Can't decide between a beach vacation or the hustle and bustle of a big city? Why choose between the two? There are many coastal cities in Europe where you can get the best of both worlds. Ideal for a weekend at the beach or even as a long term base.
Saint Sebastian
ThroughoutEspañolThe Atlantic coast is a candidate for the best urban beach in Europe: the impressive Baía da Concha, shaped like a shell,Saint Sebastian(also know asDonostia, its Basque name).
mangahas 1,400 km of beautiful sandy beaches that surroundSanta ClaraIsla.
This elegant city is a famous paradise for foodies.Beautiful Eranext to the sea and is surrounded by green mountains that protect it from the worst winds.
alicante
Many tourists go tospainring cityalicanteand go directly to one of the spas in theWhite shore.
But it's a great city break destination, something local tourists have known about for years.
Its main attractions are theSaint Barbaracastle and the surrounding old town, as well as the wide, palm-fringed sandy beaches ofPlaya Postiguet.
legal
the french citylegalIt was one of the original tourist centers of the Mediterranean.
That's alltizonHighways and a well-served international airport make it a popular destination for city breaks today.
Nice is known as theHillFor himFrench Riviera- but with your bigpebble beachWith Old Town, delicious food and great art galleries, there is little reason to leave the city.
Barcelona
oCatalan capitalis the destination that has it all: many fine sandy beaches - the most famous of whichBarcelona– as well as world-class food, art, architecture and nightlife.
It is not surprisingspanish beach townIt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
málaga
another underratedEspañolthe city ismálaga, make a capital letterCosta del Sol.
Andalusian culture is alive and well in the narrow streets of MalagaOld Town, where to find themcitadel– an 11th century Moorish citadel, Roman ruins and the newPicasso Museum.
The mile-long boardwalk that runs along the beach is also named after the town's most famous son.
Dubrovnik
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
The popular Croatian cityDubrovnikIt draws throngs of tourists for its pristine medieval Old Town (and Game of Thrones filming locations).
But it's also a great beach vacation. The most famous beach isSpa, located outside the city walls, so you can easily combine your sightseeing with sunbathing.
But you can also turn your trip into a beach vacation by staying atBroadDubrovnik area where many tourist hotels are located. The coast and islands around the city are full of charming little resorts, such asCavtatconnected to the city by boat in high season.
valor
The third largest city in Spain - beautifulvalor– Rivals Barcelona in beach and culture.
Often overlooked by tourists in favor of the Big Two, it has unrivaled modern architecture, as well as a medieval Old Town, glorious beaches, andPaellaNaturally.
Biarritz
ofrench basquecity ofBiarritzIt is popular with surfers thanks to its big waves and sand.big beach.
But Biarritz was also aSpaCity favored by the rich and noble who came here to cool offAtlanticnoticeable winds and vibrations. Come here for the waves, the fun vibes and the deliciousness.Pintxos.
Lagos
The beach is close to most of Portugal's major cities - Porto and Lisbon are just a short train or bus ride away.
oh wellLagos, in the popular coastal region of the Algarve, not only has sandy urban beaches, but is also close to some of the Algarve's truly spectacular beaches, including the famous Escalera decamilo-hebra.
The historic center of the city is made up of a labyrinthbleachedpatterned buildings and cobbled streets.
Athens
A lot of people don't think about thatAthensfor a beach holiday, but going to the beach is the number one summer activity for those who live in the Greek capital.
Athens is by the sea and you can go on board.coastal tramfrom Syntagma Square and get off at any beach. In summer, the city's nightlife is concentrated in its manyStrandclubs.
If you're looking for beachside accommodations rather than the city, check out suburban seaside towns likeGlyfada,Vouliagmeni,MeanmiVarkiza.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de MallorcaIt is the most important city in SpainBalearicIt is also one of the best beach destinations and city breaks you can find in Europe.
the 13th centurythe Horncatedral enorthern herdThe mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the golden sands ofCan Pere AntoniPraia.
The Palma area is popularStrandresortDestination, then you will find many beach hotels and apartments along the coast.
Benidorm
Highly criticized Spanish coastal cityBenidormIt is often associated with rude, drunken Brits. But camping fans pushed on, and Benidorm is full of surprises: It's now a popular beach destination for Spaniards and has a great tapas scene.
Once a small fishing village, it is now teeming with three Blue Flag beaches.skyscraperapartment blocks, but it is also home to some of the most innovative on the continentsustainable tourismguidelines.
ForFunnyto the sun in oneaccessibleIn terms of price, Benidorm is hard to beat.
The palm trees of Gran Canaria
like palmsIt is a city on the rise. Located in SpainCanary Islands, the climate in Gran Canaria is pleasant throughout the year.
surfer youdigital nomadsCome and enjoy the good weather throughout the year and a great urban beachquarry beachand ultimately stays because of the unique Canarian culture, colonial architecture, great hiking opportunities, subtropical flora, and crazy carnival celebrations.
Saranda
AlbaniaIt is quite a country on the rise, especially when it comes to beach destinations.
And one of the most popular is the seaside town.Saranda(or Saranda), which is easily accessible by ferry from the Greek island of Corfu and shares the same beautiful blue Ionian sea and fabulous beaches. It's adynamicfashionable city in summer - with many beach bars - and the area is also known for its historical sites.
santander
A beach town that might not immediately come to mindsantanderon the north coast of Spain.
ocantabrian capitalThanks to its student population, it has a lively nightlife and also scores well in gastronomy and architecture.
there are sardinesIt is the end of the city where you will find the beaches.
SOME MORE IDEAS
- SomewheremiCagliariin Sardinia both have large urban beaches of fine white sand
- Granted, it's not technically Europe, but Turkey has plenty of great coastal cities.Smyrna,Kusadasi,Bodrum,Antalya,Alanya
- DurresmiVloreoffer similar charms to Sarandë but further north in Albania
- MontpelliermiSevenin France they are close to some extensive dune beaches
- RiminiIt is the most popular tourist city in Italy thanks to its huge sandy beach, and don't forget that Venice has beaches too.
- To shareit is a worthy competitor for Dubrovnik, as are the smaller coastal citiesZadarmiSibenik
- In Montenegro you will find the big tourist cities ofBudva,Bar, zUlcinjAlong the coast
For more information, see:
10 best beach towns in Spain
The 10 best seaside cities in Italy
The 10 most beautiful cities in Greece
The 10 most beautiful Mediterranean cities
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Author of the photo:
Santander: © saiko3p / Shutterstock
San Sebastián© robcartorres / Adobe Stock
Alicante: © william87 / Adobe Stock
Legal information: © saiko3p / Adobe Stock
Barcelona: Por Boulé / Shutterstock
Málaga: Von KikoStock/Shutterstock
Dubrovnik: Von Dreamer4787/Shutterstock
Valencia: Von lunamarina/Shutterstock
Biarritz: Photography by Por Dutourdumonde/Shutterstock
Lakes - Photo by Von Steve/Shutterstock
Atenas: Por Sven Hansche/Shutterstock
Palma de Mallorca: By Volcán/Shutterstock
Benidorm: Por lunamarina/Shutterstock
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Von Ivalin / Shutterstock
Sarande: por John_Walker/Shutterstock
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