I’m always asked which are the best beach towns in Europe and it’s a hard question to answer. Some of my favorites are Posillipo, Fuerteventura and Hvar but there are so many.
From the cobalt waters of Antibes of to the sandstone cliffs of Posillipo and not forgetting Menton on the French Riveria. These pretty seaside towns in Europe are hard to beat.
Europe has an abundance of beautiful coastal cities, but choosing the perfect beach holiday location isn’t always easy with so many options available.
In this article I’ll walk you through some of what I feel are the best small beach towns in Europe. They each offer something different and this list is a great place to start.
So grab yourself a drink and let’s go on a coastal adventure together.
15 Best Beach Towns in Europe You Must Visit
Vernazza, Italy
One of the five towns of the Cinque Terre I absolutely love Vernazza. If like me you are looking for best European beach towns that are more on the quieter side this is for you.
It’s an idyllic location with narrow streets and colorful houses that seems to clutch onto the cliffs above the turquoise sea. Explore the harbor, central square and the beaches. Or just get a seat in one of the local restaurants and watch the world go by.
My biggest tip here is to make sure you visit the Doria Castle the view from the medieval fortress is amazing. This is one of the beach towns in Italy and I’m sure you will love it as much as I do.
Antibes, France
Rich in history, Antibes is one of the best beach holiday locations in Europe. With a lively atmosphere several beaches, tending boutiques and a bustling market it as a great choice for one of the best European beach holidays.
Whether you’re lounging at Plage de la Gravette or exploring the Picasso Museum, Antibes offers something for every kind of traveler. It’s a town full of history, culture, great restaurants and incredible views.
The old town has those winding cobblestoned lanes with pastel-colored buildings which I love and the marina is perfect for people watching. While you are here I highly suggest a visit to the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. It sits just south of the town and is known as billionaires bay. It’s a wonderful place to explore and has incredible views.
If you’re seeking the perfect blend of culture and seaside delight, this is one of the best European cities with beaches. It’s wide sandy beaches are an ideal playground for children, while adults can indulge in high-end restaurants and chic boutiques.
This is one of the best beach towns in France.
Polignano a Mare, Italy
Polignano a Mare also in Italy is one of the beach destinations in Europe. Famous for its Old Town perched on limestone cliffs over the Adriatic Sea, this is a destination where history and beach mesh wonderfully.
I find this place so unique, the houses sit on dramatic cliffs which is unlike any other place I have seen. I feel in love with this place and while it is Italy it is one of the cheapest beach towns in Europe
If you are an adrenaline junkie the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving competition is held here. I’m not but let me tell you they do have some of the best ice cream I have ever tested here. Head to Bar Turismo in Polignano’s main square, you can thank me later.
Polignano a Mare, in my opinion is the perfect blend of thrilling activities, stunning views, and quaint charm. It’s one of the best coastal cities in Europe.
Hvar, Croatia
In my opinion some of the best beach destinations in Europe are the ones that are lesser well known. Hvar, Croatia situated on the sunniest island in the Croatian archipelago and is a real hidden gem.
Known for its historical landmarks, lush vineyards, and crystal-clear waters, it’s rapidly gaining popularity as one of the best beach towns in Europe. I find the vibe here so tranquil and relaxed yet there is so much to do.
The town is impressive and the Fortica part of the town provides incredible views. Dubovica is one of my favorite beaches in the area and Milna is a quaint village nearby that I loved.
If you are looking for something a little different then a trip to Hvar might just be what you are after. It is one of the best beach town in Croatia.
San Sebastián, Spain
Why not consider a beach weekend getaway in Europe at San Sebastián? Located in the Basque Country of Spain, it’s one of the best European cities with beaches.
The beaches here really are lush. My favourite is Ondarreta beach which has a glorious stretch of sand flanked by lush scenic beauty.
San Sebastián is a laid back happening place if that makes sense. There is so much history here and the majestic Town Hall is well worth a visit. There are also so many bars and eateries here, in fact it is known for having the highest concentration of bars in the world but unlike some places they seem to only add to the charm.
