The 50 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Mediterranean for a Spectacular Mediterranean Vacation

Last Updated on: 23rd February 2023, 06:43 pm

I just adore a great Mediterranean vacation. Whether it’s basking on the shores of Cyprus, Tunisia, Malta, or Greece, I never say no when someone suggests we head to one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean! So if you’re dreaming about a beach getaway, here are fifty(!) fabulous Mediterranean beaches for you to choose from. 

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The Best Mediterranean Beaches

I’ve spent months lounging around the Mediterranean, but I haven’t gotten to every beach that I would like. So I asked a group of professional travel writers to share their favorite Mediterranean beaches as well.

Balearic Islands Beaches

This group of islands off the coast of Spain is famous for its beaches (and its beach parties). These are the best beaches in the Balearic Islands.

Cala Jondal (Ibiza)

There are more than 80 beaches in Ibiza. From white sandy beaches to pebbly beaches, they offer different vista and different feel. Cala Jondal (“Cala” means beach in Catalan) beach with turquoise water, surrounded by beautiful pine-covered forests and rocky cliffs is one of the trendiest of them.

It has a long stretch of beach with huge grey pebbles at one end and golden sand at the south end. And that’s what makes it unique and one of the most stunning locations in Ibiza. It is one of the fun things to do in Ibiza.

It is very popular with boat owners and the chic crowd. It has a fabulous bunch of beach restaurants and cafes catering to both classes. They provide all-day 5-star dining to rich and famous and also to the locals who prefer a more budgeted, rustic, and casual experience. Both accompanied by live music as per their taste.

Little bridges or ramps have been built over the pebbles to reach the water where the seabed is sandy to make bathing a joyous experience. There is a massage spa, a shop selling beachwear, a dinghy service to serve you on your private boats and yachts.

Getting there: Cala Jondal is on the southeast coast of Ibiza, near San Jose, about 15 minutes from Ibiza Town. Parking is fairly good but most of it is attached to the restaurants, so head to one of those.

Contributed by Nisha & Vasu from Lemonicks.

Cala Macarellata (Menorca)

Located on the southwestern coast of Menorca, Cala Macarelleta is a small beach known for its turquoise waters and pure white sands. Menorca has enough beaches for each day of the year and making a choice can be tricky.

Once you’re on the island, the beach is about 40 minutes from the town of Ciutadella. Access to Cala Macarelleta beach isn’t straightforward though. Park your vehicle in the parking lot for the nearby Cala Macarella beach and walk for about ten-fifteen minutes to this main beach, which has lifeguards and benches.

Then walk for another 20-25 minutes on the marked coastal Cami de Cavalls trail to reach Cala Macarelleta. Because the beach is inside a cove, hiking or taking a boat are the only two ways to get to it. This also makes the water warm and the gentle waves truly glisten under the sun.

The most exciting part is the nearby stone steps that one can take to get a nice bird’s eye view of the coast and the beach. The beach is favored by nudists and there aren’t any restrooms, lifeguards, or vendors.

Contributed by Supriya from Fun Travelog.

Platja de Ses Illetes (Formentera)

Port de Sóller (Mallorca)

Sa Colobra Beach (Mallorca)

Sa Calobra beach is a remote popular beach located on the west coast of Mallorca, Spain. The best way to get to Sa Calobra beach is by catching a passenger boat from Port de Soller. You can also hire a private car or hike through the Torrent de Pareis to get to the beach.

What makes Sa Calobra beach a great beach destination is that despite being a small beach, it possesses the dual characteristic of being both a sand and a pebble beach. The water’s crystal clear and safe for a swim. The spectacular natural scenery makes for a photographer’s dream.

The beach has been a source of inspiration for many artists. In fact, due to the excellent acoustics, the place is a venue for choir concerts during the summer season.

To get to the beach, visitors walk through a secret pedestrian tunnel with laser lights guiding you. The tunnel provides you with spectacular views of the cove. There are many restaurants/cafes near the beach that offer economical seafood buffets and delicious cocktails.

Contributed by Vaibhav Mehta from The Wandering Vegetable.

Cyprus Beaches

This European country is geographically a part of the Middle East, so you know you can count on warm beaches and silky shores. Here are a few of the best beaches in Cyprus.

 

Governor’s Beach

One of the main beaches near Limassol, this is popular with tourists who come to enjoy Cyprus’s southern shoreline.

