By now you’ve probably seen enough pictures of Positano to last a lifetime. But here’s the thing about Europe’s beach scene: some of the best coastal towns are the ones you might not have heard of yet.
These spots aren’t just about posting the perfect Instagram shot (though you totally can). They’re places where you can actually relax, eat amazing food that doesn’t cost a fortune, and maybe even find a beach that isn’t packed like a sardine tin in summer. So, get ready to throw the rulebook out the window and discover the most amazing beach towns in Europe that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
12. Cascais, Portugal
Think of Cascais as Lisbon’s chilled-out cousin who moved to the beach. Just a quick train ride from the capital, this former fishing village is where locals head when they need a break from city life. Sure, you’ll find the usual postcard-perfect beaches, but the real magic happens in the winding streets where old-school fishermen’s cottages sit next to cool art galleries.
Hit up Praia da Ribeira for your beach fix, or watch some dramatic waves at Boca do Inferno, where the Atlantic throws an impressive tantrum against the cliffs. The local food scene? Think fresh sardines grilled right in front of you, not a laminated tourist menu in sight.
11. Cadaqués, Spain
Salvador Dalí knew what was up when he picked this whitewashed fishing village as his summer hangout. Tucked away in Costa Brava, Cadaqués feels like it’s actively trying to avoid being touristy – and that’s exactly what makes it awesome.
The pebbly beaches might not win any soft-sand contests, but they keep the crowds away and the water crystal clear. Spend your mornings exploring the twisted streets of the old town, afternoons diving into hidden coves, and evenings sipping vermouth at local bars where the tables spill onto the streets. Everything that is great about Spain in one place!
10. St Ives, England
Don’t let England’s reputation for gloomy weather fool you – St Ives is basically the Cornwall coast’s answer to the Mediterranean (okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s pretty close). This artsy town serves up some seriously beautiful beaches alongside proper British charm.
Porthmeor Beach is where you’ll find surfers braving the waves, while the harbor front is packed with galleries, seafood spots, and the kind of ice cream shops that make you forget about your beach body goals. When the light hits just right, the crystal blue waters give the French Riviera a run for its money. And when the rain sets in? There is always a cozy pub to keep you warm!
9. Cefalù, Sicily, Italy
Sandwiched between a massive rock formation and the bluest waters you’ve ever seen, Cefalù looks like it was designed specifically for postcards. This Sicilian stunner combines all the best bits of island life: a knockout beach, streets made for aimless wandering, and food that’ll make you want to extend your stay.
The Norman cathedral dominates the skyline, creating that perfect backdrop for your beach photos. While most tourists flock to Taormina, Cefalù keeps things more low-key and authentic. The historic center is a maze of honey-colored streets where locals still hang their laundry out to dry, and tiny restaurants serve up the kind of seafood pasta that’ll haunt your dreams. Don’t forget to climb La Rocca – those panoramic views are worth every step.
8. Naxos Town, Greece
While everyone’s fighting for selfie space in Santorini, Naxos Town (Chora) is over here living its best life without the hype. Picture this: a massive marble doorway standing solo on a tiny peninsula (that’s the Portara – your new favorite sunset spot), a castle on a hill, and some of the longest beaches in the Cyclades.
The best part? The town beach is just the beginning. Rent a scooter and you’ll find miles of sandy shores stretching down the west coast, from Agios Prokopios to Plaka. The waterfront is lined with tavernas where you can stuff yourself with grilled octopus and local cheese while watching the ferries come and go. And, unlike its famous neighbors, Naxos actually remembers it’s a real Greek island, not just a tourist playground.
7. Biarritz, France
This place is what happens when surf culture crashes into French sophistication. Once the holiday spot for European royalty, Biarritz now attracts a mix of surf dudes, food lovers, and people who just appreciate a good beach without the Côte d’Azur price tag.
