The sea in Puglia. Ed Anderson/aremediasyndication.com.au
Australians have a deep love for a European summer getaway. Ask anyone fresh off the plane, and chances are, they’re already planning their next winter abroad before their Euro summer tan fades.
The notion that if you’ve ‘seen one, seen them all’ couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to recommending beaches across the continent. Each stretch of coastline tells its own story, shaped by the rhythm of its culture, the flavours of its cuisine, and the warmth of its local hospitality. From cerulean grottos in Greece and sun-drenched, pebbly shores in southern Italy to dramatic dunes in Portugal and mountainous coves in Spain, Europe is home to an endless parade of spectacular beaches where the holiday motto is blissfully simple: swim, eat, sleep, repeat.
We’ve rounded up some of the best European beaches worth visiting in 2025, along with a curated selection of summer stays handpicked from Luxury Escapes – including some within its European Beach Destination Sale.
European beach destinations worth visiting in 2025
- Puglia, Italy (here’s why)
- Sicily, Italy (here’s why)
- Mykonos, Greece (here’s why)
- Barcelona, Spain (here’s why)
- Ibiza, Spain (here’s why)
- San Sebastián, Spain (here’s why)
- Palma, Spain (here’s why)
- Comporta, Portugal (here’s why)
- Hvar, Croatia (here’s why)
Puglia, Italy
Italy’s charming, beach-fringed southern region of Puglia is no longer a well-kept secret. Once considered a sleepy Mediterranean escape overshadowed by Italy’s rockstar destinations — like Amalfi, Lake Como and Cinque Terre — Puglia is now stealing the Euro summer spotlight, drawing savvy travellers and locals alike. Chances are, you’ve already pinned one of its dreamy beaches to your holiday Pinterest board.
Revered for its slower pace, family-run trattorias and turquoise waters, Puglia feels like a step back in time to Italy of decades past. But what makes the region so special is its spectacular coastline and diverse landscape. From the cliffside town of Polignano a Mare, dramatically carved into limestone, and the whitewashed villages of Ostuni to Lecce’s ornate Baroque architecture and the fairytale trulli huts of Alberobello, Puglia’s eclectic, old-world aesthetic cements it as an unforgettable destination.
Where to stay:
- Baglioni Masseria Muzza, Otranto
- Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza, Fasano
- La Fiermontina Luxury Home, Lecce
Sicily, Italy
From the boot of Italy to the toe, Sicily dominates when it comes to timeless grandeur and glamour. Sure, its popularity has spiked over recent years, due to The White Lotus ‘set jetting’ phenomenon, but Sicily has long simmered as an outstanding European beach destination with its treasure trove of pebbly coves, rocky inlets, and crystal-clear waters.
While famed for its cinematic legacy and seafood-laden cuisine, what sets Sicily apart from its European sisters is its dramatic mountains, volcanic beauty, and rugged seaside cliffs. Big-hitting beaches like Mondello are framed by Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo, while San Vito Lo Capo is a stunning bay nestled at the base of Mount Monaco. Scala dei Turchi flaunts meringue-like limestone cliffs whereas Cefalù is overlooked by the steep and rocky Rocca di Cefalù. No matter where you roll out your towel, every Sicilian beach offers an idyllic backdrop.
Where to stay:
Mykonos, Greece
Swapping stories of Greece unlocks a kind of unspoken bond between travellers — forever connected by the magic of a journey to the sublime. While the mainland of Greece is a must-visit, it’s the Greek Islands where divinity truly reigns supreme.
Choosing the perfect Greek Island, however, is no easy feat with over 6,000 islands and inlets to explore. Crete? Incredible. Hydra? Incomparable. Kastellorizo? Stunning. Santorini? Iconic. But if there is one island that stands tall, it’s Mykonos. Seamlessly blending world-class nightlife with unparalleled beaches — like the aptly-named Paradise Beach and Elia Beach — this Cycladic gem is a crowd favourite for good reasons. Yes, Mykonos has had its time in the sun, but with several new openings on the horizon in 2025 (including Four Seasons Resort Mykonos), it’s clear this island is only just warming up.
