Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the 2024 European Beach Index which revealed the best beaches in Europe.

The index ranked the most popular beaches in the continent taking into consideration factors such as the sea and air temperature, five-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of the waves.

The best spot for a beach holiday in Europe, according to the study, is Nissi Beach, in Cyprus. This was followed by Mellieha Bay Beach, in Malta, and Portoroz Beach, in Slovenia.

Playa de Maspalomas and Maspalomas town, in Spain, one of Gran Canaria‘s most popular beaches famous for its impressive sand dunes and its old lighthouse, was named the eighth best beach break in Europe.

On Tripadvisor, holidaymakers who recently visited Maspalomas described it as a “slice of paradise”.

One visitor said: “Relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the welcoming vibes of Maspalomas Beach. With its stunning location, convenient amenities, and open-minded atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and have a great time.”

Another one explained: “Amazing walk through the gorgeous sand dunes. Just follow the wooden stakes and you’ll not get lost. Amazing views of the sea all along.”

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, commented on the results saying: “Travellers seeking the perfect summer getaway will be searching for destinations where they can soak up the sun and relax on the beach without worrying about big waves and cold temperatures.

“Another factor we took into consideration was the average daily costs in each destination, including meals, transport and hotels, as many families are looking for budget-friendly holidays that don’t break the bank.

“We encourage those who are still planning their summer holidays to consider the hidden gems of Europe, including our top three beach destinations Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia.”