Greece, Cyprus, United Kingdom: Seven of the world's top ten sustainable beaches are located in Europe

More than half of Tripadvisor users say helping the environment is important to them and sustainability is increasingly important in travelers' choices.

When it comes to beaches, that means clear water, clean sand, and environmentally friendly initiatives.

Every year, Tripadvisor publishes a rating of The best beaches in the world, with European destinations topping the list in 2024. For the first time, this year's ranking also includes the category of most sustainable beaches.

Travel sustainability company BeCause provided data on beaches awarded the prestigious Blue Flag – making them clean and safe – between May 2023 and April 2024. This data was combined with positive reviews that cited terms such as “eco-friendly”, “eco-tourism” and “eco-tourism”. “. “Clean water” over a period of 12 months.

With European beaches taking up seven of the top 10 places, here are some of the destinations that made the list.

Sandbanks Beach, UK: Plan a family day out

This British spot took top spot on Tripadvisor's list of most sustainable beaches. It has maintained its Blue Flag award for more than 30 years – longer than any other award Country beach.

Before Brexit, it was also one of the few areas in the UK praised by the European Commission for its high standards of cleanliness. Visitor reviews describe it as “neat and tidy” and “sandy, clean and beautiful”. With a team of volunteers collecting litter and keeping this coastline litter-free, it's no wonder it gets mentioned so often.

The soft, clean golden sand is perfect for little ones to build sandcastles without having to worry about digging up litter. There is also a children's play area just behind the beach, so little ones can burn off some energy before heading home.

Sandbanks also offers stunning views of Studland and Old Harry Rocks – and on a clear day you may be able to see the Isle of Wight.

How to get to Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks Beach is a small peninsula crossing a river The mouth of Poole Harbour. If you're traveling from London, it will take around four hours by train to reach this stretch of the UK's south coast.

If you want to travel to the beach in a sustainable way, there are several bus routes connecting to local centers in Poole and Bournemouth. In summer, a ferry service crosses Poole Harbor from Studland and Swanage, providing a scenic way to get to the beach.

When is the best time to visit Sandbanks Beach?

The beautiful natural locations make Sandbanks a good choice all year round. It's very popular in the summer, so expect crowds, but there's still plenty of room to spread out your blanket and enjoy the sun. Tripadvisor also highlights that visitors love to visit this beach on a cool day to enjoy the best views of the British south coast or admire the gorgeous properties along the seafront.

Galissas Beach, Greece: Snorkelling in the warm, shallow waters

This sheltered bay is on the west coast of Syros Island in Greeceranked 5th on Tripadvisor's list.

Located in a small bay between high cliffs, it is a great place for snorkeling with calm, shallow waters.

Visitors mention its clean, clear water, as well as its accessibility for people with disabilities.

After swimming and relaxing on the beach, head to the village to find unique flavors in the local tavernas. Enjoy the magnificent views from Agia Baku Church or visit the ancient ruins of Galissas.

How to get to Galissas Beach

A direct bus connects Galissas Beach to the capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, where there is also an airport if you are coming from abroad. The journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes and the bus stops just a few minutes' walk from the beach.

Nissi Beach, Cyprus: parties, music and white sand

Nissi Beach is a popular stretch of sand in the resort of Ayia Napa Cyprus. It is 500 meters long and has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness. Its name is derived from the small island of Nissi which lies nearby and is easily reached on foot through the shallow waters.

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The beach is known as one of the most picturesque beaches in Cyprus. Its eastern end is characterized by calm and relaxation, unlike the western end, which is famous for its nightlife. Nissi Bay Beach Bar is a music and party hub, offering a lively program of activities during high season.

How to get to Nissi Beach

Larnaca Airport is about 35 kilometers from Nissi Beach and it takes about an hour to get there by bus.

If you are visiting Ayia NapaYou can take the bus directly to its golden sands, with services running every 20 minutes.

What other European beaches made the top 10 list?

Seven of the ten most sustainable beaches are located in Europe, the United Kingdom, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Spain.

Sandersfoot Beach in Wales closed the list in third place, and Meliha in Malta in seventh place, followed by Myrtos Beach in Greece, and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Spain.

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Outside of Europe, Radhanagar Beach in India, Corniche Beach in the United Arab Emirates, and Camps Bay Beach in South Africa were ranked among the top 10 most sustainable beaches on Tripadvisor.