40 Best Europe Beach Destinations in 2024 that your Partner Will Love

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Are you looking for the 40 best Europe beach destinations? You’re in the right place! Europe offers amazing romantic beach destinations with idyllic beaches with turquoise waters, old historical towns, and unique landscapes for all budgets! There are also nice beaches in Europe for visitors who like being active and love walking, hiking, or surfing. 

Updated January 2023

In this post, we gathered the best beach destinations in Europe including some of the best beaches in the world and some of the best beaches in Europe 2023. We have also tailored this post to couples so you will find the best beach holidays in Europe for couples for the perfect romantic beach break or honeymoon stay. 

What to expect in this post and what we mean by best Europe beach destinations:

• idyllic destinations with white or golden sand beaches perfect for romantic beach holidays Europe style;
• clear and warm crystal waters for snorkelling and swimming;
• a few beach destinations for active couples that offer water sports opportunities like surfing, and walking or hiking opportunities;
• romantic destinations with beaches that have unique backdrops;
• beautiful beach destinations that are also rich in historical sites, visits, food and more;
• famous dreamy destinations with hidden gems that no-one talks about;
• warm beach destinations you can visit during the shoulder season for better prices

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Where are the best beaches in Europe Q&As

What’s the best beach in Europe? 

The best beach in Europe for idyllic landscapes and clear waters is either Navagio beach on Zakynthos Island or Santa Gjhulia in Corsica, France. The best beach in Europe for active couples who enjoy surfing is Inch beach in Ireland. The best beach for couples who like to relax is Milos Island’s Agia Kyriaki which is only accessible by private boat and features turquoise clear waters and white thin sand. 

What are the best beaches in Europe that aren’t touristy or crowded?

Some of the best beaches in Europe that aren’t touristy or crowded during peak seasons are Zlatni rat in Croatia and Playa de Monsul in Spain. However, the most beautiful beaches in Europe are also a lot less crowded during the shoulder season though the weather is still hot and sunny. Palombaggia beach in Corsica or Kamalos beach on Ios Greece are some of the best beaches in Europe that are not crowded at that period. 

What is the best party place in Europe with a beach?

Mykonos and Ibiza are the two main party places in Europe with beautiful beaches. 

What is the best location in Europe where you are close to the beach and to mountains at the same time?

Corsica is the best location in Europe where you are close to the beach and to mountains at the same time. From the beautiful mountains in the backdrop to the stunning white sand beaches, Corsica is heaven on earth!

Where can I find sandy beaches in Europe that aren’t tourist traps?

Most European beaches are crowded in July and August but you can still find non-touristy beaches during that season. Santorini’s Vlychada beach and Kolumbus beach are beautiful and very low-key in the summer. Most beaches in Corsica and in the Greek Islands are stunning and still wild. Tourist traps include mainland Italian beaches as they are not free (usually owned by a resort) and usually developed. Instead of going to the mainland, try Favignana Island or Sardinia which are both Italian Islands with stunning white sand beaches. Overall, stay away from big resort towns where everything is more expensive and beaches are average. 

Which Eastern European country has the best beaches?

Croatia and Montenegro have some of the most beautiful beaches in Eastern Europe, with beautiful clear waters, golden sand and stunning wild backdrops. 

What do you wear and take to the beach in Europe when going to a beach on a holiday?

When going to the beach in Europe, you should bring sunscreen, a book, and your snorkelling mask. Don’t forget to bring a cover up as well if you are going to a town afterwards. A lot of the best European beaches are remote and unorganised so bring food and plenty of water for the day. 

If you wanted to do a Europe trip and love beaches relaxing vacations where would you go? 

The best beachy places in Europe include the Greek Islands such as Milos Island or Paros Island, Croatia and Portugal’s Algarve region. For a couples beach holidays Europe style, Corsica Island in France or Ios Island in Greece are very romantic. 

Cheap beach Europe destinations

From active beach vacations to idyllic small white sand beaches, there is a wide range of best European beach holidays. If you know us though, you know that we generally look for beach destinations that allow us to do a mix of cheap and luxurious experiences to balance our budget out. To help you plan out your trip according to your budget, here are some of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe:

1. Greek Islands: Less known islands like Tinos or Paros tend to be more affordable and on the cheaper end than other famous islands like Santorini or Mykonos. For the best prices, we would recommend visiting in September or October during the shoulder season.
2. Portugal: Portugal is renown for being one of the cheapest countries in Europe and offering some of the most incredible beaches. You’ll get great value here!
3. Croatia: With amazing beaches, Croatia is known as one of the best cheap beach holidays Europe offers especially during the shoulder season. 

These countries also have some of the cheapest beaches in Europe since entrance to the beach is free. Some other countries such as Italy actually charge a fee to enter beaches as beaches are private property (usually owned by a resort). The fees can really add up by the end of your trip. Although Italy has some of the cheapest beach towns in Europe, this is something to take into account. 

Overall, the destination you will pick depends on what you mean by cheap and what your budget is. It is usually possible to make a vacation as cheap or as luxurious as you want.

Top 10 beach destinations in Europe for couples

Before we dig into the best Europe beach destinations by country, we wanted to share our top 10 best beach destinations in Europe for couples in hope to help you make a choice between the amazing beach holidays Europe offers. The below list includes some of the best Europe destinations for couples that can also be seen as some of the best beaches in Europe for honeymoon! From beautiful clear waters, to quiet beaches and dreamy landscapes, these beaches offer everything you’d think of for a romantic stay.

1. Corsica: A top beach holiday destinations Europe offers for idyllic beaches and dreamy landscapes. 
2. Lagos, Portugal: Beautiful ocher coloured landscapes including Camilo beach, one of the top 10 beaches in Europe.
3. Milos Island: One of the best beach holidays Europe offers for unique beaches like Sarakiniko!
4. Santorini Island: From red rock formations to remote beaches, Santorini is a gem!
5. Ios Island: One of the less known Greek Islands that deserve more attention for its amazing beaches and great value accommodations!
6. Zakynthos: For Bali-like beaches in Europe!
7. Favignana Island: A hidden gem off the coast of Sicily.
8. Ireland: For active couples looking for beautiful beach vistas or couples who want to elope in stunning landscapes
9. West Coast of France: For breathtaking beach landscapes rich in history.
10. Italy: For small beach towns like Positano. 

