Europe is home to many beautiful beaches. From Greece to Italy, Spain, and even the UK, each country offers unique natural beauty.
During the summer, many of us enjoy taking a swim in the sea whilst on holiday, or exploring the coastline. In fact, a report from Outdoor Swimmer said that 84% of Brits enjoy wild swimming in the sea.
However, the temperature of the water can be a big deciding factor for many, with some avoiding a dip if the water is too cold. With that being said, travel experts at Iglu Cruise have revealed the most beautiful beaches across Europe (and the UK), with the warmest waters in summer.
The team used a sample of 50 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the UK, taken from Tripadvisor’s “best beaches” list, and then used the online database World Sea Temperature to work out the average sea temperatures for each beach in July.
The following beaches have the warmest sea temperatures.
Data: Iglu Cruise
| Beach | Location | Average Water Temp July |
| Konyaaltı Plajları | Antalya, Türkiye | 27.8°C |
| Konnos Bay | Ayia Napa, Cyprus | 27.3°C |
| Anthony Quinn Bay | Rhodes, Greece | 26.5°C |
| İztuzu Plajı | Dalyan, Türkiye | 26.5°C |
| Tropea Beach | Tropea, Italy | 26.3°C |
| Myrtos Beach | Kefalonia, Greece | 25.7°C |
| Elafonissi Beach | Crete, Greece | 25.6°C |
| Playa de Ses Illetes | Formentera, Spain | 25.1°C |
| Spiaggia dei Conigli | Lampedusa, Italy | 24.9°C |
| Playa de Muro Beach | Majorca, Spain | 24.8°C |
Top 10
1. Konyaaltı Plajları, Antalya, Türkiye – 27.8°C
Located in south-west Turkey, Konyaaltı Plajları takes first place as the most beautiful beach in Europe with the warmest waters in Europe, averaging at 27.8°C in summer. The beach can be found west of Antalya and stretches for over 8 miles. Popular in summer for holidaymakers in the region, the beach was awarded Blue Flag status, which means the water quality is of a high standard, perfect for swimming.
2. Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa, Cyprus – 27.3°C
In second place, with average summer water temperatures of 27.3°C, is Konnos Bay in Cyprus, a small, secluded cove with beautiful, clear waters. The beach is credited for being the perfect location for not only swimming, but also other water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and jet skiing. The bay’s calm waters make it a great spot for families with children, looking for a safe spot for swimming.
3. Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece – 26.5°C
Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes, Greece, takes third place, with average water temperatures of 26.5°C. Located on the eastern coast of the island, near Faliraki, the beach is known with tourists and locals alike for being one of the most beautiful on the island. The bay’s waters are distinguishable by their deep emerald shade, captivating visitors to take a swim.
4. İztuzu Plajı, Dalyan, Türkiye – 26.5°C
With sea temperatures of 26.5°C, İztuzu Plajı in Turkey is next. Another popular beach for visitors to southwest Turkey, the beach is famous for its warm waters, which are also a nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles. Baby turtles hatch in the area from July to September, so guests are advised to take careful precautions not to disturb the wildlife.
5. Tropea Beach, Tropea, Italy – 26.3°C
Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Italy (according to Tripadvisor), Tropea Beach is another location where you can find warm sea temperatures that are perfect for swimming in the summer. Views from the beach are spectacular, with surrounding cliffs causing a natural barrier to the wind. If you’re looking for azure blue waters and white sand, this might be the beach for you.
6. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece – 25.7°C
Next up on the list is Myrtos Beach. Found on the island of Kefalonia, just west of mainland Greece. The natural beauty of Myrtos Beach is often viewed as a trademark of the island, frequently featured in photographs and postcards. The warm sea temperatures of over 25°C make it perfect for swimming, whilst enjoying the rocky cliffs and lush vegetation surrounding.
7. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece – 25.6°C
Located in western Crete, Elafonissi Beach is a haven for beach lovers. The pink and blue tones of the ocean make for an unforgettable travel experience, with many visitors to Crete visiting the beach to catch a glimpse of the beautiful natural hues.
8. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain – 25.1°C
The first Spanish beach on the list, Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera, has average water temperatures of 25.1°C in summer. The beach is known for its calm, shallow, turquoise waters and fine white sand, ideal for swimming. If you’re ever visiting Formentera, this beach should be on your list.
9. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy – 24.9°C
With average sea temperatures in summer of 24.9°C, Spiaggia dei Conigli in Italy is the next beach on the list. The beach is located on the island of Lampedusa in the Italian Pelagie Islands, home to under 10,000 people. Due to its beauty, the beach often gets compared to those in the Caribbean and is often included in TripAdvisor’s “best beaches” reviews, year after year.
10. Playa de Muro Beach, Majorca, Spain – 24.8°C
Finally, rounding off the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with the warmest summer sea temperatures is Playa de Muro Beach in Majorca, Spain. The beach is the largest in Majorca, meaning there is plenty of space for everyone in the busy summer months. Plus, the calm waters make it a great spot for those with younger children.
Iglu Cruise has also revealed the most beautiful beaches in England with the warmest sea waters in summer.
| Beach | Location | Average Water Temp July |
| Porthcurno Beach | Porthcurno, Cornwall | 16.6°C |
| Fistral Beach | Newquay, Cornwall | 16.4°C |
| Perranporth Beach | Perranporth, Cornwall | 16.4°C |
| Woolacombe Beach | Woolacombe, Devon | 16.3°C |
| Tunnels Beaches | Ilfracombe, Devon | 16.3°C |
| Frinton-on-Sea Beach | Frinton-on-Sea, Essex | 16.1°C |
| Clacton-on-Sea Beach | Clacton-on-Sea, Essex | 16.1°C |
| Crosby Beach | Crosby, Merseyside | 15.6°C |
| Brighton Beach | Brighton, East Sussex | 15.6°C |
| Camber Sands | Camber, East Sussex | 15.6°C |
Cornish beaches dominate the list, with the top three most beautiful beaches in England with the warmest waters, found in the county. Porthcurno Beach has average summer sea temperatures of 16.6°C, with Fristral Beach and Perranporth Beach at 16.4°C.
Two beaches in Devon are included on the list, Woolacombe Beach and Tunnels Beaches, whilst two are found in Essex – Frinton-on-Sea Beach and Clacton-on-Sea Beach. Crosby Beach in Merseyside also made the top 10, as did Brighton Beach and Camber Sands in Essex.