Best Beaches in the Mediterranean

August 07, 2024 6 min

The Mediterranean boasts sparkling, crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, historical architecture and an idyllic summer ambience. With thousands of beaches in the Mediterranean, each one unique to the next, will you explore rocky coves, shallow aquamarine waters, craggy cliffs, wild dunes or soft sands? One thing is for sure – wherever you visit will offer a relaxing, blissful experience.

Stretching across beautiful and popular countries, such as Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia, the Mediterranean coastline is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy Europe’s finest cultures, sights and unique shores. With such a vast area to uncover, you might be wondering, where are the best beaches in the Mediterranean?

To help make your yacht charter planning as hassle-free as possible, we’ve created a guide to the best beaches in the Mediterranean, from sunny shores in Greece to the rocky terrains in Croatia. Discover more about the best beach in the Mediterranean and plan your yacht vacation today.

Which Mediterranean country has the best beaches?

The best beaches in the Mediterranean can be found in Croatia, Greece, Spain and Italy.

The Mediterranean is a hub for natural beauty, boasting glorious and picturesque beaches every type of traveler will love. Whether you’re seeking sunshine and relaxation, adventure thrills or a dream snorkeling location, the shores of every country can offer unique coastlines everyone can enjoy.

However, these parts of the Mediterranean represent some of the absolute highlights, whether it’s the hidden coves tucked away in the rocky coastline of Greece or the incredible natural formations of Italy’s Turkish Steps.

Where is the clearest water in the Mediterranean?

The clearest waters in the Mediterranean can be found in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain.The Mediterranean is a dream of clear waters, and Cyprus is known for having the most transparent water overall, with an outstanding 99.1 % cleanliness score by the EEA 2020 report. Due to its clarity, Cyprus’ waters are a hub for snorkeling, diving and an impressive beach scene. Other significant clear water hotspots in the Mediterranean include Zakynthos Island in Greece, Lampedusa in Italy and Menorca in Spain.

Golden Horn Beach, Brac, Croatia

The Golden Horn Beach (or Zlatni Rat) in Brac is one of the world’s best beaches on the Adriatic. The distinctive V shape and 500-meter-long golden pebble beach is a huge draw to sun-seeking tourists and those keen for a relaxed vacation.

Surrounded by a green and rugged forest, the dynamic beach has beautiful golden sands and deep blue waters, ideal for swimming and enjoying refreshing dips. Only 20 meters in, the color of the sea deepens, adding to its serene beauty.

As a prime spot in Croatia, you can see why we’ve added it to our best beaches in the Mediterranean. Golden Horn Beach suits windsurfers, jet skiers, kitesurfers, and sun worshippers keen to lap up the sunshine and snorkel in the sparkling waters.

Rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and sports equipment and experience delicious dining opportunities on the sands. Adventurous families or couples with a need for thrills will adore this beach. Discover Croatia in style by booking a Croatia yacht charter.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece

Our second choice for the best beaches in the Mediterranean can be found on the Ionian island of Lefkas in Greece. With a name that translates to “the port of goats”, this famous beach offers a completely unique beach experience.

The beach itself sits directly under a steep, vertical cliff, with a separate peninsula veering out majestically to the right. This offers a secluded, tranquil experience where you can switch off from the world and unwind. With its striking white pebbles and coarse sand set against deep sapphire waters, Porto Katsiki is undeniably one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque beaches..

Note that the waves here can be incredible and grow quite large, so treading water is only recommended for experienced swimmers. There are several beach bars here from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the expansive Ionian Sea, as well as parasols and sunbeds you can rent.

Cala Mitjaneta, Menorca, Spain

Next up on our best beaches in the Mediterranean list is Cala Mitjaneta. If secluded destinations and unparalleled relaxation are your priority, Cala Mitjaneta is a must-visit beach in Menorca. Located on Spain’s southern coast and hugged by forested cliffs, Cala Mitjaneta features crystal-clear, gentle waters, white sands and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for soaking up the beach day highlights.

