Sea and the City: 10 of the coolest European cities by the sea
Summer is just around the corner, but not everyone wants to miss out on trendy restaurants, cool bars and shopping during their beach vacation. And you don't have to. After all, there are plenty of cities by the sea that offer sunny relaxation and hot adventures.
April 17, 2022
Spoilt for choice: city break or beach vacation? Why choose when you can simply have both! After all, there are plenty of seaside cities that combine the best of both worlds. You don't even have to leave Europe to have a fabulous time on the beach during the day and party hard in the evening. From booming metropolises to idyllic hideaways, these 10 seaside cities offer everything your heart desires.
From Istanbul to Marseille (pictured), Europe's seaside cities offer diverse offerings and gorgeous views. © Unsplash
Lisbon, Portugal
The colorful Portuguese capital boasts a beautiful old town, great weather, excellent shopping and delicious food. A number of gorgeous beaches are also just half an hour away and easy to reach. So you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy the city's legendary nightlife in the evening - and show off your summer complexion.
Hotel Tip:
Four Seasons Ritz
R. Rodrigo da Fonseca 88, 1099-039 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel.: +351 21 381 1400
Web: fourseasons.com/lisbon
Price: from €670,- per night
Undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful seaside cities, colorful Lisbon is no longer an insider's tip. © Shutterstock
Related: The most beautiful rooftop bars in Lisbon
Venice, Italy
Probably the most famous seaside city in the world is always worth a visit, and not only because its water level is constantly rising and it threatens to sink. The city, built on 118 small islands and connected by over 400 bridges, counts as an urban masterpiece and attracts millions of visitors every year. It is also worth exploring the areas away from the well-known sights and getting lost in the many small alleys.
Hotel Tip:
The Gritti Palace
Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, 2467, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel.: +39 041 794611
Web: marriott.com
Price: from €1.425,- per night
The classic par excellence: everyone should have seen Venice at least once. © Shutterstock
Copenhagen, Denmark
As one of the happiest and most sustainable cities in the world, the Danish capital attracts more and more visitors. The Little Mermaid already knew why she wanted to go ashore here, because Copenhagen guarantees a varied time. Besides exciting museums, breathtaking architecture and fashionable stores, the city also counts several beaches among its repertoire, which also makes it a top destination in summer.
Hotel Tip:
Hotel Sanders
Tordenskjoldsgade 15, 1055 Copenhagen, Denmark+45 46 40 00 40
Web: hotelsanders.com
Price: from €590,- per night
With a view like that, no wonder Danes are among the happiest people in the world. © Shutterstock
Palma de Mallorca
Undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful - and popular - seaside cities, Palma is in a class of its own. With an ever-growing array of excellent restaurants, bars, stores and galleries, the city has become a luxurious destination for travelers who love the summer ambience and wonderful beaches of the Balearics and don't want to miss out on vibrant city life.
Hotel Tip:
Sant Francesc
Plaça de Sant Francesc, 5, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain+34 971 49 50 00
Web: hotelsantfrancesc.com
Price: from €419,- per night
Living the good life: Mediterranean indulgence meets modern luxury in Palma. © Shutterstock
Related: Palma on the Coffee Table
Kotor, Montenegro
The coastal town in Montenegro is bursting with medieval charm and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The magnificent old town provides exciting insights into the turbulent history of Kotor. The San Giovanni Fortress, which can be reached by hiking, is an absolute highlight not to be missed. The city's bay holds many small beaches that are as charming as the rest of the destination.
Hotel Tip:
Hotel Forza Terra
Dobrota bb, 85330, MontenegroTel: +382 67 370 370
Web: forzahotels.com
Price: from €213,- per night
On the trail of history: the medieval Kotor knows how to convince with dreamlike beautiful nature and well-preserved fortresses. © Shutterstock
Barcelona, Spain
The Spanish metropolis on the Balearic Sea offers cosmopolitan flair, hip restaurants, modern galleries, fabulous shopping opportunities - and above all top beaches that are easy to reach and freely accessible. Few other European cities are as laid-back and booming with joie de vivre as the Catalan capital. A good time is bound to happen here.
Hotel Tip:
W Barcelona
Plaça Rosa Del Vents 1, Final, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona, SpainTel: +34 932 95 28 00
Web: marriott.com
Price: from €327,- per night
If you're looking for urban adventure and pristine beaches, Barcelona is the place to be. © Shutterstock
Related: City trip to Barcelona
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland's hilly capital, with its medieval old town and Georgian influences, may not be an obvious beach destination, but just a few miles from the city center is Portobello Beach, a charming coastal suburb. With its moderate climate, Edinburgh is an ideal destination, especially in summer, for those who want to escape the heat but still want beach vibes.
Hotel Tip:
The Witchery by the Castle
352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, United Kingdom+44 131 225 5613
Web: thewitchery.com
Price: from €718,55 per night
Portobello Beach promenade in Edinburgh, Scotland, provides fresh sea air in the Georgian city. © Shutterstock
Naples, Italy
The birthplace of pizza is worth a visit for its outstanding cuisine alone - but Naples has much more to offer. Unexpectedly diverse architecture, theatrical coffee culture and a few of the country's most beautiful beaches make Italy's third largest city an adventurous highlight.
Hotel Tip:
Grand Hotel Parker's
C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 135, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy+39 081 761 2474
Web: grandhotelparkers.it
Price: from €221,- per night
Always worth a trip, and not just for arguably the world's best pizza: the Italian metropolis of Naples. © Shutterstock
Related: A weekend in Naples, Italy's wild trendy city
Marseille, France
The old port city is a proverbial melting pot of diverse cultures, with stunning African influences and a colorful old town that is one of the most beautiful in all of France. Marseille is full of unusual architecture and art that is guaranteed to amaze visitors. In addition to its hip urban appeal, the city offers a variety of glorious beaches and wonderful nature.
Hotel Tip:
C2 Hôtel Marseille
48 Rue Roux de Brignoles, 13006 Marseille, France+33 4 95 05 13 13
Web: c2-hotel.com
Price: from €242,- per night
This picturesque port city delights with a colorful mix of French and African culture and a Mediterranean climate. © Shutterstock
Istanbul, Turkey
The city on the Bosphorus simply has it all: ties to history, booming nightlife, fantastic food, fabulous stores, breathtaking views and, above all, plenty of diversity. The interplay of historical influences and modern progress guarantee that you will never get bored during a stay in Istanbul. The enchanting beaches in numerous bays are the icing on the cake in a colorful metropolis.
Hotel Tip:
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
Kuruçeşme, 34345 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey+90 212 349 88 88
Web: mandarinoriental.com
Price: from €845,- per night
