21 Best Weekend Beach Breaks In Europe | Summer 2026

ByNatali

With so many low-cost flights, flying away for the weekend and enjoying the European summer is easier than ever.

As I don’t live on the beach anymore, I spend every summer hunting for cheap flights to cities with beaches in Europe. That’s why I gathered my favorite weekend beach breaks in Europe you should consider this year.

To be included on this list, the place should be in Europe and have a beach and an airport nearby. Here are the best short beach breaks in Europe!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

a cove in pula with a pebbled beach and turqouise sea with people on the beach and swimming in the water

1. Pula, Croatia

Many people don’t know how beautiful the northern Croatian coastline is, and it is more accessible than ever with flights to Pula.

With more than 10 beaches in Pula, and countless others nearby, Pula is a great beach break destination.

The airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city and you can reach the beaches by public transport, or stay in a hotel on the beach, so you don’t even need to rent a car.

There are also many things to do in Pula besides the beaches! 

The city is home to one of the most impressive Roman amphitheaters and other historical monuments, charming cobblestone streets, and lively summer nightlife.

Where to stay in Pula?

girl sitting on zadar sea organ

2. Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a great alternative to the more popular Croatian towns like Dubrovnik or Split. 

The airport is just a short drive from the city, and you can be on the beach within 3 hours of boarding your flight!

When you look at the map, you’ll see countless islands nearby, so island hopping from Zadar makes for a great day trip! The most popular islands to visit from Zadar are Dugi Otok and Kornati National Park.

The city is quite compact, and you can see all the main tourist attractions in one day in Zadar and enjoy the laid-back summer nightlife.

Where to stay in Zadar?

a girl sitting on faro sign on a trip to faro without a car

3. Faro, Algarve

The Algarve is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, and with a great selection of flights to Faro Airport, it is just a short flight away!

Since you’re short on time, consider renting a car to explore the region and visit multiple cities and beaches.

If renting a car is out of budget, some of the best places to stay in the Algarve without a car are Faro, Lagos, or Albufeira.

All are easily accessible by public transport, have beautiful beaches in the city center or nearby, and have lively nightlife for Friday and Saturday nights out.

Where to stay in Faro?

Palaiokastritsa beach in corfu, a long pebbled bay with turqouse blue sea

4. Corfu, Greece

With more than 1000 islands in Greece, it is no wonder some amazing places like Corfu are completely underrated. 

You can reach Corfu by quick flight from all over Europe. Renting a car is the best way to get around, but driving in Corfu might be stressful if you’re not used to narrow, winding, uphill roads.

This green island offers a plethora of beaches, from long sandy beaches in the south to secluded coves in the north.

Even if you visit Corfu without a car and stay in Corfu Town, you can take a bus to the beach during the day and enjoy laid-back nightlife in the evening. 

Also, you can always hop on a boat tour from Corfu and discover secluded beaches only accessible by sea.

Where to stay in Corfu?

natali on a teal bike on a bike lane lined with palm trees in Barcelona

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona might be my favorite European city with beaches. I’d got that far to argue that it’s the best weekend beach getaway in Europe.

Why Barcelona?

Firstly,  it’s one of the rare large cities with a fantastic beach in the city center. You can simply walk to the beach every day of your trip.

The city is also dotted with cultural sites, so it is not just a beach destination. You can visit Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and many more tourist attractions.

Finally, Barcelona is one of the best party destinations in Europe, especially in the summer. 

The only downside is that it can be one of the most expensive destinations in Europe during summer.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

natali sitting on a low stone wall overlooking nice riviera in france

6. Nice, France

Those who are into more upscale summer destinations should check flights to Nice!

The South of France is an iconic summer destination, as the Riviera is dotted with charming fishing villages and beach towns. 

Even if you only stay in Nice you have the beach right in the city center and the airport is easily accessible by tram. 

You’ll get to wear your European summer outfits, sip cocktails in beachfront bars, and swim in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. 

Where to stay in Nice?

banje beach in dubrovnik with a view of the old city

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

When people think of Croatia, the first place that comes to mind is usually Dubrovnik. It is completely valid, this beautiful walled city is definitely worth visiting!