Best Europe beach destinations in the Greek Islands

Greece and the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches in eastern Europe. We have been to quite a few countries around the globe and honestly, the Greek Islands are our favourite destinations for some of the best sandy beaches in Europe. You will most likely have heard about Santorini but in this section, we explore some other islands, which are as worthy, if not more, as Santorini! Some of these other islands are perfect for a quiet beach holidays Europe style! Regardless of the island you end up picking, you won’t regret adding the Greek Islands to your European beach vacation! You can also check out our list of the best Greek Islands for couples here.

Check out the best quotes on Greece and the Greek Islands to get inspired before heading there!

1. Santorini, one of the best beach European destinations

Santorini is known as one of the best islands in Europe and look, whoever decided that, is not wrong! From the beautiful sights to the amazing weather, he island feels like a dream and has some of the best beaches in the world!  Some of Santorini’s most famous beaches include Red beach and White beach but there is also more beaches on the island that you should explore. On the island, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with incredible backdrops. For example, Vlychada beach is an incredible black sand and pebble beach surrounded by high cliffs that have been carved by the wind. The cliffs have turned into small canyons and the landscape there is just unbelievable. Surprisingly, when visiting Vlychada beach, we found that it was not crowded at all! It is probably one of the best quiet beaches in Europe on such a popular island! 

Beaches on Santorini Island also offer clear waters, perfect for snorkelling or just chilling in the water. They are known for having volcanic sand which is quiet a unique touch, hence the black sand and black pebbles. Santorini is also a great Europe beach destinations if you are looking for the best beaches in Europe in September. In September, the weather in Santorini is still amazingly hot and sunny allowing you to go in the water and spend the day at the beach but without crazy crowds!

On top of being absolutely beautiful, some of Santorini’s beaches are located in villages, making it easy to try the local food and visit the touristy sites before or after going to the beach. Santorini has lots to offer in addition to its beaches such as traditional food, historical and archeological sites and beautiful villages. On your way back from the beach, don’t forget to stop by Pyrgos village, one of the hidden gems of the island which is often overlooked by tourists!

2. Milos Island, for some of the most unique beaches in Europe

We visited Milos Island on our last trip to Greece and we can’t tell you how much we loved it. Milos Island has some of the best beaches in the world, all different from the usual white sand and clear water beaches we all know and you just can’t go wrong here. 

Some of the best Milos beaches include Sarakiniko beach, Papasfragas beach and Firiplaka beach. Sarakiniko is one of the white beaches Europe has to offer. With white sand and turquoise clear water, this beach is located in Sarakiniko’s Moonscape, a wide white rock formation resembling the moon on the North coast of the island. This site is incredible and nothing like what you would have seen before. It also offers a desert and the possibility to see a shipwreck. It’s quite unique! 

Papafragas beach is equally as surprising. This beach is located in a tunnel formed by the carved rock formations that surround it. There are caves to explore and of course, you can spend some time on the beach here. Honestly, you won’t be bored while visiting Papafragas!

Another beach we loved on Milos is Firiplaka beach. The red rocks of Firiplaka are beautiful during the day and at sunset when it reflects the sun onto the sea. It’s an incredibly peaceful place with thin golden sand and crystal clear waters! Due to the red rocks, Firiplaka is also one of the warmest beaches in Europe!

Milos also has a lot more to offer than just beaches which makes it one of the best Europe beach destinations as well. While in Milos, you won’t want to miss visiting Plaka and its castle which sits on top of the island offering incredible 360 degrees views on the island and its beautiful beaches. You’ll also want to stop by the traditional towns and archeological sites of the island. Klima village, a beach village known for its colourful fishing houses, is also worth a visit on your way back from the beach! 

Best for: Couples looking for unique beaches and quieter Greek Island

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this fishing house in Klima right on the water. This is quite a unique and memorable stay! 

3. Paros, one of Europe best beach holidays

Paros Island is known as a “more authentic” Santorini. It resembles Santorini in many aspects from the beach offer to the traditional whitewashed villages and breathtaking sunsets. Paros is also one of the best cheap beach holiday destinations Europe has to offer. Accommodations are cheaper than Santorini and renting a car isn’t necessary. The bus system on Paros is really good with tickets costing around €1-2 per person depending on your destination. 

Some of the best beaches on Paros include Golden beach and Logaras beach which are some of the best beaches in Europe for swimming. It also features some of the best hidden beaches Europe has to offer such as Kolymbithres beach which resembles greatly the Lavezzi Islands in Corsica (see below). With crystal clear waters, golden thin sand and amazing temperatures, Paros is actually one of our favourite Greek Islands! 

Of course, you’ll also find delicious food on Paros with Greek specialties and good prices! 

Best for: Couples who are looking for a more authentic and less crowded Santorini

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at High Mill Paros Hotel in Parikia or at Hotel Bilia in Naousa. They are the main towns on the island so you will have access to all the public transportation, restaurants and more.

4. Ios, an island with some of the top beaches in Europe

One way to describe Ios Island would be “Why haven’t you been there yet???”. Ios stole our hearts and we’re happy to share that it is one of the Greek Islands we would go back to! Ios is known as one of the best beach party destinations in Europe, even more so than Mykonos! When we told people we were going there, they were quite a bit surprised as we were looking for a quiet beach holiday in Europe and not a crazy party island. See the thing is, Ios is a party island at the peak of summer. But in September and October, it becomes this perfectly quiet and luxurious beach destination where accommodations are rented out for half price! Trust us when we say we do not regret going there!

Because the weather is so nice there, you’ll find some of the best beaches in Europe in October and in September, when the island has gone quiet again. One of our favourite beaches is Kamalos beach but honestly there are so many others too! You can find a full list of the best beaches in Ios here.

With cute towns, delicious food, and archeological sites, you really can’t go wrong with choosing Ios for your European beach vacation! 

Best for: Couples looking to party in peak season (July – August) or couples who are looking for a cheap and quiet island with amazing beaches during the shoulder season (We highly recommend September)

Where to stay: We would highly recommend staying at Yialos hotel which is of amazing value and close to both the beach and the town or at the Hideout Suites for an incredibly romantic experience. 

5. Zakynthos Island for tropical beaches in Europe

Are you looking for exotic beaches in Europe? Zakynthos might be just the beach destination you are looking for! Navagio beach (also known as Shipwreck beach) is one of the most spectacular beaches on the island. We like to call it the European Bali beach as it looks very similar to KelingKing beach in Nusa Penida. The beach is made of white sand and is surrounded by calm turquoise waters, tall white cliffs and greenery. 

