Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

5 Best Beach Destinations To Travel To In Europe

Europe has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world boasting unique destinations, and idyllic landscapes. There is no better place to travel to this summer! From the wild Atlantic coastline to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, there are plenty of locations to choose from.

Lagos, Samos and Positano, best beach destinations in Europe

Are you looking for the perfect Europe summer getaway? That's a great idea! So, let's go through the Best Beach Destinations To Travel To In Europe.

Each city is more beautiful than the next. Each beach is prettier.

Europe is awash with incredible beach destinations. If you are traveling just for the beaches, you will find thousands of kilometers to explore and if you are also interested in history and culture, what better place for this than Europe? 

It’s just me or does it seem like if there is a perfect season to visit Europe, then this is definitely summer?  Hidden coves, gorgeous fishing villages, warm waters, charming powdery beaches, and delicious seafood, … is there anything better than a beach holiday?

With that in mind, I have created a list of spectacular beach destinations which I encourage you to check and essentially choose your own best adventure destinations!

While you are crossing things off this list when planning out your next holiday, use Expedia’s Price Tracking tool to check the best flight prices for your 2023 trips!

Moreover, I suggest using an Airalo eSim card. This app is incredibly useful for when you are going to travel. They have eSIM cards for seemingly every country on Earth and offer a lot of flexibility, which makes it the perfect way to avoid extra Roaming costs!

Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

Positano

There is no other scenic place to escape to for a beautiful beach-filled vacation than Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast.

This is a super special place to enjoy a day on the beach in a sunbed or swimming in crystal-clear waters. Located just at the base of the village, the main beach, Marina Grande can be reached super easily. Although you won’t find white sand here, you will definitely love the idyllic atmosphere!

Amazing views of pastel-colored buildings and impressive landscapes are just a few of the things Positano’s beaches have to offer. 

Positano is mostly about the sea and the coastline so, enjoy an amazing sunset on the Tyrrhenian Sea during a private evening cruise. Being out on the water and admiring views of the coastline as you sip a glass of Champagne is the best thing to do.

You can also visit the archaeological site of Pompeii on a day trip from Positano. If you follow your archaeological guide, you will discover the secrets of life from Roman times.

Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata, Spain, is one of the most underrated but best beach destinations in Europe. The sand-blown beaches, steep cliffs, some of them only reached by boat or by hiking, make a perfect adventure escape.

The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is most definitely a sight to behold. This is one of the few places in Western Europe where you can see the desert, and when the desert meets the beach, you know that you found a spectacular place.

Most beaches in Cabo de Gata are virgin spots, which makes this corner of Spain so unique. Don’t miss the emblematic lighthouse and Las Sirenas Mirador, the best viewpoints from where you can truly appreciate the beauty of Cabo de Gata.

See unique views of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve from the sea while you swim in crystal-clear waters.

The wild landscapes, rugged sea cliffs, and remote beaches of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park can be hard to explore without your own transport. Instead, you can join a day tour and experience local life in the fishing villages of San Miguel, La Isleta del Moro, and San Jose.

For a bit more marine adventure, kayak along the stunning Cabo de Gata and through the Nijar Natural Park while learning about the region’s flora and fauna.

Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

Lagos

You can’t beat the beaches of the Algarve! Lagos is a small town located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal and is known for being a spectacular old town surrounded by walls, cliffs, and Atlantic beaches.

Just imagine long and wide strands of golden sand surrounded by ocher-colored rock formations and deep blue ocean waters, this is definitely a dream destination.

You are never bored in Lagos!  Camilo Beach is one of the best beaches here. Located between the enormous rock formations, with calm waters, it is an incredible spot for popular activities like swimming, paddling, or spotting dolphins!

Get to know the Algarve coastline and discover the most beautiful sea cave in Portugal on a cruise to the Benagil Sea Cave. Taste the local cuisine, and discover traditional Portuguese delicacies on a classic food tour, while you sample a range of dishes and drinks. Some adventure? Then travel in a convoy of jeeps through the spectacular Algarve. Visit the old villages, taste a local drink in a distillery, and eat in a traditional restaurant.

Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

Samos

Looking for a lush green island surrounded by crystal clear aquamarine waters? Then Samos, a truly hidden gem of the Aegean Sea, is the best place to go.

As soon you manage to peel yourself away from the beautiful seashores, you should go sightseeing! All along the island’s coastline, you will find traditional villages and historical landmarks. These archaeological monuments and sites are from different historical periods and have a lot of stories to tell you.

Highlights of the island include Tsamadou Beach with its amazing warm waters, the picturesque town of Kokkari with plenty of traditional Greek taverns, and Potami Waterfalls.

An amazing way to get a taste of the place is by taking a day tour with a local guide who will show you the island’s treasures. Explore the history and heritage of the beautiful Aegean Islands on a sightseeing cruise from Samos, and visit Hora and the coastal town of Skala among others. Do you want to step up in Turkey while you are in Greece? Then take a ferry to Kusadasi and visit two countries in a single holiday.

Bucket List Beach Destinations In Europe

Montpellier

The South of France is known for its glamour, glitzy, and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Located in the city of Montpellier, La-Grande-Motte beach town upholds France’s flashy reputation with a wide range of stunning sandy beaches, exquisite cuisine, and spectacular architecture.

Explore the crooked streets of Montpellier’s old town, the sensational little squares, and places like de la Canourgue and St Roch.

Many paillotes, (pop-up bars/restaurants), offer a wide range of cold beverages, gourmet food, and an incredible atmosphere.

At night?

Well, they turn into beachfront clubs.

Montpellier is one of the most vibrant cities in France with modern and ancient architecture, taking you from medieval streets to new buildings in just moments. You can discover this beautiful historic center on a walking guided tour. 

While you are in Montpellier you should not miss these great sites of the Hérault: The Devil’s Bridge, Saint Guilhem the Desert and its abbey, The Circus of Mourèze, and Lake Salagou. Enjoy a picturesque getaway out of the city to explore the southern French countryside on a wine & food Tour to Pic Saint-Loup.

Scroll to Top