Summer is just around the corner and we can’t wait to take our first (not freezing) dip in the ocean! In order to promote sustainability and to keep our beautiful oceans clean, the United Nations named 8 June World Ocean Day. Ahead of this year’s World Ocean Day, Expat Explore is sharing our ten favourite city beaches in Europe! Take a look, imagine yourself out there with your toes in the sand and the sun on your shoulders, and build out your must-see bucket list for the upcoming summer months. Just remember to clean up after yourself and avoid single-use plastic. This way, we can help to preserve ocean life and keep the beaches safe and spotless!
Here are the top 10 city beaches in Europe:
1. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is pretty much surrounded by beaches, so you are spoiled for choice when you go in search of golden sands in this old Estonian city. Pirita beach is a favourite – it’s large and filled with plenty of locals, so you can soak up the true Tallinn vibe instead of being surrounded by tourists. If you feel like working up a bit of a sweat on your way there, forgo the taxi and cycle the 6km from the city, following the bike track that winds its way along the pine forest on the edge of the ocean – utterly gorgeous!
Related: As one of Europe’s most eco-friendly cities, Tallinn takes much effort to keep the city and its parks and beaches clean!
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Odds are Denmark is not one of the first countries that comes to mind when you think about beach vacations, but we’re here to inform you that Scandinavian summers are a thing of beauty. Sure, the temperatures are unlikely to go any higher than 20°C but, on the flipside, you have up to 17 hours of daylight to have fun and explore! Amager Beach Park is a man-made lagoon a short drive from Copenhagen’s city centre where you can climb dunes and spread out in the Scandi sun. Alternatively, you can brace the cold water and jump into the ocean from the wooden pontoon at Islands Brygge.
Related: Explore Denmark on an exciting Scandinavia tour!
3. Trieste, Italy
Trieste is an Italian city that is unlikely to make its way onto your must-visit list if you’re on the lookout for age-old landmarks or impressive art. However, if you’re keen to drink in true Italian beach culture at its best, there’s no better place to go. Lungomare beach has a seafront promenade that meanders on for a whopping 4km, and it also happens to be a great spot to pick up some fantastic regional seafood delicacies from a variety of street vendors!
Related: Spend 17 days ticking off Italian highlights on our Italy Explorer tour!
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Oh Lisbon, how we adore thee. This is a city that centres on sun and sea. If your dream scenario is to wake up to a balmy breeze on a sultry summer morning, throw on a slip of a dress and some sandals, pick up a coffee and a pastel de nata on your way to the tram before you make your way to the beach for the entire day, this is most definitely the city for you.
Related: Lisbon beaches await on your free day in this beautiful city. Book your Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour now!
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
The stoic, elegant walled city of Dubrovnik may not conjure images of beach bats and splashing children, but the entrancing turquoise waters around it’s coastline make for a wonderful beach holiday if you’re so inclined. Top tip – steer clear of Banje beach if you don’t care for milling crowds. Instead, head for Coral Beach, where you’ll find the locals enjoying the scenery at the shore.
Related: Enjoy a free day in Dubrovnik when you join our Balkan Explorer tour!
6. Nice, France
Nice serves up retro promenade glamour at its best. Following in the glitzy slipstream of nearby Cannes and St Tropez, the vibe is part French, part Italian with a daring dash of urban grit. The pebbled beaches are great for sunbathing, but it’s recommended that you shell out for a sunlounger if you want to stick around for a while (pebbles are not all that comfy to sit on!).
Related: Travel along the French Riviera and visit Nice with our Europe Explorer tour!
7. Marseille, France
Sticking around in France, make your way to Marseille. While it may not be as famous as Monaco, this ocean-side city boasts some seriously picturesque beaches. An easy trip from the city centre takes you to the three Prado beaches, where you can spend a whole day relaxing on the sand, watching the world go by and soaking up some true Provençal flavour.
8. Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum may perhaps be best known for its vibrant nightlife and tasty kebab culture, but it also has some epic beaches. Kargi beach (also known as Camel beach), in particular, is the ideal place to pick up a tan. You’ll see plenty of locals enjoying the beach with their families and friends, and the swimming is great as well!
9. San Sebastián, Spain
You have not truly experienced San Sebastian until you’ve spent some time on Concha beach with a cocktail in hand and some tapas within reach. This is one of those spots where you are surrounded by mountains while your feet are in the sand, which somehow makes it the experience all the more magnificent.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of those places where the beach vibe is so pervasive throughout the city that you can’t help but relax into a holiday atmosphere. It’s a wonder the locals get any work done at all! Pick up some picnic essentials and head to Nova Icaria, slightly north of Barceloneta, to find a spot in the sand and see what all the fuss is about. We guarantee you’ll end up spending the entire day here!
Related: Why not visit a beach on your free day in Barcelona on our Taste of Spain tour?
There you have it – ten city beaches throughout Europe that are just begging to be splashed and strolled! Have a look at our Europe tours and start planning your next summer vacation!