Just like the other Greek Islands, Zakynthos is great for food, beaches, amazing weather and historical sites!

Best for: Couples looking for Bali like beaches and a change from the most famous Greek Islands. 

Where to stay: We would recommend either staying at Pansion Mary for a cheap but incredible stay or at Cactus Hotel for a beautiful and well located hotel stay. 

6. Crete, the Greek Island with pink beaches

Crete is one of the largest Greek Islands and one of the most popular Europe beach holiday destinations! Crete is definitely a more developed for tourism than some of the other Greek Islands so parts of it can feel like it’s just a resort island. But looking at Crete from this angle only would be a mistake. 

When it comes to a nice beach vacation Europe has to offer, Crete is definitely one to consider. From exotic crystal waters to uniquely beautiful pink beaches, Crete has some of the prettiest beaches in Europe. While on the island, you’ll definitely want to check Elafonissi beach, famous for its pink sand and lagoon like landscape. The pink colour of the beach is due to tiny oysters red shells (called Foraminifera) that are crushed in the sand! There are only a limited number of pink beaches in the world so it’s quite amazing that this one is in Europe.

On top of its amazing beaches, Crete is also one of the best cheap beach destinations Europe offers in comparisons to destinations like Santorini or Corsica which makes it one of the best beach holidays in Europe! 

Best for: Couples who are looking for a bigger Greek Island where they can stay for at least a week, pink sand beaches and lagoons.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this unique and superb property and at this incredible on the beach hotel. For a special occasion, we would recommend this gorgeous property!

7. Kefalonia for deep blue waters and white sand

Deep blue waters, white sand, lush landscapes and cute colourful towns, let us introduce you to Kefalonia Island. Kefalonia has some of the best white sand beaches in Europe and is also one of the best quiet beach holidays in Europe due to tourists sticking to the most popular islands like Santorini. This means it’s a great destination for couples looking for a relaxing vacation, away from crowds. 

From Myrtos beach, a large white sand beach with turquoise waters  surrounded by steep cliffs to Skala beach, you can definitely enjoy activities like snorkelling, hiking, and chilling at the beach on Kefalonia island. 

But Kefalonia has more to offer than beautiful beaches if you can believe that! Melissa Cave, the Sacred Monastery of Agios Gerasimos and wineries are some of the top things to do on the island. 

Kefalonia is known for being an authentic and lush island, and is the perfect European beach holidays destination for couples looking for a calm and peaceful island! 

Best for: Couples who are looking for a quiet Greek Island that is not short of beautiful and white sand beaches.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this village for a budget-friendly experience and at this exceptional studio with a private pool!

Best Europe beach destinations in Portugal

Portugal is known as one of the best beach getaways Europe offers both for featuring some of the nicest beaches in Europe and for allowing access to cheap beach vacations Europe style. From beautiful ocher coloured cliffs plunging in the turquoise clear waters to traditional beach towns, Portugal has everything you could dream of! Some of the famous natural landmarks in Portugal are also some of the most beautiful landmarks in the world. In this section, we go over some of our favourite beach destinations in Portugal. Don’t forget to use our 300+ short romantic captions when you share your couple photos on social media!

8. Ofir, for a relaxing beach vacation in Europe

Ofir is a small town located in the north of Portugal and one often overlooked by tourists. The town is located right on the beach making it perfect for those who don’t want to rent a car and are looking for an easy and relaxing time in Portugal. The beach is a long and wide strand of thin sand on the Atlantic side. It is popular for beach sports, walking and tanning. There are several cafés and restaurants along the beach providing for good food with a view. 

From Ofir, we recommend going for day trips to Porto and Braga, two absolutely fantastic towns. While staying in Ofir, you’ll be able to immerse yourself with the locals. Ofir feels a lot less touristy than other parts of Portugal and more authentic. It is one of the best beaches destinations in Europe for couples who are looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in a different culture!

Best for: Couples who want to experience a more authentic Portuguese experience while still having plenty to visit and do.

Where to stay: We would highly recommend staying at this resort which is right on the beach. The restaurant also has great food. 

9. Lagos, the best beach town Algarve is known for

Lagos is one of Europe best beach destinations and for good reasons! Think about long and wide strands of golden sand surrounded by ocher coloured rock formations and deep blue ocean waters, sounds like a dream!

Lagos is a small town located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal. The best time to visit is from June to September to benefit from the best weather conditions. That said, Lagos is a popular destination outside of that time period for people who are looking for the best weekend beach breaks Europe! 

Lagos is known for being an old town surrounded by walls, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. It offers lots of restaurants, cafés, a historical centre and a vibrant nightlife. In the old Lagos, you’ll find cobbled streets and colourful building decorated with the traditional Portuguese tiles.

One of the highlights of Lagos is Ponta da Piedade, a site where ocher coloured cliffs plunge into the crystal clear waters. Kayaking is a popular activity in the area to access these cliffs and sea caves more easily. Some beaches and caves are actually only accessible by boat or kayak. 

One of the best beach in Lagos is Camilo beach. Tucked between the ocher coloured rock formations, it is accessible by going down a wooden staircase. The views on the beach and the coats from the top of the stairs are incredible. As the beach is protected by the cliffs, the water here is usually calm and the wind minimal which makes it one of the best beach spots in Europe with ocher cliffs! 

Other popular activities in Lagos include surfing, going on a winery tour and spotting dolphins! You can find more photos of the Algarve region here.

Best for: Couples looking to be blown away by unique ocher landscapes, wide beaches and great sunsets.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at these studios by Camilo beach and at this gorgeous hotel.

10. Porto Santo and Madeira for a relaxing beach holidays Europe has to offer

Madeira is an archipelago located off the coast of Portugal and is known for its diving sites and warm waters. Porto Santo Island is one of the islands of Madeira archipelago. It is a mountainous island with an 9 km long beach named Porto Santo beach. With turquoise waters, this wide sandy beach is quiet impressive! On the island, you’ll also find some sea cave with crystal clear waters. Just like mainland Portugal, there are lots of things to do on Madeira including snorkelling, visiting the tropical gardens and hiking. 

Best for: Couples interested in experiencing Portugal from an island and are looking for a destination that mixes mountains and beaches. 

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this property with a private infinity pool and hot tub or at this stunning luxurious resort on Madeira. In Porto Santo, we would recommend this beautiful and modern resort or this beach house. 

