written by Mary Novakovich
updated 27.04.2023
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written by Mary Novakovich
updated 27.04.2023
For a relatively small continent, Europe has some extraordinary coastlines. Their variety is dizzying, from sheltered rocky coves fringed with olive trees to vast stretches of soft sandy beaches. Whittling down the list of possible beach holidays in Europe can be tough, so here are a few places that will get you in the mood for lazy days in the sun.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this tailor-made Sailing Croatia trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
Tower in Rab City. Rab Island, Croatia © Marcelino Macone/Shutterstock
Calabria is one of Italy’s least developed regions, and its warmth comes not just from the southern sun and the famously spicy cuisine, but from the people too.
Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive tailor-made trip!
Best beach holidays in Europe can be found in Tropea in Calabria © leoks/Shutterstock
Veleka Beach in the Sinemorets town in Bulgaria © trabantos/Shutterstock
Southern France is a paradise for foodies, history lovers, sun admirers and many more. It combines endless beaches with easy access to hot spots like Antibes, Monaco and Cannes. On this Essential French Riviera tailor-made trip, you will explore the coast with a private, bilingual guide to make the most of your time in France.
Plage de la Conche situated at Ile de Re, France © trabantos/Shutterstock
It’s a particular favourite of yachting flotillas, whose spending habits have brought the island an upmarket reputation and made it just about the most expensive place to visit in the Ionian islands. The capital, Gáïos, is quite cosmopolitan, with delis and boutiques, but northerly Lákka and tiny Longós are where hard-core Paxophiles head, while by far the best swimming is at Paxí’s little sister island, Andípaxi.
Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon tailor-made trip. Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.
Paxos Island, Greece © IM_photo/Shutterstock
Sands Dunes on Holkham Beach, Norfolk © Margaret Clavell/Shutterstock
Elsewhere in the Algarve, especially around Sagres and Tavira, the surroundings are more attractive, with laidback resorts and low-key development.
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this tailor-made Real Algarvian Experience is for you.
The beach of Camilo, Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
Snow-capped mountains, beautiful, verdant valleys, deserts, towering cliffs and wonderful beaches of golden or black sand can all be found in the Canaries and some islands have intriguing combinations of these characteristics. Remember, the Canaries are volcanic, and volcanic islands are never dull.
Find more accommodation options to stay n the Canary Islands
Maspalomas beach and lighthouse at sunset © Valery Bareta/Shutterstock
On the western fringe of the Camargue is Plage de l’Espiguette, nearly 10km of untamed dunes and, refreshingly, not much else. If it’s beach bars you’re after, head to nearby Le Grau du Roi or La Grande Motte.
Plage de l’Espiguette © Pixelheld/Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Galicia, if you are planning to travel further in Spain, also read our guide to the best hotels in Spain: pick of the Paradores.
The beautiful beach of Carnota in Galicia, Spain © Lux Blue/Shutterstock
Though much of the resort’s appeal is down to its nightlife, there’s now a lot more to it than that. Its remarkably compact centre sits behind a surprisingly charming small harbour (Limanaki) with some fine stretches of sand, notably Nissi beach, running west from here.
Parasailing over the Mediterranean Sea, Ayia Napa, Cyprus © Shutterstock
Though it continues to struggle under its image as the first developed package-tour coast in Spain, the Costa Brava is very determinedly moving on to new horizons. Today, in most of the Costa Brava, there is a greater focus on the area’s natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Costa Brava
Southern Spain has been a busy tourist destination for many years. This self-drive tailor-made trip avoids the touristy area along the southern Spanish coast, instead opting to take in the culture of the north and its natural beauty and the rugged beaches and coast.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain © Shutterstock
For more inspirational travel tips for your future trips check our Rough Guide books.
If you prefer to plan and book your trips without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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Top image © Pecold/Shutterstock
written by Mary Novakovich
updated 27.04.2023
Mary is an award-winning travel journalist with a particular interest in France, Italy, Croatia and Serbia. When she's not writing about food and culture, she's on a mountain somewhere writing about skiing and hiking. Follow her @mary_novakovich on Twitter and @marynovakovich on Instagram.
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