Beaches in Europe
Hidden Gems in Portugal
Praia da Adraga in Portugal is a top choice for those in the know about lesser-known beach spots. With its sprawling sands, towering cliffs, and jaw-dropping sunsets, it’s a hit for day trips from Lisbon or Cascais. Many enjoy the laidback vibe of the nearby village, Almocageme, as their base. Try visiting from May to June or September when it’s quieter and more chill.
| Beach Town | Notable Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Praia da Adraga | Sprawling sands, towering cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets | May – June, September |
Italian Paradise: Ischia
Ischia is a dream come true for beach lovers in Italy, boasting stunning beaches, soothing hot springs, ancient fortresses, and postcard-perfect towns like Forio and Sant’Angello. Aim for May to June or September to October, skipping the crowded August rush. This spot blends nature’s beauty with rich history.
| Beach Town | Notable Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Ischia | Stunning beaches, soothing hot springs, ancient fortresses, postcard-perfect towns | May – June, September – October |
The Enchanting Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is a tucked-away treasure in Europe, with a vibe like Greece but easier on the wallet. Think towns like Himarë, where the Greek influence meets breathtaking beaches. Best visiting months are May to July or September, offering warm and sunny days. Be wary, August can get a bit hectic.
| Beach Town | Notable Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Himarë | Greek flavor, breathtaking beaches | May – July, September |
Greece’s Stunning Kefalonia
Greece’s Kefalonia is part of the breathtaking Ionian Islands, celebrated for its mesmerizing beaches, charming villages, and spots steeped in history like Myrtos Beach and Fiskardo. It’s an ideal mix of scenery, past, and relaxation. May, June, and September are your best bets, while August draws in the crowds.
| Beach Town | Notable Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Kefalonia | Mesmerizing beaches, charming villages, historic sites | May – June, September |
If you’re scouting more on the best beach destinations in Europe and beyond, peep our in-depth guides on the world’s coolest beaches and romantic coastal escapes. Discover the must-see beaches worldwide for your next beachy getaway.
Coastal Escapes Around the Globe
Take a stroll through the seaside wonders of our planet—from the beaches of Wales to Croatia’s sunny shores, there’s a sun-kissed spot for every traveler out there. Join us as we visit some fabulous beach towns, each serving up their own slice of charm, smattering of fun, and fond memories.
Wales: Heaven on the Coast
Swing over to Wales, a gem in the UK, where the coastlines are pure eye candy. Picture Tenby with its rainbow-colored houses and chatty locals. A hop away, Barafundle Bay invites you with its untouched sands. And don’t miss Presipe for snapshots of jagged cliffs that’ll have your eyes and camera busy. Wales is a delightful feast for solo explorers, known for friendly folk and nights under the stars by the sea.
| Beach Town | What’s Poppin’ |
|---|---|
| Tenby | Fancy colors, knatter-prone locals |
| Barafundle Bay | Nature in its birthday suit |
| Presipe | Instagram-worthy cliffs |
Got a taste for hidden treasures? Dive into our hidden gem beaches.
Glacier National Park: Montana’s Mountain Marvel
Alright, it’s not a beach, but come on—Glacier National Park is worth a nod. With sky-high peaks and trails that go on til your feet hurt, it’s a refuge for nature fans craving a break from sand and surf. Be bear-aware because the wildlife here ain’t shy.
| Feature | Dig Deeper |
|---|---|
| Mountains | More peaks than you can shake a stick at |
| Hiking Trails | Enough paths to lose a shoe |
Searching for some oceanfront luxury? Check out our list of exclusive beach resorts.
Whitehorse, Canada: The Cold-Wonder Town
Whitehorse might be tucked away in chilly Canada, but it’s got heart. With only about 25,000 folks calling it home, it’s cozy and ripe for adventure. Whether you’re sledding with dogs or paddling around in summer, there’s something cool (literally) year-round.
| Activity | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Hiking | It’s best in the warmer months |
| Kayaking | Bring your paddle in summer |
| Skiing and Dogsledding | When it’s a winter wonderland |
Peek at more beach towns flaunting quirky activities in our top beaches worldwide.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Adriatic Jewel
Say “zdravo!” to Dubrovnik, where Croatia’s coast wears a stunning crown. Wander through ancient alleys, then dive into the sea or munch on seafood and sip wine—affordable heaven compared to other hyped-up places.
| Aspect | Gotta Love It |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Oodles of cheese and vino |
| Activities | Old-timey tours and waterfront lounging |
Spice up your travels with our picks for romantic beach getaways.
The hardest part of exploring beach towns is picking the next one off your bucket list. Whether your heart desires bustling shores or quiet retreats, globetrotting these coastal gems guarantees stories for the grandkids. For more salty breezes, soak up our guides on the best beaches in the world and beachfront destinations.
US Coastal Towns
Checking out beach towns in the US gives folks a chance to soak up charming coastal vibes, dig into rich histories, and enjoy delightful seaside scenes. Here are some top spots to make waves at.
