Five destinations in Europe that feel like the Caribbean

White sandy beaches, turquoise waters and, overhead, palm trees providing pleasant shade. What sounds like the perfect Caribbean experience is actually not that far away. There are destinations in Europe too that feel just like paradise.

The advantage is that you don’t have to fly far to sink your toes into the sand and listen to the sound of the sea. You can simply pack your travelite suitcase and, just a few hours later, you’ll already be lying on the beach.

Here are five destinations in Europe that feel just like the Caribbean.

#1 Formentera: Platja de Ses Illetes

While the neighbouring island of Ibiza is now famous for its party scene, things are still much quieter on Formentera. The island, which covers just 82 square metres, is better known for having the clearest water in the Mediterranean. From the beach, you can gaze out at rich shades of blue – as far as the eye can see.

The most popular beach is ‘Platja de Ses Illetes’. It is repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and indeed the world, and is one of the reasons why Formentera is also known as the „Little Caribbean“. You’ve no doubt seen it on television before. Many adverts – for example, for the famous cream-filled coconut balls – have been filmed here.

Among the 11 most beautiful beaches on Formentera, you’ll also find the island’s longest beach, Platja de Migjorn. What makes it unique is that the beach consists of many small sections, separated from one another by rocks, each with its own special features. To the west there are quiet coves; at the northern end you can go snorkelling; and right in the middle you’ll find the Blue Bar – a hotspot where legends such as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix have ordered drinks in the past.

The island doesn’t have its own airport. That’s what makes it so idyllic and peaceful. You can reach it by ferry, and you can choose whether to set sail from Ibiza, Mallorca or the Spanish mainland.

#2 Elafonisi in Greece

Elafonisi Beach is also one of Europe’s ‘Caribbean-style destinations’. The small island lies about 200 metres off the south-western coast of Crete and looks like a fairytale South Sea lagoon. You won’t find a white sandy beach here, though – it’s actually pink.

Pink beaches are an absolute rarity. The colour is always created differently. On Elafonisi, it’s down to the millions of shell fragments and pieces of coral ground down by the reef, which mix with the sand and create an extraordinary play of colours, especially at sunset.

But it’s not just the pink beach that makes the nature reserve so worth a visit. You’ll also find white lilies, black rocks, turquoise waters and lush green, rare plants. When you visit the island, you’ll feel as though you’re in a work of art painted in the most beautiful shades.

It’s possible to walk all the way round the island. A hike to the north-west cape is well worth it. From here, you’ll have a magnificent view of the lagoon. You’ll also find a metal lighthouse and the Church of Agia Irini here.

#3 Illas Cíes in Spain

The more beautiful a beach is, the more people it attracts. No wonder that some destinations in Europe that feel like the Caribbean are a bit overcrowded. The Illas Cíes – three small islands in northwestern Spain – are not among them. Here, the number of visitors allowed onto the islands each day is capped at 2,000. Anyone wishing to relax on one of the wonderful beaches or go for a walk must register in advance.

Praia de Rodas is an absolute paradise. In 2007, the British daily newspaper The Sun named it the most beautiful beach in the world. Here, you can go diving with 2,000 cormorants and watch the colourful fish swimming about underwater.

Important to know: There’s only one place to stay on the islands – a campsite, which you should book in advance. Your outdoor adventure will be perfect under the sparkling starry sky. The low levels of light pollution mean the stars shine particularly brightly here.

#4 The Glénan Islands in France

When you see photos of the Glénan Islands, you might think you’re looking at the Caribbean. In fact, however, the islands are in the Bay of Biscay – in Brittany, France. And they can be reached by boat from Bénodet in under an hour.

The islands, which are only a few hundred metres long and are protected nature reserves, are still a real hidden gem. Here, far from mass tourism, you can spend a day that feels like paradise. You cannot, however, stay overnight on the islands – there are no hotels.

This makes the whole landscape and unique flora all the more beautiful. For example, the yellow Glénan daffodil – which was once threatened with extinction but is now flourishing once more in its own nature reserve – blooms only on Saint-Nicolas.

#5 Queen’s Beach in Croatia

Croatia has long been an underrated holiday destination. Yet the Adriatic coast offers a truly Caribbean atmosphere. At the top of the list of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches is Kraljicina Plaza in Nin – which translates as ‘Queen’s Beach’. It’s said to have been named after the wife of the country’s first king, who often came here in search of relaxation .

The beach also offers a wellness experience thanks to its therapeutic mud from the country’s largest mud lagoon. Rub it into your skin to nourish it and relieve tension.

You can then lie back in the sun, completely relaxed, and enjoy the view of the azure waters. Or you could head back to the historic town of Nin and visit Sveti Kriz, the world’s smallest cathedral, dating from the 9th century. Just don’t forget to wear plenty of sun cream.

Five destinations in Europe that feel just like the Caribbean: our “less-crowded travel tip”

Some of the destinations we’ve introduced to you are still real hidden gems. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we recommend travelling in the off-season. The beaches aren’t too busy then, and you’ll have the Caribbean scenery almost all to yourself. To be sure of warm weather, though, make sure you don’t travel too early or too late in the year. After all, we’re still in Europe.

Conclusion: A Caribbean feel in Europe

FAQ on Caribbean-style beaches in Europe