The best beach hotels in Europe

Paloma Grida, Antalya

Swim to bed at this luxury hotel in Turkey

Best for… a luxury break

Chill out in your own private beach cabana at this luxurious hotel overlooking the breathtakingly blue Belek Sea. The real treats here are the beautiful, secluded tiled villas, whose terraces lead out onto private swimming pools; but gorgeous garden and sea views abound depending on which room you splash out for. The wide, sandy beach is just on the other side of the hotel’s large pool – if you can tear yourself away from its plush restaurants and cocktail bars.

Antalya, Turkey

Read more in our guide to Antalya

Olympic Lagoon, Paphos

Lounge around the lagoons

Best for… a fun family break

Travel back in time or to the bottom of the sea at this exuberant seaside resort, where you can lose yourself at the rock ‘n’ roll 1950s diner while the kids make a splash at the ocean-themed play clubs. One of the best family hotels in Cyprus, its languid, lagoon-style pools are the perfect place to soak up some sun; unless you’d rather be practising archery, playing tennis or taking in a show at the dazzling entertainment arena.

Paphos, Cyprus

Phenicia Hotel, Tunisia

Soak up the jungle vibes at this Tunisian oasis

Best for… desert island dreaming

Surrounded by olive groves, palm trees and the golden sands of Hammamet beach, it’s easy to imagine you’re drifting away on a paradise island at this Mediterranean hotel. Its balconies and terraces give the game away though, with their amazing views out over the bay and, more immediately, the hotel’s huge pool. From horse riding to golf and Tai Chi, and Tunisian cuisine to Italian classics, this is a place where you can truly indulge.

Hammamet, Tunisia 

VidaMar Resort Hotel, Algarve

You'll need a lie down after exploring all seven kilometres of this hotel's beach

Best for… beach lovers

Bask in the natural beauty that surrounds this huge resort: the nature reserve on its doorstep, the groves of palm trees between you and the ocean, and the wild Adriatic. Then lose yourself in the gorgeous gardens that stretch between its swimming pools – flowers, grass fields for football and 1,200 palm trees are all included before you even reach Salgados beach and its seven kilometres of golden sand. Adults’ clubs (with Bali beds), kids’ clubs and a huge variety of restaurants and bars will keep everyone happy.

Near Galé, Portugal

Read more in our guide to the Algarve

GF GRAN COSTA ADEJE, Tenerife

The only place to recover after a night out in Tenerife

Best for… a luxury break

Pure luxury in a pristine beachside setting, where leafy palm trees are all that stand between you and the blue sea. Gorgeous rooms give way to views of forested mountains, gardens and ocean, while curated experiences – from fine-dining tours of Canary Island specialities to a spa circuit and luxurious treatments – give you a taste of the best of Tenerife. Discos (and mini-discos), extensive sports facilities and bike rentals are great for active families; the pools, with panoramic views, are the heart of the hotel.

Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain

Read more in our guide to Tenerife

GRAND PALLADIUM WHITE ISLAND RESORT AND SPA, Ibiza

The other side of Ibiza

Best for… wining and dining

‘Blissful’ doesn’t begin to do justice to this sumptuous hotel, which is built around an enormous, tranquil tiled pool on the paradisiacal Playa d’en Bossa. Everything about this resort exudes tranquility, from the lofty palm trees that line its gardens to the marbled halls and secluded spa. As well as enjoying the cocktail bars and smart restaurant that dot its pretty grounds, guests can pop to its neighbouring resort to indulge in everything from Mexican to Italian fine dining.

Caller Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza, Spain

Read more in our guide to Ibiza 

Mitsis Norida Beach, Kos

A different pool for every day of your break

Best for… a taste of paradise

A gorgeous fusion of Greek tradition and modern design, this five-star resort is a really special stay: as well as its five concept pools (plus a childrens’ pools), all evoking a different corner of paradise, its huge, landscaped gardens are bursting with rare plants and palm trees. The pebble beach is a haven, with a smooth walkway letting you stroll right into its crystal-clear waters. You will never forget the views from its al-fresco restaurant, right out over the ocean to the mountainous coastline.

Near Kardamaina, Kos

Read more about the best beaches in Kos

PALLADIUM COSTA DEL SOL, Benalmadena

Make a splash in the Med

Best for… a sunny stay

More than 320 days of sunshine, fabulous food and the warm, southern Mediterranean: this large, family-friendly resort on the beach at Benalmadena has to be one of the best places for a summer holiday. Rent a bike to explore the nearby beaches and caminos, or just soak up sun at its sea-view pool or on the terrace. Restaurants specialise in everything from Andalusian food and wine to South East Asian flavours, all served with a dazzling, uninterrupted view of the ocean.

Benalmadena, Spain

Read more in our guide to the Costa del Sol

Hotel Croatia, Cavtat Bay

Sitting on a perfect promontory

Best for… a rugged setting

Set between verdant pine forest and craggy cliffs on a coastal peninsula south of Dubrovnik, this striking hotels offers tranquil luxury in a spectacular setting. Make for the Adriatic’s crystalline waters via two private beaches (there’s a roof-top pool if that’s more your thing), before supping sundowners at the waterside Sirocco Bar, feasting on top-tier seafood at the hotel’s signature Spinaker Restaurant, and laying your head in one of the many serene, and outrageously comfortable, rooms – boasting floor-to-ceiling views of sea, forest or mountains.

Cavtat Bay, near Dubrovnik, Croatia

Read more about Croatia’s spectacular national parks