The 20 best European beach destinations

The French Riviera is synonymous with vacations by the sea. And Nice, one of the area’s largest cities, is a great place to enjoy some sun. Take in the Mediterranean against a backdrop of candy-colored buildings in Art Deco and Baroque style.

Montenegro is an up-and-coming destination in the Balkans, better known for its mountains (Montenegro translates to black mountains.) But its location, sandwiched between Croatia and Albania, means the country has a prime coastline. And while most travelers only make it to Kotor, we recommend Budva as a more affordable and less busy base on the Adriatic Sea!

Everyone envisions the ideal Mediterranean getaway as island-hopping in Greece. From the most famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos to lesser-known gems such as Paros, Zakynthos, and Hydra, you’re sure to have a great vacation.

This smaller city on the Mediterranean, located between Marseille and Toulon, is perfect for those looking for a laid-back destination in the South of France. The quaint port town is almost a mini Nice but benefits from its proximity to the Calanques — a popular hiking destination. Visit as a day trip from Marseille, or stay a few nights and truly relax in the tranquility. 

Another up-and-coming Balkan destination, the “Albanian Riviera'' in the south of the country, will delight travelers in search of turquoise waters and top-notch seafood. And all for a fraction of the cost of Greece or France. The “riviera” is made up of three main towns: Saranda, Ksamil, and Himara, as well as smaller towns in between.

The UK isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when most picture a beach getaway. But, if you’re planning a trip to London or just enjoy being by the sea and don’t necessarily need to swim, Brighton is a fantastic option. Located a little over an hour from the capital city, you can enjoy strolling the rocky shore, checking out the Royal Pavilion, and playing games on the pier.

The South of France is a very special destination, full of nature, wildlife, and adventures. Located just south of the city, Arles the Camargue Natural Park is a large protected space. It is home to the Camargue horse, herds of which now roam wild. You can also book riding trips through the region, usually with Camargues!

This peninsula in the northwest of Croatia is a very unique place to visit. Sandwiched next to Italy, it certainly feels more like the neighbor than the rest of Croatia. The food you find here is different from the rest of the country; in addition to seafood and meat platters, you’ll find truffle dishes (Istria is where they come from), Italian-quality pizza, and top-notch olive oil.

There’s a reason people can’t get enough of Barcelona, to the point that, back in 2015, some residents put a sign on one of the beaches telling tourists to go home. Now, the tensions have cooled a bit, and you can enjoy this cosmopolitan city and its numerous beaches without fear of being told to leave!

Another unlikely place to hit up for a beach trip, Iceland is actually home to some spectacular ones. However, a road trip along the south coast of the country will reveal stunning black sand beaches akin to those in New Zealand or Hawaii — without the tropical climate, of course!

This adorable beach town on the southwest coast of France, not far from Bordeaux, feels like stepping back in time. The Ville d’été (summer quarter) is home to a fabulous shopping street and 19th-century architecture that is a delight to all visitors. It’s also where you’ll find the main sandy beach, perfect for swimming in summer and walks in winter.

The Stockholm Archipelago is home to tens of thousands of small islands near Sweden’s capital. A local favorite is Grinda, not far from the city center but feels like a whole new world. The ferry takes about two-and-a-half hours from Stockholm, and from there, you can enjoy the lovely forest before cooling off with a swim!

The Canaries have become a favorite all around Europe as a sunshine getaway as the islands are warm year-round. This is rare, even in a lot of the Mediterranean. Thus, there are now direct flights from most major European hubs where you can enjoy summer weather no matter the month.

Lisbon has been a hotspot for city-breakers and digital nomads alike in the past decade. However, those in the know head north for the lovely town named Porto. Famous for grand beaches and the wine of the same name, it’s the perfect coastal escape.

Most visitors to the Cote d’Azur head for the larger cities, such as Nice or Cannes. However, Antibes, located between both, is the perfect place to truly relax. The Old Town is magnificent, with ramparts that provide epic views of the sea and the nearby peninsula with centuries-old mansions.

Greece is the first place that comes to mind for travelers looking to enjoy the Mediterranean, but if you really want the best of what the region has to offer, don’t miss Turkey. Alanya, in particular, is a small resort town lined with beautiful beaches and hotels. It’s also much more affordable than its EU counterpart!

Another gem in the southwest of France, Béziers is an up-and-coming destination popular with surfers. The waves here are some of the best in the country, particularly for beginners.

Connemara is one of the most breathtaking parts of the Emerald Isle. And if you really want to be blown away, take the ferry to the spectacular Aran Islands. The Arans are a group of limestone formations that are rugged and remote in an inviting way. Visit as a day trip from Galway, or spend a few days hiking!

The Netherlands isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when most imagine a coastal escape. However, the Zeeland province in the south of the country is home to countless adorable beach towns where stretches of golden sand stretch for miles. Favorites include Domburg, Westkapelle, and Zoutelande.

The South of France is the part of the country most frequently associated with beach vacations. However, visitors shouldn’t miss the northwest corner known as Bretagne — or Brittany in English. This part of the country is where you’ll find white sandy beaches, unlike the Mediterranean, where they are normally rocky.