A European excursion is a traveler’s dream, more so when there’s a beach involved. Typically, the glory goes to the Caribbean or Hawaiian Islands when it comes to picking optimal beach locations. We admit there’s no denying their tropical allure and luxury or the laid back resort-style vibes. However, it’d be a shame to overlook the exotic locales Europe’s coastlines have to offer. They come with unforgettable panoramic ocean views, dramatic sunsets, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and beauty around every corner. However, here you’ll notice a difference - the European flair added to every experience, a subtle elegance apparent wherever you go.

Destinations vary from semi-remote islands to busy, beachside village towns. Here you can find a mix of days spent lounging in a sexy designer bikini on warm, soft sands and adventuring into a specific cultural or historical aspect of the destination you’re visiting. While the beaches themselves are a sight to be seen, the nearby islands and city life make for a well-rounded summer escape. The first thing to consider is the type of beach vacation you’d like to have. Does it involve pampering at a luxury resort and seaside shopping nearby? Would you like time to disconnect completely without a scheduled itinerary in mind? Or, do you want to embrace the full spirit of the true European beach escapade and sample a little bit of everything this area of the world has to offer?

Let’s give credit where it’s due and highlight some of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. Visualize the deep blue waters of Greece or the spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast and it’ll become obvious why these are among the best beaches in Europe. Scheduling a summer vacation at one of these breathtaking travel spots is memorable for many reasons, but mostly it’s all what you make of your time here. It’s always nice to leave room for spontaneity as you get more familiar with these special shores.  

Ibiza is famous worldwide. It’s an iconic place where sunsets are as sought after as watching the sunrise after happily losing track of time. The name alone of this Mediterranean island sounds exotic, which has made Ibiza appealing for years due to its glamour and allure. Travelers count it as one of the best beach holiday destinations in Europe mainly because of its party reputation. Celebrities consider it a favorite and many famous DJs have redefined the “beach club” terms of operation because the hours extend from dusk until dawn.

The main area and longest beach in Ibiza is Playa d’en Bossa. During the day, it’s a relaxing paradise where you can paddle boat nearby or lounge in the sun for hours at a time. When the sun goes down, the atmosphere shifts completely and turns into the central location for nightlife with two of the most popular clubs, Ushuaia and Space, close by. Ibiza can handle the sizzle, which is why the sexiness of a swimsuit like a classic Bandeau Bikini fits right in with this island vibe of free-spirited fun. It’s gorgeous, comfortable, and looks good on everyone day or night.

To take a break from the up-all-night scene, Cala Comte is a favorite, too, for a beach that’s not quite as chaotic. The sunset views are awe-inspiring and are worth the ferry ride it takes to get there. A trip to the Island of Es Vedrà is also recommended to check out local wildlife and capture stunning photos. The landscapes, vast ocean panoramas, and island creatures provide a welcoming alternative when you need a day of R&R.

Luxury abounds along the French Riviera. The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of St. Tropez and Cannes have long been premium travel destinations for any beach lover. It has a noticeably different feel than the always-on Ibiza vibe. It’s calmer but still embraces the sultriness of the Mediterranean. St. Tropez is known as much for its illustrious beaches as it is for the yachts that share the coast. Let your confidence shine when vacationing here because conservative isn’t really the style. A designer bikini is an option that exudes sexy sophistication with a low-rise cut and sailor knot detail that results in a flattering, yet functional fit.

Near St. Tropez is Plage de Pampelonne, a vibrant spot to rent a cabana by the day and relax in preparation for late-night dinners and cocktails al fresco. Another option is L’Ille de Riou beach. To get here, you’ll have to go by boat. Once you arrive, it’s the ideal place for snorkeling in crystal clear waters or scuba diving to the deeper parts of the Mediterranean sea. Rather than party crowds, this is better suited for travelers who prefer a bit of seclusion. For more inspo, here's what to do in St Tropez for a day. 

Cannes is famously known for its annual film festival but besides the industry connection, this chic city has a shoreline that reveals a view of blue waters on one side and high-end stores and resorts on the other. Wherever you go in Cannes, you’re surrounded by the finer things of life. This calls for a swimsuit such as the Black Ivory Shoulder Bikini. The solid black and sexy shape of this classic cut swimsuit is a staple for any European beach vacation. Take it from day to night by pairing it with a sarong and sandals for a look that is tailor-made for life on the French Riviera.

Sweeping, panoramic views and waters with high visibility are the signature look of Croatia. Sakarun Beach on Dugi Island is an idyllic destination. We like to call it paradise found. Surrounded by pine tree forests and lined with white sands, it’s been named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The sea green waters are shallow and calm, which makes it safe for swimming or sailing nearby. Fall into a trance listening to the waves and spend your days basking in the sun. This is such a vibrant place to visit and capture picture-worthy moments, you’ll likely never want to leave.

