The best beach towns in Europe are as varied as the cultures on the continent. From the sunny beaches of bustling Spain to the more subdued coast of Estonia, you'll find shorelines to relax and play. You can sunbathe on golden sand and snorkel in crystal clear water while staying in a luxurious beach resort or a quiet boutique hotel in an ancient city's old town. Party the night away at beachside clubs or enjoy a romantic dinner while watching the sun set behind the sea. No matter what you're looking for, you’re sure to find it in one of these European beach towns.
1. Antibes, France
Antibes is on the French Riviera and has been a favorite vacation destination of the wealthy since the mid-19th century. You'll find evidence of this in places like the Quai des Milliardaires, where superyachts dock, and at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, an ultra-luxurious hotel frequented by celebrities and the über-wealthy. Don't write this resort town off if you don't fit into the category. Antibes is accessible to the rest of us whether visiting on a day trip from its larger neighbor Nice or staying in a more budget-friendly hotel. But if you want to splurge, you can make reservations at a hotel restaurant and bar, but remember to check the dress codes before visiting.
As for beaches, there's no shortage of shorelines to choose from. Plage de la Gravette is a small horseshoe-shaped beach in Old Town. This beach is surrounded by medieval ramparts that block the breeze, creating calm waters that are good for families. Its location, beauty and small size mean you'll typically find crowds here, especially in summer. You also have your choice between public and private beaches. Plage du Crouton is a mix, where you can choose to enjoy your day on the public beach or indulge at the beach club with a lounge chair and umbrella rental ordering food and drinks to your spot on the sandy shore.
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2. Bodrum, Turkey
This small town of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea is a short ferry ride from Kos, a Greek island with sandy beaches, or a quick plane trip from Istanbul. This is a tourist destination where you can indulge in a luxurious trip whether spending a day or booking a few nights at one of the high-end resorts like The Bodrum Edition or the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. Dine at one of the many restaurants here that specialize in Turkish cuisine, especially seafood dishes. For a romantic dinner, have an intimate meal at one of the many beachfront restaurants at Gümüşlük, where you can watch the picturesque sunset.
There are many beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula to choose from, and you can relax in lounge chairs available for rent from the beach clubs as well as windsurf, ride personal watercraft or paraglide or have fun as a spectator of water sports. For calm, clear water head to Bitez Beach, an especially popular locale because of its proximity to many hotels. The beach is a favorite for families, sunbathers and sports enthusiasts. Gümbet Beach has a lively atmosphere with nearby bars and a buzzing nightlife. Many beachgoers also go to Gümbet to windsurf or snorkel.
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3. Cascais, Portugal
The resort town of Cascais was once a fishing village until it became a popular destination in the 19th century when the Portuguese king made it his summer residence. It quickly became a destination frequented by nobility and the wealthy, and today, it is visited by all types of travelers. If you choose to come to Cascais, you can opt for a relaxing stay enjoying the slow pace of the town, take a day trip from Lisbon or make it a stop on your journey through the Portuguese Riviera.
Along the mile-long promenade, tiled in a black and white wave pattern, you will walk past the historic architecture painted in pale earthy colors that complement the slow pace of a relaxing beach vacation. On one side are golden sand beaches and on the other are restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops and boutiques. Praia do Guincho is loved by surfers, while the calm waters of Praia da Rainha and Ribeira attract families. Praia de Santa Marta is a particularly picturesque spot where the clear water washes against the same rocks that adventurous beachgoers use to leap into the Atlantic Ocean.
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4. Chania, Greece
Chania is a region on the island of Crete, where you'll find historical sites, tavernas serving tasty seafood and beautiful beaches. If you are traveling with kids, check out Elafonisi Beach. It's frequented by families as well as windsurfers and kiteboarders. Also consider heading to Stavros Beach, which is located in a lagoon and protected from the wind, making it an ideal spot for those looking for calm, shallow waters. Seitan Limania Beach, on the other hand, is in a rocky cove with strong currents.
