The 15 most beautiful lagoons in Europe

Telegraph

a day ago

When it comes to cooling off on a summer holiday, the default is usually a swimming pool or the ocean, but there's a third, often overlooked option: lagoons. Separated from the sea by a sandbar or barrier island, and made up of a mix of fresh and salt water, these natural amphitheatres are sheltered from strong currents and waves. The result? Calm, glass-clear pools in shades of turquoise that can rival anything you'd see in Tahiti.
For families, lagoons are a game-changer: no rip currents, no jellyfish, no hidden drop-offs – just soft sand and shallow water where parents can let kids paddle and play with total peace of mind.
They're also more than just tranquil swimming spots. These in-between places, neither fully sea nor lake, are often ecological goldmines. Flamingos, herons, spoonbills and other birdlife thrive here, and the nutrient-rich waters support oyster and mussel farms – ideal for a fresh, feet-in-the-sand lunch.
So this summer, skip the crowds and salt spray. It's all about lazing by a lagoon. We've rounded up 15 of Europe's finest to prove it.
Blue Lagoon
Ölüdeniz, Turkey
The gently curving arc of Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, on the Dalaman coast near Fethiye, has become an iconic image of Turkish seaside escapes. Separated from the open sea by a narrow, blindingly white sandbar, its calm turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and paddleboarding. As part of a national park, it's kept blissfully free of overdevelopment and framed by a steep pine-covered mountain slope. For an unmatched view, try paragliding over it from the nearby mountain Babadağ.
Port Glarokavos Lagoon Beach
Halkidiki, Greece
At the southern tip of Port Glarokavos on the Kassandra Peninsula, this lagoon beach is shaped by a rare double sandbar that separates sea from shore in layers of shifting blue. Named the 'most beautiful beach in Europe' by European Best Destinations, it strikes a great balance, thanks to beach bars and loungers on one end, and quiet, untamed stretches on the other. Nearby shops, cafés and a small theme park make it family-friendly without feeling overbuilt. Just 3km from Pefkohori and easily reached from Thessaloniki, it's both accessible and surprisingly serene.
Blue Lagoon
Comino, Malta
This narrow inlet between Comino and its islet sibling, Cominotto, glows with an electric clarity that feels almost unreal. The water is shallow, still and startlingly blue. Arrive early by boat to claim a patch of sun-warmed limestone or snorkel offshore where the light fractures through limestone caves below. There's little development – just a handful of kiosks and rental boats – so the focus stays on the water. To avoid overcrowding, you now need to pre-book your visit online, free of charge.
Where to stay: You can't stay on Comino, so book Villa dei Venti on Gozo just 10 minutes from the harbour.
Mar Menor
Murcia, Spain
The Mar Menor ('small sea') on Spain's southeastern coast is Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. Separated from the Mediterranean by the narrow La Manga strip, its warm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, kayaking and sailing year-round. The high salinity is said to have therapeutic benefits, especially when paired with the mineral-rich muds found along the shore. Family-friendly beaches, charming seaside towns, and a growing focus on eco-tourism make it an appealing alternative to Spain's busier coasts.
Where to stay: The five-star child-friendly Ona Mar Menor has both golf course and spa.
Étang de Thau
Occitanie, France
France's largest lagoon stretches from the Rhône River to the foothills of the Pyrenees, and is separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow sandy lido. Its calm, shallow waters – particularly La Trémie and La Pyramide beaches near Bouzigues – make it exceptionally safe for young swimmers, while flat promenades and family-friendly restaurants add to the appeal. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will appreciate the biodiversity of its marshlands and foodies will savour slurping the lagoon's famous oysters.
Where to stay: Rent the five-bedroom La Singulière Sète
Lido di Venezia
Venice, Italy
Venice Lido, a slender barrier island between the lagoon and Adriatic Sea, rose to prominence in the 19th century as a balneotherapy retreat. Its Art Nouveau villas and grand hotels now form the backdrop of the annual Venice Film Festival. The island offers both public and private beaches: Blue Moon caters to those seeking sunbeds and cafés, while quieter Alberoni and San Nicolò beaches border nature reserves where little terns nest. The Murazzi stone dams appeal to snorkelers and solitude-seekers, and if you skip down to Pellestrina – a 12km ribbon of gardens, fishing villages and lace makers – you'll find Ca' Roman Nature Reserve, a wild beach ideal for diving and disconnecting.
Where to stay: Splurge on the five-star Ausonia Hungaria – the choice of many a celebrity during the Film Festival.
Ria Formosa
