Hankering for golden sands or a refreshing ocean swim? The best beach holidays in Europe are calling your name. There are plenty of dreamy coastal spots located three hours or less from London. Each one has been handpicked for its natural beauty or incredible amenities.
Rather stay closer to home? I’ve also included a couple of the UK’s finest beach holidays, too. Your perfect beach getaway is much closer than you think…
Beach holidays in France
Just a short hop across the channel (or a brief flight to its southern shores), France is a great pick for beach holidays in Europe. Its coastline stretches out over 5000 km, meaning there’s plenty of choice whether you stick to the mainland or idyllic Corsica.
1. Ploumanac’h, Brittany
- Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: For breathtaking views and easy beach access stay at Hôtel Saint Guirec Et De La Plage
For those who want to lower their carbon footprint in 2024, Brittany is a good contender for the best beach holiday in Europe. Easily accessible by ferry to Saint-Malo or by plane to Rennes, it’s also home to a stunning selection of vast sandy beaches where you can soak up some rays.
Nestled in the middle of the coast of Brittany lies the village of Plouchmanac’h. This quaint seaside resort town has lots of secret enclaves and coves dotting its seafront. The coast is commonly known as Côte de Granit Rose, or “Pink Granite Coast” for its distinctive colour, it’s the perfect escape for the discerning traveller.
2. Palombaggia, Corsica
- Flight time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: Treat yourself with some massages or body treatments at Les Bergeries de Palombaggia – a 5-star dream just a few minutes from the beach.
Considered one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Corsica, you certainly won’t be alone at Palombaggia. Nevertheless, this paradisaical European beach holiday destination in the island’s south is more than big enough, so you’ll be able to find a patch of sand to make your own for the day.
The balmy Mediterranean Sea surrounding Corsica is also wonderfully clear. Fancy trying your hand at snorkelling? You’ll find plenty of facilities offering equipment to rent.
European beach holidays in Portugal
One of the hottest places in Europe and with a holiday season that stretches from April through to October, it’s easy to see why Portugal is a top pick for a short beach break. The Algarve is a personal favourite for endless sunshine and blue skies. After something a little different? Visit the country’s dramatic northern shores.
3. Praia dos Caneiros, Algarve
- Flight time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Beach Hotel Tip: Hotel Casabela is a 10-minute walk to Caneiros Beach. Portimao Harbor is also less than a mile away.
A short trip from Portugal’s main airport Faro, Praia dos Caneiros is a hidden gem. The beach is surrounded by rocks and cliffs giving it a cove-like appearance and hiding it from those who aren’t in the know.
It’s the perfect place for a more relaxed holiday by the sea. You’ll find yourself in relative peace as you take a quiet dip in the cool waters. There are also sun chairs to rent if you’d rather stay off the sand, plus a chic beach cafe ideal for refreshments or a lunch break.
4. Praia da Adraga, Sintra
- Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: Arribas Sintra Hotel is at the centre of everything, close to the beach and you’re only a 15 minute drive to the beautiful castle Quinta da Regaleira.
You’ll find Praia da Adraga a 35-minute drive from Lisbon on the outskirts of stunning Sintra. The town is best known for its spectacular palaces, making it a more unusual option for beach-goers.
While Praia da Adraga is only accessible by road, the journey is well-worth for its vast swathes of fine sand. You’ll also be greeted with dramatic views from its towering volcanic rocks, plus great waves if you’re a keen surfer. Feeling peckish? There’s a lovely fish restaurant built into the cliff face called Azenhas Do Mar.
Beach hotel tip: Arribas Sintra Hotel is at the centre of everything, close to the beach and you’re only a 15 minute drive to the beautiful castle Quinta da Regaleira.
The best beach holidays in Europe: the Med
If you’ve got your eye on a European beach holiday in the Med, prepare to be spoilt for choice. From Italy‘s idyllic sandy shores to pebble coves bursting crystal clear water in Croatia, here are a few of my favourites.
5. Spiaggia Sa Colonia, Sardinia, Italy
- Flight time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: The luxurious 4-star Hotel Aquadulci is a hop, skip and jump away from the beach and has wonderful amenities including an outdoor pool and solarium.
Craving an Italy beach holiday? Sardinia’s beaches are truly jaw-dropping, with divine options scattered all over the island. Spiaggia Sa Colonia along the Costa Del Sud is 750 metres long and almost 100 metres wide, meaning even in the busier months there’s plenty of room for avid beach bums.
The enticing peach-coloured sand is lined by juniper trees and there’s a kiosk where you can pick up drinks and snacks. A nature lover? if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the native flamingos sleeping in the warm sand.
6. Podrace Beach, Brela, Croatia
- Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: Stay at the Bluesun Hotel Soline for easy beach access.
Located to the south of Split, on the seashore that hugs the Dalmatian Coast, you’ll find Podrace Beach. It’s a short stroll from the pretty town of Brela which is the perfect place to base yourself throughout your beach break.
Podrace Beach is unlikely to be empty, no matter what time of year you visit. However, with its crystal clear water, excellent facilities and a restaurant located right on the sand, it’s always a great place to be. Find a quiet-ish spot on the sand and camp down for the day.