 

A bit like an aquatic playground, Governor’s Beach has several chalky-white rocks in and around the water, making it an excellent place for snorkeling around to see the many fish, jumping off the rocks into the water, or getting your rod and reel out to try your luck at fishing. 

 

If the fishing doesn’t go so well, you can try a fish-dish at one of the nearby restaurants. A great stop that is enjoyed by many tourists and locals alike. After your beach day, you can visit the local village of Pentakomo.

Petra Tou Romiou

This is a truly magical beach to visit. Cypriots believe that this is the place where Aphrodite emerged from the sea!

The beach is a bit remote, and you can visit as a day trip from Limassol or Paphos. Make sure you bring water shoes since the rocks on the beach hurt! It’s not a rock beach though, just covered in small, smooth pebbles and stones. Once you’re out into the water, you’re in the clear.

Nissi Beach

Probably the most famous of the beaches in Cyprus, Nissi beach is full of pleasure seekers who come to hang out in its crystal blue waters and walk out on the small rocky peninsula to photograph the shore or dive into the water below.

You can stay in Agia Napa or visit as a day trip from Nicosia. The walk from the bus to the beach is only about five minutes.

While the beach was a bit more crowded than others in Cyprus, but it’s hard to argue that its one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. I wouldn’t choose to be based in Agia Napa proper, but I can highly recommend a day trip out to Nissi Beach.

For more great Cyprus beaches, check out The Best Beaches in Cyprus.

France Beaches

The French Riviera is one of the most famous beach destinations in the world. These are the best beaches on France’s Mediterranean coast.

Bay of Angeles (Cote d’Azur)

Calanques (Provence)

The Calanques National Park is a coastal park located in the South of France, between the city of Marseille and the fishing town of Cassis. The National Park includes a terrestrial part, made of limestone cliffs and pudding, creeks and islets, and its corresponding marine part.

The Calanques Marseille – Cassis is well known for the wild beauty of the landscapes and its secluded beaches and creeks with turquoise waters. This is what I like most about the Calanques and also the proximity to an important city like Marseille.

There are many ways to reach the Calanques. Day hikes along the Calanques starting from Marseille or Cassis, are very popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. Another popular way to visit the Calanques is by catamaran or sailboat on a day cruise. These day tours usually leave from Marseille or Cassis, and they often include lunch.

People on catamarans have access to the most secluded creeks in the Calanques and it is a great way to spend a sunny day in the Mediterranean Sea.

Contributed by Elisa from France Bucket List.

Collioure (Catalonia)

Located just 22 kilometers (15 miles) from the Spanish border, the French beachside town of Collioure makes a convenient stopping point between Barcelona and France. 

Like most beaches of the Mediterranean, Collioure’s is best described as pebbly, rather than sandy.  But with a photogenic beachfront full of history, the lack of golden, fine sand can be almost forgiven.  But there is certainly more to Collioure than just the beach. 

The old town is particularly attractive, with colorful architecture, inviting laneways and artist studios that hark back to the town’s history as home to the Fauvist artists. It’s easy to spend a morning wandering the backstreets before hitting the beach. 

And if the beach isn’t your thing?  Don’t despair – grab yourself a table at one of the beachfront restaurants, right down on the pebbles (just pick the one you like the look of most) and settle in for a leisurely meal, and the best vantage point for people-watching in town.  Served with a glass of the local Banyoles wine of course. 

Contributed by Jo Karnaghan from Frugal First Class Travel.

Menton (Cote d’Azur)

Nice (Cote d’Azur)

Be it the beautiful beaches of Nice or a day trip to Monaco, The French Riviera takes luxury to another level. The capital Nice is a perfect destination to unwind and relax on the stunning beaches it offers. Beaches in Nice mean spectacular Mediterranean views, long pebbled stretches, and private sun loungers.  

 

You can’t miss them. After a nice walk in the old town, just walk down to the shore and you will find that the whole shore is divided into multiple luxury beaches. In fact, the whole stretch from the Nice old town to Airport feels like a big beach.

 

With 320 days of sunshine, Nice provides enough opportunities to enjoy the beaches. It is a perfect place to enjoy some warmth in the lap of luxury. Most of the private beaches provide a sun lounge chair and towels for rent, which is convenient.

