10 Best Beach Hotels in Europe

The Hotel Riu Gran Canaria – All Inclusive boasts 3 stunning outdoor pools right by the shore, each targeting a different type of guest. Your aquatic options include a party-style pool with semi-submerged sun loungers, a children’s pool with fun slides, and a large main pool for those who like to swim a few lengths in the morning. If you're keen to keep your fitness up while on holiday, you’ll also appreciate the beach volleyball court, gym, and spa with hot tub and steam room facilities.

The resort is located on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, far away from Las Palmas. But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lights out after sunset because there’s a nightclub and 4 restaurants on-site, so you have plenty of options when it comes to dining or late-night shenanigans. For more casual relaxation, there are 3 lounge bars and 2 poolside bars. That next round of drinks tastes even better when they’re already paid for.

Iconic Santorini certainly lives up to its name. High up on the edge of the Santorini caldera, the distinctive blue-and-white décor and stylishly rustic design is as Santorini as you can get. The infinity pool and terrace seating are ideal places for some iconic, sunset selfies. 

Of course, there’s more to a holiday than populating your Instagram feed. Despite being technically in caves, the rooms at Iconic Santorini are bright and airy. The range of facilities is unexpectedly impressive, too. Besides the main pool, there are a few smaller tubs (including those attached to specific suites), a couples' spa treatment room, and an outstanding restaurant. And, of course, there’s always that iconic view.

If you’re looking for a get-away-from-it-all-style holiday, The sheer scale of Gran Melia Palacio de Isora will all but guarantee you find it here. The main infinity pool could easily be mistaken for a small lake and there are 2 smaller pools nearby. Meanwhile, its 578 rooms, 7 restaurants, 5 lounge bars and other facilities are spread around the flower-filled grounds to ensure that you’re never too far from somewhere to relax. 

You certainly won’t get bored here, sitting on the edge of Alcala on the western coast of Tenerife. The hotel provides fitness classes (including yoga and Pilates), volleyball, tennis, a games room, a children’s club, a full-service spa, waterslides, Segway hire, and more. Nearby, you can enjoy golf, scuba diving, hiking, and biking. 

The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands dominates a small, quiet cove on the western shore of Malta, with most of the facilities up on the cliff overlooking the namesake sands. These facilities include 2 outdoor pools and an indoor pool, as well as 4 restaurants, 3 bars, a games room, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace.

The hotel's 337 rooms have a simple yet stylish design, with many offering beautiful sunset views from their large balconies. For the best views, you should head down to the beach, where you can also enjoy beach yoga, snorkelling, and plenty of sun loungers.

The terraced design of Nixe Palace Hotel ensures that most guests have a large balcony with a stunning view out into the Bay of Palma. Its curved shape also creates a cosy atmosphere focused on the sandy shoreline, making this an excellent beach getaway. 

In addition to the beach, the hotel boasts both indoor and outdoor pools, a large gym, and a spa. The hotel's location is also a great feature, with the Port of Palma de Mallorca and the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma both located nearby, along with plenty of local restaurants and bars.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay combines rustic chic style with an excellent location and first-class facilities. The result is a hotel that feels a bit like a live-in beach club. The beachfront location just outside of Ibiza Town is certainly a big contributor to that feeling, as are the pool (with poolside bar) and the 3 dining options – including the Nobu brand’s signature Japanese-Peruvian flagship restaurant.

The rooms here are stylish and sophisticated, with excellent amenities. The hotel is far enough away from Ibiza’s famous party scene to be quiet and peaceful, with an air of exclusivity. However, it is still close enough that you can easily get involved if that’s your thing.

Located on the south coast of Lanzarote, Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort has a sandy beach that's protected from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This, along with a free children's club, a dedicated kids' pool, and a games room make it a great beach hotel for families. The little ones will struggle to get bored, with options including tennis, basketball, volleyball, and more.

The grown-ups have plenty to look forward to here, too, including an additional 3 outdoor pools (2 of which have poolside bars), 7 restaurants, and a full-service spa. The design of the resort, including the 385 rooms, creates the feel of a sleepy Spanish village, with lovely gardens connecting the many facilities.

Located on the stunning Babin Kuk peninsula, the Dubrovnik Palace offers easy access to the city's famous Old Town while still being relatively isolated and exclusive. You can also enjoy the hotel's many remarkable facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, four restaurants, and an excellent spa.

The design of the Dubrovnik Palace is appropriately palatial, with clean and elegant décor throughout the 308 guestrooms and the public spaces. Spectacular sunset views over the Adriatic and the Otočić Grebeni island are almost guaranteed during your stay in this west-facing hotel.

Kalesma Mykonos is a beautiful getaway resort on the western side of this Greek island hot spot. It has the feel of a remote village, albeit one that swapped the usual civic buildings for an infinity pool, a restaurant, a gym, spa services, and a terrace – magical sunset views included.

Continuing the village feel, there are only 27 guestrooms at Kalesma Mykonos. Each is decorated to resemble a traditional local home, with a few convenient additions like deep-soak bathtubs and private plunge pools. Situated up on a ridge, there isn't really a sandy beach nearby, but the coastal setting is certainly striking.

H10 Port Vell is a modern and stylish hotel located just across the road from a luxury marina, with Barcelona's main passenger port and Barceloneta Beach in close proximity. Much like the city itself, the hotel combines sophisticated city chic with a breezy beach style.

Although the list of facilities available at the hotel is comparatively small, guests can find anything they might want in the city. However, they can still take a dip in the rooftop pool (while enjoying a drink from the poolside bar), dine in the restaurant, and work out in the fitness centre between trips to the beach. It's only about a 10-minute walk to reach the beach and get your toes in the sand or to reach the start of La Rambla – the iconic dining and nightlife hub of Barcelona.