Your Guide to 12 Jaw-Dropping Destinations in Europe for a Beach Holiday
Getaways by the coastline are always incredible, allowing travellers the chance to frolic in crystal clear waters, scuba dive, stroll on soft grainy sands, or simply lounge about and work on their tans. The most spectacular and best beach destinations in Europe offer all that and more, ensuring you have a summer break you’ll never forget.
For a relatively small continent, Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking shorelines you’ll ever come across. From the panoramic and bustling coastlines across the Greek islands to the tranquil ambience of hidden coves in Spain, you can enjoy some of the topmost beaches holidays in Europe in 2024.
Since choices can be endless, the following are highlights of the best European beach getaways first-timers can consider picking for a family, couples, or solo adventure.
Best Beach Holidays in Europe
Best Overall:
1. Algarve, Portugal
Most of Portugal's beautiful beaches can be found right here, in the stunning Algarve region. Even heavily-modernised places like Albufeira and Faro still hold on to their naturally beautiful shorelines, each offering first-rate facilities. Albufeira has a fantastic nightlife, too, adding it its already powerful allure.
For a more laid-back Portugal vibe, travellers can explore Tavira with its mesmerising architecture and Sagres. Both these regions are comparatively less-trodden, home to the quietest beach holidays Europe has to offer. Boat rides along panoramic coastal stretches and relishing seafood at popular local haunts is a must-do in any of these regions.
2. San Sebastian, Spain
For truly memorable and quite possibly the best beach holidays in Europe, head to San Sebastian in Spain. Divided chiefly into 3 main areas, the region is home to the most stunning beaches you'll ever have imagined. The Ondarreta Beach is arguably among its most famous, featuring a renowned Wind Comb structure to one side.
Concha Beach is also excellent to explore, offering ample sunbathing spots for tranquil seekers. For a more active Spain getaway, head to Zurriola Beach with your surfboard. You can also stroll around the bay via the Paseo Nuevo promenade and soak in the breathtaking surrounding beauty.
3. Capri, Italy
To say that you will find the perfect holiday beach Europe is home to only in Capri, Italy, wouldn't be far from the truth. The powdery soft-sand coastline expanses in the region are renowned among locals and travellers alike, offering visitors the chance to revel in unmatched seascapes.
The Italian charm of this majestic coastline has attracted many celebrities, including pop stars like Rihanna and world-famous entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg. In addition to crystal blue waters, there are stunning gardens you can stroll in during your Capri escape.
4. Santorini, Greece
Home to the most amazing beaches holidays in Europe, Santorini offers a sublime escape to weary travellers with its diverse offerings. The scenic Red Beach does complete justice to its name, featuring impressive red cliffs and striking dark sands, all of which add to its dramatic exquisiteness.
Kamari Beach is another exceptional beauty worth mentioning, home to a pebble shore with volcanic black sands. If you head to the centre of the caldera in Santorini, Greece, you will come across remarkable hot springs, which the locals claim has beneficial properties.
5. Mallorca, Spain
The Balearic Islands in Spain are known to offer some of the best European beach breaks, ensuring visitors return home with endless memories. One such place here is Mallorca, or Majorca, the largest of all islands in the Balearics. It is famed for its soft, powdery-sand shores like the Cala Millor, lined with ample shops, bars, restaurants, and other haunts.
The Es Calo des Moro Beach is another spectacular offering by the Balearic Islands, strewn with striking rock formations, sparkling white sands, verdant greenery, and turquoise waters.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Positioned on the panoramic Adriatic shores in Croatia, Dubrovnik is among the most sensational European beach holidays one can go on. Enjoying balmy, sunny weather for over 250 days a year, Dubrovnikis the go-to place for a memorable escape.
Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov are pretty close to the Old Town, each replete with unmatched natural allure that will leave a lasting impression on all travellers to Croatia. A 10-minute ferry ride from Sveti Jakov will take you to Lokrum Island, where you will find astounding historical landmarks and scenic walking paths.
7. Antalya, Turkey
No one truly expects to enjoy the best beach holidays Europe has to offer in places like Turkey. However, it is home to spectacular regions like Antalya, which are bestowed with mind-numbingly beautiful bays surrounded by archaic ruins, towering mountains, and a smattering of emerald forests.
Patara Beach is apt for family visits, featuring soft sands and shallow waters that little ones will love spending time in. Kaputas Beach is the ideal place to swim and scuba dive in turquoise waters for a peek at majestic underground caves and colourful marine life.
8. Nice, France
Although home to the majestic Eiffel Tower, France is worth visiting for a lot more. Specifically, regions like Nice are known to be among the best beach places in Europe, home to a variety of spectacular shores. It is suitable for all kinds of escapes, whether a romantic trip, solo exploration, or family getaway.
The famous Promenade des Anglais is known for its endless stretch of shores, although a pebbled one. Nonetheless, you can enjoy ample soft sands at Villefranche sur Mer, an elegant resort to enjoy sunbathing amid scenic seascapes.
For Water Sports:
9. Alicante, Spain
Although there are plenty of bustling shorelines to traverse in Spain for thrilling water sports, its Costa Blanca region is home to some of the most majestic ones ever. Alicante is one such place, renowned for its fiestas, vibrant culture, historical treasures, and shimmering sandy coastline offering the most fantastic beaches holidays in Europe.
Santa Pola is perfect for surfing, sailing, and kayaking, while Platja de Llevant is apt for leisurely swimming and sunbathing. Arenales Del Sol is another amazing place to enjoy scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, and other fun watersports. Playa de la Granadella is ideal for couples seeking a secluded, tranquil getaway.
10. Madeira, Portugal
Home to 4 breathtakingly beautiful islands, the scenic archipelago of Madeira is among the best beach locations in Europe. Famed for its luxuriant emerald greenery, impressive mountains, and a year-round warm climate, it is the ideal place to enjoy exhilarating water-based fun.
While the panoramic Calheta Beach is perfect for swimming, Garajau is best for scuba diving and snorkelling. Those seeking a tranquil, adults-only tour of the region can head to Ponta do Sol, renowned for a pebbled shore set amidst a quaint, picturesque village.
11. Crete, Greece
Undoubtedly, one of the most spectacular European beach holidays you can expect to enjoy is in the endearing island of Crete in Greece. It is home to a wide array of diverse shores, from powdery-sand variants to pebbled and secluded ones. The pint-tinted Elafonisi Beach is a must-see, featuring clear waters and mesmerising dunes brimming with rare foliage.
Although Stalida is perfect for catching some waves on your surfboard, Loutraki Beach is excellent for stand-up paddle boarding. You can also indulge in jet skiing, parasailing, boat safaris, snorkelling, and scuba diving at other pristine shores in the region.
12. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
For travellers seeking the most active and fun beaches holidays in Europe, there can be no better place than Ayia Napa. Famed for its eclectic nightlife, the impressive resort is home to places like Nissi Beach that feature the ideal white sands and crystal clear waters for enjoying thrilling water sports.
The Makronissos Beach is apt for families with kids, as it is also home to a water park. Banana boat rides and flyboarding are especially sought-after in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, in addition to snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. There are plenty of private hotels and resorts in Cyprus offering these fun activities as part of all inclusive deals.
Final Note:
From tranquil coves and bustling shores to panoramic and untouched coastlines, Europe is brimming with beaches to suit a wide array of needs. Take enough time to research the topmost beach holidays Europe has to offer, as listed above, and find that perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand for your specific tastes.
You can pick any of these fantastic places for a solo sojourn, romantic trip, or a family escape. Travel now and delight in the most memorable beach break yet!
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