You only need 2 to 3 days in Dubrovnik, so it makes for a perfect weekend getaway. However, I’d avoid July and August to make the most of your visit.

Dubrovnik is expensive compared to other destinations in Croatia, but visiting in shoulder season makes it much more accessible. You can stay in hostels if you’re solo, or share an apartment as a group.

 Also, there are many free and cheap things to do in Dubrovnik, including the popular Dubrovnik kayak tours.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

split riviera lines with palm trees

8. Split, Croatia

Split is the largest coastal town in Croatia and a great option for those looking for cities with beaches in Europe. 

As it is quite a big city, going to the beach is just one of many activities you can do.

The most popular beach in Split, Bačvice, is just a short bus ride from the city center, but you can also take a boat tour to some of the more secluded island beaches.

Croatia is worth visiting for cultural and historical sites too! In Split, you can visit Diocletian’s Palace, stroll the cobblestone streets, and discover hidden gems like Golden and Silver Gate.

Of course, Split is also a great nightlife destination!

As it is up to 3 hour flight to reach Split from most places in Europe, it makes for one of the best city breaks with beaches Europe has to offer.

Where to stay in Split?

straw sun umbrellas on a beach in bodrum turkey with the sea in front of the beach

9. Bodrum, Turkey

Turkey is quickly becoming one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, and Bodrum is the perfect example of why! 

Situated on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Bodrum is a perfect beach getaway. The city center is walkable, with seafront bars, restaurants, and beaches. 

Sailing is a popular activity if you want to escape the crowds, and there are several charming islands you can visit by boat.

Also, nightlife in Bodrum is one of its main selling points. There is something for everyone, from live music to upscale lounge bars and nightclubs. 

Where to stay in Bodrum?

10. Malta

Malta is one of the best city breaks with a beach, as it has a capital which is great for sightseeing and easy access to beaches. 

The island is quite compact, and if you rent a car, you can easily explore the whole island over the weekend.

Even without a car, you can easily visit Malta’s best beaches by bus, but you’ll have to opt for one or two a day. For example, a bus from Valletta to the popular Popeye’s Village takes about an hour and a half.

Where to stay in Malta?

colorful sun umbrellas on a sandy beach in biarritz france

11. Biarritz, France

The French Atlantic coast is the perfect destination for surfing enthusiasts. While the most popular surf destinations are Landes and Lacanau, Biarritz is emerging as a fantastic beginner destination. 

Biarritz has a long history as an upscale summer destination—Napoleon himself used to spend his summers here!

Today, Biarritz is a beautiful seafront town that has preserved its elegant heritage while also embracing a more laid-back atmosphere.

Biarritz airport is about 5km from the city center and has connections to London, Edinburgh, Brussels, and several other larger cities!

Where to stay in Biarritz?

beahc in the icty center of antalya with sun beds and umbrellas on rocks in front of the sea

12. Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is another great beach getaway in Turkey if you’re short on time.

The city is right on the coast, with two long pebbled beaches on either side. If you’re staying in the city center, there’s a popular rock beach with colorful sun umbrellas in the Old Town.

Also, there are many boat tours you can hop on to escape the crowds.

The airport is just 15 km from the beach, so it’s a perfect option if you’re visiting Turkey without a car. 

Where to stay in Antalya?

13. Rhodes, Greece

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Greek island to visit, Rhodes is the one for you.

It is one of the largest Greek islands, so there are many accommodation options compared to the much smaller Cyclades. 

As you only have a weekend, you’ll want to stay around the island’s capital or rent a car to get around the island. 

Ialysos is a great option if you want to spend a couple of days on the beach and you’re close to the historical sites in Rhodes town.

Where to stay in Rhodes?

14. Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest Greek island, so you can’t really explore the entire island in 2-3 days. However, as the island has two airports, you can pick the area you’re interested in and stay there!

Chania is a more charming and picturesque city than Heraklion, so if you want to stroll the cobblestone streets between visiting beaches you should fly there. 

Heraklion on the other hand is a larger city, but still has access to some amazing beaches and it can be a more budget-friendly option!

