The Coast is Clear: Europe’s Best Beach Holidays

Whether you’re looking to stretch out under the Grecian sun, dive into the Spanish waves or uncover the secret coves of Corsica and Sicily, a beach break is always a good idea, and Europe’s got the ultimate lineup.

Best Beach Holidays in Greece

Mykonos

No beach break itinerary is complete without the dreamy shores of the Greek islands. With its whitewashed buildings and endless blue horizons, Mykonos is a destination that requires no Instagram filter.  

Soak up the boho-chic ambience and Aegean vistas of Domes Noruz Mykonos, or ascend to Greek deity status with Cycladic surroundings, poolside cocktails and olive oil massages at Grace Mykonos. Just minutes from your private slice of paradise, the island’s postcard-worthy Mykonos Town beckons with a maze of stone-paved alleys, chic boutiques and famous nightlife.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has something for every beach lover, from the aquamarine waters of Vai to the iconic pink sands of Elafonisi Beach. Base yourself at The Royal Blue Resort & Spa, a 70-acre shorefront haven with various pools, a spa and a private beach, or opt for Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, a tranquil beauty overlooking Spinalonga Island. Venture beyond your resort to the Venetian harbours and bustling markets of Rethymnon or Chania, where you can also taste traditional slow-roasted lamb and the island’s famous raki liquor.

Rhodes

An all-time sun-seeker favourite, Rhodes delivers a perfect fusion of history and culture alongside its seaside charm. Want for nothing at the all-inclusive Lindian Village Beach Resort and hop between its private beachfront or pristine pool area, or take a trip to the nearby Prasonisi Beach, one of the most exquisite on the island. Check into Sheraton Rhodes Resort to be close to UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Rhodes Town, as well as the honey-sand shores of Faliraki Bay.

Best Beach Holidays in Spain

Ibiza

Ibiza is where seaside bliss and world-renowned nightlife converge. Bask on the island’s golden sands by day and dance barefoot at iconic beach clubs by night – the best of both worlds is the norm here.  

Stay at the adults-only Cala San Miguel to sip sangria poolside and enjoy easy access to nearby coves and stretches of sand. If you want to be close to the action, Playa den Bossa is where the party never stops, while Santa Eulalia is the ideal spot for families, boasting pristine waters and kid-friendly resorts.

Barcelona

For a beach escape and city break in one, Barcelona ticks all the boxes. World-renowned architecture and some of the best tapas you’ll encounter are paired with the buzz of Barceloneta beach, where you can sip mojitos at lively chiringuitos (Spanish beach bars), get active with paddle boarding and beach volley, or simply relax all day long. 

Once the city’s coastline has done its magic, escape the crowds with poolside drinks and marvellous city views at Grand Hotel Central’s chic rooftop, or head to Barcelona’s Costa Brava, where secluded coves, turquoise waters and quaint towns are found around every corner. From the whitewashed charm of Cadaques, once a muse for Salvador Dali, to Begur’s colonial mansions and popular beaches like Sa Tuna and Aiguablava, this up-and-coming pocket of paradise has it all. Be one of the first to stay at the brand-new Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel, perched between the rugged cliffs and opalescent waters of Tossa de Mar, home to a medieval town dating back to the 12th century.

Costa del Sol

Serving up 300 annual days of sunshine, Spain’s Costa del Sol is where Mediterranean waves meet Moorish history. Marbella is home to sleek beach clubs paired with old-town charm, while Malaga is where Picasso’s legacy mingles with the city’s contemporary cool. For something more remote, stray right off the beaten path to the brand-new Fairmont La Hacienda, which captures the vibrant spirit of Andalusia with authentic culinary experiences and restorative wellness offerings.

Best Beach Holidays in Italy

Sorrento

The birthplace of limoncello and a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento will make you swoon faster than you can say “mamma mia!”. Wander the town’s lemon-scented streets and take in panoramic vistas over the Bay of Naples. For exclusive access to one of the island’s secret coves, stay at Parco dei Principi, complete with hidden tunnels that lead to the hotel’s very own private beach.

Sicily

Take your pick from the powdery sands of San Vito Lo Capo, Catania’s striking black-sand beaches or the white limestone cliffs of Scala dei Turchi as you search for your perfect spot to soak up la dolce vita.

Carved into a cliffside in Taormina, Hotel Metropole means beach days are capped off with sky-high views over the Mediterranean’s endless blue, while Baia Taormina has its own beach just 200 metres below the property.

Sardinia

Sardinia is home to some of Europe’s clearest seas. Dip your toes into the translucent waters of the Costa Smeralda, boasting sugar-fine sands that have long attracted stars and celebrities like George Clooney, Elton John and Madonna.

On the island’s western coast, stay at Alghero’s Villa Las Tronas, perched on a private peninsula bordered on three sides by the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean. Neptune’s Grotto, a striking sea cave home to natural formations and opaline waters, is a short boat ride away from the hotel.

Best Beach Holidays in France

Corsica

Corsica is your go-to for pearl-white sands and rugged landscapes. Untouched nature takes centre stage here and taking your next summer beach break on the island can mean encountering fewer crowds than in other European hot spots.

Discover the south of Corsica from the luxurious Bartaccia Hotel, or stay at Hotel U Capu Biancu to have three private beaches on your doorstep. Enjoy cocktails in your cosy beach gazebo, hit the waves on a canoe or paddle board at Hut Beach or, at Lazy Beach, do as its name suggests.

French Riviera

The French Riviera delivers a dose of glam and luxury to your European beach holiday. Head to Saint-Tropez for a taste of Mediterranean glamour and star-studded shorelines or seek out the sunshine in Cannes for champagne-coloured sands and the picturesque Croisette promenade. After days spent with salt in your hair and sand between your toes, retreat to La Bastide de l’Oiveraie, where you can soak in an infinity pool, a bubbling Jacuzzi or the balneotherapy pool while looking out over the city hills.