Though smaller than other stretches of European beaches, Sveti Stefan is still majestic. The village that seemingly floats in the Adriatic Sea is a sight to be witnessed while enjoying a day on the nearby sandy beach. Part of this picturesque landscape is adjoined and only accessible via the luxury Aman resort, if you’d prefer the private access, but the area to the south is free to the public.

The royal blue Ripple Bikini mirrors the sea waters and its striking color is a stand out on the beach. Sveti Stefan has been named as Montenegro’s most photographed site due to the extraordinary views it offers. A trip here is not your average beach vacation, but should be a stop as you explore the other magnificent beaches of Montenegro.

Elafonissi Beach is known for its subtle, pink hue that comes from the red microorganism that develops on its coral. Pink sands are always a welcoming sight and one of the reasons many tourists love coming here for an escape. Why not fully embrace your surroundings with a Sexy One Piece that delivers a feminine silhouette and a complementary color to the sands. Plus, one pieces that are comfortable and classic can also have a modern edge when accompanied by a plunging neckline and crisscross back.

This beach has crystal clear, shallow waters for swimming, water sports, and simply wading in the water. There are also amenities to accommodate a full day of beach action. There are umbrellas, sunbeds, and changing rooms as well. Most of what you’ll need for a day by the water can be found at Elafonissi Beach. It mainly draws travelers during the summer months, but the surroundings can be enjoyed any time of the year.

The Spanish island of Mallorca is home to over 200 breathtaking beaches. One of the best known is Cala Fomentor Beach, which is set among the greenery of the island and looks out on the waters that make up the Bay of Pollenca. While narrower than other beaches of north Mallorca, it’s an ideal place for a summer vacation to relax for an afternoon and walk along the coastline. Embrace golden sands and gorgeous views, while also benefiting from the amenities of a well-visited traveler spot.

Like Elafonissi Beach, it also has showers, changing areas, and sunbeds available for rent. There are also water sport rentals and plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained. Packing a swimsuit that can take you from beach to lunch and onto other activities is best for a trip to Mallorca. A Tie Side Bikini is a swimsuit that fits for all occasions while maintaining all-day comfort. The red and pink pastels are colorful and flirty, perfect for a fun time spent on the island.

Portugal has become one of the more exciting destinations on travelers’ wishlists lately. For your next summer vacation, Algarve is a magical choice with picturesque beaches and plenty to do. Praia de Marinha has gold-flecked sands and stunning waters as part of a more remote setting. The semi-privacy of this beach gives it an exclusive feel that’s pure luxury. There are stairs from the seaside cliffs down to the beach and a restaurant right along the shoreline.

Snorkel through caves and rock formations, walk along the beach trails, and get an up-close view of the famed M rock, a large structure on the right side of the beach that delivers a striking viewpoint. Explore Algarve via its various beaches and live what many already know to be a true paradise. Swimsuit choices for a summer here are the Divino Rachel Tied One Piece or Divino Bia Tube One Piece in show-stopping red. Both are high-quality, high-class options that provide a bit more coverage for a full day spent in or on the water.

What would a lineup of the most beautiful beaches in Europe be without a nod to the Amalfi Coast? As one of the most photographed areas of the world, it is a timeless example of the “sweet life” of Italian culture. Marina Grande is the largest beach on the island of Capri and from here, there is a boat that will transport you to Palazza a Mare, the nearby seaside villa, or the Bagni di Tiberio beach club.

The colors of the coastline don’t come from the waters alone. The homes set among the hillside towns and the welcoming restaurants and shops create the look of a real-life postcard. It’s the quintessential spot for people watching and breathing in the saltwater air as you leisurely stroll on the beach.

The charming coastlines of Europe’s endless shores deliver the enchanting sea views that everyone desires, but it also offers a look into cultural charms that other beach destinations simply don’t have. You can’t go wrong with any of the places listed here - there’s always another island to explore, another summer vacation to be planned.

There’s no denying the beauty and expansiveness of the Mediterranean region, which is why you should plan to visit as many pristine beaches as possible for the ultimate getaway. Plus, beyond this area’s stunning scenery, there is a long list of other European beaches to be discovered as well. There is a rotating “best” of seaside destinations because they’re all picture-perfect for travelers to revel in and appreciate.

Luckily, a beach vacation of any kind makes packing much easier, since it’s likely you’ll be wearing a swimsuit for the majority of the time. There has to be more than one option available for wherever you go, which is why you can feel confident and carefree in designs that fit you and your vacation plans the best. Schedule an extended summer holiday by adding one (or many) of these European beach excursions to your next travel agenda and get swept away.

Sources:
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-beaches-in-ibiza-spain; https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/frances-sexiest-beaches; https://www.welcome-to-croatia.com/; https://www.lonelyplanet.com/montenegro/; https://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/best-beaches-europe; https://www.seemallorca.com/beaches/; https://www.islands.com/best-beaches-italy-amalfi-coast;