The best beach resorts in Europe offer a wide variety of culinary, wellness and cultural experiences that will elevate your exploration of the sandy shores of the Greek Islands, the crystal clear waters along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Algarve in Portugal and more. With thousands of miles of coastline, the continent offers no shortage of destinations for those looking to soak up sun, sea and vibrant culture.
While summer is typically the high season in Europe, many beach resorts continue to stay open through the fall and winter, allowing more travelers to enjoy properties like the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, the historic Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel or the foodie-friendly Vila Vita Parc without the crowds (and steep prices). Below, the best beach resorts in Europe, from wellness sanctuaries to design-forward boutiques.
Three Admirals Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino.
Courtesy of George Apostolidis Photography
Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers seeking privacy on Greece’s pristine Peloponnesian Coast
All-Star Amenities: Private white-sand beach; 18-hole golf course; walk-in rainfall showers; tennis courts; eco-friendly bath amenities
What Not To Miss: The eight-course pizza-tasting menu at Pizza Sapienza by Italian chef Daniele Cason (creator of the Michelin-lauded The Pizza Bar on 38th in Tokyo)
Location: Pylos, Greece
Address: Costa, Navarino Bay, Costa, Pilos 240 01, Greece
Costa Navarino, located about a three-hour drive from Athens, is already home to a handful of glitzy resorts and world-class golf courses. But one of its newest additions, the Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, gives travelers another reason to turn their attention to southwest Peloponnese. The first thing you’ll notice about the property is its striking biophilic design by Athens-based architecture studio Tombazis & Associates Architects. Nestled within the greenery of the coast are 99 suites and private pool villas—all with views of the protected bay. Its futuristic lines are softened with traditional craft details that hark to the Messina region’s rich history.
A strong focus on wellness and the outdoors makes the hotel a good fit for those looking to recharge away from the tourist throngs of Mykonos and Santorini. With five distinct restaurants overseen by chef Bertrand Valegeas, a beach club, an expansive spa, and access to shops and entertainment venues at the Navarino Agora curated marketplace, you’ll have little reason to stray from its golden sands.
Presidential Suite at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik.
Marko Todorovic
Who Will Love It: Stylish travelers looking for a mix of creature comforts and local flair
All-Star Amenities: Croatian welcome snacks and sweets; Natura Bissé toiletries; private seaview balconies
What Not To Miss: The “secret” cave you can swim into from the beach
Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Address: Ul. Pera Čingrije 7, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Carved into the cliffside of the Dalmatian Coast, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik provides a perfect vantage point for appreciating Croatia’s natural beauty. From each of the property’s sea-facing balconies, guests are treated to impressive views (keep an eye out for locals who often cliff jump into the Adriatic Sea). While Dubrovnik is famous for its rocky coast, the hotel offers access to a rare pebble beach that allows for a more gentle entry into the crystal-clear waters. The public beach adds some vibrancy to the setting, yet a private waterfront area allows you to revel in the lively atmosphere from the comfort of a sun lounger.
When you’re ready to hit the Old Town, it’s just a 10-minute walk past historical buildings dripping with bougainvillea to the walled city. Among the on-site dining venues is the Michelin-listed Vapor, which has a large terrace overlooking the sea and specializes in fresh fish. While it’s easy to spend the entire day at the beach or exploring “Game of Thrones” filming locations and nearby islands, don’t overlook the spa’s glass-enclosed freshwater pool, sauna, steam bath and treatments to work out those post-flight knots.
The courtyard and infinity pool at Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel.
Courtesy of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel
Who Will Love It: Cinephiles who appreciate the timeless elegance of the French Riviera
All-Star Amenities: A Fitness complex with a full-size boxing ring, yoga and Pilates studio; complimentary minibars; three distinct dining venues; infinity pool; beach club
What Not To Miss: A nightcap at Bar°58, which offers live jazz on Fridays
Location: Cannes, France
Address: 58 Bd de la Croisette Cs 40052, 06400 Cannes, France
The grand dame of La Croisette, Carlton Cannes has been a celebrity mainstay for over a century. Following a multi-year renovation, the 1913 French Riviera landmark reopened its doors in 2023 with reimagined spaces that elegantly blend heritage and modernity. Many of the same skilled hands that maintain the Palace of Versailles were responsible for meticulously refinishing the interiors and Belle Époque facade. The result includes two beautiful new wings that frame a landscaped garden and the largest infinity pool in Cannes. Another exciting addition is the wellness complex, The C Club, which spans nearly 10,000 square feet and features a full-size boxing ring inaugurated by Mike Tyson.
