15 Best Beach Vacations in Europe

Holidays aren’t complete without a trip to the beach! A fantastic way to enjoy your day on the beach is to lay on the soft sand and cool off in the crystal-clear water of the ocean. You don’t need to look further than these best European beaches to travel somewhere special this summer.

When booking your next vacation, you have various options to consider, including lively beach towns and family-friendly islands with fun and exciting activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, looking for arts and culture, or simply relaxing on soft, sandy beaches, this list makes it simple to select what’s ideal for you.

In Europe, you can visit beach resorts with clear waters, historic old towns, and regions with remarkable scenery. Your vacations will be more exciting because of the stunning golden beach, secret coves, and serene blue-green waves.

It might be challenging to choose a vacation destination when there are so many wonderful options. Check out our 15 top European beach destinations if you’re having trouble deciding where to go.

Top Beach Destinations in Europe

1. Sicily, Italy

Sicily has some of Europe’s best beaches and food and drinks worldwide. Where else can you go to rest after one of those lovely lunches?

Sicily has hundreds of beaches along its more than 900 km of coastline. Most of the beaches are small and rocky, but large stretches of golden sand look like they belong in the Mediterranean.

Local beaches are great for sunbathing because you can rent loungers and find great places to eat. Snorkeling activities are the best in a rocky cove with clear water. Those who are brave enough will go there.

From June to October, the season lasts as long as the water is warm enough to swim in. Isola Bella and Cefalù are just two beautiful beaches that are great to walk along any time of year.

Even though it’s hottest in Italy in August, there is a way to reduce the effect of heat by serving the best ice cream. A granita, a Sicilian dessert made of crushed ice, lemon, and brioche, should always be on hand.

See Related: 10 Best Beaches in Spain

2. Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj, in Croatia, is undoubtedly one of the best European destinations and most beautiful seaside towns in Europe. When you go on vacation, you might hope to find a great old town with many lovely places to take pictures.

Two beautiful beaches in Rovinj are definitely worth a visit: Mulini Beach and Cisterna Beach. Mulini Beach is located in the city center and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Cisterna Beach is a bit further outside of the city, but it’s definitely worth the trip! Beautiful cliffs surround the beach and offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

This pretty village on the coast has one of Croatia’s most beautiful old towns. The colorful townhouses, which are close together from the sea to the top of the town, are especially striking.

Walking around the city center, you can visit museums and other exciting places.

Enjoy the beautiful summer weather while sipping a drink or eating ice cream on small streets in a charming, picturesque city. Live music is one of the many things that happen during the summer.

Rovinj also has many beautiful bays and beaches, making it a great place to go on vacation in the summer. They are a little outside the city and have fantastic watercolors and beautiful natural scenery. Perfect if you want to take a few days to relax while still going on tours and excursions.

The area around Rovinj is also attractive, so you can do many things here, even in the summer. Some of Istria’s most beautiful views, like Cape Kamenjak and the alpine village of Motovun, are close to Rovinj. Have the best experience with Viator and enjoy your vacation in Rovinj.

3. Tenerife, Spain’s Canary Islands

Tenerife is a beautiful island and one of the best spots for European beach vacations. It is known for its black sand beaches and pleasant weather all year. The average temperature for the year is around 70°F, which can get up to 90°F in the summer.

There is something for everyone to do, from sunbathing on a mile-long stretch of sand to exploring a wild cove or rock formation where you might be the only one there. Good bus and boat tour networks make it easy. There is good transportation to get around in this area.

In other places, black volcanic sand has been mixed with sand from the Sahara to make beautiful golden stretches. Playa de las Teresitas may be the most famous beach in Tenerife, partly because it is close to Santa Cruz’s capital.

At Las Teresitas beach, the calm, clear water is kept safe by a barrier. Take a break at one of the many cafés in the area, where you can sit in a deckchair and enjoy the sun and coconut palms.

You can enjoy the black sand at beaches like El Bollullo, just east of Puerto de la Cruz. It is the perfect piece of paradise, with tall cliffs, a “hidden” cove, and hammocks you can rent.

Anaga Park’s ecological reserve has something a little bit more wild. In addition to the plants and animals that live there, you’ll also see some beautiful natural beaches.

4. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia, an Italian island, is another European destination to visit. It is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. Since the 1960s, Sardinia’s most popular summer spot has been the beautiful Costa Smeralda.

The Costa Smeralda is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Sardinia, Italy. The water is a bright turquoise sea, and the beaches are stunning. It’s no wonder that it’s such a popular tourist destination.

Hidden coves and beaches, like the beautiful Beach of Cala Domestica, are great places to relax and soak up the sun. Cliffs surround the beach, and there are several restaurants and bars.

5. Santorini, Greece

The beaches of Santorini aren’t as well-known as the island’s more famous landmarks, so they aren’t often considered common places. Since Greece is known for its beautiful white sand, beaches with mostly coarse black or red volcanic sand are not here.

Bring some beach shoes because the black sand beaches will be scorching during the day.

The fine sand makes the water clear, and the black beach makes the blue Mediterranean Sea look even bluer. A swim in the sea of Santorini stands out. You can also enjoy a luxury cruise or wine-tasting experience on your visit.

Perivolos is among the hidden gems because the sand is bearable here, and there are many good restaurants nearby. Santorini is known for its beautiful scenery and has one of the best hot springs in the world. It is located in the middle of the caldera among the islands.

Most of the best beaches for drinking and eating are on the east side of Santorini, where the caldera dips into the sea. The west side of the island is made up of high cliffs.

6. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal

Porto Santo is one of the most well-known islands in Portugal. It is close to the island of Madeira, another great European beach resort that can be visited annually because it is in the Atlantic Ocean, about 620 miles from the mainland.

There are many reasons to go, such as the beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, long stretches of fine sand, great places to snorkel, and day cruises. The refreshing Madeira wine is another preference.

The Ponta da Calheta beach is one of the most popular on the island. It is a beautiful, wide beach with soft sand and crystal-clear water. There are several restaurants and snack bars in the area, as well as a few small shops.

The Zimbralinho Beach is a bit more secluded and less crowded, making it a great choice if you’re looking for some peace. It’s also a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

The Porto Das Salemas beach is the largest on the island, with plenty of room to spread out and relax. It’s also a great spot for fishing, and there are several restaurants and bars nearby.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a well-known European city with some of the finest beaches in Croatia. However, the beaches differ from those in the Mediterranean because they have white sand. Most of them are usually pebbly or even rocky, so it’s a good idea to bring beach shoes.

The water is calm and clear because there isn’t any sand or silt in the water. Two beautiful beaches are just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. From the Ploce Gate, you can lie in the water at Banje Beach and see the walls in just 10 minutes.

Sveti Jakov is another 20 minutes away, but getting there is hard because you have to go down and back up a lot of stairs. But this makes it a little bit more specific than Banje.

If you want to see more of Dubrovnik, taking the ferry to Lokrum Island for ten minutes is one of the best things to do. There are quiet swimming holes, walking places ideal for a walking tour, and historical sites nearby.

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8. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos has figured out how to combine decades of rich history with the luxury people expect from a vacation spot. This sunny Greek island has a variety of beaches and unspoiled scenery, a picture-perfect windmill from the 1600s that can be seen at sunset, spectacular Cycladic buildings, and a well-known nightlife.

You can do anything here, from lying in the sun to windsurfing to having a party on the beach that lasts from dusk until early morning. People say that Psarou, also known as Paradise Beach, and Ornos Bay are two of the best beaches.

Greece is a great place to go on vacation in the summer because there are so many different places to see.

9. Nice, France

Nice is a city in France on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for its beaches. The most famous beach in Nice is La Réserve, located in the district of Cimiez. La Réserve features various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.

Another famous beach in Nice is Villefranche-sur-Mer. Located just a few kilometers east of Nice, it is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning cliffside views. Finally, Plage Beau Rivage is an excellent option for a more secluded beach experience. Situated on the outskirts of Nice, it offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

These are gorgeous European beaches where you can watch people, get pampered, eat at fine restaurants, and drink at high-end lounge restaurants. Italy has the most elegant French style wrapped around it.

10. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is known as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and UNESCO has named it a World Heritage Area. When you combine the great Italian food, the beautiful weather, and the fabulous shops, you get a place that every traveler agrees is unique. It is a destination where you can enjoy snorkeling adventures, boat tours, day tours, and more.

