Top 10 Mediterranean Beaches to Visit on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

In the Mediterranean, sun-drenched beaches, glittering waters, historic architecture and a touch of summery je ne sais quoi are a part of everyday life. Spanning the gorgeous coastlines of southern European countries like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Croatia, these beautiful Mediterranean beaches are the perfect places to spend summer days and enjoy the good life.

From deserted romantic coves to long umbrella-covered sands — the diversity of the Mediterranean coast is unparalleled. Head to Croatia and Spain for classic beaches of white sands and gentle shorelines, or venture to Greece and the west of Italy where natural rock formations form unforgettable bays.

Key Takeaways

● The Mediterranean offers an incredible variety of beaches, from secluded coves to bustling city shores.

● Unique natural features like pink sands at Elafonisi, volcanic cliffs at Santorini’s Red Beach and crystal-clear waters at Prassa Beach make each destination unforgettable.

● Adventure seekers can snorkel, sail or hike along dramatic cliffs, while those seeking relaxation can soak up the sun on soft sands or pebble beaches.

● Many of these beaches pair stunning natural beauty with cultural and historical charm, making every visit a mix of exploration and leisure.

● Set sail on your next adventure with Royal Caribbean and discover the best Mediterranean beaches.

1. CALA MITJANETA — MENORCA, SPAIN

On the southern coast of Spain lies one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in the Mediterranean. Framed by forested cliffs, Cala Mitjaneta's gentle waters are a stunning sky-blue — perfect for all your favorite swimming and snorkeling activities. Dig your toes into the powdery white sand, whip out your beach towel and apply a generous helping of sunscreen, because you won't want to leave!

From Cala Mitjaneta, you can leave your towel on the shore and make a quick swim to Cala Mitjana — an equally beautiful (but often more crowded) adjoining beach where you can snorkel around underwater caves. As one of the most popular local beaches in Menorca, parking fills up quickly, so arrive early. Pack a picnic lunch and some refreshments (water especially!) as there are no restaurants or tourist amenities on the beach itself.

2. NAVAGIO (SMUGGLERS COVE OR SHIPWRECK) — ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE

Navagio is easily one of the most romantic Mediterranean beach destinations you can visit, only accessible by yacht or powerboat. It doesn't get more romantic than this exclusive little cove in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Nicknamed the Smugglers Cove, this beach is worth making the extra effort and spending the entire day. If you get your timing right, you can organize a champagne sunset at sea on the way back.

While the sandy beach beckons sun tanners, the main shore attraction — besides the abundant natural beauty — is an old shipwreck that's slowly decaying on the shore. Grounded in 1983, the crew of the Panagiotis smuggled cigarettes and alcohol before they were chased ashore and caught by officials. With dramatic sandy cliffs, deep blue waters and a real-life shipwreck, this beach will ignite your sense of adventure and love of the high seas!

You'll need to swim a short distance to get to shore, so come prepared with your bathing suit on. Tour operators usually run boat tours for the full day. If you're chartering a private boat, try to arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds.

3. TURKISH STEPS NEAR AGRIGENTO — SICILY, ITALY

Reminiscent of an out-of-this-world moonscape, this beach is a bucket list must-see. Over thousands of years, the wind, rain and sea have beaten the white limestone and Marl cliff into gigantic natural steps that you can climb. The steps get their name from an old Sicilian legend. As the story goes, nefarious pirates used to quietly dock their ships in the calm waters of the bay, sneak up the white steps by moonlight and raid local villages of their supplies.

To get up close and personal with the cliff steps, you'll need to walk along a long stretch of sandy beach leading to the cliff. As you get closer, the white steps tower above and contrast beautifully with the clear blue ocean. If you've got a flair for adventure, you can climb on the limestone rock and sneak up the steps yourself! Or, wander down to the water's edge and go for a picturesque swim.

The eroded stone, specifically Marl, creates a clay mud that is rumored to be good for the skin. Cover yourself in clay, lay down on the warm rock to dry, go for a swim and bring along a good bottle of Sicilian wine for a perfect day out in Italy

4. BARCELONETA BEACH — BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona. Once you see the two miles of picture-perfect beach backed by charming beach huts and sparkling city buildings, you'll soon understand why. It's touristy, bustling and wonderfully convenient.

There's plenty to do at Barceloneta Beach besides suntanning and swimming. You can take a kite or windsurfing lesson, hop on a yacht or enjoy a nighttime party with friends. Then, grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachside restaurants, or take a stroll to admire famous architect Frank Gehry's eye-catching “El Peix” metal fish sculpture.

At night, locals and tourists alike swap their swimsuits for party-wear and head to the north of Barceloneta to the most popular nightclubs, like Pacha and Carpe Diem. To top off your city experience, grab a drink and relax on the sands with a couple of friends to watch the spectacular sunrise.

5. ZLATNI RAT — BRAC, CROATIA

Zlatni Rat is frequently listed as one of the best Mediterranean beaches in Croatia, Europe and worldwide, and has been nicknamed Golden Horn Beach for its unique V shape and golden pebble sand. The beach is completely natural — shaped by the wind and ocean currents — and the “horn” frequently shifts from side to side. The azure water strikingly transforms into a deep blue color about 20 meters in, making Zlatni a great swimming spot with plenty of deep water to splash around in.

You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, or take shelter in the shade of the centuries-old pine tree forest that flanks the beach. To get your adrenaline fix, take some kitesurfing lessons, play a game of beach volleyball, grab a jet ski or just go snorkeling. If you’re bringing the family during the summer, there's a lifeguard on duty to make sure your holiday fun stays safe.