Among the 332 rooms (many of which have sea views) and 37 residences are a series of iconic suites. Film buffs will want to book the Alfred Hitchcock Suite, the exact room where Grace Kelly and Cary Grant shared a kiss for a scene in “To Catch a Thief.” Keep an eye out for other historic nods—the burnt sienna-colored reception desk is a tribute to the hotel’s 1926 clay tennis courts (the first of their kind), where Suzanne Lenglen beat Helen Wills in the “Match of the Century.” Revel in the see-and-be-seen atmosphere at the Carlton Beach Club, a must-visit for lobster rolls, riviera-inspired cocktails and Mediterranean views.
Infinity pool at The Bodrum Edition.
Courtesy of The Bodrum Edition
Who Will Love It: Fashion-forward travelers seeking a lively seaside atmosphere
All-Star Amenities: Oversized bathtubs; monsoon rain showers; custom Le Labo bathroom amenities; surround sound entertainment systems; gym with indoor bouldering wall and Pilates studio
What Not To Miss: The spa with a Turkish hammam, salt treatment room and massage cabanas overlooking the Aegean Sea; a meal at Kitchen, which received a Michelin Star
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
Address: Dirmil, Balyek Cd. No 5A, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
The Turkish Riviera has attracted the jet set for years, with Bodrum being the southwest coast’s epicenter for open-air beach clubs and upscale cocktail bars. Those who value a balance of sophistication and fun will find it at The Bodrum Edition, just a stone’s throw away from the yacht-filled Yalikavak Marina. The property features an exclusive beach club overlooking a white-sand beach and jetty lined with private cabanas—plus two bars, a nightclub, several restaurants, and weekly parties with DJs and performers. Many of the 108 guest rooms, suites and villas offer views of the shimmering Aegean, and some feature private pools, balconies and gardens.
Spend the day relaxing at the spa, sipping cocktails by the infinity pool, or eating your way around the resort. Chef Osman Sezener’s on-site restaurant Kitchen, which serves Turkish coastal cuisine, was awarded a Michelin Star, and the Italian fare at Brava, overseen by chef Stefano Ciotti, is not to be missed. Summertime also gives rise to several pop-ups, including an Asian fusion concept from Istanbul’s famed Inari Kujira. Looking to host your own soirée? The Edition offers nearly 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space—making it a go-to for weddings and private parties.
18th Hole West golf course at Verdura Resort.
Courtesy of Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Who Will Love It: Golf and spa fanatics wanting a quiet, rejuvenating retreat
All-Star Amenities: Private beach; two championship golf courses designed by Kyle Phillips; tennis and paddle courts; 197-foot infinity pool
What Not To Miss: The thalassotherapy pools at the flagship Irene Forte Spa
Location: Sciacca, Italy
Address: S.S. 115, Km 131, 92019 Sciacca AG, Italy
Home to one of Italy’s best golf courses, Verdura Resort on Sicily’s lesser-visited southwest coast is a magnet for golf lovers. But even if you don’t plan on teeing off, there’s still a lot to appreciate at Rocco Forte Hotels’ flagship resort set on 568 acres of sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline. The property boasts a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, trails that pass citrus groves and olive trees, a kids club, and a 43,000-square-foot spa (complete with a series of open-air thalassotherapy pools where you can peacefully soak with a view of the lush Mediterranean gardens).
The 203 rooms and suites are spacious, warm and inviting, with private terraces that are perfect for enjoying a glass of Sicilian wine with a view of the sea. All this quietude is best savored after a bout of sightseeing (the island’s famed archaeological park, Valley of the Temples, is less than an hour’s drive away.) Four restaurants, including fine-dining spot Zagara, seafood restaurant Amare, and casual Italian eatery Liolà, showcase Sicilian products. For those wanting to deepen their understanding of the region’s cuisine, an on-site culinary school offers daily classes.
Bel Air villa at Marbella Club.
Courtesy of Marbella Club
Who Will Love It: Multigenerational families looking for a sophisticated getaway with a state-of-the-art kids club
All-Star Amenities: Votary toiletries; full-service spa with a barber shop and hair salon; equestrian center; access to tennis courts and a golf course; Pilates studio
What Not To Miss: Live music at the Summer Bar
Location: Marbella, Spain
Address: Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Founded in 1954, Marbella Club has a long history of entertaining sun seekers and celebrities, as captured by famed photographer Slim Aarons back in the day. But today, the property shines as one of the most family-friendly beach resorts in southern Spain. At nearly 54,000 square feet, its kids’ club is one of the most extensive in Europe, with innovative programming for children ages four to 14 including healthy cooking classes, canoeing excursions, pottery classes, and even perfume and candle-making lessons. Though the property has expanded in recent years to encompass 115 rooms and 17 villas, its lush gardens and rooms accented with hand-painted tiles lend themselves to a boutique feel that reflects the beauty of Andalusia.
