The Best Beach Destinations in Europe
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AS MUCH AS I LOVE A GOOD CITY BREAK, THERE’S REALLY NOTHING THAT COMPARES TO A FEW DAYS AT THE BEACH.
The feeling of the sun on your skin, sand squishing between your toes, even the way salt water dries in your hair - just thinking about it right now makes me want to find the nearest beach!
I lived in Charleston, South Carolina for years and routinely visited those Lowcountry beaches every summer, so I know a thing or two about what makes a good beach day.
And with its catered beach clubs, crystal blue waters and stunning landscapes, Europe’s beaches are a distinct class that deserve a visit.
BELOW, I’VE COMPILED A LIST OF MY TOP EUROPEAN BEACHES TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST SPOT FOR YOUR NEXT GETAWAY.
The Best Beach Destinations in Europe
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Taormina, Italy
EVERYONE’S BEEN BUZZING ABOUT TAORMINA EVER SINCE IT SERVED AS THE BACKDROP FOR SEASON 2 OF THE HIT HBO SHOW, “THE WHITE LOTUS.”
I can tell you, the hype is absolutely warranted!
Taormina sits high above the cliffs of the Sicilian coastline, offering breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and unparalleled charm.
On clear days, you can even see Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, looming in the distance.
The town itself is delightful, with large public squares, intimate trattorias, and warm, inviting locals.
Isola Bella, Taormina
Taormina’s Piazza IX Aprile is the main square in this coastal village that sits high above the beach.
Taormina’s beaches, such as Isola Bella or Giardini Naxos, which sit down the cliffs from the town itself, are pristine spots for basking in the warm Mediterranean sun.
I LOVE THE WATERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN, HEAVY WITH SO MUCH SALT THAT IT MAKES YOUR SKIN TINGLE WHEN YOU EMERGE FROM THE WATER.
Whether from the golden sands of the beach or from a boat tour around the bay, the azure waters are perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
Take a boat tour along the coastline to explore hidden coves and sea caves accessible only by sea.
The town of Taormina has plenty to offer beyond its beaches, though.
The historic town center has an array of quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants nestled amidst medieval buildings and old stone ruins.
We made it our goal to sample Sicily's renowned cuisine, including local treats like the famed almond granita from Bam Bar.
(And yes, we made a point of dining at the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel, where the majority of scenes from “The White Lotus” were filmed.)
🔎 Want to dive deeper? The Best Boat Tours In Taormina, Sicily 👉 Read here
These are the best beach experiences in Taormina:
Comporta, Portugal
Comporta, an unspoiled, natural village situated on the western coastline of Portugal, became a very buzzed about destination a few years ago.
About an hour outside of Lisbon, Comporta is one of the most stunning beaches in Europe.
The beach is close to a protected nature reserve and is largely free from too many hotels or other commercial infrastructure.
A bus stop along the beach in Comporta, Portugal.
The beach in Comporta, Portugal.
THE LANDSCAPE IS DOMINATED BY GOLDEN SANDS, AZURE WATERS, AND RUGGED DUNES.
Comporta is a tranquil destination, providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Its idyllic shores offer the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or engaging in water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
These are the best beach experiences in Comporta:
The Calanques, France
TUCKED AWAY ALONG THE RUGGED COASTLINE OUTSIDE MARSEILLE, THE CALANQUES ARE STUNNING LIMESTONE CLIFF FORMATIONS.
Interspersed between these cliffs are secluded coves, private beaches, and turquoise waters.
The Calanques are accessible via Marseille and Cassis, with several boat tours available.
The turquoise waters of the Calanques in France.
A secluded beach in the Calanques
Alternatively, visitors may choose to hike along scenic trails high above the beaches.
THESE TRAILS OFFER STUNNING VIEWS OF THE INLETS AND PRIVATE BEACHES, AS WELL AS PANORAMIC VISTAS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA.
Be aware, though, that several of the private beaches in the Calanques are “naturaliste” beaches, or nudist beaches.
These are the best beach experiences in The Calanques:
Vis, Croatia
Fans of unspoiled natural beauty and crystal-clear waters will absolutely love Vis, Croatia.
Situated in the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, Vis offers a serene escape from the more crowded tourist destinations.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A TRIP TO VIS IS EXPLORING ITS STUNNING BEACHES AND SECLUDED BAYS.
Popular spots include Stiniva Beach, nestled between towering cliffs, and Stončica Beach, with its shallow waters perfect for swimming.
Stiniva Beach, nestled between towering cliffs in Vis, Croatia.
Boats anchored in Vis, Croatia.
Visitors can also embark on boat excursions to nearby islands, such as the Blue Cave on Biševo Island or the Pakleni Islands archipelago, where that natural beauty of the Adriatic is on full display.
The island's charming villages, such as Vis Town and Komiža, boast quaint cobblestone streets lined with traditional stone houses and historic landmarks.
VISITORS CAN WANDER THROUGH ANCIENT RUINS, SUCH AS THE ROMAN THERMAL BATHS AND THE MEDIEVAL FORT GEORGE, OR ENJOY FRESH SEAFOOD AT WATERFRONT TAVERNAS.
These are the best beach experiences in Vis:
Formentera, Spain
Spain’s Balearic Islands may be known for Mallorca or Ibiza, but Formentera stands out for its laid-back vibe.