Algarve, Portugal
Binoculars at the ready – Ria Formosa is a shifting maze of canals, marshes, islands, and barrier beaches that reshape themselves at each tide and stretches for 40 miles between Faro and Tavira. Birdlife steals the show here: flamingos, white storks, spoonbills, and the elusive sultan hen all call this protected park home – alongside the world's largest concentration of seahorses. Explore by bike, boardwalk or kayak, then refuel with razor clam rice at a quiet seafront spot. For families, Praia de Faro and Ilha da Fuseta beaches offer calm, shallow waters.
Where to stay: Faro is the gateway to Rio Formosa, and Glamping Camp Faro is a 10-minute drive from both.
Skjellvika
Sandefjord, Norway
Skjellvika, in Norway's Vestfold region, is an easy-going spot where families can spread out on the large flat field, dive off floating platforms, or hit nearby trails. Its ultra-shallow waters are the cleanest in the area, so younger kids can paddle safely. Plus, there's a small convenience store for basics, so you can focus on the day, not logistics.
Where to stay: Numerous holiday home rentals are available. For the convenience of a hotel, Scandic Park Sandefjord is functional and affordable.
Narta Lagoon
Vlorë, Albania
Just outside Vlorë in central Albania, Narta is one of the country's best-kept coastal secrets. The lagoon's shallow shoreline is safe for paddling and beach play, while older kids can explore the area by kayak or paddleboard. Come to see 3,000 greater flamingos, plus herons and pelicans on the salt flats. Families can also cycle the flat trails around the lagoon or visit the nearby 13th-century Zvernec Monastery, set on a tiny island reached by a wooden footbridge. With few crowds and no loud resorts, it's a peaceful pick.
Where to stay: Vlorë is the gateway to Narta. The four-star Yacht Hotel offers wraparound balconies with expansive sea views.
Swanpool Lagoon
Falmouth, Cornwall
A top pick for families with young kids, sheltered-and-shallow Swanpool is ideal for safe paddling, rock pooling and nature spotting – it's even named after the swans that often glide by. There's a small beach café doling out ice cream and child-friendly snacks, while intrepid teenagers can rent paddleboards and kayaks. Just behind the beach, there's a nature reserve with short, flat trails perfect for informative strolls, and with toilets and parking it's a low-stress, high-fun family day out.
Ho Bugt Lagoon
Jutland, Denmark
Part of a Unesco site on the northern edge of Denmark's Wadden Sea, these tidal flats have kid-friendly sandy stretches that support wild swimming, wading and kite flying. Join an oyster safari, hop on a tractor bus for a ride across the flats, and don't miss the surreal 'four white men' sculpture gazing out to sea. Also, when the tides are low, you can walk to Langli, rich in birdlife and seal colonies, or cycle to the southeastern tip of the Skallingen peninsula, to see more seals and the sweep of people-free beach.
Grevelingenmeer Lagoon
Zeeland, Netherlands
Grevelingenmeer, the largest saltwater lagoon in western Europe, is a mecca for active families thanks to its crystal-clear, current-free waters that support swimming, sailing, diving and windsurfing – and beginners are welcome thanks to on-site instructors. Nature lovers can spot seals basking on the Roggeplaat sandbanks, as well as wild horses and rare birds along the cycling and hiking trails, while divers can explore wrecks and a planted sea forest. Visit in July, and you can also pay a visit to Bruinisse's 'Mosselfeest', a local festival of tunes, beer and fireworks.
Where to stay: The beachside Roompot ECO Grevelingenstrand has tiny four-person eco cabins with hammocks and barbecues, as well as surfing and snorkelling on site.
Zaton Bay
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Just six miles from Dubrovnik, horseshoe-shaped Zaton Bay is part of the city's riviera, where aristocrats once built their summer retreats. Today, its sapphire waters buzz with parasailing, jet skiing, SUP, kayaking and banana-boat rides. For beaches, head to pebbly Soline for showers and leafy shade, or laid-back Gof for barefoot, crowd-free calm. Getting there is easy: hop on the No. 12 Libertas bus from Dubrovnik to Štikovica, and swap city bustle for seaside adventure in under 30 minutes.
Cala Brandinchi
Sardinia, Italy
With fine Caribbean-white sands and brilliant-blue water, Cala Brandinchi more than justifies its nickname of 'Little Tahiti'. Abutting a pine forest for shade, and beloved by families for its gentle shallows, this 700-metre-long beach offers beach chair and umbrella rental, coin-operated showers and a kiosk/bar for ice creams and cold drinks. Between June and September you'll need to pre-book entry via San Teodoro Spiagge's website (€2 per person). Bookings open at 6pm two days in advance.
Where to stay: San Teodoro is the closest town. Camping San Teodoro La Cinta offers cheap beachside bungalows and camping pitches with a bar, store, bowling green and volleyball court.
Praia da Amoreira
Algarve, Portugal