For a look into history, head to the Archaeological Museum of Chania and the Maritime Museum of Crete. In the Chania Old Town, you'll be treated to pedestrian-only streets and narrow alleys lined with shops, restaurants and storefronts selling sweet treats and ice cream. Head to the Venetian Harbor for a walk along the seawall and views of the Venetian Lighthouse.
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5. Málaga, Spain
In the Costa del Sol region, you'll find Málaga, a historic town in Spain, where pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with shops and restaurants, golden beaches and historic architecture. The most well-known beach is Playa de la Malagueta because of its proximity to downtown. Playa de los Álamos is a lively spot where many of the beachgoers visit the chirinquitos, small beach bars that serve alcoholic beverages and small bites. For a more secluded beach, try Playa de Guadalmar which is accessed via a trail through a nature park; be aware that this is a clothing-optional beach. When visiting the beaches in Málaga, be sure to try some of the regional specialties like espeto, aka skewered fish (typically sardines) cooked over open flame.
When not at the beach, take in the historical and cultural attractions. Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, and Gibralfaro Castle, set atop a hill, were built in the 10th century. At the castle, see a panorama of the city below and tour parts of the castle that still stand today. For a more modern attraction, visit the Picasso Museum — Málaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso — and the Contemporary Art Center that displays works dating from the 1950s to today.
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6. Nice, France
Nice is a beautiful beach town in Europe and also a fabulous destination for seeing the French Riviera. Nice has a mix of public and private beaches. Unlike the white-sand beaches that folks tend to covet in the Western Hemisphere, the beaches here are covered with pebbles. While you can still swim and partake in watersports, you might want to skip the flip-flops and opt for water shoes. The public beaches have outdoor showers, and the private beaches like Beau Rivage and Fabron have amenities like indoor showers, restrooms and luggage storage, all for a fee of course.
Outside of the beach, the walkable town is fun to explore with wonderful French and Italian food. Promenade des Anglais is a paved walkway that runs parallel to the shoreline. Within the Cours Saleya is a market where you can purchase food and produce, except on Monday when antique dealers sell their wares.
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7. Sitges, Spain
For a wonderful Spanish town on the Mediterranean Sea that offers a quieter, more relaxed pace than Barcelona, head to Sitges. The town is about 45 minutes south of Barcelona by train and can either be a fun day trip or a great destination for a relaxing vacation in Spain. In addition to Sitges’s reputation for an easy pace and beautiful winding streets lined with gorgeous architecture, it is known for being one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Europe. The nightlife reflects this with many LGBTQ+ bars on Carrer Primer de Maig, also called the "Street of Sin," During the day, all are welcome to roam the pedestrian-friendly streets of the old town area that's full of shops, cafés and bakeries.
The beaches have powdery sand and clear water, and the mild weather means that it's a fantastic spot even in winter when the water temperature is too cold for swimming. Platja de la Fragata is located near that sailing club and has beach volleyball, and the centrally located Platja de la Ribera is on the most popular beaches for its prime spot within the beach town. Platja dels Balmins is a gay-friendly, clothing-optional beach.
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8. Split, Croatia
In the Dalmatian region of Croatia, Split is a gem for those looking for a beach town to spend their time in Europe. It's less touristy than Dubrovnik, but it still offers a charming Old Town that has plenty of restaurants and other points of interest as well as several beaches. Bačvice Beach is loved for its sandy shore versus the pebbles that make up most of the other beaches in the region. Žnjan Beach is a family-friendly spot next to Old Town, while one of the most secluded beaches is Bene Beach, located in Marjan Hill Forest Park.
Outside of visiting the beach, you should spend some time at Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Klis Fortress. While the fortress is now ruins, it was once a mighty stone fortress set atop a bluff contested by many forces throughout its history. The site might be recognizable to "Game of Thrones" fans as well. Parts of the palace stood in for both Daenerys Targaryen's throne room and dragon lair.