If you don’t want to go to the private beaches, you can take a relaxing walk along with the Promenade des Anglais, which is lined up with world-class restaurants, bars, top hotels, and plenty of shops. It is freely accessible for the public and You can stroll along here with the sea on one side, and queueing palm trees on the other.

Expert tip: Since the beaches in Nice are pebbled, I highly recommend getting swimming footwear.

Contributed by Nisha from Nerdy Footsteps.

Greece Beaches

If you want to vacation in Greece, you have some tough choices to make, like deciding whether to explore one of Greece’s sandy beaches or simply go island hopping to see as many as possible. You really can’t go wrong, though, if you settle on one of these fabulous beaches.

If you have to pick just one island, I’m partial to the beaches of Crete and Mykonos myself.

Agios Prokopios (Naxos)

Balos (Crete)

Balos beach is located on the biggest Greek island – Crete, 53 km from the harbor city of Chania. Balos beach is one of the best beaches in Crete and will most certainly take your breath away with its stunning and very unique landscape, turquoise water contrasting with volcanic, orange rocks!

The best way to visit Balos is to rent a 4×4 car and drive there yourself. Getting to the beach is an adventure on its own as you will go through hills and dirt tracks with some gorgeous scenery. From the parking area, there is a short hike down to the beach.

On your way there you will be able to see the beach from the top, don’t forget to stop and take in the view. The beach itself is pristine and the water crystal clear. In some parts of the beach, the sand has a pink shade! The best time to visit Balos beach is in the early morning before it gets crowded.  

Contributed by Mal from Raw Mal Roams.

Elafonisi (Crete)

If you’re looking for a gorgeous Mediterranean beach destination, look no further than Elafonisi Beach in Crete; a breath-taking stretch of warm sand and crystal-clear waters. Elafonisi is a small island off the north-western coast of Crete which is connected by the shallow reef of Elafonisi Beach.

When the water is at low tide and the sea is calm, visitors can cross the reef to reach the islet and explore the Elafonisi Cave Of Memory and the Church of Agia Irini on the far side of the island.

The pristine cove of Elafonisi Beach features a rugged island backdrop which leads down to soft sands with a gentle pink hue and inviting waters. As the water is shallow, Elafonisi is an ideal destination for families.

There are areas of the organized beach with sunbeds and parasols which take away from the natural beauty slightly, but they are great for protecting you against the hot midday Greek sunshine!

Elafonisi Beach can be reached by traveling 80km northwest of Chania Town (approx. 1h40 by car), by boat from the town of Paleochora or by car from the nearby town of Vathi (just 18 minutes away).

Elafonisi is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world so it should be on your bucket list! 

Elia Beach (Mykonos)

Kamari Beach (Santorini)

Matala (Crete)

Seitan Limania (Crete)

Seitan Limania, also known as Stefanou Beach, is located in the northwest of Crete, the largest Greek island. You can easily access Seitan Limania from Chania Town, via a narrow asphalt road. If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi from Chania Town or the neighboring resorts.

Seitan Limania beach is one of the most popular spots in the Chania region, so all taxi drivers should know the way. If you drive from Chania Town, take the road to the airport, then follow the signs to Chordaki and Akropoli.

As there are less than 23km from Chania Town to the beach, you should reach it within 30-40 minutes. Once you get off the car, be prepared to face a rather steep descent on a narrow path along the cliff. Sports shoes may come in handy.

What makes Seitan Limania wonderful is the windy shape of the cove that hosts it. The shape of this rocky estuary is not only incredibly photogenic, but it also contributes to the formation of huge waves that break very close to the beach.

The result is a natural wave pool with emerald water, a paradise of adrenaline-seekers who jump off the tall cliffs to dive into the sea. Whether you enjoy diving, or you just prefer fighting the playful waves and relaxing on a pristine beach, you’ll fall in love with Seitan Limania at first sight.  

Contributed by Violeta Matei from Offbeatgreece.

Vathi Beach (Sifnos)

Israel Beaches

While many choose to visit Israel to explore Biblical and cultural tourism, others come here for its stunning Mediterranean coast. Here are a few can’t-miss beaches in Israel.

Dado Beach (Haifa)

Israel has some excellent beaches, including my favorite Mediterranean beach: Dado beach in Haifa.

Dado Beach is gorgeous with clean sand slowly descending into light blue water The beach itself is narrower or feels narrower than other beaches on this side of the Mediterranean. However, the plus to this is that there are more facilities that at other beaches – cover from the sun, seats, some toilets and change facilities and a few places to eat.

