Where to go in summer: the best beach destinations in Europe
The question of the year (which comes right on time every year): "Where are we going on vacation this summer?" If for you summer is synonymous with the sea, skin-warming sunshine and zero worries, we have selected some of the best beach destinations in Europe where you can let loose, recharge your batteries and collect moments to remember. Spoiler: you don't need to travel across the world to experience the sea of your dreams.
Close your eyes and think of summer: we bet you see a little white house with blue doors, the sound of cicadas, and turquoise waters?
Welcome to Greece, where each island is a universe unto itself, to be explored strictly barefoot.
- Naxos: the island you don't expect. Wilder, quieter, truer. Very long beaches, sand taverns, orange sunsets and views that look like paintings. Ideal for those who want to escape the crowds without sacrificing beauty.
- Mykonos: famous for its chic soul and nights that never end, but also for its picture-postcard beaches. Paradise Beach, Agios Sostis, Elia: here the sea has a thousand shades of blue and the urge to dive never ends.
Mood: breakfast overlooking the sea, afternoon at the beach, dinner at a tavern with live music and wind in your hair.
Portugal: surf, sun and iconic beaches
It is often chosen for a weekend of wineries and viewpoints, but Porto is also a perfect summer destination. Just minutes from the center, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in northern Portugal, ideal for surfers, romantics and those looking for a less obvious alternative to the usual beach vacation.
- Praia de Matosinhos: Porto's urban beach par excellence. Reachable by metro in less than 20 minutes, it is wide, well-equipped, bustling with surfers and sand bars. The atmosphere is relaxed, young, and the sunset is a sight to behold.
- Praia do Senhor da Pedra: a jewel just south of the city. Here the sea meets spirituality with the famous little 19th-century church built on a cliff, right next to the ocean.
Mood: A dip in the morning, a francesinha at lunch, a glass of Douro wine at sunset.
Italy: summer by the sea between tradition and beauty
Italy in summer has the scent of basil, the taste of salt on the skin, and the slow pace of vacations lived well.
And if you love the sea, you really do find everything here: sand, reefs, islands, fishing villages, and waters that are nothing like the tropics.
- Sicily: from San Vito Lo Capo to the beaches of Ortigia, you find turquoise sea, breathtaking scenery and cuisine that makes you say"I never want to go home again."
- Liguria: perfect for a weekend or slow vacation. Porto Venere, Rapallo, Lerici: colorful villages that look like something out of a fairy tale and hidden coves all to be discovered.
- Sardinia: the undisputed queen of the Mediterranean. Porto Cervo, Olbia... every corner is a blue poem. And you know, Sardinia always gives authentic emotions.
- Puglia: among the most beloved in Italy, and there must be a reason why. Gallipoli with its Caribbean beaches, Vieste with its sea caves, Otranto suspended between sky and cliff. Each place has a strong identity and an energy that stays with you.
Mood: Italian summer with slow pace, good food and open horizons.
Looking for inspiration (and a little organization)?
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to find your own rhythm. And if you need a hand in making travel arrangements, we're there: with online check-in, digital concierge and selected destinations where you can experience the summer vacation you deserve.
Summer is short, but memories can last forever.
Find out where to go and start imagining your next dive.