Things I recommend you see here are the Santa Maria del Coro Church, the San Telmo Museum and Constitution Square. The La Bretxa Market and Victoria Eugenia Theater are also worth a visit. The city also hosts the renowned San Sebastian International Film Festival.
One of the best European beach towns in Spain, it is a sought-after destination for sun-seekers and foodies alike.
Palma, Mallorca
One of the best beach vacations in Europe I ever took was to Palma Mallorca. The place just feels majestic and is simply stunning with so much to do.
In the Balearic Islands it’s a real mix between history, culture, wonderful shopping and a side of chill. The architecture, beaches, port and old town and just so alluring.
The Palma Cathedral and Almudaina Palace are a must see here and a bus trip around the local villages is fin. I also loved the Train to Sóller, It’s a wonderful journey on a wooden train through some incredible countryside.
For me Palma is on of the best best towns in Mallorca and a mist visit.
Positano, Italy
Me an obsession with Italy? Never! Yes we are back there and righty so because Positano is one of the most scenic of all the Italian towns mentioned.
Positano does not just offer a picturesque view of the Mediterranean, but it is also one of the best beach towns for families in Europe.
Nestled on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is famous for its pebbled beaches, upscale boutiques, and cliffside housing painted in a kaleidoscope of pastel colors.
Spiaggia Grande is the main beach and can get crowded. If you don’t like crowds you can pay to sit on the private beach but its pricey. Fornillo Beach beach is less crowded and is easy to walk to.
While here I took a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast which was wonderful or you can explore the local towns by car.
I love it here but you wild pay for the privilege. All the walking up and down can also get exhausting. However there is lots to do and it has a really nice feel.
One of the best European beach holidays destinations partially if you want that perfect holiday picture.
Menton, France
Considered one of the prettiest seaside towns in Europe, Menton, France, is a small beach town where old-world charm meets sandy shores.
Its pastel-hued buildings decorated with fragrant citrus trees make for picture-perfect postcard views. This is the French Riveria at it’s best.
Menton’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for me and families will also love its more laid back vibes. This isn’t the place you come to do a lot.
Menton is famous for lemons so don’t be surprised at all the lemon related items you find in the shops and restaurants. The Annual Lemon Festival is also held here.
The Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange in the old town is a must see and I loved the Jean Cocteau Museum.
Kas, Turkey
If like me you are a sun seeker then head to Kas it is one of the best beach towns in Europe. It offers a ruggedly beautiful coastline and an atmosphere buzzing with energy.
The local bazars here are hard to drag yourself away from. I found the Turkish handicrafts and traditional delicacies fascinating. I loved just walking around aimlessly here every corner had something that caught my eye.
The beach here is a pebble beach which whilst wasn’t my favorite I found quite pleasant. I also loved the 40 minute hike up the mountain to watch the sunset.
The ancient amphitheater is I believe a must see here as are the ruins of the ancient city of Antiphellos which Kas was built on.
Whether you are seeking the best beach holiday locations in Europe for adventure, relaxation, or a dose of culture, Kas has it all. It is the best beach town in Turkey.
Ermoupoli, Syros, Greece
There are so many places I could include for Greece but Syros has me heart. It’s an underrated destination, offering a fusion of history, culture and natural splendor. It is the best beach town in Greece.
If you’re seeking a less commercial beach vacation in Europe, Syros is the ideal place. I find it just the right mix of traditional and modern.
You will find quaint narrow lanes, and majestic neo-classical structures all looking over the sea. However, it’s the beaches that make this place one of the best beach towns in Europe.
One of my favourite places here is the The Agios Stefanos which is a chapel built into the rocks. Agia Pakou a chapel up the hill from Galissas Beach is also stunning. I also love the St. Nicholas’s church. The prehistoric settlement of Kastri and the medieval quarter of Ano Syros were also wonderful.
And the best bit because this place isn’t very well known you will also find it one of the cheapest beach towns in Europe.
