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Julia Eskins, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

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Europe’s grand cities and historical sites are often the first places travelers flock to after crossing the Atlantic, but with thousands of miles of coastline, the continent also has its fair share of destinations for those looking to soak up some sun, sea, and vibrant culture. 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, or the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Algarve in Portugal.

From luxury boutique hotels to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, these resorts have it all—think top-notch amenities like golf courses, private beach clubs and even recording studios. And while summer is typically the high season in Europe, many properties continue to stay open through the fall and winter, allowing more travelers to enjoy resorts like the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, the chic boutique Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, or the romantic Bela Vista Hotel And Spa without the crowds (and steep prices). Below, we’ve rounded up the best beach resorts in Europe across various categories, from spa and wellness sanctuaries to seaside boltholes catering to foodies.

• Best High-End Beach Resort In Europe: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
• Best Boutique Beach Resort In Europe: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Nightlife: The Bodrum Edition
• Beach Resort With The Best Amenities In Europe: Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Families: Marbella Club
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Couples: Bela Vista Hotel And Spa
• Best Value Beach Resort In Europe: Elysium Hotel
• Best All-Inclusive Beach Resort In Europe: Ikos Andalusia
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Views:
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Foodies: Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Spa And Wellness: Six Senses Ibiza
• Best Beach Resort In Europe For Design Lovers: Oku Kos

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Best High-End Beach Resort In Europe: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

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

The Costa Navarino region, 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 rooms and private pool villas—all with views of the protected bay. Its futuristic lines are softened with traditional craft details that hark to the Messinia 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 more amenities at the Navarino Agora curated marketplace, you’ll have little reason to stray from its golden sands.

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Best Boutique Beach Resort In Europe: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Who Will Love It: Stylish travelers looking for a mix of creature comforts and local flair

All-Star Amenities: L’Occitane toiletries; Croatian welcome snacks and sweets; private seaview balconies

What Not To Miss: The “secret” cave you can swim into from the beach

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Carved into a cliffside along the Dalmatian coast, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik provides a perfect vantage point for appreciating Croatia’s coastal culture. 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 all those “Game of Thrones” filming locations, don’t overlook the spa’s glass-enclosed freshwater pool, sauna, steam bath, and treatments to work out those post-flight knots.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Nightlife: The Bodrum Edition

The Bodrum Edition

Who Will Love It: Fashion-forward travelers seeking a stylish seaside atmosphere

All-Star Amenities: Oversized bathtubs; monsoon rain showers; custom Le Labo bathroom amenities; surround sound entertainment systems; gym with indoor bouldering and climbing wall

What Not To Miss: The spa with a Turkish hammam, salt treatment room, and massage cabanas overlooking the Aegean Sea

Location: Bodrum, Turkey

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. A favorite is the family-style Latin American fare at Brava, overseen by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. Summertime also gives rise to several pop-ups by the marina, including Zuma, a poolside izakaya serving up sushi and house DJ tunes. Looking to host your own soirée? The Edition offers 12,900 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space—making it a go-to for weddings and private parties.

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Beach Resort With The Best Amenities In Europe: Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Who Will Love It: Golf and spa fanatics wanting a quiet, rejuvenating escape

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

Home to one of Italy’s best 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 around Italy’s bustling corners (including Agrigento’s famous Valley of the Temples, just an hour’s drive away.) Three 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.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Families: Marbella Club

Marbella Club

Who Will Love It: Multigenerational families looking for a sophisticated getaway with a state-of-the-art kids club

All-Star Amenities: Tennis and paddle courts; pilates studio; Votary bathroom amenities; full-service spa with a barber shop and hair salon; equestrian center

What Not To Miss: Live music at the Summer Bar

Location: Malaga, 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 grown in recent years to encompass 117 rooms and 15 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). Those 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 indulge in yoga, pilates, and sound healing while your tots learn about sustainable gardening—this hotel is as family-friendly as it gets.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Couples: Bela Vista Hotel And Spa

Bela Vista Hotel And Spa

Who Will Love It: Couples craving an adults-only oasis imbued with history

All-Star Amenities: L'Occitane spa and bath amenities; fluffy bath robes; saltwater swimming pool; jacuzzi tubs

What Not To Miss: The tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Vista Restaurante

Location: Portimão, Portugal

The Algarve’s golden sand beaches, picturesque cliffs, and whitewashed fishing villages form a dreamy backdrop for romantic getaways, and those looking for next-level seaside charm will find it at Bela Vista, an adults-only hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the famed shore of Praia da Rocha. One of the property’s main selling points is its direct beach access. Portimão can be especially busy in the summer, which makes this intimate oasis with just 38 guest rooms feel like a welcomed respite. Built as a private residence for a cannery manufacturer in the 19th century, the Moorish-style villa was transformed into one of the Algarve’s first hotels in the 1930s and many of its original features have been restored.