Where to stay in Crete?

natali wearing a striped dress on the main square in Palermo Italy

15. Palermo, Italy

Palermo is one of those cities you either love or hate. I’m one of those people who love it, so that’s why I’m recommending it.

Sicily can be a bit rough around the edges, but it has undeniable charm. 

I love the cobblestone streets and lively terraces in Palermo. It’s the perfect place to mingle with locals and enjoy the laid-back Italian lifestyle.

Palermo is a big city, and while it is on the coast, the beach is not right in the city center. The most popular beach in Palermo is Mondello Beach, about 10 km from the historic center.

Where to stay in Palermo?

16. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is one of the best beach weekend getaways in Europe if you’re looking for an island holiday. 

I love how diverse the island is—you can find spots to party until the morning or secluded, calm retreats to unwind.

If you rent a car, you can escape the crowds and discover beautiful beaches around the island.

At the same time, you can simply pick an accommodation in the area where you like the beaches and spend 2 days swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh Spanish cuisine. 

Where to stay in Mallorca?

colofrul umbrellas on a beach on Amalfi Coast in Italy, perfect weekend break destination in Europe

17. Naples (Amalfi Coast), Italy

Amalfi Coast is another idyllic European summer destination. It is recognizable by the picturesque cliffside houses surrounding beaches with colorful umbrellas.

Naples is not one of those picturesque towns though, it is a big city and you should consider it your arrival port. 

Once in Naples, you can rent a car or take a train to Sorrento and then a bus to other villages. 

While renting a car sounds like a good idea at first, consider how much time you want to spend looking for parking in a highly touristic cliffside town – crowds are one of the main downsides of summer in Europe.

A weekend is enough time to enjoy the beaches and fresh Italian cuisine without getting too tired from climbing endless staircases.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast?

18. Larnaca, Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular summer party destination, but most of the island is also perfect for those who want to relax.

Larnaca Airport is the one to fly into to be close to the best beaches in Cyprus. 

The iconic Nissi Beach is the place to be if you’re looking to party until the early hours, with its vibrant nightlife and lively beach clubs.

However, Ayia Napa also has many secluded and calmer beaches if you’re not a party enthusiast and even Larnaca has a beach in the city center.

Where to stay in Cyprus?

natali standing on a hill in front of acropolis in athens

19. Athens, Greece

The capital of Greece is often overlooked as a beach break destination as the city gets super hot and Greek islands are dream summer destinations. 

Still, Athens is a great option for a city break with a beach. Athens beaches are accessible by trams, and there are many to choose from.

At the same time, the city is a history lovers’ gold mine with ancient monuments on every corner. 

You can go sightseeing in the morning, spend the afternoon on the beach, and enjoy delicious Greek food in charming taverns in the evening. 

Also, Athens is a fantastic European beach destination in September, as the sea stays warm for a long time. 

Where to stay in Athens?

sandy beach in varna bulgaria

20. Varna, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the cheapest European countries to visit, so its beach resorts are the ones to go for cheap European beach breaks

Sunny Beach is the most popular place in Bulgaria, but Varna is a great alternative as it has an airport nearby and is less party-oriented. 

The beaches in Varna are long sandy beaches with beautiful sunset views. You also get the opportunity to swim in the Black Sea, which is not that common!

Where to stay in Varna?

21. Alghero, Italy

Finally, we have the Italian island of Sardinia, with its many charming seafront towns and endless beaches. 

Sardinia is often overlooked by tourists traveling to Italy, which makes it a perfect destination to discover before it becomes too popular. 

The island is large with 3 airports, so you’ll have to pick one and stay in the area to make the most of a short visit. I suggest Alghero because the beaches around are beautiful. 

Where to stay in Alghero?

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    Summary: Last-Minute Weekend Beach Getaways In Europe

    Thanks to low-budget airlines, it is possible to take last-minute flights to some of the best beach destinations in Europe. 

    All of these European cities with beaches make for an unforgettable weekend away in the sun, and some can even be done on a budget.

    Sure, the French Riviera in the summer is not the cheapest beach destination in Europe, but a quick weekend on many Greek islands can be quite affordable. 

    So, don’t think twice, take Friday off, book that flight, and enjoy the best weekend beach breaks Europe has to offer!

    Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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