Summer winds, the warm sun, and those turquoise waters of Europe always call my name. These 7 blissful coastal escapes in Europe are at the top of my list.
Over the years, these destinations have won me over. Small European villages dotted along picturesque coastlines is a dream. A plethora of fresh seafood restaurants, local boutiques, and gracious b&b’s puts these seven places as my favorites.
7 Blissful Coastal Escapes in Europe
Cinque Terre, Italy
One of my first trips in Italy included a few nights in Cinque Terre. Five villages in a line, cling onto the coastline of Italy’s Riviera. It’s nothing less than magical and the colorful towns are perfect for exploring.
Read:
A Nutshell Guide to Cinque Terre
Where To Eat In Cinque Terre By Village
Hvar, Croatia
When it comes to island escapes, Croatia has plenty. I loved Hvar for its friendly locals, good food, and incredible coves. The water here is something else too.
Read:
The Ultimate Guide To Hvar, Croatia
The First-Timer’s 10 Day Itinerary To Croatia
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is hard to put into words. The steep cliffs descend down into the dark waters of the ocean and create a contrast like no other. It’s somewhere to come for a few days of r&r.
Read:
The Ultimate Guide To Santorini, Greece
Sailing Santorini To Mykonos With G Adventures Review
Cassis, France
My favorite French village is Cassis. Set on the water, I love how cheerful it is during the summer, even with the crowds. Nearby are the Calanques as well which you can explore for the day by foot.
Read:
The Ultimate Guide To Cassis, France
Top Things To Do In Cassis, France
Malta
One of those places that often gets overlooked is Malta. This island country is home to blissful coastlines that have historic towns and villages to explore.
Read:
The Nutshell Guide To Visiting Malta
10 Incredible Things To Do In Malta
Mallorca, Spain
If you’re after the bluest water in Europe then Mallorca is it. I’d come here for a week to explore one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean.
Read:
7 Places Not To Miss On Mallorca
The Alternative Guide To Mallorca: Getting Out Of Palma
Lisbon, Portugal
Often people forget that Lisbon is one of the biggest cities on the coast. It’s my favorite for a mix of city energy and access to the ocean within minutes.
Read:
The Ultimate Lisbon Restaurant Guide
A Four Night Itinerary To Lisbon, Portugal
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
I’d particularly love to visit Lisbon and and Malta from this list. I absolutely love Italy too.
Emily