If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. It's hard to resist the sun-soaked appeal of the best beaches in Europe —even more alluring is a stay that's an effortless barefoot stroll away from one of these prized spots.
From small and secret hideaways on the harbor to sprawling resorts just steps from the water, here in no particular order, we round up the best beach hotels in Europe France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the UK included.
For even more European accommodations, see our edit of the best hotels across Europe. Breakfast alone makes the trip to this chic little Greek island hotel on the west coast of Crete worthwhile. You could stay for a week and still not try everything: freshly baked spanakopita; orange cake; sesame cookies; Cretan yogurt with honey and nuts; mini barley rusks piled high with feta, olives ,and tomato.
All are served in the Moroccan-tiled dining room until a very Mediterranean a. Tables at the laid-back restaurant spill out past the swimming pool and down to a shallow, sandy beach, where the hotel has sun beds and umbrellas.
There's a playroom if you want to keep toddlers out of the sun, and babysitters are on call in the evening. Bedrooms in the low-rise, sugar cube-shaped building have perky, bright, color-blocked walls, and African-print Moroso stools adding a grown-up touch.
