Best European Cities for a Beach Holiday

How often do you find yourself choosing between a city break and a beach holiday? What if we told you that you no longer have to choose just one? We’ve compiled a list of the best cities in Europe that offer stunning beaches, combining bustling urban life with museums and vibrant historic architecture alongside stretches of soft sand by the water where you can sunbathe, dance to popular tunes, or enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the sea.

Some destinations are obvious: Barcelona, Nice, Lisbon. But in the selection below, you will also find a few seaside cities that might surprise you, such as Odesa or Split.

Split, Croatia – For Lovers of Millennia-Old History

The white, polished marble streets of Split and the terracotta roofs of stone houses have been attracting people to this peninsula, jutting out over the sparkling Adriatic Sea, for hundreds of years. The Old Town, situated within the walls of the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace – built by the Roman emperor as his retirement "villa" where he famously grew cabbages – is where the dragon dungeons for the "Game of Thrones" series were filmed. Along the shady, winding pedestrian streets, entirely free of cars, the best restaurants compete for your attention to dine on fresh seafood. If you're spontaneous, you can jump straight into the sea from the city’s promenade after a stroll. For a nature retreat in the shade, head to the Krka waterfalls, where you can swim in crystal-clear water surrounded by the greenest trees.

Nice, France – For Lovers of Mediterranean Classics

The atypical French seaside city of Nice is located near the vibrant Cannes and luxurious Saint-Tropez. It doesn’t even quite resemble France, which makes sense when you learn that 150 years ago, this was part of Italy. After all, it’s a classic Mediterranean city that combines ancient Italian culture with the grandeur of stark urbanism. This pastel-coloured city, with its retro-style promenade dotted with bright sun umbrellas and pebbly beaches, is a blend of the old and the new. The Promenade des Anglais along Nice’s beach is one of the most famous star-studded promenades of the Mediterranean: a calm and beautiful place for a walk before dinner with good company.

Copenhagen, Denmark – For Lovers of Scandinavian Style

When booking a beach holiday, Denmark might not be the first place that comes to mind. But the Scandinavian summer is irresistible – in June, daylight lasts around 17 hours in Copenhagen, and average temperatures can reach a pleasantly mild 20°C. After a harsh winter, locals, keen to make the most of the warm weather, head to one of the few beaches in and around the city. Just a few minutes from the centre is Amager Beach Park – an artificial lagoon with 2.5 miles of white sand, complete with dunes to climb and a sea where you’ll find brave swimmers. For cold-water enthusiasts, more swimming spots can be found at Islands Brygge, where there’s a wooden pontoon for diving into the water.

Odesa, Ukraine – For Lovers of Resort Leisure

The Ukrainian city of Odesa is an ideal destination for all tourists: those looking to explore the city’s culture and history, those keen to engage with colourful vendors at local markets, and beach goers alike. The two largest and most famous beaches in Odesa are Langeron and Arcadia. Langeron, the city’s oldest beach where Count Langeron once had his summer residence, is located near the city centre. Here you’ll find both sand and stone slabs, so you can choose where to relax. Nearby are various cafés, a dolphinarium, and a park with both regular and water-based attractions. Arcadia Beach, Odesa’s most famous beach, features restaurants, cafés, a water park, nightclubs, palm trees, pools, and dancing until dawn. It’s a favourite spot for fans of active and fun leisure. This well-equipped beach regularly hosts parties and various events. Arcadia is a clubbing destination where DJs often play even during the day. Entry is free, but there are paid zones for relaxation.

Naples, Italy – For Lovers of Swimming with a View

Naples is known not only for its pizza, but also for its windy streets of the old town and the bustling Spanish quarters, where lively bars and restaurants spill out onto the roads. Mornings should be spent here, as the city wakes up and enjoys a delicious breakfast. But as the sun sets, head south towards the water. The expansive Bay of Naples, with the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius in the background, boasts black sand beaches and silvery water where you can dive off the rocks. Take some time for a swim and dry off at sunset, when the sky over the breathtaking hills turns every shade of pink. On a hot afternoon, visit MANN, the museum that houses most of the archaeological treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Afterwards, have lunch at Antica Port'Alba, a pizzeria just a few minutes’ walk away: five generations of one family have been baking the tastiest pizza here.

Barcelona, Spain – For Lovers of Sun and Fun

Barcelona is undoubtedly a leader when it comes to the best beach holidays in Europe. It boasts over two miles of sandy beaches, just a ten-minute walk from the city centre. Not only are the beaches great, but it’s also a thriving culinary mecca that will leave food lovers dizzy with delight. Head to La Boqueria, the famous food market, to grab some tasty bites for a picnic by the sea and lay your towel on one of the city’s four main beaches. Whether you’re sunbathing on Barceloneta, Icaria, Mar Bella, or Sitges Beach, you’ll find some of the best urban beaches in Europe. Pause along the way to enjoy amateur skateboarding competitions and impromptu musical performances on the promenade.

Lisbon, Portugal – For Lovers of a Weekend Beach Retreat

To enjoy sun and sea almost year-round, head to Lisbon. Stay in Bairro Alto, a lively district filled with locals sipping white port and tonics and eating salted cod fritters. When you’re ready, hop on the postcard-worthy tram number 28 and head west to Belém. There, take a stroll along the waterfront and try a pastel de nata – Portugal’s most famous dessert. Just a half-hour ride on public transport will take you to Praia de Carcavelos, where you can enjoy excellent surfing. Climb above the city to see the most breathtaking views of those famous hills cascading into the ocean at one of Lisbon’s many rooftop bars.