Holidu, the holiday rental booking portal, has worked on an extensive study to reveal the most popular beaches in Europe according to social media posts.

Whether you’re a sunbather, water sports enthusiast or nature lover, this list has something for everyone. So, grab your sunglasses, put on some sunscreen and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of these incredible beaches.

• Omaha Beach, France | 152,376 Instagram Hashtags & 132,000,000 TikTok Views

An iconic beach on the Normandy coast, Omaha Beach tops our European ranking. With no fewer than 152,376 Instagram hashtags and 132,000,000 TikTok views, this Normandy beach intrigues travellers from all over the world. Its endless sea sand, waters that are often mistaken for the horizon and history linked to the Normandy landings make it both a picturesque and emotionally-charged place. Omaha Beach offers visitors a unique experience where natural beauty and historical heritage come together in harmony.

• Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria | 286,340 Instagram Hashtags & 14,600,000 TikTok views

To find the most popular beach in Spain we must travel to the island of Gran Canaria, where on its north coast we find Playa de Las Canteras. A beautiful beach that has captivated thousands of sun and sea-loving tourists, who have made this beach an incredible success on social media. In total, 286,340 hashtags on Instagram and 14,600,000 views on TikTok, making its stunning stretch of golden sand, crystal clear waters and impressive coral reef that stretches along the coastline internationally renowned. In addition, for those who choose to visit, you’ll also find a lively promenade offering a variety of restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy after a day at the beach.

• Praia da Rocha, Portugal | 118,596 Instagram Hashtags & 3,700,000 TikTok Views

In first place in our ranking is Praia da Rocha, a very captivating beach situated along the stunning Algarve coast. With its golden sand and crystal clear waters, it offers a serene and picturesque setting for bathers. The beach is framed by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, adding a touch of natural beauty to its charm. With its natural charm and lively atmosphere, Praia da Rocha is a much-loved destination for locals and tourists looking for the perfect beach getaway.

• Zandvoort Beach, The Netherlands | 125,577 Instagram Hashtags & 3,700,000 TikTok views 

Zandvoort Beach with a whopping 125,577 Instagram hashtags and 3,700,000 TikTok views, Zandvoort Beach proudly tops the rankings. This iconic beach attracts thousands of visitors every year for its vast sand dunes and vibrant atmosphere. Whether sunbathing, water sports or relaxing at one of the trendy beach clubs, Zandvoort Beach offers something for everyone. It is no surprise that this beach has such a large following on social media.

• Elafonisi Lagoon, Crete | 98,518 Instagram Hashtags & 10,300,000 TikTok views

No ranking of the best beaches in Europe would be complete without a feature from the fabulous Greek Islands. Elafonisi Lagoon is a natural wonder on the southwest coast of Crete, famous for its pink sand, which is created by crushed shells over thousands of years. Scoring more than 10 million views on TikTok, this beach is a clear favourite on social media. This beach is no stranger to praise and was even named one of Tripadvisor’s top beaches in the world.