Situated on Marbella’s “Golden Mile,” the resort is ideal for those keen to discover the coastal promenade lined with designer shops, buzzy beach bars, and laid-back chiringuitos (seafood restaurants). Guests who prefer to hang out at the property can easily spend their days bouncing between the spa, beach club, garden pool bar, and restaurants like El Patio and The Grill. Step back in time with a game of backgammon or center yourself with yoga and sound healing while your tots learn about sustainable gardening—this hotel is as family-friendly as it gets.
Mulinaccio Sea Terrace Suite at La Roqqa.
Courtesy of Alessandro Moggi
Who Will Love It: Design lovers looking for an off-the-beaten-path coastal respite
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop restaurant; complimentary minibar; Ortigia Sicilia toiletries
What Not To Miss: A day at the hotel’s Isolotto Beach Club
Location: Porto Ercole, Italy
Address: Via Panoramica, 7, 58018 Porto Ercole GR, Italy
Tuscany’s coastal region of Monte Argentario has long been a haven for stylish Italians looking to escape the crowds. Now thanks to La Roqqa, a dreamy boutique hotel that opened in the charming harbor town of Porto Ercole in 2023, travelers have a new way to experience this glamorous slice of the Mediterranean. Housed in a renovated 1950s-era cliffside property, the 55-room hotel blends contemporary design with mid-century elegance (think terrazzo floors, vintage furniture, and bold pops of burnt orange). The hotel enjoys easy access to several beaches (one of which is home to the property’s relaxing Isolotto Beach Club) and a charming waterfront lined with trattorias, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature and a vibrant community.
When you’re not out exploring, it’s easy to feel at home in the serene guest rooms designed by Milan-based studio Palomba e Serafini Associati. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful details like tote bags and sandals for the beach, Ortigia Sicilia bath products, and terraces for gazing out at passing boats. The crown jewel is the penthouse Caravaggio Suite, which boasts three bedrooms and four terraces for 360-degree views of the region. What the hotel lacks in big-box resort amenities (there’s no pool or spa), it makes up for with its chic atmosphere. Mingle over family-style Tuscan dishes at the rooftop restaurant, Scirocco, and enjoy a Negroni on the terrace of the Mezzanine Restaurant and Bar. The best part? The hotel is just a 1.5-hour drive from Rome, making it easy to pair with a visit to the capital.
Exterior of Elysium Hotel.
Courtesy of Guillaume De Laubier
Who Will Love It: Families and couples looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Greece and Italy
All-Star Amenities: Tennis courts; scuba diving center; nightly turndown service; pillow menu
What Not To Miss: The quieter adults-only Royal Pool, available to guests who book a Royal Studio or Royal Garden Villa
Location: Paphos, Cyprus
Address: Queen Verenikis Street 6, Paphos 8045, Cyprus
Situated on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, adjacent to the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites of Paphos (the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite), Elysium Hotel is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a luxurious Mediterranean getaway. With a private beach, a multi-level outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, and ample amenities—including a full-service spa, tennis courts, and a complimentary kids club—the resort offers everything you would expect of a 5-star property.
Among the 250 rooms are Royal Garden Villas with private plunge pools, Cyprian Maisonettes with extra space for families, and budget-friendly Deluxe Rooms. With eight restaurants and bars, you’ll certainly get your fill of Cypriot and Mediterranean delights—especially if you choose the half board option with breakfast and dinner buffets. And with the hotel’s location near the Paphos harbor, more restaurants and activities are just a short walk away.
Deluxe pool at Ikos Andalusia.
Courtesy of Ikos Andalusia
Who Will Love It: Families looking for ease and comfort
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary Tesla car hire; a culture pass to access select museums and monuments; tennis courts; complimentary green fee; Anne Semonin Paris toiletries; nine restaurants
What Not To Miss: The deluxe villas with private pools; the weekly white party with.a live DJ
Location: Marbella-Estepona, Spain
Address: N-340, Km 164, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
You won’t find any sub-par buffets or cheesy entertainment at this Mediterranean all-inclusive. Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Spain’s Costa del Sol, Ikos Andalusia has refreshed the model with its “infinite lifestyle” concept—think menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, premium craft cocktails, daily wellness classes and programs to help you discover the region’s best attractions and restaurants. With multi-bedroom villas and an impressive roster of activities for all ages—including tennis classes and a football academy—the resort caters to families looking for a fuss-free vacation. Nine indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including one that’s adults-only, mean you don’t have to fight for space.