6. JAZ BEACH — KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

Just outside the romantic getaway town of Budva, Jaz Beach is the perfect spot to kick off your flip-flops, pull out a fruity cocktail and launch into lazy vacay mode. The gentle curve of the beach is framed by emerald garden mountains that seemingly drop into the seabed. The water is deep blue, crystal clear and warm, beckoning tourists and locals alike. Although the beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, it's still comfortable to walk and lie down on.

The beach is about three-quarters of a mile long (1.2 kilometers), so there’s plenty of space to spread out if you want to avoid crowds. Jaz Beach also hosts various summertime concerts. The likes of Madonna and the Rolling Stones have graced the sunny shores to deliver good vibes to all beach-goers.

7. VILLEFRANCHE (PLAGE DES MARINIÈRES) — NICE, FRANCE

It's difficult to find a sandy beach near Nice, but Plage des Marinières is the dream destination you've been looking for. A quick motorbike or 20-minute bus ride away from the city center, the beach "sand" is actually small pebbles rather than powder. It's still comfortable to lie on and doesn't make its way into every bag and under every swimsuit!

Flanked by the old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the beach is tranquil and relaxing. A gentle sand slope means waters are calm and warm, and it's the perfect place to soak up the sun and absorb the French atmosphere. You can also take advantage of French bathing rules and choose to tan topless.

Nearby, you can also visit the even quieter Plage de l'Ange Gardien beach or sail to the sparkling clean waters of Plage de la Darse.

8. BANJE BEACH — DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

If you've seen a Dubrovnik postcard or watched "Game of Thrones," you've probably already laid eyes on Banje Beach. Fit for kings and queens, this iconic beach is a major tourist attraction year-round. With a view of Old Town stretching out into the bay, beautiful blue waters and a sandy beach, Banje is often packed with tanned bodies during summer. It's an alluring blend of European culture and regular beach appreciation.

Adventure calls beachgoers in the form of yachting, parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boats and paddleboard rentals, where all ages will enjoy splashing around in the gently lapping waters of the protected bay. Facilities are modern and convenient; you can rent a sun chair and umbrella to relax in style, then stop off at one of the many beach or ice cream bars to stay refreshed. Public restrooms, open-air showers and disability access are also available.

9. SPIAGGIA ROSA (PINK BEACH) — SARDINIA, ITALY

It's rare that a beach can capture your imagination so vividly. Unlike other beaches, tourists are not allowed to set foot on Spiaggia Rosa — only to view it from a distance via boat. Why is it so protected? Because this beach is one of the rarest beaches in the world with pink sand.

The reason for the beach's pinkish hue is the unique ecosystem that surrounds it. A blend of crushed fossils, crystals, coral and dead marine creatures mix together to give the sand a pinkish hue. In the past, the pink was even more striking, but years of tourists trekking through and stealing sand as souvenirs caused Italian officials to close the beach in 1994.

During summer, you can take a boat ride to Budelli Island and look at (but not touch) the pink sands. Thanks to the conservation efforts, this pink beach will be around for future generations to appreciate. While Spiaggia Rosa is undoubtedly a gorgeous sight, if you want to actually dig your toes into a rosy-colored beach, you can also find pink sand at Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece.

10. RED BEACH — SANTORINI, GREECE

Even though the sand is pebbly, Santorini's Red Beach claims its place as one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in the Mediterranean. Set on the shore of a dormant volcano near the famous Akrotiri archeological site, the beach is both a history lesson and a natural wonder. From the cliffs to the sand, everything is a deep rusty color of red, caused by the red and black pulverized volcanic rock from the nearby Santorini caldera. The point where the cliffs meet the sky, and the sand meets the ocean, is truly mesmerizing.

Red Beach is tourist-friendly but not overcrowded. You'll find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and can stock up on refreshments at one of the nearby canteens just off the beach. The clear, dark blue waters are perfect for snorkeling and teem with intriguing rock formations and marine life.

A FEW MORE TOP SPOTS

These beach destinations are worth an honorable mention, and offer clear waters, sandy shores and classic Mediterranean beauty.

PRASSA BEACH — KIMOLOS, GREECE

Prassa Beach on Kimolos has been crowned the winner in a global survey for the clearest water in the world, with visitor reviews describing its sea as “clear water” — a perfect stop if you crave pure, crystalline Mediterranean vibes.

STINIVA BEACH — CROATIA

Stiniva Beach on Vis Island feels like one of those postcard-perfect hidden gems — a narrow cliff-lined cove with pebbled shores, crystal-clear Adriatic water and dramatic limestone formations that make you wonder if you’ve stepped into a movie scene.

ELAFONISI BEACH — CRETE

Elafonisi Beach in Crete is renowned for its unique pink sands, formed from crushed seashells, and its warm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families and nature lovers alike.

YOUR MEDITERRANEAN BEACH ESCAPE AWAITS

What makes the Mediterranean such a beloved summer destination? Maybe it’s the timeless European culture and history that enrich every port, the sun-drenched wines best enjoyed seaside or the warm, gentle waters of a sea almost entirely enclosed by land. One thing is certain — the region is home to some of the best Mediterranean beaches in the world.

From hidden gems like Stiniva Beach to iconic shores like Navagio and Barceloneta, each spot offers its own kind of magic — whether it’s rosy-pink sand, dramatic cliffs or waters so clear you’ll never want to leave. These beaches aren’t just places to swim; they’re experiences you’ll carry with you long after your tan fades.

Dreaming of your own Mediterranean getaway?

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