The allure of a perfect beach holiday in Europe often revolves around three key elements: a sun-kissed shoreline, parasols providing shade, and a well-equipped beach bar. However, for more adventurous beachgoers, the ideal European beach destination might include a first-class culinary scene, cliff-hugging hiking trails, or inland adventures beyond the sandy shores.
Fortunately, Europe’s diverse coastlines cater to every type of sun-seeking traveler. Whether it’s island-hopping across offbeat archipelagos or embarking on fossil-finding coastal excursions, the best beach holidays in Europe can offer more than just a spot to lay out a towel.
Here, we present a detailed exploration of ten of the best beach destinations in Europe, each cherished for unique reasons. This guide aims to assist you in choosing your next seaside escape, tailored to the specific type of beach vacation you crave.
The Algarve, Portugal
Best for: Family-friendly fun, excellent holiday resorts, and clifftop adventures.
Why and when to go: Portugal’s southern gem, the Algarve, stands out as one of Europe’s premier beach destinations, welcoming millions of visitors during the summer months. Even in the offseason, such as April and October, the Algarve remains an excellent place for a seaside escape. Coastal towns like Lagos and Carvoeiro, evolving from traditional fishing villages, offer intimate whitewashed charm along with various activities and seafood restaurants. The abundance of sea-facing villas makes it an ideal destination for large families or groups, providing an affordable self-catering vacation with access to fresh fish and local produce markets.
Where are the best beaches: Noteworthy beaches in the Algarve include the barrier islands in the Ria Formosa, the captivating Cacela Velha, secluded coves between Benagil and Ferragudo, and the extensive Praia da Falésia with its picturesque copper-cliff backdrop. For a more cinematic experience, kayaking into the famous Benagil Cave is a unique addition to your beach holiday.
Activities beyond the beach: While the Algarve is renowned for its beaches, it also offers a range of activities away from the coast. Water parks, museums, and historic centers in Faro, Tavira, and Silves provide engaging options. On the west coast, the Fishermans Trail and the Seven Hanging Valleys Coastal Trail offer stunning cliff-top views and excellent hiking opportunities.
Sicily, Italy
Best for: Delicious dishes, cinematic shorelines, and layers of history.
Why and when to go: Sicily, with its timeless charm and captivating coastlines, has been a summer escape for Italians and international tourists. Despite newfound fame, especially after TV’s The White Lotus, Sicily maintains its allure, especially in the offseason when pleasant temperatures and affordable getaways coincide. The island, shaped by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Byzantines, serves as a historical time capsule.
Where are the best beaches: Sicily offers a variety of stunning shorelines, from the golden bay in Cefalù to the Isola Bella sand bar near Taormina. The Aeolian Islands, with pebbly beaches set against the backdrop of the active Stromboli volcano, provide a unique experience.
Activities beyond the beach: Palermo, the lively capital, boasts monuments, markets, and vibrant nightlife. Catania offers palaces and the opportunity to explore Mount Etna, an active volcano. Syracuse showcases amphitheaters and archaeological museums, while Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples highlight Roman and Greek wonders.
Croatia’s Unsung Islands
Best for: Paradisiacal sands and an island-hopping sailing adventure.
Why and when to go: Croatia’s allure extends beyond Dubrovnik, with a thousand-plus islands offering diverse charms. The mild winters make spring to autumn the ideal time to explore the coast. Sailing adventures provide an immersive experience, starting in Split or Dubrovnik and including renowned islands like Hvar.
Where are the best beaches: Exceptional beaches abound, with Makarska’s bays and the Peljesac Peninsula standing out on the mainland. Zlatni Rat on Brac and Jagodna on Hvar offer memorable island beaches.
Activities beyond the beach: Each Croatian island has its own unique offerings. Hvar provides haute cuisine and upscale cocktails, Pag is a party destination, and Korcula offers a laid-back experience with beautiful beaches, vineyards, and a medieval-walled old town.
San Sebastian, Spain
Best for: A city beach break paired with a first-class food scene.
Why and when to go: Nestled in Northern Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastián stands out for its unique beach city experience. Enjoyable from late spring to early autumn, the city offers spectacular shoreline vistas and is renowned for its culinary scene, featuring pintxos and haute cuisine.
Where are the best beaches: San Sebastián’s two gorgeous sandy bays, La Concha and Zurriola, flank the historic center. With promenade strolls, panoramic views, and easy access to dining options, these beaches provide a perfect seaside retreat.
Activities beyond the beach: San Sebastián is a vibrant city with a year-round calendar of events, including a film festival. Explore the Old Town’s pintxos bars, embark on a cooking experience, and venture up Mount Ulia or Monte Igueldo for breathtaking panoramas. The San Telmo Museum offers a cultural fix.
The Jurassic Coast, England
Best for: Coastal hikes and spectacular scenery paired with fossil finding.
