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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.

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.” Let me 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.

One of the things I loved about Taormina was this cloistered feeling of a beachside town perched above the rocky coast, slightly separated from the beach and harbor. (Some folks may not like that in Taormina, you have to travel down the cliff to access the beach. If this is you, check out Siciliy’s other great beach, Cefalù.) Taormina’s beaches, such as Isola Bella or Giardini Naxos, 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. We took a boat tour along the coastline and were able to explore hidden coves and sea caves accessible only be sea. I’d highly recommend it!

The town of Taormina has plenty to offer beyond its beaches, though. The ancient Greek theater of Taormina, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, is open for tours and has a distinctly archaeological vibe. 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 quirks like the famed almond granita from Bam Bar. And yes, we made a point of dining at the Four Seasons Taormina one night, where the majority of scenes from “The White Lotus” was filmed.

Top Experiences in Taormina

Explore both Taormina and its famed beach, Isola Bella, in this Taormina Day Tour + Isola Bella Boat Tour. You’ll explore Taormina by air conditioned vehicle, including its ancient landmarks, bustling shops and bars, and Mt. Etna views, and then hop on a boat toward Isola Bella, catching views of Baia di Naxos, Capo Taormina, and Grotta Azzurra on the way.

To see a different type of waterway, and have a little bit of an adventure, consider Body Rafting the Alcantara Gorges. (Body rafting kind of looks like that Olympic sport, the luge, except there’s no sled - you’re just using your outstretched body as a raft.) All the equipment is including, as is a lunch of traditional Sicilian specialities.
Taormina may be a beach town, but it’s still Sicily, still Italy, and whenever I’m in Italy, one of my favorite things to do is take a cooking class. This Cooking Class and Market Tour will show you how to cook delicious Sicilian dishes in an intimate atmosphere with a professional chef.

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, one of the most stunning beaches in Europe is largely unknown due to its proximity to a protected nature reserve and a lack of commercial tourist infrastructure. If you know about Comporta, you’re dying to visit; but a lot of folks still haven’t heard of Comporta.

Its landscape is dominated by golden sands, azure waters, and rugged dunes. The word on everyone’s lips when they describe Comporta is tranquil. What better quality for a beach destination to have, though, providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, Comporta's idyllic shores offer the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or engaging in water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.

Best Experiences in Comporta

If you’re staying in Lisbon but still want to explore Comporta, consider this Day Trip to Setúbal and Comporta. It includes a walking tour of Setúbal, a ferry ride past the Tróia Peninsula (look out for dolphins!) and a horseback riding tour through Comporta. This really is an unbelievable way to experience Comporta, especially if you’re short on time.

The Calanques, France

Tucked away along the rugged coastline outside Marseille, the Calanques are stunning limestone cliffs, interspersed with secluded coves and turquoise waters. We visited Marseille in May and the boat tour of The Calanques was one of our trip’s highlights! Other visitors may choose to hike along scenic trails high above the beaches, which offers amazing views of the inlets and private beaches, as well as panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the private beaches we boated up to had the word “naturaliste” scrawled along the rocks in red spray paint. Our tour guide chuckled as she explained that this was a nudist beach locally known as “Pierre Tombé,” or fallen rocks. Needless to say, it instantly became an inside joke that lived on long after we departed Marseille.

Best Experiences in The Calanques

To see the Calanques from above (psst: this is the best view for photographers), embark on this Calanques National Park Guided Hike. The local Marseillais guide will give you a deeper insight into the flora and fauna of this natural wonder. This tour includes transport from Marseille, which is a huge bonus as you won’t have to navigate local buses to the National Park.

If hiking isn't your thing, consider exploring the Calanques by kayak. This Guided Sea Kayaking in Calanques National Park is a full-day, small group excursion brings you up close to the natural beauty of the Calanques, including their unique geology, hidden coves inaccessible on foot, and glimpses of wildlife.
Interested in learning to sail? This Half-Day Sailing Trip from Marseille will transport you to a Calanque nestled in the Frioul Islands. You’ll learn the basics of sailing navigation with the skipper, while also having time to swim and snorkel.

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.

