With summer coming up, we’re dreaming of beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and sunny skies! Europe is full of gorgeous beach destinations with stunning ocean views. Wondering where to go for your next summer vacation? Expat Explore has you covered with our list of Europe’s most beautiful coastal destinations!
Visit these European destinations for the best ocean views and beach experiences:
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy has so much to offer its visitors with its warm Mediterranean climate, exquisite scenery and charming beach towns. From the glitz and glam of Capri and the colourful villages of Cinque Terre to the pristine waters and warm weather of Sicily, Italy boasts some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. However, one coastal region tops our list and that magical place is the Amalfi Coast.
Located along the Sorrentine Peninsula, this 50km stretch of coastline is home to rugged cliffs, dramatic landscapes and vibrant towns and villages. Wondering what the best towns on the Amalfi Coast are? The picture-perfect Positano is probably the most popular town but this also means that it gets very busy during the summer season. The town of Amalfi is also a must-visit with its enchanting architecture. However, the largest city on the Amalfi Coast, Salerno, oozes history and its sparkling beaches are significantly less crowded than others on the Amalfi Coast.
Related: Discover the Amalfi Coast on our Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily tour!
The Algarve, Portugal
If you’re looking for a region that sparkles with sunshine for around 300 days every year and is home to 200km of coastline with 130 beautiful beaches, look no further than the Algarve! The Algarve is the Southernmost region in Portugal and is known for its dazzling waters, fresh seafood and quaint villages.
Offering sandy beaches ideal for a family holiday, vibrant nightlife for a fun getaway and charming towns full of history, an Algarve vacation offers something for everyone. Surfers will be in their element with excellent waves and cooler temperatures while adventure seekers can opt for hiking, skydiving, cliff jumping and more! Foodies can delight in some of the country’s finest seafood, locally-grown wine and world-class restaurants.
Related: Discover the beauty of the Algarve during our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour!
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
While the water of our next entry may be too cold to swim in most of the year, the scenery makes this coastal route an absolute must-visit. Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of natural beauty. With its rolling green hills and rugged cliffs, Ireland and Northern Ireland are well known for their romantic countryside. Possibly the best scenery in Northern Ireland can be found along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Home to the mysterious Giant’s Causeway, the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the striking Dunluce Castle and much more, this coastal route is full of folklore, history and spectacular coastal scenery. There are also a number of beaches along the route which is around 193km long. Visiting in summer, you should be able to take a dip in the Irish Sea but, if you dare, join the many swimmers who brave the frosty winter sea!
Related: Uncover the mysteries of the Giant’s Causeway when you join our Irish Explorer tour.
San Sebastian, Spain
Sunny skies and Spain go together like tapas and vino! Many people flock to Spain to escape the freezing cold winters of northern Europe as, most of the year, many Spanish regions remain warm. The south of Spain is particularly balmy and boasts beautiful coastal regions like Cadiz, Marbella and Málaga. While southern Spain is great to visit off-season, it can be difficult in summer due to extreme temperatures and flocks of crowds. To avoid a little too much heat, why not travel to San Sebastian in Basque Country?
With a sub-tropical temperature and mild winters, San Sebastian might just be your next dream vacation spot! The Bay of La Concha (named as such because of its shell shape) is conveniently located in the city and is home to two glorious beaches: La Concha and Ondaretta. La Concha is widely considered one of Europe’s best city beaches. Aside from these idyllic beaches, San Sebastian is also renowned for its culinary scene. As the food capital of Spain, San Sebastian has more Michelin Stars per square metre than any other city in the world!
Related: Escape the winter with these warm Spanish holiday hotspots.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Croatia is a beloved destination for sun seekers, history buffs and keen adventurers alike. While this intriguing Balkan country is a very popular travel destination, it still offers many hidden gems and underrated highlights. Many of which can be found in Dalmatia. The Dalmatian Coast is Croatia’s majestic portion of the Adriatic Sea dotted with pristine beaches, limestone cliffs and Medieval towns on its shores.
Travellers are spoilt for choice when deciding which place to visit in Dalmatia. Hvar Island is known for its natural beauty and incredible nightlife while Split boasts a UNESCO-listed Old Town and lush green spaces. However, Dubrovnik is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is widely considered the most beautiful city along the Dalmatian Coast. With its iconic city walls, red-brick roofs and shimmering waters, Dubrovnik is a dreamy summer destination.
Related: Explore Dubrovnik on our Balkan Explorer tour!
Santorini, Greece
Greece is truly a paradise for beach lovers and offers those who visit a seemingly endless array of coastal delights. From the iconic windmills and non-stop nightlife of Mykonos to the laid-back lifestyle and blindingly blue waters of Crete, the seaside wonders of Greece are no secret! Even on the mainland and in Athens, the Greek capital, exquisite beaches are just waiting to be explored. It’s hard to pick a favourite coastline but for this list, we’ve chosen the mesmerising island of Santorini.
With its signature whitewashed, blue-domed houses, awe-inspiring volcanos and delicious Greek cuisine, Santorini constantly ranks as one of the world’s most beloved summer spots. Santorini is also home to some of the globe’s most unique beaches! There’s the black volcanic sand beach of Perissa, the famous Red Beach and Vlychada which is backed by dramatic sandstone cliffs to name just a few!
Related: Spend three nights in Santorini on our Best of Greece tour!
French Riviera, France
Home to stunning cities like Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez and even the tiny principality of Monaco, the French Riviera is one of Europe’s most sought-after summer spots. This also makes it one of Europe’s busiest summer spots! We highly recommend visiting the French Riviera during shoulder season when crowds are fewer and temperatures are milder. June is possibly the best time to visit with temperatures sitting at a pleasant average of 22℃ and very little rainfall.
While a French Riviera road trip is sure to offer sweeping views and plenty of adventure, it is also relatively easy to get around without a car. Almost every town along the 100km-long Riviera is connected by bus or train. Wondering which city should be your base? Nice is a perfect place to start. As the main city on the Riviera and one of the top holiday spots in France, its airport offers many international flight connections. It is best known for its pebbled beaches and glamorous promenade, charming Old Town and exceptional cuisine!
Related: Discover the beauty of Nice when you join our Europe Explorer tour.
Albanian Riviera, Albania
The Albanian Riviera might just be Europe’s best-kept coastal secret! Albania just also happens to be one of Europe’s most affordable countries allowing travellers to soak up the sun and scenery without breaking the bank. Located in southern Albania, the Albanian Riviera (also known as Bregu) offers about 130km of coastline. This coastline winds past ancient historical sites, breathtaking beaches and inviting villages.
The Albanian Riviera stretches from the magnificent seaside village of Dhërmi to the bustling resort city of Sarandë. Along the way, some of the best villages, towns and sites to visit include the small village of Ksamil, which is celebrated for its spectacular beaches, the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, Albania’s largest archaeological park, and the peaceful beach town of Himare. The best time to visit the Albanian Riviera is from May to October. You’ll be treated to a Mediterranean climate, turquoise waters and natural beauty as far as the eye can see!
Related: Here’s how to survive summer in Europe.
From the warming waters of the Mediterranean to the bewitching blues of the Adriatic, these beautiful coastal views await! Whether visiting for a summer vacation or a shoulder season getaway, these beachside locations never disappoint!
Whether it’s sun, sand or scenery you seek, Expat Explore has got you covered! Book a tour and start exploring the many wonders of the world now.