The places, most named first
From the 10 guides that rank for "best beach towns in europe"
Named by 4 of 101. AlgarvePraia da Marinha has golden sand, clear water and limestone rock formations, and Benagil Cave can be reached by boat or kayak.One guide says the Algarve has arguably the highest concentration of great beaches of any European destination, but it gets congested in summer.Best time to visit AlgarveBest places to visit in AlgarveNamed by 3 of 102. NiceMiles of beaches, mixing public and private stretches, and all of them pebbly.The Côte d'Azur offers a range of beach styles from Cannes and Nice to the coves of Antibes and Menton.Best time to visit Nice
Named by 2 of 103. BarcelonaSeven beaches are within easy reach, with Barceloneta the busiest and quieter ones like Bogatell further along.Called the best beach city in Europe for combining a city break with sunbathing.Best time to visit Barcelona
Named by 2 of 104. SardiniaCagliari, the island's capital, has a turquoise sea and sprawling beaches.Many Sardinian beaches are secluded, so it helps to research before going.Best time to visit SardiniaBest beaches in SardiniaBest places to visit in Sardinia
Named by 2 of 105. CreteElafonisi, Matala and Frangokastello are among the island's most beautiful beaches, and renting a car helps reach smaller towns.Elafonisi is so isolated that a boat is the easiest way to reach it.Best time to visit CreteBest beaches in CreteBest places to visit in Crete
Named by 2 of 106. Albanian RivieraKsamil is the most popular beach and nicknamed the Maldives of Europe. Vlorë suits a tighter budget, and Dhërmi, Himarë and Sarandë are also named.Saranda has about 300 sunny days a year and is a short trip from the ancient town of Butrint.
7. Montenegro RivieraBudva is the most popular beach town, with pebble beaches and clear blue sea similar to Croatia's.Sveti Stefan has a beach connecting to a small walled island.8. SplitMost Dalmatian beaches are pebbly, but Split has a sandy beach minutes from the old town.
9. RovinjA medieval town with rocky swimming spots and pebbly beaches, and summer water around 75°F.
10. Amalfi CoastPositano's Spiaggia Grande has cliff views, and Praiano and Atrani are quieter.Best time to visit Amalfi CoastBest beaches in Amalfi CoastBest places to visit in Amalfi Coast
11. Costa BravaA rugged coast of secluded coves from Barcelona to the French border, with towns like Tossa de Mar and Begur.12. San SebastiánPlaya de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta are relaxed with calm water, and Zurriola is livelier with a surf scene.
13. LisbonLong sandy beaches can be reached by public transport, with Carcavelos relaxed and family-friendly.Best time to visit Lisbon
14. PortoA vintage tram from the Ribeira district reaches the Foz beaches, and Matosinhos has a wide sandy beach popular with surfers.Best time to visit Porto
15. TarifaWind makes it a top spot for windsurfing, and winter waves attract surfers, so it works year-round.
16. CamogliA fishing town with pastel houses near Portofino. Its beach is pebbles, not sand.17. Palma de MallorcaCombines an old town and cathedral with a long sandy beach, with lifeguards, toilets and showers in high season.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit Europe.
Questions people ask
- What are some good beach city breaks?
- Barcelona, Nice, Split, San Sebastián, Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca are named as cities with beaches close to the old town.
