Twelve outstanding European beach getaways catering to various travel preferences:
In search of something more adventurous than a simple beach holiday? Here are a dozen of the best beach destinations in Europe that cater to different types of sun-seeking travelers. Each location offers a unique mix of sandy beaches, cultural experiences, and exciting activities.
The Algarve, Portugal
Best for restless beach bums who seek foodie experiences, hiking trails, and epic inland adventures.
Portugal's Algarve region is perfect for those who crave a beach vacation but also have an appetite for exploration. Visit in April or October for less crowded beaches and affordable self-catering options with fresh fish and produce markets. Some of the best beaches in the Algarve include breathtaking Cacela Velha on barrier islands, small coves along the coast between Benagil and Ferragudo, and the long copper-cliff-backed stretch at Praia da Falésia.
You won't be bored with activities beyond the beach! Visit waterparks, historic centres such as Faro, Tavira, and Moorish Silves, or hike the fisherman's trail along the west coast. One of Portugal's best multi-day hiking routes can also be found in the Algarve.
Sicily, Italy
Best for travelers seeking delicious dishes, cinematic shorelines, and history layered upon layer.
Sicily's charm will captivate even the most experienced travelers. Famous for its alluring coastline and timeless feel, Sicily boasts spectacular shorelines and historical sites such as Greek temples and some of the finest Roman mosaics. Cefalù, Taormina, and the Isola Bella sand bar offer great beaches. Don't miss the Aeolian Islands, where beaches may be more pebbly, but the backdrop of the active volcano Stromboli makes it worthwhile.
Away from the coast, Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse offer a wealth of cultural sights, while the excellent Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale and the Greek wonders at the Valley of the Temples should not be missed. Sicilian cuisine is also worth exploring, with dishes like caponata and cannoli being standouts.
Croatia's Unsung Islands
Best for travelers seeking paradisiacal sands and an island-hopping sailing adventure.
Croatia's world-class coastline offers endless adventures, and its thousand-plus islands and islets are the perfect setting for island-hopping by sailboat. Croatia's adjustable climate, with mild winters, makes it best for a beach getaway between spring and autumn. Split or Dubrovnik are common starting points for sailing adventures, with haute cuisine, party spots, and lesser-known isles like Korcula waiting to be discovered.
San Sebastian, Spain
Best for travelers seeking a city beach break paired with a first-class food scene.
Located in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastian is renowned for its culinary delights, particularly its pintxos, a form of bar tapas. The city's historical center flanks two gorgeous sandy bays, La Concha and Zurriola, offering fantastic views and easy access to dining options. Beyond the beach, explore lively nightlife, markets, and cultural attractions, such as the San Telmo Museum.
The Jurassic Coast, England
Best for travelers seeking coastal hikes and spectacular fossil-finding opportunities.
Stretching for 95 miles along Dorset and Devon, England's Jurassic Coast is a great destination for coastal hikes, pub lunches, and summertime swims. The region's fossil-filled cliffs are a testament to the area's ancient history. Bournemouth Beach has the advantage of easy access, but secluded coves like Lyme Regis' Man O' War Beach and Durdle Door's stunning sandy cove cannot be missed. If you're a fan of coastal hiking, don't forget to visit Portland and Old Harry Rocks.
The Ionian Islands, Greece
Best for travelers seeking lively lived-in cities, island-hopping, and breathtaking bays.
The Ionian Islands offer a blend of history, culture, and beautiful beaches. Corfu, one of the most popular islands in the region, is not only home to a UNESCO-listed Old Town but also boasts stunning coastlines. Don't miss the Blue Cave or Naok Church on Zakynthos, Markis Gialos on Kefalonia, and the striking coves at Porto Timoni on Corfu. Beyond the beaches, the historic town of Gijrokaster in Albania and the beautiful Blue Eye natural spring in Kosovo are worth exploring.
The Albanian Riviera
Best for travelers seeking budget-friendly beach holidays.
Quieter than some of Europe's more popular beach destinations, the Albanian Riviera claims bathtub-warm waters and budget-friendly accommodation and dining options. Along the 75-mile-long Ionian Sea shore, picturesque bays and white sandy beaches abound. Tackle mountain trails for scenic viewpoints, or hire a car for a cultural exploration of ancient sites and charming towns like Berat and Gijrokaster.
Malta
Best for travelers seeking a compact island adventure with plenty of history.
Malta offers a blend of sandy beaches, historical sites, and family-friendly attractions. The island's historic capital, Valletta, dates back to the 1500s and is home to a 14th-century Cathedral and rounded Castell De Bellver. Explore ancient temples, medieval villages, and beautiful gardens, or enjoy watersports and beach life at St. Julian's Town.
The Baltic States' Coastline & Trail
Best for travelers seeking a multi-day coastal hike along lesser-visited beaches.
The Baltic Coastal Hiking trail stretches for 880 miles across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. With miles of beaches, stunning views, and limited crowds, this hiking adventure is perfect for those seeking a more remote beach experience. Explore charming villages, taste local cuisine, or visit ancient fortresses and historical sites along the way.
The Balearic Islands, Spain
Best for travelers seeking a bit of everything, from partying on playas to escaping it all.
The Balearic Islands offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera feature stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and cosmopolitan cities. Adventure-seekers can enjoy hiking, watersports, and cultural experiences, while those seeking relaxation can unwind on pristine sandy beaches. Don't miss the popular Cala Agulla and Caló del Moro beaches on Mallorca, or the charming villages and secluded coves of Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best for travelers seeking dramatic mountain scenery and epic hikes overlooking paper-white beaches.
Norway's Lofoten archipelago boasts stunning fjords, towering mountains, and unspoiled beaches. Camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting are popular activities, while the islands' remote location offers a chance to disconnect and unwind. Visit the quaint fishing villages of Ballstad or Henningsvaer for a taste of local life, and don't miss the breathtaking landscapes of the Vestvågøy Island.
Porto Santo, Portugal
Best for travelers seeking a bolthole island escape paired with an adventure on Madeira island.
Porto Santo, a quiet island off the coast of Portugal, offers nine kilometers of golden sand beaches perfect for relaxation. With a moderate climate year-round, this idyllic destination is ideal for off-season beach escapes. Adventurous travelers can explore the surrounding hiking trails, while those seeking cultural experiences can visit nearby Madeira island. Don't miss the chance to touch the unique sandstone formed by volcanic ash along the island's shores.
- For travelers seeking a diverse lifestyle experience, the Algarve in Portugal offers sandy beaches, foodie experiences, hiking trails, and epic inland adventures.
- Sicily, Italy is perfect for travelers interested in fashion-and-beauty and relationships, providing delicious dishes, cinematic shorelines, history layered upon layer, and Sicilian cuisine.
- Croatia's unsung islands cater to travelers looking for home-and-garden adventures, offering paradisiacal sands and an island-hopping sailing adventure amidst Croatia's thousand-plus islands and islets.
- San Sebastian, Spain is ideal for food-and-drink enthusiasts seeking a city beach break, renowned for its first-class food scene, particularly pintxos.