11. Lisbon, one of the best beach breaks Europe offers

When visiting Portugal, there is no doubt that you’ll want to stop by Lisbon, one of the cities with beaches Europe has to offer. Lisbon is an incredible city with lots to do. We visited Lisbon in February and wrote a 4 day itinerary to help you plan out your trip and not miss out on anything!  The good news is that, although it’s not very well advertised, you can easily combine a Lisbon City break and a beach holiday! There are four different coastlines around Lisbon, each offering some of the best beaches by Lisbon. 

The Serra de Sintra coastline is probably one of our favourite coastlines near Lisbon. It offers incredibly vast and dramatic beaches with carved cliffs. Praia da Ursa is one of the most remote and picturesque beaches is the area and one you shouldn’t miss! Of course, while you are in the region, we recommend stopping by Sintra for at least a day to visit the town and its famous castles such as Pena Palace, a real life Disney castle! 

The Serra da Arrabida coastline offers long strand of white sand with turquoise waters. Praia do Meco and Praia do Creiro are among some of the most stunning beaches on this side.

The Costa da Caparica coastline, in the south of Lisbon offers stunning beaches that offer perfect conditions for surfing. It is also a trendy nightlife region. In the area, you’ll find Lagoa de Albufeira, a lagoon with calm waters in a relatively wild setting. This coast also has a rich fishing history so we recommend visiting Fonte da Telha, a traditional fishing village. 

The Oeiras Estoril Cascais coastline is quite popular as the beaches are easily accessible by train from Lisbon! Praia de Carcavelos or Praia Sao Pedro are among the most stunning ones in the area. Cascais is a great beach town destination as well! 

Best for: Couples looking for a city and beach experience and who are willing to hop on the train to go to the beach.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this boutique hotel for a romantic and luxurious stay with views on Lisbon and Lisbon’s castle. 

12. Portugal Azores for the best beach holidays in Europe 2023

The Azores are an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa and a bit southern of Portugal. The Azores are known for being home to Mount Pico, the highest peak of Portugal located on Pico Island. They are also known for their dramatic landscapes and Sete Cidades, said to hide the lost city of Atlantis. 

But the Azores are also one of the best holiday beaches destinations! Santa Bárbara Beach, located on São Miguel Island, is one beach that is great for surfer and water sports lovers. With black sand and large waves, it’s a paradise for those who like to ride the waves! Another beach to visit on São Miguel is Água de Alto Beach. It is a smaller beach close to the nearby village and is known for being said to have been a hub for pirates! Mosteiros Beach has to be the most famous European black sand beach! With tall cliffs, greenery and black sand against blue waters, the landscape in Mosteiros Beach is quite romantic and impressive!

On the island of Faial, you’ll find rare Azores white sand beaches like Porto Pim beach. Located near a fishing village, Porto Pim beach is a quiet and serene beach that will immerse you in the Azores lifestyle. 

Best for: Couples looking to see incredible beaches, black sand beaches and ready for some adventure.

Best Europe beach destinations in France

When thinking about the best Europe beach destinations in France, you are probably thinking about the French Riviera and Cannes. Although you’re not wrong, France actually has a lot more to offer than the French Riviera when it comes to planning the bets Europe beach holidays!

13. Corsica Island, one of the best beach honeymoon Europe has to offer

Corsica is well known from French nationals but it seems to still be under the radar for more foreigners. Being French, I (Marie) grew up going to Corsica in the summer to both visit part of my family who lives there and travel around the island. It is one of my favourite places in the world for absolutely objective reasons. From the most beautiful white sand beaches Europe has to offer to the incredible turquoise waters and food, Corsica just never disappoints.

The island is located in the south of France in the Mediterranean sea right above Sardinia (Italian island). The main cities are Bastia and Ajaccio which I would recommend avoiding as, although beautiful, the island has lots more to offer than these two cities. Instead, go to Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, and Corbara. Visit the citadels and try out the local food such as their famous chestnut cake. 

When it comes to the beaches, there is plenty to choose from in Corsica. Actually, Corsican beaches are probably some of the cleanest beaches in Europe but also, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One of the most famous beaches in Europe located on the island is Palombaggia beach. This long strand of thin white sand is known for its warm turquoise and crystal clear water and the numerous umbrella pine trees that surround it. This is the perfect beach to go snorkelling or spend what feels like a day in paradise!

A lot of the famous beaches are located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio such as Santa Ghjulia beach. It is one of the best white beaches in Europe and is perfect on windy days at it is protected on both sides by land. In the summer, it allows the water to get lots of sun and makes it one of the warmest beaches in Europe! It definitely feels like a bath sometimes! If you are looking for a more secluded beach holidays Europe has to offer, Corsica is also your pick! It’s got some remote places with amazing accommodations and beaches like Tower beach!

Now, the beaches on the main island are great, but one place you cannot miss while in Corsica is visiting the Lavezzi Islands. Visiting the wild Lavezzi Islands is a day trip that will take you to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. You can depart from Bonifacio and the boat trip takes about 20 minutes. The Lavezzi Islands probably have some of the best hidden beaches in Europe that not a lot of people know about! 

All together, Corsica is one of the best Europe destinations for couples looking to relax together at some of the most popular beaches in Europe! In Corsica, you’ll be able to find some quiet beaches Europe offers in addition to the popular beaches so it’s a great destination if you are looking to stay away from crazy crowds! When sharing photos of the peaceful beaches, don’t forget to use our 700 peaceful captions for social media!

Best for: Couples looking for a paradisiac and romantic European beach vacation or honeymoon.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this beautiful hotel right on Santa Ghjulia beach, or at these lovely chalets close to the Piano Calanques! To stay close to Porto Vecchio and Palombaggia beach, we recommend this resort.  

14. French Riviera for some of the best beach cities in Europe

Of course, the French Riviera is known worldwide for its typical French villages and beaches nearby. Places like Nice, Cannes, and St Tropez are among the best beach cities Europe has to offer that are located in France. 

Nice is known for its historical heritage, its lovely touristy streets and the Promenade des Anglais, a famous boardwalk along the main beach in the city. With palm trees, sunny days all year long, and glamorous nightlife, Nice is a lovely beach destination in Europe.

Cannes is also quite famous thanks to the Festival de Cannes, a movie festival taking place at the Palais des Festivals every year around May. Cannes is known for being glamorous, with a long promenade, lovely streets, and about a dozen sand beaches in the area. Cannes is also close to other small islands such as Sainte Marguerite Island beach. With a short boat ride form the city, you have access to the Lerins Islands. From Cannes, you can also take day trips to Nice, Antibes and Grasse, known for being the Perfume Capital of the world! 