The Amalfi Coast is known for its stunning beaches; each has something special to offer visitors. Marina Grande is the largest and busiest beach in the area, and it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the views.

Arienzo Beach is a smaller and more secluded beach, a great place to relax and enjoy the coast’s natural beauty. Erchie Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

11. Malta

Malta is a small country in the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises several islands, including Malta’s largest and Gozo’s tiny island. Malta is a popular tourist destination thanks to its sunny weather, crystal clear waters, and sandy beaches.

The best beaches in Malta can be found on the smaller islands, such as Gozo and Comino. These beaches are mostly quiet and unspoiled, with crystal-clear water and soft sand. Some of the most popular beaches on Gozo include Ramla l-Hamra (Red Beach), Dwejra Bay, and San Blas Bay. Comino is home to some lovely sandy beaches, such as Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay.

If you’re looking for a more lively beach experience, head to the main island of Malta. The most popular beach in Malta is Golden Sands, which offers stunning views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Other famous beaches on Malta include St Julian’s Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Sliema Ferries.

12. Barcelona, Spain

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Barcelona, but some of the best include Playa de Bogatell, Llevant, and Playa de Bogatell.

Playa de Bogatell is a large beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The sand is white, and the water is clean and clear, making it a great place to spend a day. It is also close to Durlet Beach Apartments.

Llevant is also a great option for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The sand here is slightly darker than at Playa de Bogatell, but the water is just as clear and beautiful.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, Playa de Bogatell is the perfect beach for you. This beach’s large rock formation makes it the perfect spot for cliff jumping and diving.

13. Corsica, France

Corsica is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea. Corsica is known for its rugged landscape, stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and unique culture. Some of the best beaches to explore include Calvi Beach, Arinella Beach, and Loto Beach & Saleccia Beach

If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on in Corsica, look no further than Calvi Beach. This beach is a true paradise with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s also one of the most popular beaches on the island, so you’re sure to find plenty of fellow sunbathers and swimmers to enjoy the scenery with.

Arinella Beach is a secluded beach on the east coast of Corsica. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing in the bay’s calm waters.

Loto Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. It’s a long, sandy beach with crystal-clear water surrounded by mountains, which make for a beautiful backdrop.

14. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Ayia Napa is one of the most visited places in Cyprus, and many people think it is one of the best beach vacation spots in Europe. It has secret beaches with pure white dunes, clear turquoise water, and a lot of tourist infrastructure.

Nissi Beach is the most famous place in Ayia Napa. It is about 500 meters long and has a beautiful stretch of white sand. There are many places to sunbathe on the beach, and the nightlife scene is busy.

Even though it can get crowded in the summer, this place is charming in the spring and early fall, when there are fewer people around.

Read Also: Places to Visit in Greece

15. Rhodes, Greece

About forty beaches on the island of Rhodes have been given the Blue Flag, which indicates that they are very clean.

Rhodes has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece because it has kept its natural landscape, has very clean water, and has different types of land. On the island’s eastern side, there is a lovely resort where you can relax. On the island’s wilder western side, you can go windsurfing.

The city of Rhodes, which has been there since the Middle Ages, is on the island’s northwest tip.

If you’re looking for stunning beaches in Greece, Rhodes is the place to be. Faliraki, Glyfada, Paliochora, and Kallithea Beach offer beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

Faliraki is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and it’s easy to see why. Its wide range of activities and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for everyone, from families to couples.

Glyfada is a little quieter than Faliraki but no less beautiful. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach holiday with plenty of quiet surroundings.

Paliochora is the most secluded of the three beaches, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking for a quiet and idyllic beach to relax on, this is the place for you.

At Kallithea Beach, you can find hot springs. The 1960s were a considerable time for these springs, which have recently been fixed. Even though it is only eight kilometers from Rhodes, the beach trees and Moorish buildings make it feel much further away.

Do you wish to take European beach vacations in the summer holidays? Have a beach holiday, explore the vacation spots in Europe with Booking.com, and get assistance from GetYourGuide to find the one that fits your needs, including how much time you want to spend on the beach in the water and the sun.

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