A study by TUI and Google Conducted in 2024 and published in May 2024 with 2.000 German respondents, 63,4% prefer to spend their holidays on the beach, and 48,3% choose Europe as their tourist destination. But which European coasts are most attractive to these visitors? The coasts of Mogán, in the south of Gran Canaria, are among the most appreciated according to tourists' Google reviews. Italy leads the ranking of the best beaches in Europe according to Google reviews, based on hundreds of thousands of user opinions. However, Spain is not far behind, with very popular and highly rated beaches that stand out in the European panorama. These include Platja de Ses Illetes in the Balearic Islands, with a score of 4,8; Playa de la Barrosa in Cádiz, which reaches 4,7 points; Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura, also with 4,8; And in Gran Canaria, renowned beaches such as Anfi del Mar, both with a rating of 4,6, and Amadores with 4,5. These beaches reflect the quality and appeal of the Spanish coast for those seeking the sea and sand as a holiday destination.
Among the best beaches in Europe according to Google ratings, Rabbit Beach in Italy stands out, leading the ranking with an impressive score of 4,9 out of 5 based on 2.951 reviews. It is closely followed by several natural gems in Ireland and the United Kingdom: Keem Beach (Ireland, 4,9 – 2.036 reviews), Barafundle Bay Beach (United Kingdom, 4,9 – 1.644), and Silver Strand (Ireland, 4,9 – 1.029).
France also has notable representatives, such as the Dune of Pilat, which has 9.720 reviews with an average of 4,8, and Plage des phoques – Berck (4,8 – 5.838). Iceland appears twice with Reynisfjara Beach (4,8 – 8.949) and Diamond Beach (4,8 – 3.985), both known for their unique volcanic landscapes. Spain is not far behind: Platja de Ses Illetes (Balearic Islands) has 4,8 points and 7.277 ratings, while Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura reaches 4,8 with 4.644 reviews. Other beaches on the list include Poland, with Plaża na Cyplu Helskim (4,8 – 6.635), Plaża Dębki (4,8 – 4.857) and Ujście Piaśnicy (4,8 – 2.662), and Greece, with Sarakiniko Beach (4,8 – 6.274) and Simos beach (4,8 – 4.533). Germany also has a presence on the list thanks to St. Peter-Ording-Strand, which has 5.180 reviews and an average of 4,8. Other beaches with 4,8 ratings are Perranporth Beach (UK, 5.340 reviews), Woolacombe Beach (3.168), Pasjača Beach in Croatia (2.886) and Crantock Beach (2.436).
The Mediterranean region remains a magnet for millions of tourists every year. A TUI study in 2025 reveals that if German tourists could choose just one destination for their entire life, Spain (18,8%), Italy (16,5%), and Greece (15,7%) would be the top choices. This is hardly surprising, considering that the scent of the sea breeze, fresh basil, and grilled fish awaken the desire to travel at any time. As for specific Google data, the highest-rated beaches include Rabbit Beach in Italy (4,9 with 2.951 reviews), Platja de Ses Illetes in Spain (4,8 with 7.277 reviews), and several Greek beaches such as Fteri Beach, Agia Dynami Beach, and Mazida Ammos Beach, all with a score of 4,8. Other highly rated beaches include Balos Beach and Porto Katsiki in Greece, with over 14.000 reviews and an average rating of 4,7.
Furthermore, beaches in Northern Europe are also very popular. In Germany, for example, St. Peter-Ording-Strand and Hörnum Odde in Schleswig-Holstein stand out, both with an average score of 4,8. Other beaches such as Binzer Strand and Dankernsee have thousands of positive reviews, demonstrating the diversity of beach options across the continent. Ultimately, the combination of TUI surveys and Google review data confirms that European beaches, from the warm Mediterranean waters to the northern coasts, remain the ideal retreat for those looking to unwind and enjoy the sea with their senses fully engaged.
