Where to buy property near one of Europe’s best beaches

If you’re searching for somewhere to enjoy the cool coastal breeze, morning beach walks and local seafood delicacies, why not choose to live near one of Europe’s best beaches? 

World’s 50 Beaches is made up of a team of beach lovers who assess hundreds of beaches around the world each year and rank them in certain categories to inspire others to embark on their best beach adventures.

The categories include:

• Unique appeal
• Wildlife
• Untouched
• Soundtrack of nature
• Easy to enter
• Often Calm Water
• Not too crowded
• Frequently idyllic

Based on this criteria the team were able to compile a list of the top 50 beaches in Europe. Based on their findings and the top 10 beaches, because we only want the best for you, dear readers, we’ve done a bit of research to find out the best neighbourhoods and property prices nearby.

So, from Iceland to Greece and England to Portugal, discover where you can buy property near one of Europe’s best beaches.

#1 Cala Mariolu, Sardinia, Italy

Cala Mariolu is a protected beach in the Gulf of Orosei, a breathtakingly beautiful area along the eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. While the beach is only accessible by boat or via a physically demanding hike, you can live close by if you choose. Please note, the beach is protected and allows a maximum of 650 visitors at one time.

Cala Gonone is a charming coastal town and is an excellent base for accessing Cala Mariolu by boat. You can charter your own rubber dinghy from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese—prices for a full-day rental range between €100 and €250, excluding fuel.  If you’re interested in living in Cala Gonone, property prices range from €100,000 for a studio apartment to €350,000 for a six-bedroom villa within walking distance of the sea.

Another option is to stay in Santa Maria Navarrese. While it’s not as close as Cala Gonone, it still provides access to the beach. However, remember that Cala Mariolu is best reached by boat from Cala Gonone. Prices in Santa Maria Navarrese are similar to those in Cala Gonone.

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#2 Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos Island, Greece

Situated on a very small island measuring just five kilometres, the beach taking the second spot on the list of the best European beaches is Voutoumi Beach in Greece.

The island itself has no permanent residents, but the island of Paxos is just 1.5 miles north of the island. Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian Islands, just south of Corfu, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It’s renowned for its lush greenery, scenic coastal views and tranquil setting. Unlike Corfu and Cefalonia, Paxos has retained its local charm and continues to be overlooked by international tourists. It is home to just over 2,000 people, most of whom reside in Gaios.

How to get to Voutoumi Beach?  There are regular water taxis that leave from the three main towns on Paxos – Gaios, Loggos and Lakka – but the daily morning boat from Gaios Harbour is the more affordable option and will get you to the world’s second-best beach in just 20 minutes.

Properties in Paxos vary in size and luxury appeal. If you have money to spend, there are a fair few modern villas on the market for upwards of €1,000,000, however, there are also more affordable options, which include traditional stone houses which sell from €60,000.

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#3 Calo des Moro, Mallorca, Spain

Europe’s third-best beach is in the Balearics, on the island of Mallorca. Calo des Morro lies on the southeastern coast of Mallorca, six kilometres from Santanyi and is shielded from harsh sea winds by a bay. It’s surrounded by rocks and looks like your own private lagoon with its crystal-clear waters and fine-sand beach.

The small stretch of the Calo des Morro is somewhat of a hidden gem in Mallorca, mostly enjoyed by locals due to its remote location and steep descent, which is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. The beach is privately owned but remains open to the public.

One thing to remember is that this is not a location designed for tourists, so you won’t find an ice cream parlour, newsagents or any restaurants nearby. If you do plan to visit Calo des Morro, make sure you come prepared!

Property in Mallorca is in high demand, especially on the southeastern coast. Expect to pay between €200,000 and €400,000 for an apartment, townhouses start at €300,000 and villas can range from €500,000 to several million euros.

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#4 Puinn Sand Beach, Lofoten, Norway

Unlike our previous beaches, Puinn Sand Beach lies in a unique location, just above the Arctic Circle. Previously voted the world’s finest beach, Puinn Sand is known for its crystal-clear waters and shallow seabed which make it warm to enter, and its chalk-white sand with stone mounds.

Puinn Sand Beach is surrounded by rugged terrain but enjoys continuous daylight due to its northern position. Its appeal comes in tranquillity, as this beach is much less crowded and a place to enjoy nature’s beauty, especially in the summer months, when temperatures reach highs of 14°C.

The beach lies on Lofoten (Værøy), a Norwegian archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway. Puinn Sand Beach is unfortunately only accessible by boat, as the rugged terrain would be hard to walk down from Håen mountain.

I couldn’t find local property prices in Lofoten, Norway. However, the average family home price in Norway is 5,000,000 NOK (about €500,000).