It’s possible if you can snare a seat, to enjoy a nice drink, snack or even a decent lunch quite close to the water. You can’t beat the views.

The paved promenade close to the sand also makes for a nice walk, especially as the sun goes down into the water of an evening time.

If you are driving, get in early. Dado beach is one of the most popular in Haifa and, even though it has a lot of car parking, it can fill up quickly. If you aren’t driving there then Dado Beach is just a couple of minutes away from Hof Carmel railway station in Haifa. The station also has a bus interchange and several local bus routes terminate or pass through just minutes from the beach.

Contributed by Sharon from Dive Into Philippines

Gordon Beach (Tel Aviv)

Gordon Beach is one of the most fun in the country, boasting volleyball courts and a fabulous saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by sunbeds to lounge on.

On the boardwalk, you’ll find restaurants serving both traditional Israeli cuisine and typical beach fare. After sundown, outdoor beach bars create a party atmosphere with cocktails, DJs, and great dancefloors.

Italy Beaches

There’s way too much to do in Italy for a single trip (or a single lifetime). But if you’re headed to Italy to appreciate its Mediterannean coast or islands, put these on your bucket list.

Cefalu (Sicily)

Costa Rei (Sardinia)

Costa Smeralda (Sardinia)

Costa Smeralda means Emerald Coast, and you can find this paradise on the northeast corner of Sardinia in Italy. If you are already in Sardinia, head towards Olbia and Golfo Aranci to reach the region. From the mainland, you can take a ferry from Civitavecchia, Genoa or Livorno to the island.

The green and turquoise coast spread from the city of Olbia up to Palau and includes many small bays, coves, and inlets with numerous small beaches. Some of the beaches are still wild with little to no facilities. The best way to reach the beaches is by car, but some are also accessible by train which has a small stop along the coast.

One of the beaches accessible by train is Spiaggia di Cala Sabina. This particular beach is less frequented so you can enjoy a relaxed day without the crowds. Other great beaches are Le cinque Spiagge in Golfo Aranci, Spiaggia Pittulongu, Spiaggia di Bados, Spiaggia Cala Banana, or Spiaggia Cala Sassari.

 

All beaches in Costa Smeralda are amazing. Beautiful turquoise water, sand, and gravel beaches surrounded by Mediterranean greenery.

Contributed by Slavka from On2Continents.

Furore Beach (Amalfi Coast)

The beautiful Furore Beach has the furore fjord one of the most spectacular natural wonders along the Amalfi coast.  The beach has a very high bridge that connects two tall steep rugged rocky sides. 

 

The beach itself is not very big, about 25 meters across but a hidden gem, one that many Italians flock to during the summer.  Due to its location, the sun is only directly on the beach for a few minutes and hides behind the cavernous rocks for the rest of the day.  This provides ample opportunity to cool down in the hot Italian sun throughout the day and enjoy the cool water. 

 

Visitors can easily access the bridge as it has a long steep staircase along the side.  From the bridge, you can get magnificent views out into the area.  Close to the beach are plenty of restaurants and cafes reachable by trails.

The town of Furore is small and best reached by car.  It is close to the city of Amalfi and can also be reached by bus.

 

Contributed by Diana from Travels in Poland.

 

 

Isola Bella (Sicily)

This was selected as a favorite beach by two different writers! Can you say dream vacation?

Isola Bella belongs to one of the prettiest beaches in the East of Sicily. You can find it in Taormina, a wonderful historical town in the Southeast of the island.

However, it’s located below the actual city. To get comfortably from the city-level down to the seaside, a cable car is the most comfortable and fun way. Once down, turn right and walk for about 5 minutes until you see a clear beach entrance.

The pebble beach of Isola Bella is spacious and parasols and sunbeds for a fee occupy only a fraction of it.

Apart from swimming and having fun in the water, you can make use of local amenities. A fancy-looking beach bar will provide the best beachside cocktails. Other than that, plenty of shops are located nearby.

What’s best about the beach, though, is the Isola Bella Island. It’s a tiny islet connected by a sandbar with Isola Bella beach and you can walk to it – at times of low tide with only your feet getting wet. The little area features an old house and a jungle-like setting of small paths and a few viewpoints.