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9. Syros, Greece
Okay, okay, you might be wondering why Syros is on our list of best beach cities when it's an island not a city, but it's worth an exception. Syros has fabulous beaches as well as delicious food served in cozy tavernas, picturesque villages and archeological sites of ancient Greek ruins. Agathopes Beach in the resort town Poseidonia is a mostly sandy beach with some pebbles, but the calm, shallow waters make it an attractive swimming spot among families. Galissas Beach is a great spot for snorkeling as well as relaxing on the lounge chairs available for rent. Komito is a lively beach with a bar that tends to attract young adults, and many of the beachgoers partake in water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
When not at the beach, head out to the sights like those in Ermoupoli, the capital city of Syros. Much of the architecture here was built in the 19th century in the neoclassical style, such as the city's Town Hall. Plus, the hillside town offers stellar views of the Aegean Sea. Make a trip out to Chalandriani for archeological sites of ancient Greek ruins.
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10. Taormina, Italy
Called the "pearl of the Ionian Sea," the beach town of Taormina is a popular port for Mediterranean cruises, and a must-see for those visiting Sicily. The town itself is set off from the shore but is accessible via bus and cable car. There are many beaches to choose from. The most photographed is Isola Bella, a small islet attached via a narrow strip of land that is submerged during high tide. Mazzarò is a busy mix of free beach and beach clubs that offer umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent. If you wish to visit a quieter beach, try Spisone. It is mostly free beach, but there's a beach club with amenities available for a fee.
While at Taormina, don't miss out on seeing the many old architectural elements and ruins, shopping on the pedestrian-friendly street Corso Umberto and cooling off with a refreshing granita, a type of cold Italian dessert. Must-see sights in this island village include the Teatro Greco, ruins of an ancient Greek theater; beautiful plazas that have eye-catching tile work; and Santo Stefano Duke Palace, built in the 14th century.
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11. Tallinn, Estonia
Like so many of the other best European beach towns, Tallinn is a beautiful blend of history, culture and outdoor activities. If you are only visiting for a few days, you'll definitely want to check out the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the Middle Ages, this was the original part of Tallinn, and parts of the wall that surrounded the city still stand. You can enter some of the towers, such as Kiek in de Kök. This large tower doubles as a museum about the history of Tallinn. You'll also find tons of shops and eateries on the winding cobblestone streets lined with buildings painted in pale earthy and pastel tones. Keeping with the medieval theme, the restaurant Olde Hansa is a must. Everything on the menu is made from recipes and cooking methods from the 15th century. It is a real step back in time from the candlelight interior to the costumes of the waitstaff.
For a look at the coastline, you can head to the beaches on the Baltic Sea. Pirita Beach is the largest and most popular beach, while Stroomi Beach is the choice for many families with children. Not only will you find a sandy beach here, but also there's a trampoline and playground for kids. In July, the city celebrates its history and relationship with the Baltic Sea during the festival Tallinn Maritime Days. If you visit during this time, you can treat yourself to water taxi rides between the harbors to indulge in traditional seafood and other dishes, shopping at the markets and watching live performances as well as taking boat tours of the harbors. Ships from modern vessels to old wooden sailing ships offer short cruises during the festival.
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12. Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is a little European beach town in the Algarve region of Portugal that makes up the southernmost area of the country. The beaches are notable for the golden limestone cliffs that add unique charm to the coastline. Praia Dona Ana is a popular beach for its calm water. Meia Praia Beach is on most tourists’ to-do lists. The western end of the beach, called Praia de São Roque, is lively with some nearby bars and places to eat. Unlike most of the beaches in the area, this one is bounded by dunes rather than cliffs. Another must-visit beach is Praia do Camilo, set below the cliffs and reachable by a lengthy walk down boardwalk steps.
Don’t miss out on exploring the beaches from the water. Take a kayak or boat tour to view the sea caves and natural rock formations. Off the beach, don’t miss Old Town. The narrow streets are paved with light and dark cobblestones in varying patterns. There’s shopping, souvenirs and restaurants. You’ll find lots of seafood options as well as piri piri chicken. Don’t forget to try the custard tarts, called pasteis de nata. When planning a vacation here, consider including day trips to nearby cities, Carvoeiro, Sagres, Silves and Monchique.
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