St Tropez is also a beach town to add to your French Riviera itinerary if you are looking for beach towns in France. St Tropez is a statement in France and was used as a filming location in a lot of French movies and TV shows such as “Le Gendarme de St Tropez” with famous Louis de Funès and TV show “Sous le Soleil”. While in St Tropez, you’ll need to visit the filming locations as a good French citizen would do! But going to St Tropez also means walking around the leisure port and looking at the yachts, and of course going to the beach. The most beautiful beach by St Tropez is Pampelonne beach, one of the most breathtaking beach in the area and known as the beach of all beaches! Pampelonne beach is all you can dream of with thin sand and turquoise waters. 

Another unmissable beach on the French Riviera is called Calanque d’En-Vau. The beach is located near Cassis, and the calanque is one of the most famous ones on the Riviera. It is known as being paradise on earth! 

The French Riviera has some of the best beach towns in Europe and it is quite easy to go from one to another for day trips or for a round trip. It is definitely worth considering it when looking for the best European beach holiday destinations!

Best for: Couples who are interested in a beach vacation turned road trip in the south of France.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this studio with a pool or at this boutique hotel 8 minutes from Cannes beach.

15. Normandy Landing beaches on the Atlantic coast, one of the top beach destinations in Europe for history lovers

Although France has lots of dreamy beaches for the summer that will make your beach vacation unforgettable, it also offers beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Coast. Visiting the beaches on the Atlantic Coast is a bit of a different experience as the weather is usually a bit more unstable and the water way colder. However, if you love history, walking on the beach and beautiful sceneries, you will love them! 

Some of the most famous beaches on the Atlantic Coast of France include Utah beach and Omaha beach, both known for being the Normandy Landing Beaches of World War 2. There, you will find long and wide strands of golden sand with deep blue and green waters. Close to the beaches, you’ll find lots of museums about WW2 and American cemeteries as well which you can visit. 

All together, Normandy is one of the best Europe beach destinations if you’re traveling off season or if you’re looking for a more active beach vacation!

Best for: Couples who are looking for a mix of history and beaches and wide spaces. Normandy is great in the summer if you are looking for hot weather, or outside the summer if you are looking for cool weather.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this gorgeous guesthouse in the middle of Normandy’s countryside or at this beautiful castle. 

16. Etretat cliffs and town 

Another famous beach on the Coast is Etretat beach, located a bit more north of the Normandy beaches. Etretat is known for its beach which is surrounded by amazing carved steep white cliffs and an absolute must see. Etretat is also known for being the home of Arsène Lupin’s author LeBlanc. His former home has been turned into a museum called Le Clos Arsène Lupin which is a great museum that I (Marie) really loved. The book was also turned into a Netflix series called Lupin with famous actor Omar Sy so you can visit some of the filming locations in Etretat. 

Of course, there is lots to see in Normandy and on the coast in general. We recommend stopping in Deauville and going to both the casino and a horse race. Deauville is more chic and definitely a great experience. I have seen famous French actors at the Casino too so keep your eyes opened! Honfleur is another beautiful town on the coast with a lovely port and beautiful views. 

Best for: Couples who are fans of Arsène Lupin and high cliffs style beaches.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this incredible property right on the beach with a stunning view on the cliffs from the balcony hot tub. 

17. Ile de Ré, one of the lively European beach destinations

The Ile de Ré is an island located off the West Coast of France and is a popular beach destination among French people. As it’s usually less known by foreigners, I felt compelled to add it to avoid gatekeeping! On the Ile de Ré, you will find salt marshes, large sand dunes, pine trees and long beaches like the Plage de la Conche des Baleines. The beaches on the Ile de Ré are a spectacle in themselves as they are surrounded by beauty. On a trip to the island, be prepared to spend a lot fo time at the beach, bathing, swimming but also sitting around the fire and eating marshmallows! 

Best for: Couples looking to relax with a laid back vibe and living at the island pace.

Where to stay: This modern hotel with a swimming pool and great facilities is located just five minutes from the beach which is perfect for a beach holiday! Alternatively, this hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room is the perfect romantic getaway. 

18. Ile d’Oléron, one of the best Europe beach destinations for a laid back vacation

Oléron is one of the famous holiday destinations beach island located in France off the south-western coast. Similarly to Ré Island, it is known for its sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, sand dunes and pine trees bordering the long beaches. La Brée-les-Bains is one of the famous beaches on the island. On Oléron Island, you’ll want to rent some bikes and cycle on the paths of the island from one beach to the other. On your way, don’t forget to stop by Le Château d’Oléron where you can try some of the best oysters you’ve ever had.

Best for: Couples looking for a laid back beach vacation with a small European town feel and charming beaches. 

Where to stay: For a full immersive experience on the island, we recommend these fully equipped cottages with a heated swimming pool. For a budget luxurious experience, we recommend this hotel and spa with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room.

Best Europe beach destinations in Ireland

If you’re looking for one of the best beach holiday destinations Europe has to offer for active couples, you might want to consider Ireland. Known for its unstable weather, beautiful sceneries and lovely locals, Ireland also features some of the best European beaches. Of course, don’t count on Ireland beaches for tanning or snorkelling; the water is too cold and the weather never gets too hot to allow for such activities. But you can count on them for walking, surfing, horse riding and plenty of other activities. The best time to visit Ireland’s beaches is between spring and fall. Fall is actually a very enjoyable season in Ireland and the weather is perfect for walking and hiking. If you’re looking for a beach holiday Europe October, Ireland is quite a good option for active people. In this section, we’ll tell you more about it! You can find our week long road trip in Ireland itinerary here to discover the best of Ireland in 8 days!

19. Wicklow County for a beach experience close to Dublin

Wicklow County is located in the south of Dublin County, about an hour from Dublin. It is the home of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful Irish national parks. With a heart shaped lake and stunning hikes, Wicklow County is great to explore as a couple if you are outdoor enthusiasts. 

Wicklow also offers some of the most popular beaches in Ireland due to their beauty and closeness to the capital. Wicklow best beaches are quite varied which keeps things interesting. Some of the best sea beaches in Wicklow include Bray beach and Britta’s Bay beach. Bray beach is located in the coastal town of Bray and offers a really nice promenade. You can even hop on the cliffs walk all the way to Greystones with beautiful views on the water! Wicklow also counts a couple of lake beaches that are just as nice like Upper Lake beach in Glendalough. With tall mountains in the backdrop, the scenery there is quite beautiful! 