Grande Plage is the main show, where you can watch surfers tackle the waves while you debate between taking a lesson or just sticking to sunbathing. The food scene is ridiculous – we’re talking fresh seafood, Basque pintxos, and local markets that’ll make you want to pick up cooking. The architecture is a wild mix of Art Deco and Belle Époque, proving that even the buildings here can’t decide if they’re fancy or laid back.
6. Tropea, Italy
Perched on a cliff like it’s showing off (which it totally is), Tropea is the kind of place that makes you question why you haven’t moved to Italy yet. The historic center sits high above the sea, with stairs leading down to some of the clearest waters in Calabria. The main beach stretches beneath the old town, with that famous sanctuary-topped rock island floating just offshore – it’s basically begging to be photographed.
Tropea’s also famous for its sweet red onions (yes, really), and you’ll find them in everything from gelato to jam. The evening passeggiata here is less about being seen and more about catching those insane sunset views while deciding which family-run restaurant to try next.
5. Tavira, Portugal
The Algarve isn’t all about party towns and golf resorts – Tavira proves that. This laid-back spot keeps things real with its Roman bridge, 37 churches, and some of the chillest vibes in southern Portugal. The beach situation is unique – Ilha de Tavira is actually a sandbar island reached by boat, which keeps the day-trip crowds in check.
The town itself is split by the Rio Gilão, with outdoor cafes lining both banks where you can sip coffee and watch fishermen bring in their catch. Don’t miss the converted market hall, where local restaurants serve up fresh seafood that’ll make you forget about those tourist-trap joints in Lagos. The best part? Even in peak season, Tavira feels more like a living, breathing Portuguese town than a tourist hotspot.
4. Budva, Montenegro
Think of Budva as the Adriatic’s answer to Miami Beach, but with 2,500 years of history thrown in for good measure. The medieval old town sits on a little peninsula, surrounded by walls that have seen more drama than a Netflix series. But it’s not all about the history – Budva’s got beaches for days, literally.
Mogren Beach is the local favorite, connected by a cliffside path that’ll have your Instagram followers double-tapping like crazy. The nightlife here is legendary but you can easily escape the party scene by heading to quieter beaches along the coast. The backdrop of mountains meeting sea makes every beach view look like it’s been photoshopped.
3. Split, Croatia
Split isn’t just another pretty coastal city – it’s what happens when you build a beach town inside a Roman emperor’s retirement palace. The historic center is literally ancient Rome meets Game of Thrones vibes, with cafes and bars tucked into 1,700-year-old walls. Bačvice Beach, right in the city, is where locals gather to play picigin (think volleyball but with more splashing).
But the real beach magic happens when you hop on a boat to nearby islands or head to the quieter shores of Marjan Hill. The food scene mixes Dalmatian tradition with modern flair – think fresh seafood risotto served in contemporary wine bars hidden down ancient alleyways.
2. Menton, France
Sitting pretty on the French Riviera, Menton is like Nice‘s more sophisticated, less crowded cousin. The town is famous for its lemons (they’re seriously amazing), but the real star is the old town’s palette of pastel buildings that look like they were painted specifically for your social media feed.
The beaches here are part sand, part pebble, all gorgeous – and way less packed than those in Cannes or Nice. The gardens are ridiculously beautiful, filled with exotic plants that thrive in the microclimate. The Franco-Italian location means you get the best of both cultures: French pastries for breakfast, Italian pasta for dinner, and views that’ll make you forget about both.
1. Nerja, Spain
Welcome to the beach town that makes the rest of Costa del Sol look like it’s trying too hard. Nerja keeps it real with its mix of proper Spanish life and just enough tourist-friendly vibes. The Balcón de Europa gives you million-dollar Mediterranean views without the million-dollar price tag, jutting out over the sea in all its glory.
The beaches here range from busy-but-fun Burriana to hidden coves that require a bit of adventure to reach. Don’t miss the caves on the edge of town – they’re massive and even play host to concerts in summer. The old town is a maze of flower-filled streets where tapas bars serve free snacks with your drinks (the way it should be) and locals actually outnumber tourists – even in summer.
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