Sveti Stefan, Porto Giunco, and Benagil Beach are three internationally famous European hotspots, but they are increasingly at risk from rising water levels and coastal erosion. Reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Dutch climate solutions company, Reinders Corporation, suggest that as global water levels rise, certain parts of Europe's scenic coastline are likely to face some of the heaviest impacts. If not addressed, the situation could substantially alter the tourism landscape of the continent's beaches, as some of the most visited beach locations may vanish entirely.
Coastal Erosion and Rising Sea Levels in Europe
Compared to 1900, the global sea level is around 21 centimetres higher, and the rate of sea level rise has certainly gotten worse in the past decades. As of 2025, the global sea level has been at its peak level in recorded history, and projections for the year 2100 show that the water levels could rise to 0.28 to 0.55 meters in best-case climate scenarios, and as severe as 1.02 meters in the worst-case climate scenarios. This would not only have severe impacts on ecosystems in the region, but it would also jeopardise various infrastructure in addition to some of the most visited tourist sites on the coastline of Europe.
The EEA has identified a number of serious risks that face the coastal areas of Europe. Erosion of the coastline, along with other factors such as climate change, could result in the loss of coastal properties, historical structures, and attractions that support the tourism industry in the next few years. The Reinders Corporation study has identified a number of beaches in Europe that are renowned and identified as some of the most vulnerable to the erosion described.
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: A Beach at Risk
Among the admired beaches which are subject to erosion is Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, which has a unique, tiny islet resort that is instead connected with the mainland via a slender isthmus. With the beautiful resort and the beaches that are renowned for having a pink hue, Sveti Stefan is also experiencing coastal erosion. According to estimates, by the turn of the next century, Sveti Stefan is likely to lose more than 200 meters visually and physically of the coastline, marking the area as a location with a modern relic. The number of tourists in Montenegro is greatly influenced by the underlying reason that the area is extrememly at risk if the current situation of climate change keeps progressing. extremely
Sveti Stefan is an island undergoing considerable transformation, making now the perfect time for any visitors to arrive. Sveti Stefan island is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Due to the outlook for the island and the increasingly visible impacts of climate change, there is increasing pressure, making it very important from an environmentally stable and culturally interesting travel destination, especially for those travellers who wish to see such places before life changes those places for centuries to come.
Porto Giunco is another dazzling beach located on the island of Sardinia, Italy. It is also among the most affected places due to the change in climatic conditions. The island is known for having clear water, tropical-style beaches, and striking dunes, which is why many visitors consider it to be one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Sadly, the weather here is a lot worse, and if projections are anything to go by, the area, known so fondly, is on the verge of losing over 107 meters of its beach due to erosion by the year 2100.
Porto Giunco is enclosed by rocky capes and dunes that offer natural wind and wave protection. However, even with these natural defences, the relentless rise in sea level still endangers the beach. Coastal erosion could disrupt the natural equilibrium, eliminating vital stretches of the beach and shrinking the space offered to tourists. For those hoping to escape to Sardinia, a trip to Porto Giunco might be the last opportunity to enjoy this stunning spot before its rocky terrain alters dramatically.
Benagil Beach, Portugal: Iconic Sea Caves Under Threat
Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, Benagil Beach is another of the well-known beaches facing coastal erosion and rising sea levels. The beach has gained fame due to its stunning sea caves that have become tourist attractions around the country. However, with the current rate of sea level rise, erosion is predicted to steal approximately 70 meters of the beach's sand, and that would be by 2100. This may have a devastating effect on the caves, as well as the beach.
Local measures limiting access to the Benagil cave are a direct result of the cave's continued erosion. Boat docking restrictions and limiting cave access time to two minutes per vessel - intend to mitigate the area's ecological damage.
Future visitors to Benagil Beach ought to be conscious about the area's constant changes as the chances of exploring the caves and the nearby region's natural attractions are dwindling. Benagil still attracts tourists from every corner of the globe, although tempered tourism and enhanced sustainability practices will have to be enacted to preserve the region's one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
The Impact of Climate Change on European Beaches
Increasing sea levels and coastal erosion are critical global problems impacting several components of the economy and dependent ecosystems. Germany and many European countries have begun to properly address the impacts of global warming on the tourism industry and are incorporating tourism-focused global warming adaptation strategies to protect vital coastal areas. Adaptation strategies can take the form of coastal beach sustenance, coastal protective works, and stringent controls on the tourism carrying capacity of critical areas.
The global framework on climate change mandates the tourism industry to work with governments and communities to tackle the issues of excessive tourism and environmental damage. In turn, this will ensure the thriving global tourism industry, with some of the most iconic beach destinations in Europe, available for the next generations of travellers to relish the picturesque coastal wonders of the continent.
Conclusion: The Need for Sustainable Tourism in Coastal Destinations
The global framework on climate change mandates the tourism industry to work with governments and communities to tackle the issues of excessive tourism and environmental damage. In turn, this will ensure the thriving global tourism industry, with some of the most iconic beach destinations in Europe, available for the next generations of travellers to relish the picturesque coastal wonders of the continent.