This island, with its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rugged coastline, offers a serene paradise away from the tourist throng.
Visitors can spend their days lounging on the soft sands of Ses Illetes Beach, often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, or exploring the rocky shores and secret caves along the coastline.
THE ISLAND'S CALM WATERS ARE PERFECT FOR SNORKELING, PADDLEBOARDING, AND KAYAKING.
Platja Es Arenals in Formentera, Spain
Ses Illetes Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.
Formentera’s vibrant local culture captivates visitors from around the world.
Travelers relish the island's bohemian atmosphere, on display in its charming villages with eclectic boutiques and artisan markets.
In addition to boat tours, visitors can rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the island's scenic trails and hidden corners by land.
AS THE SUN SETS, THE ISLAND COMES ALIVE WITH LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES, CHILL BEACHFRONT PARTIES, AND SPECTACULAR SUNSET VIEWS OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA.
These are the best beach experiences in Formentera:
Sylt, Germany
SYLT CAPTURED MY IMAGINATION WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT REFERRED TO AS “THE HAMPTONS OF GERMANY.”
Stretching along the North Sea coastline, this German gem boasts expansive sandy beaches and rugged dunes that really are reminiscent of Long Island’s northernmost shores.
The island offers an idyllic backdrop for a range of activities, from sunbathing, beach strolls, or beachcombing to thrilling water sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing.
Sylt’s villages are scattered across the island and exude a windswept charm with their traditional thatched-roof cottages and quaint seaside cafes.
Strandkorbs are special beach chairs that block the wind, here in Sylt.
The dunes on Sylt, Germany.
ITS CULINARY SCENE IS NOT TO BE MISSED, BRIMMING WITH FRESH SEAFOOD AND REGIONAL DELICACIES LIKE ROTE GRÜTZE AND FRIESENTORTE.
The island's rich maritime history is chronicled at the Sylt Aquarium, where exhibits showcase the diverse marine life inhabiting the North Frisian Islands.
Nature enthusiasts can embark on scenic hikes through the island's dunes and heathlands, encountering unique flora and fauna along the way.
In recent years, Sylt has become a wellness destination, both for its tranquil natural ambiance and also thanks to recent openings like the Lanserhof Sylt.
Côte d’Azur, France
When folks brag about summering in the South of France, they’re implying time spent at the French Riviera.
(No disrespect to Aix en Provence or other destinations in the South of France!)
The Côte d'Azur has beckoned the jet set for more than a century, as everyone from movie stars to race car drivers and powerful politicians can be counted among its beachgoers and boating enthusiasts.
AND IT'S NO WONDER - THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF ITS STUNNING COASTLINE AND AZURE WATERS IS ELEVATED BY A COLLECTION OF GLAMOROUS RESORTS IN CANNES AND MONACO.
Visitors can soak up the Mediterranean sun on iconic beaches like Plage de Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez or Cap d'Antibes, where rugged cliffs meet crystal-clear waters
Fort Carré at the edge of Cap d'Antibes.
Cannes, France
Boating aficionados can embark on leisurely cruises along the coast, taking in panoramic views of quaint fishing villages and luxurious yachts dotting the horizon.
The Côte d'Azur boasts an array of water sports activities for those seeking adventure, from jet skiing and parasailing to snorkeling and scuba diving.
THE LOCAL CUISINE IS A BOUNTY OF FRESH SEAFOOD AND PROVENÇAL SPECIALTIES AT SEASIDE RESTAURANTS OVERLOOKING THE SHIMMERING MEDITERRANEAN.
Other kinds of local flavor are to be found in a visit to the colorful markets of Nice or the charming hilltop artists’ villages of Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
These are the best beach experiences in Côte d’Azur:
Corfu, Greece
GREECE HAS SO MANY ISLANDS THAT IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO BE UNFAMILIAR WITH A FRIEND’S HOLIDAY DESTINATION WHEN THEY REVEAL THEIR GREEK DESTINATION.
But a knowing smile comes over a European’s face when you tell them you’ve been to Corfu.
Its popularity can partly be attributed to the British TV show “The Durrells in Corfu” and its geographic location as one of Greece’s northernmost islands.
Corfu’s diverse landscape includes sandy shores, rocky coves, and crystal clear waters.
Popular beaches like Glyfada and Paleokastritsa are known for their lively ambiance, while hidden gems like Porto Timoni and Issos Beach are sought out for their secluded tranquility.
A bougainvillea covered house in Corfu, Greece.
The beach on Corfu, Greece.
Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO-listed site, is full of cultural influences like Venetian-style buildings and Byzantine churches.
The island's rich heritage is on view at landmarks like the imposing Old Fortress, the chic Liston promenade, and the Achilleion Palace, once the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
On top of this, traditional Greek cuisine and local wines are served up at tavernas overlooking the sea.
CORFU IS AN UNFORGETTABLE - AND ENVIABLE - EXPERIENCE FOR ANY KIND OF TRAVELLER.
These are the best beach experiences in Corfu:
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a lively beach club or a secluded stretch of sand, Europe is brimming with special beach destinations.
From crystal-clear waters to breathtaking coastal scenery, these beaches are worth adding to your travel list.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN. 😎
Until next time,
Angela 🏖️
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