Where to stay:
- Domes Noruz, Mykonos
- Mykonos Blu, Mykonos
- Kouros Hotel & Suites
- Myconian O, Mykonos
- Myconian Panoptis Escape, Elia Beach
Barcelona, Spain
In our opinion, a well-rounded European summer vacation isn’t complete without a sun-drenched stay in Spain and a stopover in Barcelona. While some see it as a boisterous big-city beach overrun with tourists, it’s precisely that electric, chaotic vibrancy that fuels this Catalonian capital’s undeniable charm.
Tick off major bucket list-worthy beaches, like Barceloneta and San Sebastian Beach, strung along a golden stretch of sand with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. And if you’re the type who prefers to amp up the energy rather than wind down on holiday — collecting like-minded party-loving mates along the way — Barcelona is the ultimate destination.
Where to stay:
- The One Barcelona, Barcelona
- Ohla Eixample, Barcelona
- Antiga Casa Buenavista, Barcelona
- Hotel Boutique Mirlo, Barcelona
Ibiza, Spain
Speaking of parties, few global beach destinations have managed to dethrone Ibiza from its legendary status. Admired for its nonstop nocturnal vitality and hedonistic beachfront day clubs, this festive Balearic beauty is far from a one-note wonder — it’s the island’s breathtaking natural splendour that makes it an essential go-to.
Ibiza’s western coastline is dotted with awe-inspiring, rugged beaches. Spend the day with a mojito in hand on secluded postcard-perfect shores like Cala Saladeta, or take in the raw allure of Es Vedrá, the limestone monolith rising from the sea at Cala d’Hort. Wherever you flick your sandals off, you’re in for something unforgettable.
Where to stay:
- Destino Five, Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza
- Bless Hotel Ibiza, Santa Eulalia del Rio, Ibiza
- Amàre Beach Hotel, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza
San Sebastian, Spain
Consistently topping global gastronomy lists for best food — and often overlooked by beach-happy Australian travellers — is San Sebastián, a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country of Spain.
While many European destinations proudly showcase their beachside menus, none do it quite like San Sebastián. Renowned for its iconic pintxos (small bites typically skewered with a toothpick atop crusty bread) and an impressive lineup of Michelin-starred restaurants, this seaside city is idyllic for travellers seeking both culinary excellence and coastal serenity. Start your morning with a hike up Monte Urgull, spend the afternoon sprawled on the golden sands of La Concha Beach, and round out the day with a sunset stroll along the promenade—pintxos and a glass of Txakoli in hand.
Where to stay:
Palma, Spain
Much to the dismay of local Spaniards, Mallorca no longer flies under the radar as one of Europe’s best beach destinations. Adored for its luminous jewel-tones waters and jaw-dropping coastal cliffs, it’s easy to understand why this is one of the most visited Balearic islands.
Palma, Mallorca’s capital and crowning glory, is a heavenly slice of Spain worth exploring. Towering Gothic cathedrals, like La Seu, and ambient local neighbourhoods, like Santa Catalina, give the seaside city a laid-back yet lively charm, steeped in history and Mediterranean flair.
Where to stay:
Comporta, Portugal
Nestled on Portugal’s west coast, about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Comporta is an inviting coastal village that seamlessly fuses two seemingly opposing, travel ideals: bohemian luxury.
Fast becoming known as “The Hamptons of Portugal”, Comporta’s commitment to preservation and unspoiled tranquility has made it a magnet for affluent travellers and A-list vacationers. Flush with rice farms, locally-produced wines and dramatic dunes, Comporta has remained a hidden European gem — but not for much longer. This European summer is your best chance to soak in the sweeping serenity of Praia da Comporta and Carvalhal Beach before the crowds arrive.
Where to stay:
Hvar, Croatia
If you’re yearning to escape the winter chill this year by taking a long summer sabbatical bathed in sunlight, set against a backdrop of turquoise inlets, bobbing yachts, bountiful olive groves, and lush lavender fields, Hvar in Croatia is the perfect antidote. Plus, with over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year, Hvar is one of the sunniest destinations in Europe — it’s no wonder this coveted Croatian hub is consistently topping ‘best of’ travel lists across the globe.
But what makes Hvar truly spectacular is its secluded pebbled coves. Dotted with swimming ladders and sea steps, these pristine hideaways invite you to plunge straight into the alluring Adriatic Sea. At beaches like Pokonji Dol, Milna and Dubovica, you can float effortlessly in Mother Nature’s glory.
Where to stay:
