10 Best Beach Towns In Europe This Summer

This summer, Europe’s beach towns offer an enchanting blend of sun, sand, and culture that promises to delight travelers of all kinds. From the picturesque coastal villages nestled along dramatic cliffs to the serene stretches of golden sand that invite endless days of relaxation, the best summer destinations in Europe are the continent’s beach towns, hands down.

Picture yourself strolling through charming streets lined with quaint cafés and local shops, savoring fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and exploring historic landmarks and medieval streets that whisper tales of the past. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant nightlife, tranquil seaside retreats, or family-friendly beaches, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Whether it’s the United Kingdom’s quaint seaside locales, the beautiful Mediterranean islands and their almost tropical-like beach communities, or Eastern Europe’s highly underrated yet scenic cities and towns by the sea, the continent has it all, especially in the warm, inviting summertime. Need some convincing? Check out the best beach towns in Europe to visit in the summer.

10 Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Wells-next-the-Sea offers a vast sandy beach, picturesque beach huts, and a delightful harbor perfect for a summer family getaway

Wells-next-the-Sea, a charming seaside town in Norfolk, has become a favorite destination for beach holidays in the UK. This delightful town offers a great variety of independent shops, cozy accommodations, and excellent restaurants. Among its culinary highlights are the two fish and chip shops located opposite the harbor, providing a quintessential seaside dining experience.

The true gem of Wells-next-the-Sea is its expansive beach. Stretching for miles, this vast expanse of sand is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. Accessible from the town via an elevated walkway or a quaint little train, the beach near the town is lined with colorful beach huts, making it a popular spot even during the winter months.

As you venture further from the huts, the beach becomes increasingly wild and remote, offering a serene escape. The area behind the beach features sand dunes and pine forests, providing a picturesque setting for walks year-round, but summer brings a special charm despite the influx of visitors.

The beach’s sheer size ensures plenty of space, especially when the tide is out, making it easy to find a peaceful spot. For families, Wells-next-the-Sea is an ideal beach town. The town boasts a well-equipped playground featuring a pirate ship, a favorite among children, and an ice cream shop conveniently located nearby. The harbor is a hotspot for crabbing, and seals can often be seen lounging on the sand, adding to the town’s appeal.

9 Baiona, Galicia, Spain

Known for its medieval center, scenic beaches, and proximity to the Cies Islands, Baiona provides a rich cultural and coastal experience.

The Village of Baiona, located in Galicia, Spain, the fortress and the Virxe da Roca.

Galicia, a region in Spain known for its cooler, rainier climate, offers a lush and verdant landscape quite different from the hotter, drier parts of the country. The coastline is particularly stunning, featuring rugged hills and numerous sandy beaches, many located on the region’s islands. Baiona stands out as a charming seaside town here, perfect for those seeking a destination rich in history and character.

Encircled by defensive stone walls, Baiona’s medieval center is a maze of narrow streets lined with enticing tapas bars. This historical ambiance is complemented by a selection of sandy beaches within walking distance of the town center. For those willing to venture a bit further, a ferry ride to the Cies Islands is highly recommended, where Rodas Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful stretches of sand in the region.

Adding to Baiona’s allure is a replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship, La Pinta, docked in the port. This historic vessel marks the spot where Columbus first returned to Europe from the Americas in the 15th century, adding a fascinating historical dimension to the town’s maritime charm.

8 Šventoji, Lithuania

A peaceful retreat on the Baltic coast, Šventoji features serene beaches and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing summer holiday

Šventoji, Lithuania

The Lithuanian coastline remains a hidden gem among European beach destinations, retaining much of its natural charm. With most tourists and locals flocking to Palanga, Šventoji offers a quieter and more relaxed beach experience. The town’s beach is accessible year-round and ideal for a peaceful family getaway.

Featuring soft, natural-looking white sand and picturesque dunes, the beach is conveniently located about ten minutes from the main accommodation areas. This proximity means no long walks or drives are necessary to enjoy the seaside.

Šventoji’s main street is lined with small cafés, restaurants, and shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs and beach essentials. Beyond the beach, Šventoji offers a range of activities including inline skating, biking, horse riding, and a small amusement park.

7 Cap Ferret, France

This stylish, low-key destination is renowned for its oyster shacks, sandy beaches, and beautiful Atlantic coast views

Cap Ferret, a picturesque peninsula on France’s Atlantic Coast, is a haven for oyster lovers. Located in Arcachon Bay, Cap Ferret is easily accessible by boat from Pyla-sur-Mer. The area is renowned for its beachside shacks offering fresh oysters harvested directly from the sea.

This slender strip of land, stretching into Arcachon Bay, comes alive in the warm months, attracting visitors with its pristine beaches, pine forests, and captivating ocean views. Summer in Cap Ferret means enjoying fresh oysters at beachside shacks, cycling through scenic trails shaded by pine trees, and surfing the impressive Atlantic waves at spots like Plage de la Torchère.

The town’s relaxed ambiance is complemented by its chic, predominantly French clientele, offering a perfect blend of rustic elegance and coastal tranquility. With its stunning sunsets, vibrant local markets, and serene walks along sandy shores, Cap Ferret is a summer haven for those seeking a stylish retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

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6 Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna, Taormina combines historical charm with beautiful beaches and vibrant summer festivals.

Taormina is perched high above the Mediterranean and is one of Europe’s most captivating beach towns, despite being packed in summer. The town offers stunning views of the coastline and the smoldering Mount Etna. Though not directly on the beach, Taormina is connected to the sea via a cable car that descends to the coastal road, where steps lead to the shore.

The beach, with its shingle and pebble composition and clear waters, features a narrow pebble path to the Isola Bella nature reserve. In peak season, the cable car can be busy, but buses provide an alternative route to the coast. Dining options abound near the beach, and even in April, the chilly yet refreshing sea invites a quick swim.

Back in Taormina, the Ancient Greek amphitheater, enhanced by the Romans, offers breathtaking views and hosts contemporary music events, like a performance by Elton John. Wandering through Taormina, especially Piazza IX Aprile and Corso Umberto, is a joy, with picturesque cafés perfect for an afternoon respite.

5 Rovinj, Croatia

This picturesque town boasts cobblestone streets, a rocky coastline perfect for swimming, and a charming old-town atmosphere

Located on Istrian’s Peninsula, Rovinj is among the best beach towns in Croatia with cobbled streets that extend into the sea. Its rocky coastline is ideal for swimming, and the surrounding area offers cyclable paths through forest parks and small bays.

The Istrian countryside, known for its truffles and local cuisine, includes hilltop towns like Motovun, reminiscent of Tuscany but without the overwhelming tourist crowds. Rovinj feels more accessible and laid-back compared to Dubrovnik and Tuscany. It enjoys warm, sunny weather throughout the summer, making it ideal for beach outings, water activities, and outdoor explorations.

The town comes alive with numerous festivals, cultural events, and lively nightlife during the summer months. The Rovinj Summer Festival features music, dance, and theatrical performances in various venues around the town.

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4 Cassis, Southern France

With its beautiful Calanques, pebble beaches, and vibrant market, Cassis is perfect for a summer filled with natural beauty and local culture.

Cassis, one of France’s best beach towns for a summer vacation, is famed for its historic center, exquisite white wines, bustling port, and vibrant market. It’s also an ideal destination for a beach holiday. Plage de la Grande Mer, centrally located and family-friendly, offers convenience and safety with on-site lifeguards. Nearby, Plage du Bestouan attracts a younger crowd with its beach bar, while Plage de l’Arène is celebrated for its natural beauty.

The coastline is dotted with locals lounging on rocky surfaces and diving into the crystal-clear sea. For those who enjoy a walk or paddling, the Calanque beaches, such as Port Pin and the breathtaking Calanque d’En Vau, offer serene swimming spots nestled between dramatic cliffs.

Cassis’ beaches are mostly pebbly, but the region offers plenty of activities beyond sandcastle building. The calm Mediterranean waters are perfect for swimming, and pedalos and kayaks are available for further exploration. Family-friendly accommodations include La Demeure Insoupçonnée, while Les Roches Blanches provides a luxurious seaside experience.

3 Etretat, Normandy, France

Famous for its dramatic white cliffs and artistic history, Etretat offers breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage

Etretat, located in Normandy in Northern France, is one of the most picturesque and must-see natural wonders in France. Situated on the Alabaster Coast, this area is renowned for its dramatic white cliffs and charming fishing villages. The region has a rich artistic history, famously inspiring many Impressionist painters who sought to capture its unique light and beauty.

Claude Monet was particularly enchanted by Etretat, spending numerous days painting the town and its beach from the cliffs at sunrise and sunset. His works have helped make Etretat world-famous, drawing many visitors each year eager to see the landscapes that Monet immortalized.

The town itself features traditional Norman architecture and quaint streets perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping. However, Etretat’s main attraction is its stunning beach flanked by the iconic white cliffs. A sea promenade runs parallel to the beach, but for the best views, a climb to the little chapel Notre Dame de la Garde is recommended.

Visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine, particularly the fresh fish and seafood offered by beachfront restaurants, often paired with fine wine or cider.

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2 Naxos, Cycladic Isles, Greece

Featuring some of Greece’s best sandy beaches, historic sites, and a charming town, Naxos Town is ideal for a summer island adventure.

Among the myriad of Greek islands, Naxos stands out for its less touristy charm and breathtaking beaches. Part of the Cycladic group southeast of Athens, Naxos is the largest island in this cluster, which are some of the least-crowded and quietest Greek islands, and can be reached by ferry from the more accessible Santorini or Mykonos. This relative inaccessibility means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is the island’s capital and a quintessential Cycladic town with its whitewashed lanes and blue doors. Though filled with tourist shops, it retains its charm with numerous restaurants and cafés. The town boasts one of the largest beaches on the island, a vast stretch of sand extending uninterrupted for several kilometers.

Overlooking the town is the ancient, unfinished temple known as Portara, or “Big Door,” which offers a fantastic backdrop for a dive into Greek mythology. According to legend, this is where Dionysus met Ariadne. It’s best to visit this site either early in the morning or in the cool of the evening.

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1 Sozopol, Bulgaria

This ancient town combines historical charm with beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant local culture, making it a perfect summer destination

Sozopol on Bulgaria’s beautiful Black Sea coast is one of Europe’s finest beach towns and a highlight of any Bulgarian travel itinerary. While foreign tourists often flock to the more famous resorts around Varna, savvy travelers and locals know that Sozopoli is a beautiful hidden gem and is one of the reasons why Bulgaria is one of the best Eastern European countries for a summer holiday.

The beaches around Sozopol are long, sandy stretches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. They are very family-friendly and offer excellent camping opportunities just beyond the golden dunes, making this town an ideal spot for budget-conscious travelers or those on extended trips.

The best times to visit Sozopol are between May and July or in September and October, when the weather is pleasant and the beaches are less crowded. During peak season, pop-up eateries appear along the beach, providing a variety of dining options. Sozopol itself boasts numerous restaurants serving delicious Balkan cuisine.

Beyond its beaches, Sozopol is steeped in history, being one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Founded in the Bronze Age and later established by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, the town offers a wealth of historical sites to explore. Visitors can wander its ancient streets, visit the castle, and enjoy the annual art festival held each September. Sozopol’s blend of historical charm and beautiful coastal scenery makes it an ideal destination for both sightseers and beachgoers.