Why and when to go: While Cornwall is often hailed as the best coastal destination in the UK, a road trip along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast offers a unique European beach holiday. The 95-mile-long stretch, crossing Dorset and Devon, is famed for its dinosaur footprints and fossils, making it an ideal destination for coastal hikes, pub lunches, and fossil hunting.
Where are the best beaches: Bournemouth Beach provides easy access and is around two and a half hours by train from London. Lyme Regis, with sandy and pebble beaches, and Man O’ War Beach near Durdle Door are other notable spots along the coast.
Activities beyond the beach: Learn about Mary Anning, a prolific dinosaur fossil hunter, and explore historic towns like Lyme Regis. Enjoy arcades, visit gardens, theaters, and museums in Bournemouth or Poole, and hike around Portland and Old Harry Rocks.
The Ionian Islands, Greece
Best for: Lively lived-in cities, island hopping, and breathtaking bays.
Why and when to go: With seven main island groups, Greece presents a challenge in choosing a beach holiday destination. The Ionian Islands, known for a lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and cultural richness, offer a balanced experience. Corfu, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, museums, and archaeological sites, stands out.
Where are the best beaches: The Ionian Islands boast well-developed infrastructure and luxury hotels near standout beaches. Zakynthos’ Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, Plakes Beach in Paxos, Markis Gialos on Kefalonia, and the coves at Porto Timoni on Corfu are noteworthy.
Activities beyond the beach: Beyond water sports and tours, Corfu, in particular, stands out for its cultural attractions. Museums dedicated to Asian and Byzantine art, archaeology, folklore, Achilleion Palace, and the Venetian Corfu Fortress offer cultural experiences.
The Albanian Riviera
Best for: Bath-like waters on a budget.
Why and when to go: Rising in popularity, Albania’s Riviera offers an affordable yet spectacular beach destination. The south, akin to Corfu in climate, is suitable for beach trips from March to October. Known for its wallet-friendly accommodations and dining, it’s gaining recognition for its breathtaking scenery.
Where are the best beaches: Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera features craggy coves, expansive sands, and small islands. Notable spots between Sarandë and Ksamil, like the islands off the coast, offer a range of beach experiences.
Activities beyond the beach: Explore Albania’s culture by combining beach time with a road trip. Visit the historic town of Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye natural spring, and the UNESCO-listed mountain-hugging town of Berat.
Malta
Best for: A compact island adventure with plenty of history.
Why and when to go: Long considered one of Europe’s best beach destinations, Malta combines history and beach attractions. With a year-round appeal, Malta offers a diverse experience, from cultural city breaks to family-friendly beaches.
Where are the best beaches: Despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, Malta features standout beaches. San Blas Bay and Dwejra on Gozo, along with Blue Lagoon and Golden Bay on Malta, are noteworthy.
Activities beyond the beach: Dive into Malta’s history with a day exploring Valletta’s historic streets, the ancient capital of Mdina, and archaeological sites. Enjoy the island’s culinary offerings and consider a day trip to Gozo.
The Baltic States’ Coastline & Trail
Best for: A multi-day coastal hike along lesser-visited beaches.
Why and when to go: Offering an alternative to typical beach holidays, the Baltic Coastal Hiking trail spans Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Covering over 880 miles, the trail provides a unique beach vacation experience. Late spring to early autumn is the ideal time, avoiding winter weather.
Where are the best beaches: Despite preconceptions, the Baltic States offer stunning coastal landscapes, with fine sands along the Baltic Sea. Highlights include the Curion Spit and Palanga in Lithuania, pristine beaches around Pape Ķoņi village in Latvia, and beautiful beaches in Parnu and nearby islands in Estonia.
Activities beyond the beach: As the trail covers three countries, you’ll have diverse options. Experience unique local dishes, visit museums like the Lithuanian Sea Museum or the Museum of New Art in Parnu, and conclude with a city break in Tallinn.
The Balearic Islands, Spain
Best for: A bit of everything, from partying on playas to escaping it all.
Why and when to go: Comprising Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, the Balearic Islands have long been cherished European beach destinations. Each island offers dazzling coastlines with distinct personalities. The islands provide year-round appeal, with seasonality varying by location.
Where are the best beaches: Mallorca features Cala Agulla and Caló del Moro, Ibiza has Cala Carbó and Las Salinas, Menorca boasts Son Bou, and Formentera offers Calo des Mort. Each island presents unique and stunning beaches.
Activities beyond the beach: While renowned for their beaches, the Balearics surprise with diverse activities. Palma de Mallorca, the capital, offers a buzzing city break with restaurants, bars, and historic sites. Ibiza’s Dalt Vila and Menorca’s Fort Marlborough are historical highlights.
This list is a subjective compilation of the best beach destinations in Europe, with each location offering its own distinct charm. From Portugal’s Algarve to the Baltic States’ Coastal Trail, Europe provides an endless array of spectacular seaside getaways, ensuring there’s a perfect beach destination for every traveler.
