There’s nothing better than the long, hot days of summer in Europe. Late evenings bathed in sunshine, warm nights eating al-fresco and all-day sun on the beach is what brings thousands of tourists to this region every year. Here’s our pick of the best European beaches to visit in 2024.
1. Puglia, Italy
While international tourists flock to the busy cities of Venice, Rome and Florence, Italy’s less-frequented Puglia region is known for its miles of glorious golden sands. Visit Ostuni, Brindisi or Torre Canne for fantastic authentic food, blissful blue shores and family-friendly beach clubs.
Stay at The Madonna Della Torre Residence in the historic city of Lecce
2. Cornwall, UK
While the UK weather isn’t quite up to the heat of mainland Europe, the picturesque scenes in Cornwall make up for it. Bude, Gwythian and Newquay on the northern coast are a big hit with surfers and families, while the south coast is lined with picturesque rocky coves and spectacular cliffs.
Stay at The Churchtown Residence in Porthcurno
3. Zandvoort, The Netherlands
Better known for the nearby city of Amsterdam, the laid-back beach town of Zandvoort and the surrounding sandy coastline is less than half an hour from the city and perfect for bar-hopping, forest-bathing and paddle-boarding.
Stay at The Sterreboslaan Residence in nearby Bloemendaal
4. Las Salinas, Ibiza
The quintessential vacation island of Ibiza comes to life with hoards of visitors every summer. Nearly all the beaches on the island are family friendly, but a trip to Las Salinas will deliver a white-sand paradise surrounded by sand dunes and a nature reserve. Visit before July to avoid the crowds.
Stay at The Campo Loft to stay in the heart of the island
5. Balos Beach, Crete
Some of Europe’s most exclusive and luxurious family resorts can be found in the Greek Islands. Visit Balos beach in Crete for hot summer nights, gentle turquoise waves and idyllic white sands.
Stay at The Ammos Residence
6. Pampelonne, St Tropez, France
There’s no better place to experience European glitz and glamor than the French Riveria. Count the yachts dotted along the shoreline, visit one of the many beach clubs or spot celebrities in the nearby towns around the world-famous Pampelonne beach.
Stay at Villa Crystal in Antibes
7. Carvalhal, Portugal
The wild and vast Atlantic coast attracts surfers and sun-seekers from across the country and beyond. Visit Comporta, Carvalhal or Melides, just south of Lisbon, for surfing, dolphin-spotting and some the country’s best beach clubs.
Stay at The Carvalhal Beach Residence
8. Ornos Beach, Mykonos
Known for its lively atmosphere, the Greek island of Mykonos is also home to plenty of shallow calm beaches that are perfect for young children. Visit Ornos beach, just a few minutes from the vibrant Mykonos town, for a classic Greek seaside resort.
Stay at The Ioannou Residence just outside Mykonos Town
9. Icaria, Barcelona
Barcelona is surrounded by sandy beaches – an ideal day trip for families visiting the city. Icaria is known for its calm shores, playground and beach-front restaurants.
Stay at The Carrer de Pau Claris Residence in the city center
10. Elba Island, Tuscany
Not traditionally renowned for its beaches, Tuscany is lined with sandy shores from Massa down to Orbetello. Take a boat over to the cute island of Elba, where you can get around on foot or by bicycle, for an alternative Italian vacation.
Stay at The Campo Nell D’Elba Residence
Discover more family-friendly vacation rentals near the best European beaches by browsing our collection of Beach Houses and ‘Walk to the Beach’ properties.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/eixample/the-carrer-de-pau-claris-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/mykonos/the-ioannou-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-carvalhal-beach-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/crete/the-ammos-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/bloemendaal/the-sterreboslaan-residence