10 Nicest Beaches In Europe That Are Only Accessible By Boat

by | Jul 24, 2020

What could be better than renting a boat to be able to access real paradise-like bays far from the tourists? There are plenty of beaches that are only accessible by boat, or sometimes after a long and sporty walk. However, these places are definitely worth visiting!

Here is a list of the 10 most beautiful beaches to discover by boat. Set sail to discover some beautiful natural landscapes and stunning beaches on your next holiday!

1 – The pink beach of Budelli, Sardinia

Situated in the north of Sardinia, in the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena. The island of Budelli is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean with its famous “pink sand” beach. Moreover, it is surrounded by turquoise waters and emerald juniper. The sand owes its colour to its granite rock and limestone remains of micro-organisms such as a “false coral”.

View of the pink sand beach in Sardina with rocks in the sand on the sea.

At the bottom of a bay called Cala di Roto, this pink beach unleashes passions. This sparkling little gem is so well preserved that it can only be observe from a distance. You won’t be able to approach the coastline from less than 300 metres, but you will have no trouble landing anywhere else on the island. All in all, the Budelli Island has many surprises in store for you.

2 – The beach of Saleccia, Desert of Agriates in Corsica

In the Agriates Desert in Corsica, the beach of Saleccia is a long stretch of fine white sand that extends over more than a kilometre. Soft sand, clear water, everything here invites you to swim and relax. You will find small hidden corners shaded by the Aleppo pines where you can take a nap in complete peace.

Aerial view of the Saleccia Beach in Crosica with the surrounding hills and greenery and fine sandy beach

Very difficult to access by land, the best way is to reach it by boat, which makes it even more magnificent on arrival. You can easily rent a boat in Saint-Florent and sail about twenty minutes before reaching this magnificent beach, certainly one of the most beautiful but above all one of the most preserved of the Island of Beauty.

3 – Espalmador in Formentera in the Balearic Islands

Just 150 metres north of Formentera in the Balearic Islands, Espalmador is a private island making it an ideal and idyllic place to anchor. When you arrive on the island by boat, be careful! Long white sandy beaches, transparent waters… Espalmador will know how to charm you, you are warned.

View of a beach in Espalmador showing the bright blue sea and white sandy beach

Here you feel like you’re at the end of the world, you let yourself go to the rhythm of the trade winds, you’re soaked by the light waves… In short, you’re not in a dream, you’re on the island of Espalmador.

4 – The Glénan Archipelago in Southern Brittany

Starting from Concarneau in South Brittany, don’t pass by without having sailed through this magical archipelago. For an unforgettable day or for a dream cruise, you will discover a unique place of incredible beauty, where time seems to stand still.

Aerial view of the Glénan archipelag on Brittany that is only accessible by boat

Several small islands, white sandy beaches and translucent waters like those of the most heavenly destinations. You are not in Polynesia but in Brittany! Only accessible by boat, all the deserted beaches of the Archipelago will plunge you into a waking dream.

5 – Navagio Beach in Zakinthos, Greece

Located on the island of Zakynthos (Zakynthos), Navagio beach is probably one of the most famous landscapes in Greece. Some even speak of it as the most beautiful beach in the world. White limestone cliffs steeply plunge into the sea and wrap around a white-sand beach cove with turquoise waters. A beautiful and isolated bay that will truly isolate you from the rest of the world.

Aerial view of the Navagio Beach in Zakynthos showing the clear blue sea and the sharp cliffs

A true corner of paradise accessible only by boat, you may meet the ghost of a smuggler! For the record, the bay was originally called “Agios Georgios”, until one day a ship ran ashore there and gave it another name: Navagio, which means shipwreck in Greek. This ship was smuggling cigarettes and, when it ran ashore, the crew and the cargo disappeared… From a shipwreck slowly rusting on the sand, which makes the landscape all the more spectacular.

6 – Trebaluger beach, Menorca in the Balearic Islands

Of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the least crowded. And on Menorca, we present you the least busy beach (because it is difficult to access): Trebaluger beach! It’s the perfect place to feel completely relaxed and at peace.

Aerial view of the Trebaluger beach in Menorca with anchoring boats and surrounding greenery

A beach of fine sand, isolated and untouched. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Balearic Islands. Incredible anchorage for guaranteed tranquillity! All in all, welcome to paradise.

7 – The banc d’Arguin, on the Arcachon basin

Back to the beautiful French lands. After the Dune du Pilat, the banc d’Arguin is another emblematic site of the Arcachon basin. The exceptional geographical location of the bench, hidden between the Dune du Pilat and the tip of Cap-Ferret, makes it an exceptional destination and one of the most beautiful nature reserves. You might as well say that the panorama from the Banc d’Arguin offers an unbelievable view of the majestic Dune du Pilat.

Aerial view of the stunning banc d'Arguin in Arcachon in France

Obviously accessible only by boat, we have only one desire: to walk on the ground of this sandbank lost in the middle of the Basin. Ideal for a picnic break. This exceptional place invites you to discover, relax and swim.

8 – The Calanque de Monasterio, on the island of Riou in Marseille

In Marseille, we often hear relatively little about the island of Riou, unlike the famous Calanques. And yet… accessible only by boat off the coast of the Calanques mountains, a large number of beautiful creeks, each one as magnificent as the next, are waiting for you.

Aerial view of the Riou Island in Marseille

Once you arrive on Riou Island, moor directly in the Calanque de Monastério, a white sandy beach with transparent waters in the north of the island where you can enjoy a beautiful view. Ideal to feel completely alone in the world, you will dive in the transparent waters of the Calanque which is one of the most beautiful dive sites. You will relax on the boat in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by wild and dry flowers.

9 – Island of Galesnjak, Croatia

Also known as “Love Island” or “Cupid’s Island.” Galesnjak is the only island in the world to have such a perfect heart shape naturally. Entirely uninhabited and only accessible by boat, this small island will truly amaze you.

Aerial view the heart shaped island of Galesnjak in Croatia

Lover’s Island is located south of Zadar. Who wouldn’t dream of having this piece of paradise all to themselves? Living on love and fresh water takes all its true meaning in Galesnjak!

10 – The Notre-Dame beach, in Porquerolles

Only twenty kilometres from Hyères, the island of Porquerolles has a nice surprise in store for you: the Notre-Dame beach. Wild scenery and translucent water. A breathtaking landscape!

View of the Notre Dame beach in the island of Porquerolles

Much less frequented than the other beaches of the island because it is not easy to access, you will appreciate its charming setting, its fine sand lined with pine forests. Don’t forget to take your mask and snorkel, as you will only want to jump into the exceptionally clear turquoise waters and explore the seabed. A dream anchorage just the way we like it, in a sublime place, a beach worthy of the Caribbean, very well protected from the wind.

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Set Sail into the New Year

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Why Sailing is a fantastic way to start 2024 As 2024 approaches and we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, the beginning of a fresh year often inspires us to seek new adventures and embrace novel experiences. If you're looking for a unique and invigorating...

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