#5 Cala Goloritzé, Gulf of Sardinia, Italy

One of the most evocative beaches in Sardinia, the second-largest Mediterranean Island, Cala Goloritzé was formed by a landslide in 1962, which gives the location its unique design. The beach is located in the village of Baunei and rather than sand, the floor is peppered with tiny white pebbles. The sea is azure blue but super clear, so much so that you can even see the bottom when 15 metres deep.

The beach is highly protected and regularly patrolled to ensure safety. Boats can’t come within 300 metres of the shore either, so you’ll have plenty of room for swimming and snorkelling on quieter days.

If you want to live close to this beautiful beach, the village of Baunei is your best bet. It’s a small, remote village in one of the most pristine areas of Sardinia, where you’ll find steep, narrow streets and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re a keen hiker, rock climber or sailor, you’ll be right at home here. Two-to-three-bedroom properties in Baunei start at €120,000.

#6 Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal

It’s no wonder that Portugal’s Praia da Marinha made the list. Located near Lagoa, Praia da Marinha, also known as “Navy Beach” is celebrated for its fine sands, steep cliffs, panoramic views and crystal-clear waters. The beach is suitable for families as it offers calm waters that are great for young children. Don’t miss the famous “M” rock formation near the beach.

Praia da Marinha is accessible via a coastal footpath from the nearby National Trust car park.

There is a range of desirable neighbourhoods near the beach, including Lagoa, a nearby town offering a quiet setting that’s about 15 minutes away, and Carvoeiro, a picturesque coastal town with all essential amenities and a vibrant atmosphere is just 7km away. Homes in the Algarve hugely vary in price depending on size and property type, however, there are properties for sale from €260,000 (one-bedroom apartment) and up to €825,000 (four-bedroom villa).

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#7 Fteri Beach, Greece

Fteri Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Greece, found in a secluded cove. Surrounded by dramatic white cliffs, Fteri Beah boasts unspoiled and raw beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors, both local and international.

Fteri Beach is close to the city of Argostoli in the Ionian Islands. Argostoli has a range of affordable homes for sale. You can find two-bedroom apartments available for €130,000 and three-bedroom homes for under €300,000. If you’re looking for a villa or somewhere more luxurious, expect to pay a little more.

#8 Kelebekler Vadisi, Turkey

Kelebekler Vadisi, also known as Butterfly Valley, is a unique coastal destination in the Fethiye region of southwestern Turkey. The project covers a vast area of 71,491 sqm and offers 166 residential units. Butterfly Valley Cove is surrounded by rocky cliffs that soar up to 350 metres high and a waterfall that flows down the back canyon wall.

Unsurprisingly, the valley is home to a diverse species of butterflies. It’s for that reason the neighbouring mountain was nominated for preservation as a world heritage site.

Coming in at number eight in Europe’s best beach rankings, Kelebekler Vadisi is peppered with fine gravel and sand, sparkling blue waters and magnificent scenery. The best way to visit Kelebekler Vadidi is by boat from Ölüdeniz Beach. It is possible to hike, but it’s not recommended as the terrain is challenging and access is limited.

If proximity to the valley is what you’re after, consider properties in Ölüdeniz, a coastal town in Fethiye famous for its blue lagoon. Properties range in price here, however, you can find affordable three-bedroom duplexes from €125,000 – €230,000. There is, however, a huge luxury market in Turkey, where you can find modern villas that retail for €1,000,000+.

#9 Diamond Beach, Iceland

Possibly the most unique beach in Europe, Diamond Beach is a black-sand beach on the south coast of Iceland, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Not the best sunbathing spot, Diamond Beach is famous for the chunks of ice that fall from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier which closely resemble diamonds. While a beautiful location, we do not recommend heading into the water at Diamond Beach, the tide can come in very quickly and the water can be unpredictable. Diamond Beach is popular with tourists who flock to take photographs, usually after visiting the Glacier Lagoon, which is just across the street.

While it might not be the best location for sun-seekers, the Diamond Beach area does offer some great hiking opportunities. The nearby Vatnajökull and Jökulsárlón offer a unique experience. However, please do not hike in the area without special hiking gear. There are several guided tours in the area, should you be interested in exploring the glacial surroundings.

#10 Kynance Cove, England

Kynance Cove, located on The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England, offers breathtaking views and turquoise waters. This tidal beach is popular with visitors and locals. The colourful rock stacks and fine white sand make for a beautiful backdrop on a sunny day.

Kynance Cove is a National Trust beach, and accessible by a steep 10-minute descent to the beach. You can, however, enjoy the views of Kynance Cove from the Lizard Point public footpath, which passes along the cliff top above the cove.

A great place to live close to Kynance Cove is St Austell, a coastal town with a rich heritage that’s home to some 20,900 people. Properties there range in size and price, however, a three-bedroom house could cost between £245,000-£300,000. (approximately €287,000 – €352,000).

You might also like:

• Beyond the Algarve: Portugal’s best golf courses
• Best places for UK expats to move abroad
• Questions I’m asked about living Italy as a Brit abroad

 

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