As one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca, Cala Mitjaneta is a hub for relaxing, snorkeling and swimming, appreciating the wonders of its scenery. Whether on honeymoon or seeking privacy, this beach is for you. Spend your time in the sunshine with a book in hand, snorkel and discover the magical marine life or spend time as a family with your fresh picnic on the sands.

Due to Cala Mitjaneta’s location, you can swim over to Cala Mitjana, an adjoining, stunning beach where you can snorkel through underwater caves and experience the dreamy scenery.

Spiaggia Rosa, Sardinia, Italy

Admire the pink paradise that is Sardina’s Spiaggia Rosa. Unlike many other Italian beaches, tourists cannot set foot across the pink-hued sands; you can only view it from the comfort of your chartered yacht. This beach is ideal for anyone chartering a yacht to enjoy its exclusive appeal.

The lack of beach activity is due to the sand’s protection on one of the rarest beaches in the world. The sand’s pinkish hue comes from the unique ecosystem; a combination of crushed coral, crystals, fossils and dead marine creatures create the pink hue. The beach’s pink color used to stand out more, but years of tourists wandering through and stealing the sand led to the beach briefly closing in 1994 – make sure not to take any sand away with you if you visit!

Enjoy the pleasure of the beach’s scenery as you toast a cocktail on your yacht or enjoy your dinner with the family. As long as you stay 70 meters away from the shoreline, you can also swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.

To set foot on pink sands a little more as you traverse the Mediterranean, Elafonissi Beach in Crete is worth a visit, boasting a bright pink appeal. Learn more about the best beaches in Italy, and start building your quote for a yacht charter in Sardinia to see Spiaggia Rosa for yourself.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

Southwest of Crete, Elafonisi Beach is another unique-looking beach with dazzling pink-hued sand. The beach here takes a particular horseshoe shape, as it is all that connects Crete to Elafonisi Island.

Why do we consider this one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean?

It’s safe and accessible for everyone. The sandy stretch is vast and shallow, making it one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean to swim with young children. There are also lifeguards monitoring the beach in the summer, making it one of the safest options.
It’s more convenient than most beach experiences. With showers, umbrellas you can rent, changing rooms and a nearby canteen, you don’t have to worry about anything. .
There is plenty to do nearby. Just off the beach, you can find taverns and restaurants to retire to after a long afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, reading and people-watching. Find more inspiration for your yacht charter with our Athens sailing itinerary and Corfu sailing itinerary.
Elafonisi Beach is protected by the EU Natura program. Due to the fact that the beach is surrounded by rich flora and fauna (and frequented by endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles) it’s considered a site with beauty and environmental importance that is worth looking after.

Book a yacht charter to Athens or Corfu to visit marvels of nature like Elafonisi Beach.

Turkish Steps, Agrigento Sicily, Italy

Last up on our best beaches in the Mediterranean list, The Turkish Steps in Sicily is one of the most unique beaches across the Mediterranean. The Turkish Steps gains its name from an old Sicilian legend, dating back to the pirates who would sneak into the bay to steal supplies from the local shops. It also has its name from the winter weather, beating the rocks onto the cliffs into the step-like pattern you can witness on the beach.

The Turkish Steps has a gorgeous stretch of sand leading to the cliffs and the iconic natural steps the beach is known for. This beach has a contrast you’ll have to witness to understand the beauty between the clear blue ocean, rugged terrain and white-powdered beach. As a hub for adventure and relaxation, enjoy climbing the limestone rock steps, swimming or relaxing by using the mud from the clay to smooth across your body. The various offerings at this beach mean families, couples or larger groups can enjoy its pleasure.

On the Turkish Steps, you can appreciate the spa-like ambience, the dramatic coastline and the Italian sunshine on your summer vacation. Discover more of the Best Beaches in Italy with our blog, and to see them for yourself, build your quote for a yacht charter in Italy.

Enjoy the Mediterranean’s best beaches on a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Whether planning to sail independently and explore the wonders of Croatia or relax on a beach in Greece, our yacht charters cover every type of vacation.

We have various yacht bases across The Mediterranean to see what paradise vacations are all about, including Italy, Greece and Croatia.

Enjoy the freedom of a bareboat charter or enjoy a stress-free experience with a crewed charter, we’re here to help organise your dream sailing vacation.