Travelers recommend these beaches, from quiet places suitable for families with children to the most festive destinations in terms of sustainable development.
More than half of Tripadvisor users consider it “important” to work for the environment and sustainable development, and more travelers are taking these criteria into account when making their choices.
When it comes to beaches, this means clean waters, clean sand and environmentally friendly initiatives.
Every year, Tripadvisor publishes a ranking best beaches in the world, with European destinations in first place in 2024. For the first time, this year’s ranking also includes a category dedicated to the most sustainable beaches.
Sustainable travel specialist BeCause provided data on beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag – which marks them as clean and safe – between May 2023 and April 2024. This data was compared with positive reviews that referred to “environmentally friendly “friendly”, “ecotourism” and “clean waters” for 12 months.
European beaches take seven of the top ten spots, and here are some of the destinations that make up this prestigious list.
Sandbanks Beach, United Kingdom: for a family day out
This British beach tops Tripadvisor’s list of the most sustainable beaches. It has held the blue flag for over 30 years, longer than any other country beach.
Before Brexit, it was also one of the few areas in the UK to be recognized by the European Commission for its high standard of cleanliness. Visitor reviews describe it as “clean and tidy” and “sandy, clean and beautiful”. A team of volunteer litter pickers ensures that the coast is not littered.
Ocher sand, fine and clean, is perfect for the little ones to build sandcastles without fear of them falling on the litter. There’s even a playground for the little ones right behind the beach, so they can let off some steam before heading home.
Sandbanks also offers stunning views of Studland and Old Harry Rocks. On a clear day you can even see the Isle of Wight.
How to get to Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks Beach is a small peninsula that runs throughmouth of Poole Harbour. If you’re coming from London, it takes around four hours to get to this part of the UK’s south coast by train.
If you want to get to the beach sustainably, there are several bus routes that serve Poole and Bournemouth. In summer, a ferry service crosses Poole Harbor from Studland and Swanage, providing a unique way to get to the beach.
When is the best time to go to Sandbanks Beach?
Beautiful natural sights make Sandbanks a safe choice all year round. The beach is very popular in the summer, so expect bigger crowds, but there’s still plenty of room to spread out a blanket and enjoy the sun.
Tripadvisor also notes that visitors like to go to this beach in cold weather. Walk along the beach and enjoy the best views of the UK’s south coast or admire the incredible properties along the coast.
Galissas Beach, Greece: Organize a snorkeling trip in the warm, shallow waters
This sheltered cove on the west coastSyros Island, Greece, it is ranked fifth on the Tripadvisor list.
Located in a bay surrounded by high cliffs, it is a great place for snorkeling with calm, shallow waters that travelers say are waist-deep at most for long distances.
Visitors mention the cleanliness and clarity of the waters, as well as satisfactory accessibility for people with disabilities.
After swimming and lounging on the beach, head to the village and experience unique flavors in the local taverns. You can also admire the breathtaking view from the chapel of Agia Pakou or visit the ancient sites of Galissas.
How to get to Galissas Beach
A direct bus connects Galissas Beach with the capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, where there is also an airport. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and the bus stops not far from the beach.
ADVERTISEMENTNissi Beach, Cyprus: a journey between fine sand and sleepless nights
Nissi Beach is a popular stretch of sand in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. 500 meters long, it won the blue flag for exceptional cleanliness. It takes its name from the small island of Nissi, which is located near the beach and is easily reached by walking across the shallow waters.
The beach is known as one of the most picturesque in Cyprus and its eastern end is as calm and relaxing as the other end, bustling with nightlife.
If you are looking for an option that is durable but full of fun, this may be the option for you.
How to get to Nissi Beach
Larnaca Airport is approximately 35 kilometers from Nissi Beach and can be reached by bus in about an hour.
If you visit Ayia Napayou can take a direct bus to the golden sandy beaches which runs approximately every 20 minutes.
ADVERTISEMENTWhat other European beaches are in the top 10?
Seven of the ten most sustainable beaches are in Europe, the United Kingdom, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Spain.
Saundersfoot Beach in Wales is third, Mellieha Beach in Malta is seventh, followed by Myrtos Beach in Greece and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Spain.
Outside of Europe, the top 10 most sustainable beaches also include Radhanagar Beach in India, Corniche Beach in the United Arab Emirates and Camp’s Bay Beach in South Africa.