Ireland's Keem Beach, located on Achill Island off the coast of Co Mayo, has ranked as one of the best in Europe for relaxation and safety in the BookRetreats’ Summer 2024 Report.

Frequently voted as the most beautiful beach in the world, Keem Beach came out on top for travelers to Ireland looking to escape the crowds this summer.

Tucked into the scenic coast of Achill Island, the horseshoe-shaped bay of Keem Beach is a favorite among beachgoers.

A top-rated coastal spot on Google, it has an average rating on Google of 4.9, yet remains relatively undiscovered with under 2,000 reviews.

Swimmers will also be pleased to know that the beach achieved an excellent water quality rating in the report, according to the European Environment Agency. 

Keem Bay. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Keem Bay. (Ireland's Content Pool)

With Europe preparing for its biggest summer holiday season since the pandemic, BookRetreats’ Summer 2024 Report analyzed over 200 beaches across 16 countries to rank the best for weather, safety, accessibility, and water quality.

Going beyond simple popularity metrics used in other reports, BookRetreats’ best beaches list features spots that check all the boxes for travelers. The report also highlights a few gems that performed exceptionally well in certain areas of the study, including Keem Beach.

For those seeking safety, Ireland stood out, ranking among the top five safest European coastal countries according to the Global Peace Index.

Overall, Spain was named the ultimate summer holiday destination, claiming 28% of the top 25 beaches, including Europe's best: La Concha.

Praia da Falésia in Portugal ranked second scoring 4.27/5, and Croatia's Pasjača Beach took the third position with a final score of 4.22/5 in the study. 

Greece and, unexpectedly, Germany were also ranked in the top 25, promising unique beach experiences that ticked multiple boxes for travelers. 

To read the full report for the complete rankings, visit Summer 2024: Europe’s Best Beaches Ranked.

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