Contributed by Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

Isola Bella, as the name suggests, is a pretty island situated below the equally pretty town of Taormina on the northeast coast of Sicily. The island’s beach is pebbly and rocky and the water is crystal clear. The island itself is a protected nature reserve and it is connected to the main beach by a narrow strip of pebbles. There are free sections to relax on as well as lidos where sunbeds can be rented.

Isola Bella is a perfect little place to relax in the sunshine or go for a swim during a visit to Taormina. Even in spring, the beach is a delightful place to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Sicily’s most popular town. Eating ice cream while enjoying the view of the sea is a particularly lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The best way to reach picturesque Isola Bella is by cable car from Taormina although it is also possible to walk down or take one of the frequent buses. There are a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a couple of shops above the beach. Note, the beach is reached via a long series of steps.

Contributed by Annabel Kirk from Smudged Postcard.

San Fruttuoso (Italian Riviera)

My favorite Mediterranean beach is San Fruttuoso in Italy.  The water is beautiful emerald green and the setting is stunning.  It is set in a hidden cove, surrounded by steep, forested hills and rocky outcrops on both sides. 

Deck chairs and umbrellas are set up along the beach for hire.  There is also a golden-colored abbey on the edge of the beach, with arches and a tall tower.  Several seafood restaurants and a casual outdoor cafe provide lunch. 

There are only two ways to get to the beach – by hiking from Portofino or by boat from Rapallo/ Santa Margherita Ligure/ Portofino or Camogli.  Being there really feels like a decadent adventure. 

A great day trip starts with the boat ride to Portofino, exploring the tiny town for a while, then hiking over the hills to San Fruttuoso, cooling off and relaxing for the afternoon on the beach, then catching the last boat back in the late afternoon.

Contributed by James Ian from Travel Collecting

Scopello Beach (Sicily)

Contributed by Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog.

Viareggio Beach (Tuscany)

Viareggio Beach on the west coast of central Italy offers a beautiful and relaxing getaway to enjoy the sun and ocean for an hour or the day. Whether you’re going solo, as a couple or as a family, the beach offers plenty of space to spread out on the sand and in the water.

Located in the province of Lucca it has everything you need including a wide promenade stretching behind the beach itself, full of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy a meal, a snack, and a drink.

Viareggio is a popular destination for tourists, both Italian and foreign, and is just a short trip north of Pisa, and just south of the affluent vacation destination of Forte Dei Marmi. The beach is family-friendly with calm waters for kids to swim and play while you keep an eye on them.

While you’re having a nice dip in the ocean, back towards the east you’ll notice the majestic mountains of the Apennine National Park, a popular hiking spot if you’ve got some extra time.

To get to Viareggio, the train is the best option as Viareggio has its station, then it’s just a short 10-minute walk to the beach from there or a quick taxi ride.

Contributed by Matt from It’s All in Italy.

Malta Beaches

The beaches in Malta are simply stunning, and there’s every kind of beach here to appreciate. Whether you want to day trip to the Blue Lagoon or enjoy an afternoon 

Blue Lagoon (Camio)

Ramla Beach (Gozo)

There are many stunning beaches around the Mediterranean Sea. From amazing French Riviera to beautify Italian beaches. But if you are looking for a truly unique beach in the Mediterranean head out to Malta.

Ramla is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maltese Archipelago. It is located on the island of Gozo – 2nd largest of the islands. If you are based in Malta, you will have to take a ferry to Gozo and then drive just under 20 minutes from the ferry terminal.

This natural beauty, covered with orange-red sand, is a dream alternative to the noisy and crowded beaches on the island of Malta. There are a few bars where you can buy something to eat but luckily, they do not obstruct the picturesque scenery in which the beach is located.

If you are traveling with your family, you will be glad to hear that this beach is guarded and it’s very safe for families with small children. If you are looking for unique spots in the Mediterranean, Ramla beach will be one of them!

Contributed by Darek from Darek and Gosia.

St. Peter’s Pool

St. Peter’s Pool in Malta is truly a natural wonder. It’s not technically a beach but a rocky alcove, like a swimming pool created by Mother Nature herself.

There’s a rocky ledge several feet above the water where people love to lounge or jump off of to dive into the crystal clear green ocean water. It is a little bit difficult to reach because you have to go through rough roads to reach this destination. But it will all be worth it when you see the view from St. Peter’s Pool. It’s the perfect place to spend a day in the water.

Spain Beaches

Spain’s stretch of Mediterannean coast is just one of the many, many reasons you need to plan a trip here. But if you want to enjoy a seaside vacation, stick to these fabulous beaches.

