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 in and just a few hours from the UK – let’s look at 12 of the best.
Best beach holidays in Southern Europe
If you’re dreaming of turquoise seas, ancient ruins, and balmy summer nights, these spots are for you.
Halkidiki, Greece
The Greek Islands are a popular beach destination, which can mean flight and hotel costs tend to be high during the summer. Luckily, mainland Greece has breathtaking beaches and several budget-friendly flight routes. Halkidiki, tucked away on the country’s north coast near Thessaloniki, is a great option if you’re craving white-sand beaches and good value Greek food.
As well as its spectacular coastline, the area – which is formed of three different peninsulas – is dotted with ancient ruins, so is a great choice if you’re after a mix of sunshine and sightseeing. Sana on the Kassandra peninsula is a good spot to base yourself if you want lively nightlife. Alternatively, the Sithonia peninsula is home to sleepy beaches and a string of traditional Greek villages.
Budva, Montenegro
Another beach holiday gem on the sparkling Adriatic coast is Budva. It might be one of Montenegro‘s top beach destinations, but it’s still relatively unknown to tourists. Spend some time exploring Budva’s beautiful medieval Old Town that’s surrounded by centuries-old Venetian walls.
There’s also a string of beautiful beaches to consider, from the kid-friendly Jaz Beach to sheltered Mogren Beach just along the coast. You’ll have a chance to sample Montenegro’s cuisine (including plenty of fresh fish) without splashing out, too.
Spiaggia Sa Colonia, Sardinia, Italy
Craving an Italy beach holiday? Sardinia’s beaches are truly jaw-dropping, with stunning options scattered all over the island making for some of the best beach holidays in Italy. 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 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.
Petani Beach, Kefalonia
Kefalonia is one of Greece’s dreamiest islands and its beaches regularly top the lists of the very best beach holidays 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.
Pula, Croatia
Pula sits on the country’s Istrian peninsula and its harbour is just as photogenic as Dubrovnik‘s. The city is also home to some cool landmarks, including a Roman Colosseum and several ornate Venetian palaces. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll discover a handful of gorgeous pebble beaches to laze about on not far from the centre.
Ambrela Beach is the largest and most popular. For something a little quieter, venture to Valsaline Beach to swim or kayak in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. You could also take a day trip out to Brijuni National Park for snorkelling, diving and more.
Hidden gems for affordable beach weekend getaways
These under-the-radar picks are perfect for beach weekend getaways that feel like a true escape without the crowds or the price tag.
Praia dos Caneiros, Algarve
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 beach cafe ideal for refreshments or a lunch break.
Praia da Adraga, Sintra
You’ll find Praia da Adraga just 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.
Palombaggia, Corsica
Considered one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Corsica, you certainly won’t be alone at Palombaggia. Nevertheless, this paradise 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 wonderfully clear. Fancy trying your hand at snorkelling? You’ll find plenty of facilities offering equipment to rent.
Calo des Moro, Mallorca
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.
Sliema, Malta
Malta‘s position in the southern Mediterranean makes it a sun trap for most of the year. June to September tend to be its busiest months and for good reason. Clear blue skies and temperatures in the 30s make it an oasis for beach lovers. What’s more, Malta’s historic port towns are filled with restaurants and ancient churches where you can enjoy a break from the heat.
While Gozo is a go-to for most, it can get pricey (and busy) in the summer. Instead, why not stick to the main island and stay in Sliema? This sleepy traditional Maltese fishing village sits just north of the capital, Valletta, and has heaps of local charm. There’s a long promenade wonderful for sunset strolls, while St Julian’s Bay (that’s home to the tiny yet tranquil Balluta Bay Beach) is right next door.
Island Escapes
From soft sands to scenic walks, these dreamy getaways promise some of Europe’s most relaxing beach holidays.
Gran Canaria, Spain
This Atlantic archipelago is famed for being an affordable winter sun destination, with average daily temperatures rarely dipping below 15ºC (even in January). When it comes to choosing an island for cheap beach holidays in the summer, Gran Canaria is often touted as one of the best Canary Islands.
Gran Canaria is well-suited to family beach holidays thanks to its shallow beaches and brilliant local restaurants where you can enjoy a budget-friendly local meal. There are also ample resort towns to choose between, including Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. The latter is right next to the Maspalomas Dunes: a 6km stretch that’s popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Playa de Migjorn, Formentera
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.