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 sample local delicacies at waterfront tavernas serving fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Best Experiences in Vis

SUP fanatics will love this Vis Stand Up Paddle Tour. It’s an active way to explore Vis while also practicing your paddle boarding fundamentals. Beginning at the beautiful Milna Bay, the tour winds along the coast to Zaglav Bay, and includes all the necessary equipment.
If you’re looking to spend a whole day on the water and want an exhaustive tour of the surrounding islands, this Islands Group Tour is a great day trip from Split. You’ll see the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island and then cruise to Vis for some swimming and exploring the quaint fishing villages. From there, you’ll boat to Hvar and have some free time on the island to enjoy local Dalmatian cuisine.

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.

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.

Best Experiences in Formentera

To explore all that Formentera has to offer, consider this Full-Day Private Sailboat Trip the ultimate experience. Discover hidden coves, stunning cliffs, and lagoon caves while learning about sailing with your local guide. Stops include S'Espalmador, perfect for paddleboarders, the rocky area of Cala Saona, and the cliff dotted coast of Es Pujols. From Playa de Ses Illetes, enjoy a panoramic view of Formentera, as well as Ibiza and Es Vedra in the distance. Multiple departure times are available, but if your itinerary permits, opt for an afternoon departure so that you can see sunset from the boat.
Snorkeling enthusiasts should not miss the Calo des Mort Private Catamaran Tour. A secluded, rocky beach perfect for snorkeling, Calo des Mort is tucked away at the end of Migjorn beach. The area is also great for paddleboarding, and good for a group, as those who don’t want to hop in the water can enjoy food, drinks, and sunshine aboard the catamaran.

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. 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.

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Côte d’Azur, France & Monaco

When folks brag about summering in the South of France, they’re implying time spent at the French Riviera, (and I mean no disrespect to Aix en Provence when I say that.) 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. 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.

Best Experiences in the Côte d'Azur

If you’re in the Côte d’Azur, then an excursion to Monaco is a must! (And not just for my country-counting friends, who love to rack up visits to Europe’s microstates 😉.) The tiny municipality is both fascinating and beautiful, and this Monaco and Eze Small Group Day Trip from Cannes is the best way to see Monte Carlo Old Town. It includes a stop at Parfumerie Fragonard in the French commune of Eze.

A similar experience with expanded stops is this French Riviera Tour starts in Cannes, with a focus on the famed Cannes Film Festival that takes over the village each May. From there it’s on to Nice, the capital city of the French Riviera, and onward to Eze and Monaco.
Exploring the port of Antibes Juan les Pins, known for its beautiful beaches and Art Deco architecture, this Private Solar Catamaran Cruise is an intimate small group boat cruise with up to six people. Cap d’Antibes is peppered with luxury villas and a rugged coastline - this will give you an up close view to admire all that and more, from the Hotel Belles Rives and Le Port Abri de L'Olivette to the more distant outlines of the Lérins Islands and the Esterel massif.
Another boat cruise for the more adventurous at heart, this Private Boat Charter in the Bay of St. Tropez departs from Marines de Cogolin and is fully customizable. Swim or paddleboard off the side of the boat, or cruise from port to port and get an unforgettable view of the Côte d’Azur from the water.

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.

Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO-listed site, displays the myriad cultural influences on the island, as narrow cobblestone streets wind past 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.

Best Experiences in Corfu

Corfu is hugely popular among sailing enthusiasts, so treat yourself to a Half Day Cruise on a Sailing Yacht. This four hour cruise will take you to the remote beaches that can only be reached by boat, and allows for swimming in the turquoise waters of beaches like Strogylo, Barbati, Kalami or Kerasia. Drinks and snacks are available onboard for those who would rather sunbathe on the deck.

Those looking to spend more time on the water should check out the Full Day Cruise from Corfu in Classic Wooden Vessel. This full-day excursion includes a traditional Greek BBQ lunch, an open bar, and water activities like swimming and snorkeling. The wooden ship adds to the charm of exploring the Ionian Sea, with stops at Agios Stefanos Beach, the Peristeres Lighthouse, and “The White House” of Kontokali, also known as the filming location for "The Durrells in Corfu."
If you’d prefer to explore the history and culture of Corfu by land, this Private Corfu Tour is a fantastic option. Available in half- or full-day iterations, this fully customizable tour can introduce you to Glyfada Beach, Barbati Beach, or Marathias Beach; the Meteora or the Orthodox monasteries; Achillion Palace and Kanoni; or the scenic towns of Sidari and Acharavi. With pick-up directly from your accommodations in an air-conditioned vehicle, this is the perfect choice for those visiting in the height of summer.

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