Barceloneta (Barcelona)

Barceloneta Beach (Playa de la Barceloneta) is probably the most popular beach in the tourist metropolis of Barcelona. The beach is easy to reach from anywhere in the city and is, therefore, a must-see for every visitor. There are two metro stations and a few bus stops nearby, from which you can easily reach Barceloneta.

The name Barceloneta describes not only the beach area but is also the name of a whole neighborhood in Barcelona.

You can walk along the beach promenade or ride a bike along the beach. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the coastline. It’s worth it to enjoy a delicious Cafe con Leche or a refreshing beer with a view of the Mediterranean sea.

In summer, Barceloneta beach is perfect for swimming. The water temperatures are very refreshing, but mostly not too cold for swimming. You can as well take a surfing class.

Many creative artists come to Barceloneta Beach every day to surprise visitors with their unique and original sand sculptures. Above all, this is a great experience for families traveling with children.

Contributed by Vicki from Vicki Viaja.

La Caleta (Cadiz)

Contributed by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery.

Calella de Palafrugell (Costa Brava)

One of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava, Calella de Palafrugell offers several smooth pebble beaches dotting along the coast separated by small rocky outcroppings. Just a 45-minute drive from Girona, this seaside escape is enough off the beaten path to feel quiet and local, but with all of the amenities that you could want.

The Cami de Ronda, a footpath running along the shore of the entire Costa Brava makes it easy to spend a day, a week, or more exploring what each of the little coves has to offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend some time hiking further along the trail to nearby towns or exploring the often nearly deserted beaches along the path.

In the evening, stroll along the seafront promenade or relax, grab a drink, and enjoy some seafood at one of several alfresco restaurants along the shore.

With a backdrop at any of Calella de Palafrugell’s beaches of white houses with terracotta roofs stacked up along the seaside, and crystal clear water with small wooden sailboats bobbing in the harbor, the photo ops will be endless.

Contributed by Kristin from Snorkel and Hike.

La Concha & La Zurriola (San Sebastian)

Los Muertos Beach (Cabo de Gata)

Playa de los Lances (Tarifa)

Playa de Los Lances is one of the most exciting beaches in the South of Spain because of its popularity with water sports lovers. Located just outside Tarifa, Playa de Los Lances stretches on 10 kilometers, from the town to the forests descending towards the ocean from Alcornocales National Park.

Getting to Playa de Los Lances is easy from Tarifa, as it sits just outside of the main harbor. On the closest end to the town, there is a pier that splits the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean, great for photo opportunities.

The beach is split into two sections, one for the water sports lovers and one for the sunbathers. It has all the facilities, from toilets and showers to lifeguard watch during the high season.

Playa de Los Lances is not only beautiful to sunbathe on, because of the golden soft sand, but also a wonderful place to admire the kite surfers jumping over the waves on their boards. There are plenty of kite and windsurfing schools along the beach, where anyone can book a lesson to learn how to master the waves on a board.

Contributed by Joanna from Andalucia in My Pocket

Playa de Nagüeles (Marbella)

Poniente Beach (Benidorm)

Located on the Costa Blanca in Spain, the Poniente beach is one of the 2 main beaches of Benidorm, a coastal resort town that has been one of the biggest seaside tourist destinations in Spain for many years because of the year-round mild climate.

Not far from the international airport at Alicante, most visitors come to enjoy their holidays in Benidorm on the sun-soaked beaches and in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

Both the Poniente and the Levante beach together are about 6 km long and stretch almost the entire length of Benidorm and are connected in the middle by the old original city center. The more beautiful of the two, the Poniente beach is a little quieter and more tranquil with its white sand overlooking the Benidorm island. The Poniente beach also receives fewer overseas tourists and is more frequented by Spanish locals.

There are no bars with loud music close by the beach or adventurous activities, making it all the more relaxing when sunbathing or going for a swim. The end of the Poniente beach gives you wonderful views of the Benidorm skyline which lights up beautifully at night. Sunbathing on the Poniente beach or taking a stroll on the beachside promenade is one of the many things to do in Benidorm.

Contributed by Sabine and Sean from The Travelling Chilli. 

Punta Umbria (Huelva)

Tunisia

White-washed Mediterranean seaside towns and popular beach resort towns, Tunisia is the perfect hidden gem if you want to enjoy the sea without the crowds. Here are a few of the best beaches in Tunisia.

