The European Beach Packing Guide
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I moved to Germany from Charleston, South Carolina, a sunny, warm city that boasted several amazing Atlantic Ocean beaches (Sullivan’s Island, I miss you 🥲…)
All of Germany’s beaches, on the other hand, are in the north of the country, too far from Frankfurt for a Saturday afternoon visit. During my first summer in Europe, I learned about German swimming lakes and even visited one nearby. The hopeful optimism of these spots is amazing - if you squint your eyes, the dusty end of a lake can look, I guess, a little bit like a beach?
But clearly, this was not the same.
Ever since, I’ve escaped to the beaches of southern Europe for my fix of sun and sand.
Europe’s beaches are ever so slightly different than the ones in the United States. Their sand is rugged and natural, their shores often dotted with coves and inlets only reachable by boat. They are often separated into beach clubs (lido, or stabilimento, in Italian,) with lounge chairs and umbrellas for daily rent, and free or public beaches (spiagge libere) where you can just lay your towel directly on the sand. And the water! The Mediterranean is so salty that when you emerge from its waters, there is this pleasant tingling all over your skin as though you’ve just experienced a fantastic spa treatment.
But I digress. Who doesn’t love a beach?
If you’re lucky enough to be spending a few days at the beach during your next trip to Europe, then you’re probably wondering:
What should I pack for a European Beach trip?
What perspective do I need to take to a European beach?
The number one thing you need to take with you to the beaches in Europe: a healthy dose of confidence. And sadly that’s not something you can buy on Amazon. (Although, that does remind me, later in this post I share a few affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase, at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support!)
You may have heard that Europeans are more open with their bodies and less concerned with body image or traditional body standards than we usually are in the United States. Nude beaches, naked saunas, etc. But did you know that we actually have the Germans to thank for this?
Quick history sidebar, I promise.
Freikörperkultur, literally “free body culture” was a health and social movement that emerged in Germany in the late 1800s. Similar to “taking the waters” or open air cures, the FKK movement believed there were health benefits to being naked in the outdoors (fresh air and sunshine!), but they also promoted communal nudity during leisure or sport activities.
It’s that last bit that you may very well encounter on a European beach. Most nudist beaches in Europe are clearly marked with phrases like “FKK”, “naturist,” or “nudist beach.” Even though FKK began in Germany, it has spread to all parts of Europe. There are nudist beaches in Portugal, there are nudist beaches in Croatia, and there are nudist beaches everywhere in between.
A typical sign alerting beachgoers that they are entering a nude-friendly portion of the beach.
Remember the basics of European beach etiquette, whether naturist or not: never gawk, ridicule, or photograph other beachgoers. This goes for those wearing swimsuits, too. Because in a culture that accepts different body types, you never know who will head to the beach in a skimpy bikini.
And you know what, good for them.
What clothing and accessories do I need to take to a European beach?
Now that our FKK lesson is behind us, I hope that you will feel confident rocking whatever bathing suit style fits your fancy on the beaches of Europe. Really, there is no standard, or “must” to go out and buy. Just like in the US, bikinis are a classic choice, but so are one pieces and cut-out styles.
Any bathing suit style that you’re comfortable with will be a good choice in Europe.
If you forget to pack a swimsuit and need to buy one in Europe, here are the brands I would suggest:
Eres, a French swimwear brand revered for its luxurious fabrics and sophisticated cuts.
Marysia, one of my favorite Charleston-launched (now Manhattan-based) fashion brands, their suits are made of premium Italian fabrics and has several European stockists.
Vilebrequin, a swimwear brand founded in St. Tropez in the sixties known for its colorful patterns and handmade craftsmanship.
Kampos, a sustainable swimwear brand from Italy making stylish suits for men, women, and children.
I found this vintage Malboro beach towel in my uncle’s house a couple summers ago, and, I don’t know it just has that perfect Eurotrash flare.
I always pack my own towel. Italian beach clubs sometimes offer towels, while Greek beach bars are less likely to; it really comes down to the location and the specific clubs. (Unfortunately, most European beach clubs are small family run businesses - no website, no amenity details. Every year brings more modernization - last year, I found a beach club in Palermo where you could reserve your chairs ahead of time online - but don’t count on it.) If you prefer that classic beach towel feel, then this lightweight option by Dock & Bay will pack easy. If you’re open to different materials, a Turkish towel is made of a lighter fabric, is super easy to pack, and dries quickly. Plus, Turkish towels look really chic wrapped around your waist as a sarong. This version from Sand Cloud is luxe and versatile, while this one offers a lot more color options.
(Psst! Read my list of the top beach destinations in Europe here. 🏖️)
Because I have such fair skin, I like to pack a sun hat anytime I go to the beach. Obviously sunglasses are a must, as are a pair of headphones and a good book. If it’s going to be especially hot, or if you’ve had a problem with your smartphone overheating in the past, then I suggest bringing a thermal phone case for protection. (Phone overheating used to happen all the time on the beaches in Charleston, which meant your phone was out of commission for at least an hour at a time.)
A foldable sun hat and a pair of espadrilles are always in my beach tote.
I usually pack one or two sundresses that can transition from the beach to a casual dinner afterwards. Since some beaches in Europe have pebble-like or volcanic rock sand, a cheap pair of flat soled sandals may not be the best option. Instead, opt for something a little more substantial, like Birkenstocks EVA beach sandals or Spanish-made espadrille flats by Viscata.
Espadrilles are a perfect footwear option, really - they’re much more at home in Europe, and great at protecting your feet from sweltering sand. There are so many great fashion versions, too. Of course the Chanel espadrilles are a classic, and Aquazzura’s espadrilles are so, so comfortable (bring back the Belgravia, Aquazzura!)
I created this downloadable ⬇️ Packing Checklist ⬇️ that you can snag right now.
It helps you plan what you’ll pack, and then keeps you organized as you cross things off once they’ve been packed.
What beauty products do I need to take to a European beach?
A spacious beach tote is a must, but don’t stress out too much about the style. If you’re picking up something on your travels, French filet bags are a classic choice (I have this version from Longchamp) and the Loewe Basket Bag is a modern icon. It should have enough space for your towel, sunglass case, headphone or earpods, a book, and a small change purse for carrying cash to pay for your beach spot as well as drinks and snacks from the beach bar.
Of course, your beach tote also needs room for sunscreen, perhaps the most important beauty product to pack for the beach. I love La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen range for its strong UV protection and comfortable-on-your-skin formulas. I’m not a suntan lotion girlie (too pale!), but it's not uncommon to see women on European beaches slathering on sun enhancing lotions and oils.
I love La-Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen range for its strong UV protection and comfortable-on-your-skin formulas.
Protecting your hair from UV damage is no joke, especially if you are on a #longhairjourney like myself. I love the one-two punch of Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, with heat and UV protection before sun, and the brand’s Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray to bring my waves back to life after swimming in the ocean.
I always pack an after-sun lotion. Even if I apply sunscreen like a champ and leave the beach without a sunburn, nourishing the skin after so much time in the sun is so important. I love the cooling feel of the Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion - bonus points if you pop it in the hotel minibar for thirty minutes before applying!
Do you have to pack a lot to enjoy your European beach day?
Absolutely not! Most of these sun protection products come in travel sizes that you can stock up on before your trip. If you forget something, local pharmacies stock similar products in a pinch.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, the sun, and the freedom of sunbathing in a culture that thinks your body looks great - just the way it is. 😉 🖤