Wicklow is also the home of several colonies of seals. You can observe seals at several spots but our favourite is Glen beach. The beach is small and access is limited based on mating season. From the beach, you can hop on the cliff walk for a really beautiful experience and stunning views. 

Best for: Couples who want to visit Dublin and some of Ireland’s countryside. Couples who want to be more active at the beach.

Where to stay: We would highly recommend staying at one of the Glamping sites in Wicklow for an amazing experience with hot tubs and incredible views! 

20. Kerry County for surfing and horse riding 

Kerry County is probably one of the most stunning counties in Ireland and also features several beautiful beaches. In Kerry, we recommend visiting the Ring of Kerry, Muckross House and the Dingle Peninsula. Some of the best beaches include Cappagh beach and Inch beach. Inch beach is a long strand of sand that offers a direct view on the Ring of Kerry. It’s also a great spot for walking and surfing. Cappagh beach is one of the quiet beaches Europe offers as it is tucked away and not well known of tourists. It has beautiful turquoise water and thin golden sand and is surrounded by tall lush mountains. If you’re looking to go horse riding, Ventry beach is a great spot! 

Best for: Couples looking to be active at the beach or who are looking for incredible vistas with no interest in going into the water.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this beautiful B&B right on Inch beach.

21. Connemara National Park 

The Connemara National Park is an Irish gem and offers beautiful beaches on top of its obvious beauty and attractions. Dog beach is one of our favourite beaches in the national park. This crescent shaped beach has white sand and clear turquoise waters. On a sunny day, it is a stunning beach! While in the park, don’t forget to stop by Kylemore Abbey for an incredible visit as well! 

As you see, Ireland is one of the best holiday beach destinations Europe has to offer for active visitors and is not short of beautiful sceneries! 

Best for: Couples longing for wide spaces, quiet wild spots and wide beaches with turquoise waters.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this bay lodge right on the water or at this waterfront country home. 

Best Europe beach destinations in Spain

22. Lanzarote, one of Europe tropical destinations

Lanzarote has become one of our absolute favourite European beach destinations. Before heading to Lanzarote, I, Marie, actually didn’t think I would like it! I thought it was quite average from the photos I had seen! I must admit I was totally wrong and the island definitely stole my heart. First, Lanzarote is one of the best sun holiday destinations in Europe all year round! It’s actually a popular destinations in the winter because temperatures remain in the mid-20s and the sun shines almost everyday! 

In addition, Lanzarote has stunning beaches that are quite different from the rest of Europe. Because the island is close to Africa, you’ll find a bit of a tropical vibe to the island especially due to the giant palm trees on the beach! The island also gets hot and humid which will remind you of tropical climates. 

From La Geria to Puerto del Carmen and the volcanos, there is lots to do on the island on top of going to the beach. 

Best for: Couples looking for the best European beach vacations all year round.

Where to stay: This stunning adult only hotelis where we stayed and we can only recommend. The room, the staff, the heated pool and the access to the beach were absolutely amazing. We had the best food, best view and best everything pretty much! It’s one place we’ll remember forever!

23. Mallorca, one of the top beach holidays in Europe

Mallorca is an island located in the Mediterranean sea and is part of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. It is a popular summer destination but is also enjoyable during the shoulder season. Mallorca is, all year round, one of the best beach destinations 2023 has to offer in Europe.

There is a lot to do on the island from hiking to going to the beach and visiting beautiful Palma de Mallorca. Soller is also an exquisite port beach town where you can spend the day at the beach or walking along the promenade and the sailing port. 

The beaches on Mallorca are actually among the great beaches in Europe. With white or golden sand and turquoise crystal clear waters, Mallorca is a great place to snorkel and relax in an idyllic decor. Some of the best beaches on the island include Cala Pi and Es Calo des Moro Beach where you can expect wild and unorganised beaches with paradisiac landscapes and warm clear waters. 

Best for: Couples interested in a mix of city life with incredible beaches close by.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this fantastic hotel located right by the beach with stunning views or at this superb property just a 12 minute walk from the beach. 

24. San Sebastian, one of the top beach destinations Europe offers

San Sebastian is located in the mountainous Basque Country of Spain. It is a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a mix of city life and beach life. 

San Sebastian is a resort town so you should expect large apartment buildings and lots of cafés and Michelin star restaurants. Life in San Sebastian is lively with lots of tourists! The town offers a cobblestoned old town with lots of shops and a lively square, Plaza de la Constitucion. It also features a large city beach similar to North American beaches with a promenade. La Concha beach is actually known as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe!

Other things to do in San Sebastian include taking the funicular to Mount Igueldo for a breathtaking view of San Sebastian, browsing through the Mercado de La Bretxa, and Bar hopping in the Old Town. 

If you are looking for a bustling beach vacation, then San Sebastian is a good option! If you are looking for a more idyllic and remote beach holiday, then one of the other destinations on this list should suit you better. 

Best for: Couples who are looking for a mix of city life and beach life.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this gorgeous hotel with a rooftop swimming pool and views on the city. 

25. Menorca for some of the best beaches to visit in Europe

Menorca is another one of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean sea. Menorca is known for being more chill and laid-back than Ibiza and Mallorca so if you are looking to escape your bustling life, Menorca might be just what you’re looking for.

The island wad designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993 and is known for being a botanical paradise with wild landscapes and wild plants and flowers.On the island you will find numerous sandy beaches with turquoise waters and pine trees on the coast. From kayaking to snorkelling and sunbathing, there are lots of ways to enjoy Menorca’s dreamy beaches. Cala Mitjaneta is one of the best beaches in Menorca and offers turquoise clear waters, a white sand beach and hills and forests to explore in the backdrop!

Other things to do in Menorca include visiting Mahon, the capital of the island, with Georgian mansions and a large harbour. 

Best for: Couples who are wanting to experience the Balearic Islands on the quieter side.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this adult-only spa hotel with several swimming pools, hot tubs, sauna and hammer or at this adult-only boutique hotel.

26. Ibiza, one of the best beach party destinations in Europe

One of the best beach locations in Europe to party all summer is undeniably Ibiza. Ibiza is another one of the Balearic Islands located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean sea. Ibiza actually offers two scenes: a party scenes with an incredible nightlife and a quiet scene with stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches.