Djerba

Djerba is a beautiful island off the coast of Tunisia. It is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and so, you’ll find plenty of hotel resorts to stay at when you visit here.

 

Djerba used to be a fishing port and a 16th-century fortress; the city is just brimming with an interesting history. During your vacation, make sure to spend a day at Houmt Souk, a network of alleys lined by old whitewashed houses and stores selling hand-painted pottery, jewelry, and carpets.

If you just want to have a nice, relaxing day by the sea, head to the white sand Djerba beach.

La Goulette

La Goulette is the port of Tunisia’s capital Tunis. It was a 16th-century fortress built by Charles I of Spain, but Ottoman Turks took captive of the city less than half a decade later.

 

Today, La Goulette remains a historical point of interest in Tunisia. It is close to some of the country’s most popular historical landmarks including Byrsa, the remains of an ancient Carthaginian city; the Carthage National Museum, home to ancient relics and art; and the Baths of Antoninus, a sprawling of Roman baths from the 2nd century.

But La Goulette is mostly known for its beaches and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Tourists love to go here to swim, surf, and enjoy a day under the sun.

 

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is a gorgeous white-washed town on the Gulf of Tunis. If you want a Tunisian beach vacation that highlights Tunisia’s Mediterranean ties, come here, as you’ll find a beautiful mix of North African and Greek island styles. 

When you’re done soaking in the sun at the beach, this is one of the best Tunisian towns to relax in. Walking around at night, you can see the beautiful architecture from the ground, or go into one of the museums with roof access or one of the rooftop bars to take in the view from above. 

For more great Tunisia beaches, check out The Best Beaches in Tunisia.

Turkey

There’s more to Turkey than Istanbul and Cappadocia! The Turquoise Coast is less famous than its Greek counterpart but just as luscious. Check out these Turkish Riviera beaches on your next Mediterranean vacation. 

Cleapatra Beach (Alanya)

There are several beaches in Alanya with the European flag, meaning these beaches are in the standards of the international control administration, a very high rank to earn.

One of the most popular of these white sand paradises is obviously Cleopatra Beach, taking its name from the famous Egyptian Princess Cleopatra, who allegedly took a bath with the Roman Emperor Mark Anthony (Marcus Antonius) here!

Spanning two kilometers west of the city, the entrance to the beach is free. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to hire in case you cannot bring your own.

Cleopatra Beach is extremely popular, so do expect crowds especially in the high season!

Kaputas Beach (Kas)

Turkey’s turquoise coast is stunning, lined with beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean sea. One that you don’t want to miss is Kaputas Beach near Kas.

Contributed by Lora Pope from Explore with Lora.

Lara Beach (Antalya)

Lara Beach is one of the most stunning Turkish beaches and is situated in the south of the city of Antalya. Famous for its soft white sand, it is a fabulous place to relax for a day watching the clouds over the water.

A lot of beach resorts are also located here, therefore, it can get very crowded during peak season. You can rent jet-skis or paddleboards if you like or just lay down to get a tan. This makes for a great Mediterranean getaway!

5 Things to Pack for a Mediterranean Vacation

Lonely Planet Guidebook which are available as a paper copy or in a Kindle edition.

Mosquito Repellant is the single most important thing you’ll want on you as soon as dusk hits. Have enough to at least get through the first night.

Full-Sized Travel Towel This is the best travel towel in the world. It’s pretty enough for the beach, large enough that you forget it’s a microfibre towel, and quick-drying so you only need to have one beach towel for the trip.

Sunscreen so that you don’t have to worry about finding it for one of the first few days of your trip. I found it to be more expensive than at home. 

A GoPro for underwater and action photography. Why go all the way to the Mediterranean and not be able to capture some of the most exciting parts of your beach trip?

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

It’s a good idea to always have a valid travel insurance policy before you travel someplace like the Mediterranean where you’ll be doing activities and spending time outside. It’s just a fact that accidents can happen on the road, and you don’t want them to ruin your trip!

 

I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to consider getting travel insurance when you’ll be doing any outdoor activities (like…ahem…going to the beach…).

I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  It’s an especially good idea to consider getting travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities in foreign countries. Even in the cities, though, you’ll be happy if you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen or have help with any medical bills.

>>Get a travel insurance quote for your trip.<<

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