It comes as no surprise, but it’s always worth remembering that the Balearic Islands rank among the world’s greatest paradises of white sand and turquoise waters. And although humility is a hallmark of this archipelago, we must set aside modesty and proudly declare that two Balearic beaches have made the list of Europe’s 15 best beaches compiled by TripAdvisor—a ranking based on the ratings and reviews of millions of users. The two favorites are Playa de Muro in Mallorca and Cala Comte in Ibiza, two Mediterranean enclaves that seem straight out of a heavenly dream.
The list is topped by Elafonisi Beach in Greece, known for its pink sand, followed by Balos Lagoon and Praia da Falésia Beach in Portugal. On the other hand, Spain features prominently on this list, accounting for nearly a third of the entries. Four beaches stand out: the two from the Balearic Islands are joined by Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria and Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura. An excellent result for Spain and its coastal offerings.
Muro Beach (Mallorca)
At the top of the list, in sixth place, is Playa de Muro, located in the municipality of Muro near Alcúdia, on the northeast coast of Mallorca. It is the island’s longest sandy beach and, according to TripAdvisor, the most spectacular. It stretches for approximately six kilometers and consists of four distinct sections. It is characterized by its white sand and shallow turquoise waters, making it a beach suitable for everyone.
The first section, known simply as Playa de Muro, is the most popular and accessible. The second area is somewhat quieter, while the third section, called Sa Comu, offers a more natural and untamed setting. This area is part of the S’Albufera Natural Park, the most important wetland in the Balearic Islands, and features a pristine beach stretching about 1.5 kilometers, surrounded and adorned by dunes and pine forests.
The fourth section, known as Es Capellans, is once again the hub of tourist activity, with restaurants, hotels, and beachfront facilities. Overall, Playa de Muro combines well-developed areas with others that are virtually untouched, allowing visitors to enjoy both tourist amenities and more peaceful natural settings along the same coastline.
Cala Comte (Ibiza)
Ranked 14th is Cala Comte, also known as Cala Conta, located on the western coast of Ibiza, about a 15-minute drive from San Antonio. Approximately 800 meters long and between 15 and 30 meters wide, it stands out for its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is one of the island’s most highly rated beaches, particularly known for being an ideal spot to watch sunsets, with its islets in the foreground.
The cove consists of several distinct areas, where you can choose between sandy stretches and flat rocky surfaces. It is also located within the Illots de Ponent Nature Reserve and near the Ses Bledes and Es Vedrà-Vedranell marine reserves. Off the coast, you can see islets such as S’Illa d’es Bosc, sa Conillera, and s’Espartar, which, together with the waters, flora, and landscape, paint an idyllic picture.
The waters are also home to a rich marine biodiversity, including corals and species such as flatfish, white seabream, groupers, and moray eels. With basic snorkeling gear, it is possible to observe a variety of marine life, including the occasional seahorse. The area is even frequented by sea turtles, and, at a certain distance from the coast—and with a lot of luck—bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans can be spotted, further enhancing its natural value as well as its appeal to tourists.
The 15 Best Beaches in Europe
- 1. Elafonisi Beach (Greece)
- 2. Balos Lagoon (Greece)
- 3. Falésia Beach (Portugal)
- 4. La Pelosa (Italy)
- 5. Falassarna (Greece)
- 6. Playa de Muro (Mallorca, Spain)
- 7- Paleokastritsa Beach (Greece)
- 8. Isola dei Conigli (Italy)
- 9. Maspalomas Beach (Gran Canaria, Spain)
- 10. Palombaggia (France)
- 11. La Cinta (Italy)
- 12. Fig Tree Bay Beach (Cyprus)
- 13. Horsey Beach (United Kingdom)
- 14. Cofete Beach (Fuerteventura, Spain)
- 15. Cala Comte (Ibiza, Spain)