Madeira, Portugal
I love Maderia it offers more than just a regular beach destination in Europe with stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters, and magnificent mountain views its the perfect mix of everything I love.
This island region in Portugal is perfect for all the nature lovers. The island is known for its lush greenery and unique flora and fauna and black sand beaches. It is one of the best beach towns in Portugal.
The hiking, surfing and diving here are all phenomenal and wherever you stay it will be beautiful. I love Ponta do Sol but the capital Funchal has a lot to offer as does Ribeira Brava and Machico has a wonderful beach.
Wherever you go you will find history, stylish boutiques, vibrant markets incredible scenery all without breaking the bank. This is one of the most beautiful and cheapest beach towns in Europe.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands was a bit of a surprise to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect and let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised. One of the best beach town in the Canary Islands for those looking for something a little different.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ because of its magnificent waves and stunning landscapes. It’s a taste of the tropics blended with Spanish culture.
What I didn’t expect here were the sprawling sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. I don’t often find beaches in Europe that come close to those in Florida, here they did. Corralejo was absolutely stunning.
It’s not all about the beaches in Fuerteventura though. The island is also recognized for being a biosphere reserve, and the dramatic volcanic landscapes were out of this world.
From captivating historical settlements like Betancuria to the modern market streets of Corralejo, Fuerteventura ticks all the right boxes for a perfect European beach holiday.
Posillipo, Italy
And yes back to Italy because I simply couldn’t miss the stunning Posillipo off this list. It offers offering a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning coastal views.
Nestled on the spectacularly scenic coastline of Naples, Posillipo is known for its breath-taking vistas over the azure Mediterranean sea. The shoreline is dotted with quaint, vibrant-colored houses and magnificant structures that seem to rise from the cliffs. Its fabulous.
Posillipo also has a lot of historical charm with Roman ruins, lovely villas, and charming streets. The Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient Roman tunnel, and the legendary “Virgil’s tomb” are two must visits here.
For families who wish to soak up Italian culture and enjoy mesmerizing views of the sea, Posillipo is perfect.
Sozopol, Bulgaria
I couldn’t write this list without including a beach town in Europe that you have probably not heard of. This picturesque resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is somewhat of a hidden gem and is perfect for history buffs and sunbathers alike.
This charming beach town offers a fascinating combination of ancient ruins, lively beaches, and vibrant festivals and its one of the cheapest.
Dating from 7 BC its has cobbled streets wooden houses and museums displaying historic items dating back to back from the Bronze Age to the Middle Age it is one for the history buffs.
In the summer this place comes alive as its crescent shaped beaches are perfect for relaxation or water sports. I find this place just has a little bit of everything at a great affordable price. It is one of the best beach towns in Bulgaria.
Whitney, England
I know that the U.K. isn’t known for great weather or great beaches even though it does have some but I couldn’t complete this list without including one of my favorite beach towns in the U.K.
Situated on the Yorkshire Coast I find this place has an atmosphere that I have never found replicated anywhere else. When I tell you the location inspired Bram Stockers Dracula you will understand,.
Whitby is essentially a small fishing town with all the quintessentially English vistas you could want. However Whitby has something different. The town is looked over by the majestic ruins of Whitby Abbey which when lit up at night evoke all kinds of feelings.
One of the things you must do here is climb the 199 steps that lead up to the abbey the view is stunning and at sunset its incredible. There is so much to do and see here but for me sitting with a drink overlooking the harbor and watching the ships comings and goings is just perfect.
Once you come here you will know what made this place a favorite of Bram Stocker and believe me you will want to come back.
I know there are so many more destinations I could include here and these are just a start. Whether you are seeking the cheapest beach towns in Europe, small beach towns brimming with charm, or the best beach towns for families in Europe, I’ve covered the lot.
If you visit any let me know and if there is nay you want to add please do so in the comments. These are just my favorites and the start of a list that could go on forever.
15 Best Beaches In Europe You Must Visit