,000 TikTok views. This Dutch coastal gem attracts thousands of visitors annually with its expansive dunes and vibrant atmosphere. Zandvoort Beach offers something for everyone, whether you’re a sunbather, water sports enthusiast, or beach club aficionado.
Elafonisi Lagoon, Crete: A list of Europe’s best beaches would only be complete with a mention of the enchanting Greek Islands. The pink sands of Elafonisi Lagoon, a natural wonder on the southwest coast of Crete, result from the calcification of shells from benthic foraminifera over many years. With over 10 million TikTok views and 98,518 Instagram hashtags, this beach is a clear favourite among young adults and a media darling.

These top five beaches represent the epitome of European coastal beauty in 2023, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers seeking sun, sea, and sand.