Best beach holidays in Europe: Greece
With its strings of heavenly islands, many associated with legendary myths, it’s no surprise that Greece hosts some of the very best beaches in Europe. Among them are popular suntraps with great amenities, plus secluded coves only accessible on foot.
7. Petani Beach, Kefalonia
- Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: For a hillside view over the curved beach try Petani Bay Hotel. This adults-only hotel features more apartment vibes than a traditional hotel but still offers a bar, pool and room service.
Kefalonia is one of Greece’s dreamiest islands and its beaches regularly top the lists of the very best in Europe. Instead of making a beeline for the pretty yet popular Myrtos Beach, check out Petani Beach instead.
The curved cove has the same stunning white pebbles and wonderfully clear sea as Myrtos but tends to be far quieter. Why not do as the locals do and go for a swim at dusk? As the sun sets in the west, you can watch the sea change colour from bright turquoise to deep navy.
8. Vai Beach, Crete
- Flight time: 4 hours
- Beach hotel tip: While you’ll need a car or boat to access Vai Beach, you’ll find plenty of hotel options nearby. This includes Castri Village Hotel in Vigla which offers rooms with views across the ocean.
Crete may be a little further to fly to than the rest of my picks – but the largest of the Greek Islands is worth the journey. Its huge coastline is awash with brilliant beaches, from the pink-hued sand of Elafonisi to the remote Balos lagoon.
For something a little easier to access and not too overrun with tourists, check out Vai Beach. It’s found right on Crete’s northeast tip and is a calm spot, ideal for beach holidays in Europe for couples or families. Its huge natural palm forest makes it one of Crete’s most unmissable sights and gives it a true tropical vibe. Hire sunbeds for the day and while away the hours hopping between the sand and the calm, turquoise sea.
Best beach holidays in Spain
From the shimmering shores of the Costa del Sol to the paradise coves of the Balearic Islands, there are heaps of beautiful beaches in Spain. Need a hand picking out the best for your next break? Keep scrolling…
9. Playa de Migjorn, Formentera
- Flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes to Ibiza (plus a 30-minute ferry)
- Beach hotel tip: The 4-star rated Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa has something for everything with access to onsite scuba diving and windsurfing. It’s also only a few minutes from the beach.
Formentera is Ibiza’s sleepier and more chilled brother, with beaches that are more relaxation-focused than party central. Among them is the postcard-perfect Playa de Migjorn on the Spanish island‘s south side.
It’s known for its amazing facilities; you can rent a beach chair for the day and enjoy the oceanfront drinks service while watching fellow visitors play volleyball. Playa de Migjorn is also the longest beach in Formentera with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy its soft white sand.
10. Calo des Moro, Mallorca
- Flight time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Beach hotel tip: Located in the sleepy village of Cala Llombards and only a 15-minute walk from Calo des Moro is the excellent Case de la Vida.
Another Spanish island that’s no stranger to spectacular beaches is Mallorca. Calo des Moro was once well off the beaten track but it’s become more popular in recent years. Tucked away on the island’s quiet southeastern corner and with zero facilities in sight to attract hordes of visitors, it still maintains its peaceful atmosphere.
The cove’s sheltered spot makes it a particularly brilliant place for a swim. The water is fairly shallow, too, so kids will have no trouble playing in its gentle waves. Note that the beach is accessed via a steep path, so isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
Best beach holidays in Europe: UK
Only have time for a short beach break? Or maybe you want to keep your air miles to a minimum in 2024? Not to worry. Some of the best beach holidays in Europe can be found on our doorsteps. The UK is inundated with amazing shorelines where you can enjoy some summer (or off-season, if you’re lucky) sunshine.
11. Watergate Bay, Newquay, UK
- Beach hotel tip: Stay in the ‘excellent’ rated Sands Resort Hotel and Spa which sits between Watergate Bay and Newquay.
Newquay is the perfect weekend getaway. Surfers, paddle-boarders and locals will already be well acquainted with Watergate Bay, a large open beach in Newquay that meets the swell of the Atlantic Ocean. Its amazing waves, rock pools, clifftops and remote location make it the perfect UK beach to let off steam or learn how to surf.
12. Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales
- Beach hotel tip: The beach is part of a protected reserve, so you won’t find any hotels within walking distance. Instead, check out the charming Nant Yr Odyn Country House Hotel a short drive away in Llangefni.
The Isle of Anglesey is arguably the best destination in Wales for a beach getaway. Accessed via the Menai Bridge, the small islet is blessed with dozens of glorious sandy beaches where you can stroll, sunbathe and even swim if you can brave the bracing Irish Sea.
One of my personal favourites in this corner of the UK is the vast Traeth Llanddwyn. This Blue Flag beach is found on Anglesey’s north coast and backs onto the stunning Newborough National Nature Reserve that’s perfect for hikes. As well as enjoying several miles of soft sand dunes, you can also walk across to Llanddywyn Island at low tide. Once there, there are several historic buildings to explore including a disused lighthouse and the ruins of St Dwynen’s Church.
Looking for more holiday inspiration close to home? Check out the best seaside towns in the UK or these 10 budget beach breaks in Europe.