Contrasting the classic architecture are bold, colorful prints and contemporary furniture selected by Portuguese interior designer Graça Viterbo. Relax in a cabana by the pool, explore nearby natural highlights like the Benagil Cave, or indulge in a couple’s massage at the well-appointed spa. A highlight here is undoubtedly the Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef João Oliveira shines a spotlight on Algarvean food with seafood and vegetable-focused menus complemented by a diverse wine list.

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Best Value Beach Resort In Europe: Elysium Hotel

Elysium Hotel

Who Will Love It: All-inclusive enthusiasts looking for flexibility and great amenities

All-Star Amenities: Tennis courts; scuba diving center; adults-only pool; 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

Situated on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, adjacent to the archaeological sites of Paphos, 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. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, including Royal Garden Villas with private plunge pools and the more budget-friendly Deluxe Rooms. With five restaurants, 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.

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Best All-Inclusive Beach Resort In Europe: Ikos Andalusia

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

What Not To Miss: The weekly white party with live music

Location: Estepona, 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, daily wellness classes, and eco-friendly initiatives. With 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 eight restaurants, but don’t leave without sampling Michelin-stared 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.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Views: One&Only Portonovi

One&Only Portonovi

Who Will Love It: Nature enthusiasts looking for a tranquil retreat with a picturesque backdrop

All-Star Amenities: Chenot spa; Abahna bathroom amenities; 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

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 waters, creating a dramatic landscape that stands apart from other Mediterranean destinations. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, One&Only Portonovi has built its experiences around these vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces, and daybeds offer various places to marvel at the atmosphere. Even the gym comes with a jaw-dropping panorama.

Health-focused travelers are wise to gravitate toward Chenot Escape, 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.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Foodies: Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel

Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel

Who Will Love It: Epicureans looking to taste the history and future of Côte-d'Azur

All-Star Amenities: Private beach; Olympic-sized seawater pool; balconies with a sea view

What Not To Miss: Farm-to-table dining at the Michelin-starred Elsa

Location: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

A short drive from Monaco, Monte-Carlo Beach holds a storied space along the French Riviera. The hotel was once a backdrop for photographer Helmut Newton’s stylized editorials and has fortunately retained much of its Art Deco charm while also embracing a new emphasis on sustainability. Its latest era is best represented at Elsa, one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants to debut a 100 percent organic concept. With Mediterranean-style dishes made with local ingredients (many of which are sourced from the Domaine d’Agerbol kitchen garden, local fishers, and about 30 growers in the region), it's a treat for anyone looking to taste a creative interpretation of local specialties. The property’s other eateries, including the poolside brasserie Le Deck, are also excellent. Even the private beach, complete with striped canvas beach cabanas and sun loungers serves delicious gourmet wood-fired pizzas. If you can tear yourself away from the coast (and score a reservation), Alain Ducasse's Louis XV in Monaco is also a treat.

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Spa And Wellness: Six Senses Ibiza

Six Senses Ibiza

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 snack corner; kids’ club

What Not to Miss: The classes led by visiting practitioners

Location: Ibiza, 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 session led by one of the many visiting specialists that frequent the area or head to the “alchemy bar” where you can learn how to blend your own botanical products.

A range of kid-friendly activities—from toothpaste-making workshops to cooking classes—are sure to keep families entertained. Dining-wise, celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s Mediterranean-style restaurant, North, is a standout. And on Wednesday nights, 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.)

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Best Beach Resort In Europe For Design Lovers: Oku Kos

Oku Kos

Who Will Love It: Aesthetes with a penchant for minimalism and slow living

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

With a name from the Japanese architectural practice of “Oku” (meaning “inner space”), it should come as no surprise that Oku Kos places a strong emphasis on design. Conceptualized by award-winning Greek design studio Mastrominas Architecture, the boutique property features a collection of one and two-story cubist houses that pay homage to traditional Aegean island villages. The rooms, villas, and suites are made of local stone, wood, and polished concrete that forms a canvas for the island’s changing light. Clean lines are juxtaposed with tactile accents made from organic materials. The surrounding cobblestone streets, olive groves, lavender bushes, and palm trees invite guests to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Classic rooms come with a terrace, but if you can, upgrade to a suite with a private or swim-up pool. The communal-inspired atmosphere extends to the restaurant, which invites guests to gather around an open kitchen or vibe out to DJ sessions at sunset.

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About Julia Eskins, Your European Beach Resort Guide

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.