If you are looking to party, Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia are two of the most famous clubs on the island. Ibiza town is also a greta place to visit and offers a mix of architecture, shops and restaurants. 

When it comes to the beaches, Benirras beach, and Cala Mastella are among some of the best of the island. Cala Xarraca is another beautiful beach, well sheltered, with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling. It also offers natural mud baths on the side of the main beach for a free spa treatment! On the other hand, Las Salinas is known for being one of the best party beaches of the island and gets crowded every summer with hundreds of young tourists ready to dance all night long! 

If you are looking to party and relax, Ibiza is actually a really good compromise as you’ll be able to find some of the best beach places in Europe and some of the best party spots as well! 

Best for: Couples who want to beach party in the summer or relax in the shoulder season.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this incredible adult-only hotel on the water .

Best Europe beach destinations in Italy

Unsurprisingly, Italy is one of the most sought after destinations in Europe for both historical sites, and typical European sights. From Rome and the Colosseum to the gondolas of Venice, one cannot be bored in Italy. However, these famous historical sites are not always the ones with the best beaches. In this section, we are sharing our experience about Italy and which places are the best for a beach vacation. Italy is one of the best beach countries in Europe so you won’t want to miss out on these places. 

27. Favignana Island

We are starting this section with possibly, one of the least known island in Italy, but one of the most deserving of attention on our opinion. Favignana Island is a small island located off the coast of Sicily. To get there, you’ll need to fly into Palermo and then take a shuttle boat to the island. In the summer, cars are not allowed on the island but you can easily go around by bike or bus as the island is quite small. 

Favignana island features some of the best beaches in Italy such as Calla Rossa and Calla Azur with white sand and turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling, tanning and relaxing. If you are looking for farniente, this is the perfect place for you. 

On the island, you will also want to visit the town of Favignana with the cute port and the town beach. From the port, you can book day trips to nearby islands like Marettimo Island. These islands will remind you of the Greek Islands! 

The best time to visit is summer if you want to be able to go into the water. You can also visit during the shoulder season although the weather might be a bit more unreliable then. When visiting during the shoulder season, you’ll find yourself often alone on the beach. Don’t forget to use one of our traveling alone captions to illustrate your photos on social media!

Best for: Couples who are longing for a remote idyllic island, seeing dolphins and beautiful beaches.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this beautiful eco-friendly property just 3 minutes from the beach or at this residence on Cala Azzurra, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. 

28. Sardinia Island, one of the best beach places Europe has to offer

Similar to Corsica Island, Sardinia Island has lots of beautiful beaches to offer and counts about 2000km of coastline. The island is to Italy what Corsica is to France, a little bit of paradise. With white sand beaches, turquoise and pristine waters and cute historical towns, Sardinia make for a beautiful beach vacation!

Some of the best beaches on the island include Cala Brandinchi, Spiagga di Tuerredda and Spiagga della Speranza. The best time to visit is summer so you can get the best out of the weather and swim in the water. The Smeralda Coast is definitely the place to be for splendid beaches and snorkelling. 

Sardinia has a mountainous interior making it a great destination if you also like to hike! You will also love roaming around the different towns and exploring the colourful streets at night! 

In Northern Sardinia, you will find the Archipelago de la Maddalena, which is a national park comprising seven main islands and 55 smaller islands. These islands feel more secluded and offer wild and protected spots with amazingly blue waters. Sailing, snorkelling and swimming are among the most popular activities there. Some of the best beaches include Cala Cotticio and Caprera island. 

In Southern Sardinia, you will find Villasimius, a quiet town located just one hour from Sardinia’s capital Cagliari. The town becomes a bustling hub in the summer and there are good reasons for that! From the village, you will be able to access Porto Giunco beach. From the beach, you can hike to the Aragonese tower which offers stunning views on the area. Some of the beaches in the area limit the number of visitors. This is the case of Punta Molentis, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area as well. We would recommend showing up early, before 8am if possible to be able to get in. 

Best for: Couples who are looking for pristine waters in Italy.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this beautiful resort just two minutes from the beach for a perfect beach vacation. 

29. Mainland Italy for some of the best European beach towns

As we said, some of the most historical sites on mainland Italy, like Rome and Venice, do not have the best beaches of the country. However, there are a couple of beach towns that are worth visiting and Cinque Terra is one of them.

Cinque Terre is a town and a national park located between Genoa and Livorno in the north of Italy. When hearing that name, you’re probably thinking of colourful houses perched on steep cliffs overlooking the deep blue see and that’s exactly what it is! Although small, it is one of the most picturesque places in Italy. 

Some of the best beaches include Monterosso’s Fegina beach and Riomaggiore beach. on your way to Riomaggiore, don’t forget to look around to see beautiful views of the town in the background! 

Positano is another beautiful beach town in Italy that has become more popular in the past ten years. Located on the Amalfi Coast, Positano offers lots of things to do from hiking to trying traditional Italian food and enjoying the beach. The main beach here is called Marina Grande, and is famous for being right at the bottom of the village perched on the steep cliffs. Although you won’t find white sand here, you will definitely love the view the beach provides and the atmosphere!

Overall, Italy offers some of the best city beach breaks Europe is known for. 

Best for: Couples looking to experience the beach town life in Italy.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this private home in Positano with incredible views on Positano and the sea. You can also stay at this property, centrally located in Cinque Terre. 

Budget for a beach vacation in Italy

Although Sardinia and Favignana island can be made cheap, these islands are usually considered pricy, especially in the summer. Accommodations on islands are limited making the prices increase when demand is high. Islands are also a bit farther to reach so transportation is more onerous. 

In comparison, visiting mainland Italy can be made cheap, or even ultra cheap if you decide to stay in hostels, travel by train or bus and book in advance. 

Best Europe beach destinations in Croatia

Croatia is another of the best places in Europe for beach holidays! Known for being cheaper than other destinations like Santorini, Croatia is not short of beautiful dreamy beaches, idyllic villages and historical visits! 

30. Zlatni rat, one of the best beaches Croatia is known for

Zlatni rat is an incredible beach also known as Golden Horn. It is the best beach in Brac Croatia. This pebble beach has a unique shape that constantly changes with the winds due to a natural phenomenon. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is popular for waterspouts such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

The beach offers beautiful turquoise waters and a lot of shade as it is surrounded by pine trees. Closely, you’ll find Bol, a town that you can reach from the beach through a 2km walk. 