If you need more tranquility, the spa offers exceptional treatments with products by French beauty brand Anne Semonin Paris. You’ll need at least a full week to try all nine restaurants, but don’t leave without sampling Michelin-starred chef David Ibarboure’s southern Spanish cuisine at Olivia. Looking to taste Andalusia’s bounty beyond the gates? The resort’s dine-out program allows guests to try off-site restaurants on a complimentary basis, and you can even borrow a Tesla to further explore the quaint villages that dot the coast.
Exteriors of One & Only Portonovi.
Courtesy of One & Only Portonovi
Who Will Love It: Groups looking for an ultra-private getaway; tennis and wellness lovers
All-Star Amenities: Chenot spa; Abahna toiletries; tennis club by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis
What Not To Miss: An aperitif by the fireplace or with a view of the lush gardens at Caminetti
Location: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Address: Portonovi Resort, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro
Located around an hour’s drive south of Dubrovnik, Boka Bay (also known as the Bay of Kotor) is famed for its spectacular fjord-like beauty. Pine-covered rippling mountains rise from turquoise Adriatic Sea, creating a dramatic landscape that stands apart from other European destinations. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, One&Only Portonovi has built its experiences around these vistas. Among its 123 rooms are standalone villas with private swimming pools, massage stations for simultaneous treatments, hydrotherapy pools and ample outdoor space for groups or families to relax and enjoy private chef-prepared meals.
Health-focused travelers are wise to gravitate toward Chenot Espace, a spa program with tailored programs, treatments and nutrition plans by wellness brand Chenot. No matter your dietary preferences, refueling is a pleasure at the property’s four restaurants, which include a Montenegrin steakhouse and a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant. For the best seat in the house during golden hour, head to the terrace of the Italian restaurant Sabia.
Aerial view of the oceanfront Vila Vita Parc.
Courtesy of Vila Vita Parc
Who Will Love It: Seafood lovers; oenophiles; golfers and tennis players
All-Star Amenities: A dozen distinct restaurants; tennis and pickleball courts; 18-hole putting green; Sisley Paris spa
What Not To Miss: Dinner overlooking the Atlantic at the two-Michelin-starred Ocean restaurant
Location: Porches, Portugal
Address: R. Anneliese Pohl, 8400-450 Porches, Portugal
Perched on a cliff overlooking the golden-sand beaches of Portugal’s southern coast, Vila Vita Parc reigns as one of the best resorts in the Algarve. Home to seven bars and a dozen dining venues, ranging from a Michelin-starred Portuguese restaurant to a Japanese teppanyaki to a Bavarian biergarten, the property is a hot spot for epicureans. An 11,000-bottle wine cellar means you’ll likely always have a perfect pairing.
Framed by lush gardens, the resort’s Moorish-inspired village houses 86 rooms and 84 suites—including an array of multi-bedroom villas with private pools. There’s also ample amenities, including golf and tennis facilities, kids programming, six pools and a Sisley Paris spa. When you’re in the mood for sand and sea, you can take a complimentary shuttle down to the hotel’s beach club at Praia Dourada, which boasts three restaurants, watersports and sunset parties with live DJs. Culinary enthusiasts will want to check out the curated foodie experiences, from tours of the local fish market to cooking classes that will teach you how to master cataplana (Portuguese seafood stew) and other Algarvian dishes.
Spa at Six Senses Ibiza.
Courtesy of Assaf Pinchuk
Who Will Love It: Health-focused travelers looking to tap into Ibiza’s healing energy
All-Star Amenities: Spa with a cryotherapy chamber and hammam; recording studio; yoga pavilion; sustainable bathroom amenities; in-room yoga mats; minibar with gourmet snacks; kids club
What Not to Miss: The RoseBar longevity programs led by Dr. Mark Hyman
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Address: Carrer Camí de sa Torre, 71, 07810 San Juan Bautista, Illes Balears, Spain
Drawing inspiration from the White Island’s history as a hub for spiritual exploration, Six Senses Ibiza invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and immerse themselves in the beauty of Spain’s Balearic archipelago. Located on the secluded northern tip of the island, just a 35-minute drive from the airport, the resort enjoys a scenic and secluded location. The main draw here is an impressive wellness programming anchored by a 13,000-square-foot spa. Opt into a yoga class or sign up for an immersive retreat by one of the many visiting specialists that frequent the area. The property is also home RoseBar, a longevity club that offers tailored health programs by bestselling author and functional medicine expert Dr. Mark Hyman.
