Best Beaches in The Mediterranean

25 September 2024 4 min

Discover the best beaches in The Mediterranean, the must-sees whilst on your sailing holiday. From rocky coves and pebbled beaches to pink sand dunes and idyllic, tree-lined hideaways, these beaches offer a slice of true paradise.

Whether you’re a family after a flotilla experience and shallow, child-friendly beaches, a larger group on the hunt for the best bars and restaurants in The Mediterranean, a couple hoping to visit the most iconic photo spots or simply wish to unwind on a remote beach – we have you covered.

We have curated a diverse list of the best beaches in the Mediterranean that will have something for everyone – so whatever your idea of the perfect Mediterranean escape is, you’ll be sure to find it with Sunsail.

Which part of the Mediterranean has the best beaches?

The best beaches in the Mediterranean can be found in Croatia, Greece and Italy.

This is mostly down to personal opinion, however, we feel like Italy offers a huge variety of beaches – with the North West and Amalfi Coast offering chic town-lined harbours, dramatic cliffside beaches and iconic pebbled beaches such as Spiaggia Arienzo, the infamous white and pink-sand stretches found in Sardinia or Black Volcanic beaches like the remote Punta dell’Asino, found on Vulcano, a small island off the coast of Portorosa, Sicily.

You can also read our blog: 5 Little Known Facts About The Mediterranean.

1. Saplunara (Mljet, Croatia)

Saplunara, nestled on the Croatian island, Mljet, is a stunning, pine-fringed cove that captivates visitors with its golden sand beach and turquoise waters. This largely untouched gem offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility. Accessible by sailing from Dubrovnik, Saplunara remains remote and very quiet, making it an ideal destination for unwinding.

Sail to this pristine cove and immerse yourself in its serene beauty, enjoying the natural surroundings with few distractions—an idyllic spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a good book.

Discover our Top Rated Things To Do in Croatia.

2. Banje Beach (Korčula, Croatia)

For those setting sail from Dubrovnik and seeking a lively island destination, Banje Beach might be one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean for you. With crystal-clear water and a shingle beach complemented by stone paving, it offers an inviting spot for relaxation.

Loungers are available for rent, allowing you to soak up the sun while enjoying views of the quintessentially Mediterranean landscape, complete with stone buildings and red rooftops nestled among pine trees. Do note that sea urchins can be present at certain times of the year, so wearing sea shoes is recommended. It’s important to protect yourself on holiday but also the marine environment around you. Learn what to Pack For a Sailing Holiday, How To Be Eco-Friendly, (Marine-Conscious) and Travel Sustainably on your adventures.

Whether you’re sailing from our Dubrovnik, or heading South from our Agana Base, be sure to check out our Guide To Island Hopping in Croatia.

3. Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia, Greece)

A large cove beach surrounded by dramatic, high-scaling cliffs, reminiscent of Navagio Beach in Zante, Myrtos Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece by many. Unlike Navagio, Myrtos offers the convenience of a beach bar, loungers, and facilities such as toilets and changing rooms (and is open summer 2024).

Highlights of this beach include its aquamarine waters, nearby caves perfect for exploring by kayak, and a dramatic, marbled landscape. There is also ample parking, making it ideal for those wishing to moor at one of Kefalonia’s ports—whether it’s the northernmost Fiskardo, the southern Katelios Harbour, or others like Port of Sami, Pessada Harbour, and Argostoli Yacht Marina—and explore the land by car for a few days. Don’t be surprised to see goats roaming the area, adding to the beach’s unique charm.

To get to Myrtos Beach, we recommend setting sail from our Lefkas base.

4. Bora Bora Beach (Ksamil, Albania)

Dubbed the ‘Maldives of The Med’ by The Sun, Ksamil is located in the Albanian Riviera (Southern Albania) and easily accessed by sailing from Cofu. This area is gaining popularity and we can see why as it is undeniably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean – if you’re after soft sand, rolling waves and an atmospheric buzz, this is the location for you.

We love Bora Bora Beach for the warm cyan waves that gently lap at its soft, sandy shores – making it the perfect paddling ground for young children. There are areas of decking built over the ocean and plenty of straw umbrellas and beds providing share – however, in peak season this beach can get very busy so we recommend arriving early. Ksamil has a plethora of beach bars and restaurant spaces to indulge throughout the day and well into the night.

Discover Ksamil and design your own charter itinerary when setting sail on either a Monohull or Catamaran from our Corfu base.

5. Spiaggia Rosa (Sardinia, Italy)

This phenomenal pink-toned beach – located on the remote Isola Budelli (close to the Maddalena archipelago, Northern Sardinia) – is truly a beach lovers’ haven, with opalescent water lulling onto the shore and surrounded by terracotta rocks and low-lying shrubbery.

This is the perfect place to moor your yacht and enjoy this pristine cove. Due to Spiaggia Rosa being difficult to access from the land, the beach is quiet, tranquil and utterly serene. The perfect hideaway for relaxing, swimming or reading a book. Please be aware that this island has no local amenities, so you may wish to drop anchor nearby, but please remember sun protection and water!

Sail the Costa Smeralda from our North Sardinia Base in Cannnigione.

6. Spiaggia Arienzo (Positano, Italy)

Spiaggia Arienzo is a small, pebble beach nestled into the cliffside of the Amalfi coast. This area is famed for its dramatic cliffs, coastline, pebbled beaches, and navy blue ocean.

A quintessentially Mediterranean spot, expect fresh seafood pasta, authentic Limoncello and refreshing Aperol Spritz offered at almost every eatery and bar. This beach club even has deck chairs and umbrellas in the iconic Aperol-orange shade.

If searching the Amalfi Coast for the best food and drink Italy has to offer sounds like a dream come true, check out our Culinary Sailing Flotilla Holidays.

Visit Spiaggia Arienzo and the Amalfi Coast with our Procida Yacht Charters.