Quaint Maine: Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, perched on Mt. Desert Island in Maine, has been luring visitors since the days of horse-drawn carriages (Condé Nast Traveler). With a lively main street packed with cool shops, tasty eateries, and artsy galleries, there’s always something to do. Folks love hopping on whale-watching trips and exploring Acadia National Park, which wraps around much of the island and offers hiking, biking, and jaw-dropping views.
| Attractions | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Street | Shops, eateries, galleries |
| Acadia National Park | Hiking, biking, scenic views |
| Whale-Watching Tours | Marine wildlife experiences |
For more beachy adventures, flip through our guides on world’s most beautiful beaches and top beaches worldwide.
Charming Massachusetts: Rockport
Rockport, Massachusetts, gets a shout-out for its outstanding seafood, lovely beaches, and historic hotspots (Condé Nast Traveler). Known for Motif Number 1, a famous fishing shack dubbed “the most-often painted building in America,” Rockport’s postcard-perfect views and unique sea-loving charm draw visitors craving some authentic New England magic.
| Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Beaches | Sandy shores and scenic views |
| Motif Number 1 | Historic fishing shack |
| Seafood | Fresh local catches |
Peek at more unique gems in our section on hidden gem beaches.
Cape Cod’s Historic Charm
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a patchwork of towns, each stuffed with history, wildlife peep shows, tasty seafood, and loads of sandy stretches (Condé Nast Traveler). A popular hangout all year round, Cape Cod draws families, luxury seekers, and anyone on the hunt for some small-town summer magic.
| Towns | Features |
|---|---|
| Chatham | Cape Cod Lighthouse, shops |
| Provincetown | Art, culture, beaches |
| Hyannis | Kennedy Memorial, Main Street |
Snap up more sandy escapes in our lists of exclusive beach resorts and luxury beach vacations.
Virginia’s Wildlife Haven: Chincoteague
Chincoteague, Virginia, is famous for its wild side, especially the wild horses that wow crowds during the annual Pony Penning event (Condé Nast Traveler). Stories about how these horses ended up here run the gamut—from Spanish shipwrecks to escapee farm critters. Chincoteague is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning beaches and a story-rich past.
| Wildlife | Description |
|---|---|
| Wild Horses | Annual Pony Penning event |
| Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge | Birdwatching, beaches, nature trails |
| Beach Activities | Swimming, sunbathing |
Explore more wild adventures in our guide to the best beach holidays.
Catch up on more of the best coastal hideaways in our articles on beachfront destinations and romantic beach getaways.
Tropical Getaways and Exotic Beaches
Fancy some sun, sea, and sand? Tropical hideaways are your ticket to paradise. Let’s check out some of the coolest beach spots you gotta visit.
Florida’s Siesta Key
Siesta Key, right there in Florida, is the East Coast’s beach superstar with its toe-tingling sand and sun-soaked days. That powdery white sand? Comes all the way from the Appalachian Mountains, pretty wild, huh? And when you’re not kicking back on the shore, the waters are beckoning. Think parasailing and speeding around on jet skis—yep, it’s a water lover’s dream.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Sand Quality | Soft quartz sand straight from the Appalachian Mountains |
| Water Sports | Thrill rides like parasailing and jet skiing |
| Dining | Chow down on the catch of the day by the water |
Got Florida on your mind? You might wanna peep exclusive beach resorts down in Siesta Key.
Puerto Rico’s Luquillo
Luquillo’s got more hidden beaches than you can shake a stick at. Whether you’re riding the waves at La Pared or chilling in the calm waters at Punta Bandera, every spot’s got its own vibe. Just keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky rip tides!
| Beach | Activity |
|---|---|
| La Pared | Surf’s up! Catch some waves |
| Balneario Luquillo | Take it easy in the gentle waters |
| Playa Escondida | Your own little private patch of paradise |
On the hunt for hidden gem beaches in Puerto Rico? This is the spot.
African Gem: Hermanus
Hermanus, a skip and a hop from Cape Town, is like South Africa’s secret stash of stunning beaches. From Grotto Beach’s sunny stretches to those cozy nooks like Lovers Cove, there’s plenty to explore. And if you’re into whales, wine, or just a bit of local flair, you’re in luck!
| Beach | Activity |
|---|---|
| Grotto Beach | Swim, soak up the sun |
| Lovers Cove | Perfect for two, nudge nudge, wink wink |
| Onrus Beach | Fun for the whole fam |
| Voelklip Beach | Shred some waves |
| Langbaai Beach | For when you just want peace and quiet |
For a taste of luxury, check out these luxury beach vacations in Hermanus.
Zanzibar’s Exotic Beaches
Zanzibar’s got beaches that’ll make you wanna ditch the everyday grind. Mtende Beach and Paje are calling with promises of underwater adventures. And let’s not forget a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow or a wander through Stone Town’s maze-like streets. Or, get your senses tingling on a spice tour!
| Beach | Activity |
|---|---|
| Mtende Beach | Slip on a snorkel, or scuba on down |
| Paje | Bring your kite for some surfing fun |
| Stone Town | Get lost in culture and spice markets |
Searching for romantic beach getaways in Zanzibar? You’re in the right place.
These tropical spots bring more than just beaches—they come with a stack of fun and flavors that make each visit unforgettable. Whether you’re in it for the thrill or the chill, these beach towns got your escape plans sorted.