A range of kid-friendly activities—from toothpaste-making workshops to guided tours of the property’s organic farm—are sure to keep families engaged. Dining-wise, celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s Mediterranean-style restaurant, North, is a standout. Waterfront restaurant The Beach Caves caters to a local crowd with seasonal dishes and DJ sets. With just 137 guest rooms, multi-bedroom residences, and suites, the property rarely feels too crowded. But those looking for an extra-special sanctuary may want to book one of the spacious “cave suites” built into the rock (one even comes with a hidden recording studio.)
Velevet Bar at Oku Kos.
Courtesy of Georg Roske
Who Will Love It: Couples craving a boho-chic adults-only escape
All-Star Amenities: Rainfall showers; Coco-mat mattresses; wireless Marshall speakers; terraces with hammocks and private pools
What Not to Miss: The “cinema under the stars” outdoor movie nights on Tuesdays
Location: Kos, Greece
Address: Oku Kos, Sikamini, Marmari, Kos, 85, Kos 853 00, Greece
Named after the Japanese architectural practice of “Oku” (meaning “inner space”), it should come as no surprise that this adults-only beach resort places a strong emphasis on intimate, beautifully designed spaces. Conceptualized by award-winning Greek design studio Mastrominas Architecture, the 100-room property features a collection of one and two-story cubist houses that pay homage to traditional Aegean island villages. Couples will adore the island of Kos, which beckons lovers with its pristine sandy beaches (perfect for romantic horseback rides and picnics), hiking trails and archaeological sites.
Classic rooms come with a terrace, but if you can, upgrade to a suite with a private or swim-up pool. The surrounding cobblestone streets, olive groves, lavender bushes and palm trees invite guests to make the most of the outdoors. Set sail to nearby uninhabited islands or indulge in a spa treatment inspired by the Greek traditions. When you’re ready to mingle with other guests, join one of the twice-daily yoga classes or head to the restaurant between the beach and the pool for farm-to-table dining (including a vegan menu) and live DJ sessions at sunset.
The facade and beachfront of Borgo Santandrea.
Courtesy of Enzo Rando
Who Will Love It: Travelers yearning for dramatic vistas and bygone-era refinement
All-Star Amenities: Three restaurants; two bars; oceanfront saltwater swimming pool; Once Milano linens
What Not To Miss: The seaview suites with a private infinity pools
Location: Amalfi, Italy
Address: Via Giovanni Augustariccio, 33, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy
When it comes to breathtaking views, few destinations rival the Amalfi Coast. At Borgo Santandrea, which sits 295 feet above sea level and has its own private beach club, the panoramas are particularly stunning. The boutique hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the picturesque village of Conca dei Marini (home to Jackie O’s go-to local restaurant, La Tonnarella, and Sophia Loren’s former villa). Inside the 31 rooms and 21 suites, you’ll find generous doses of Italian design, including custom blue and white tiles, Dedar and Rubelli textiles, mid-century antiques, and handcrafted pieces by local artisans.
You’ll want to spend most of your time at the property’s glorious beach club, accessible via a stroll through terraced gardens or a quick elevator ride. Dip into a saltwater pool, dine on fresh pastas and pizzas for lunch at the trattoria and wade into the refreshing waters from the white-pebble shore. After a day by the sea, you’ll appreciate the spa-like Italian marble bathrooms and plush beds with Once Milano linens. Grab an aperitvo on one of the many terraces and head to the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Alici, for dinner with a view.
I have been writing and editing travel and lifestyle content for over a decade, with a focus on luxury hotels, innovative sustainability initiatives, and immersive cultural and wellness experiences. Along the way, I have explored over 50 countries, lived in five (Canada, Portugal, Finland, Germany, and Mexico), and stayed at hundreds of hotels and resorts, including several in Costa Rica. No matter where I go, I’ll always track down the best cup of coffee, sunset viewpoint, and local vegetarian restaurants. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my travel guides, reviews, and feature stories have also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, Bloomberg Pursuits, Lonely Planet, Time, The Globe and Mail, Afar, Elle Canada, BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, and more.