Zlatni rat is a one of the kind beach that makes for a great beach destination! 

Best for: Couples ready to experience a unique landscape.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this resort right on Zlatni rat. 

31. Rovinj

If you are looking for a beach town vacation in Croatia, Rovinj might be just it! It is a beautiful historical town with and old centre and colourful houses lined up on the water. The small picturesque streets will lead you to museums, restaurants and scenic vistas. 

Close to Rovinj, you’ll find fabulous beaches. The coast by Rovinj is quite indented and creates a lot of coves and bays that are perfect to escape the wind and find calm waters. Amarin beach, Valdaliso beach and Mulini beach are among some of the bets beaches near Rovinj. 

Best for: Couples looking for a beach town experience.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at these studios located right in the old town centre. 

32. Krk Island

Krk is a Croatian island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island is known for offering a rich history with Corinthian columns, the 5th century Cathedral and the Frankopan Castle. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches. Some of Krk Croatia best beaches include Vela Luka (Baska), Sveti Marek and Soline Bay. In Krk, you can expect mountainous landscapes, clear waters and sandy and pebbles beaches. Zala beach is another beautiful beach that you can only access by the sea. 

Best for: Couples looking for a mix of mountainous and beachy landscapes. 

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this budget-friendly and lovely apartment with a swimming pool, located just 12 minutes walking from the beach. 

Montenegro, one of the best sun holidays Europe has to offer

With 295km of coastline, Montenegro is an eastern country that is known to be a great city and beach holiday Europe has to offer.

33. Sveti Stefan Beach, a pink sand beach

Known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, Montenegro excels in delivering beautiful landscapes, dreamy beaches and cute medieval towns. One example is Sveti Stefan Beach, which is a pink sand heaven perfect to relax with your partner, bathe in clear waters and admire the nearby medieval walls.

34. Drobni Pijesak beach

If you’re looking for a secluded beach with thin golden sand, greenery, away from the crowds, then you’ll prefer Drobni Pijesak beach. Overall, between its history and its gorgeous beaches, Montenegro is definitely one of the best summer beach destinations in Europe! 

Best for: Couples looking to relax on beaches while exploring some historical buildings and small European towns.

Where to stay: Montenegro is a great destination for budget-friendly luxury accommodation. We recommend these gorgeous apartments with a pool, a sauna and stunning sea views. It’s hard to beat for such a low price!

Best Europe beach destinations in Scotland

Scotland would not be one of the best beach Europe destinations for sunbathing and snorkelling. But that does not mean it isn’t one of the best beach destinations Europe has to offer for active couples and scenic beach views! In this section, we share a couple of Scotland’s beach destinations that are worth a visit! 

35. Isle of Harris for beautiful sand beaches and scenic vistas 

Harris is an island located in the north of Scotland just off the coast and facing the Isle of Skye. It is a mountainous island that is known for its sandy beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista. The Isle of Harris is popular for its tranquility and stunning views on the beaches surrounded by mountains in the backdrop. In the east of the island, you’ll find miniature fjords known as “the Bays”.

This is a great beach destination if you are not a big fan of sunbathing and laying on a beach all day but would rather cycle, walk or hike among some of the most beautiful beach sceneries in Europe! 

Best for: Couples interested in mixing cycling and hiking with lovely beach views. 

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this local traditional cottage. 

36. Isle of Barra, one of the best European beach destinations for tranquility and unique flight experience

The Isle of Barra is located in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and is completely inhabited. It is famous for being quaint and features some of the most beautiful northern sandy beaches with turquoise waters. With hills, fishing boats and seagrass, the Isle of Barra resembles Ireland’s Bull Island. One of the best beaches on the island is Eoligarry Beach! Again, you won’t be snorkelling here but instead you’ll be walking, hiking, cycling and chilling at the pub while taking in the beautiful views!

One thing that is quite unique about the Isle of Barra is that planes have to land on the beach! It actually is the only place in the world where planes can land on the beach and flight times are dictated by the tide. 

Best for: Couples interested in mixing cycling and hiking with lovely beach views.

Where to stay: We would recommend staying at this bed and breakfast house. 

Best beach resorts in Europe

We tend to avoid big resorts and usually plan our own beach vacation by ourselves. However, we understand that some people out there would love to know more about the top beach resorts in Europe. From the best all inclusive beach resorts in Europe to the best 5 star beach resorts in Europe, we included in this list, some of the best resorts at the best beach holiday destinations in Europe. 

37. Lani’s Suites de Luxe, Spain

Lani’s Suites de Luxe is an adult only resort on the beach front of Puerto del Carmen in Spain. The design of the resort is absolutely fantastic with gorgeous white washed buildings reminding you of the Greek Islands. The resort is of human size, far from huge commercial and unaesthetic tower buildings you’ll find in certain destinations. It features a large pool with a direct view on the sea, a hot tub and offers spa treatments such as massages and face masks. The resort also offers an airport shuttle so you can just relax straight on arrival! Lani’s Suites de Luxe is one of the best rated luxury beach resorts Europe has to offer!

38. Elysium, Cyprus

Elysium is one of the best 5 star beach resorts in Europe. Located in Cyprus, the gorgeous resort sits right on the beachfront with a wide view on the sea. On site, you’ll find stunning rooms with ornate furnitures and balconies with views on the lush gardens and the sea. The resort offers a multi level outdoor pool, hot tubs, a swim-up bar and an adult-only pool. For those who are more active, you’ll be happy to find two tennis courts, a scuba diving centre and a gym. If you are looking for a resort to spend one of your best beach vacations in Europe, this is it!

39. Creta Maris Beach Resort, Crete

Sitting right on the beach, Creta Maris Beach Resort is a big eco-friendly resort with lovely rooms, seven pools and direct access to the beach. It would actually be really easy to just live on the resort for a week because everything is so beautiful and convenient there! The resort offers spa treatments such as body massages, a sauna and scrubs. Are you looking for a romantic experience? Stay at the Villa with your own private pool for a five star experience guaranteed at one of the best luxury beach resorts in Europe!

40. Some more beach resorts in Europe that are worth visiting:

• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, France
• Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa in Gran Canaria, Spain
• Iberostar Selection Jardin del Sol Suites in Mallorca, Spain
• Michelangelo Resort & Spa in Greece
• Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas in Greece
• Aeneas’ Landing Resort in Italy (a little paradise!!)

Any questions on the best Europe beach destinations? Then drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.