Most Beautiful Bays in Europe
Bathed in sunshine, with a marina, waterfront restaurants, golden sand, nautical and leisure activities for the whole family, the most beautiful bays in Europe offer all the ingredients for a perfect holiday.
Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your tours and activities and discover the most beautiful bays in Europe.
1. Cavtat Bay
Konavle Region - Croatia
It is the most beautiful bay in Europe and it is located in one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Upon entering the port of Cavtat, a sense of tranquility begins to overwhelm you, leading to a feeling of security and relaxation. It is as if bays exist because of that feeling of being embraced. And an embrace is always the feeling that you are – home. Sailors who seek shelter from storms in Cavtat’s bay, or just a peaceful respite on their journey, emphasize that sense of harmony that one feels in the entire town of Cavtat, which is immersed in Mediterranean greenery with the fascinating shapes of pine trees rising over the crystal-clear sea.
The Bay of Cavtat is not only a haven for boats, but also for people who want to get away from the crowds and noise and spend some time with themselves, sitting under tall palm trees on one of the benches placed on the beautifully decorated waterfront or in a cozy little restaurant that exudes Mediterranean charm.
The Bay of Cavtat is embraced by two sides that are connected by a continuous promenade that offers pedestrians a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature, in the shade of the forest on one side, with a view of the horizon where the sea and the sky meet, and with the outlines of Dubrovnik’s old city that can be seen in the distance.
The Bay of Cavtat has managed to preserve a sense of tranquility, its harmonious small beaches, and a clear sea which is a sheer pleasure to dive into. The discerning guest can find all high-quality tourist services in the Bay of Cavtat, but also what makes it special and specific, and that is a certain peace that seems to come from this place’s good vibrations.
Some good stories began in the Bay of Cavtat centuries ago, not only for local fishermen who sailed their boats to sea to feed their families with the catch, but also for those who took their pride in this small town out into the world. Like when the grandfather of the famous painter Vlaho Bukovac, who sought salvation in Cavtat Bay after a shipwreck, later built his family home here because he fell fatefully in love with a beautiful local girl. Life, love, and meetings took place on the shores of Cavtat Bay. Departures and arrivals, tears of sadness and tears of joy, they are imprinted on these borders that separate and unite sea and land, all that which we think little of today, but which remains chronicled in the memory of the stone and is today felt through the feeling of fulfillment that appears, suddenly and completely inexplicably.
The is all Cavtat Bay – and that's why it's the most beautiful! And that's why Cavtat is a place ... where living is a pleasure!
Book your flights to Dubrovnik and your transfer, your accommodation in Cavtat as well as your tours and activities such as a "Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Cavtat" and stay in the Most Beautiful Bay in Europe.
How to get there: Book your flights to Cavtat and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Hotel Supetar". Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Hotel Supetar.
2. La Concha Bay
San Sebastian - Spain
The Bay of San Sebastian is certainly one of the most beautiful bays in Europe. With its houses on its green cliffs, its two golden sand beaches, its cycle paths, its walks, it reminds us of an Australian bay. However, it is in the Spanish Basque Country that one of the most beautiful bays in Europe is located.
Renowned for its gastronomy, with the greatest concentration of starred restaurants and gourmet restaurants as well as pintxos restaurants (similar to tapas), San Sebastian is also renowned for its quality of life, its schools, its cultural and associative life. Ideal destination for holidays in Europe or for a new life in an exceptional living environment, San Sebastian is at the top of your travel wishlist.
Need more inspiration? Discover the best destinations to visit in Spain, Best beaches in Spain, best things to do in Spain and Most beautiful Castles in Spain.
Book your flights to San Sebastian, your accommodation in San Sebastian as well as your activities and tours in San Sebastian as a "San Sebastian: Gourmet Pintxo Tour".
How to get there: Book your flights to San Sebastian or Bilbao (1h by car) as well as your transfer.
Where to stay: "Hotel de Londres y de Ingaleterra". Overlooking the Concha Bay.
3. Bay of Angels
Nice - France
Renowned worldwide for its Promenade des Anglais, the "Baia dei Ange" in the Provençal language, extends from Nice to Antibes in Provence.
The Bay of Angels reminds us a bit of Los Angeles, the City of Angels. The story is quite similar since, according to mythology, angels brought a boat containing the body of a martyr to the Nice shore, but this version clashes with the version of local fishermen who say that iTHEY gave that name to the bay in reference to the "sea angels", the name of the harmless sharks they caught there. It doesn't matter, the Bay of Angels is truly a heavenly holiday spot as it is bordered by 5 towns of rare beauty: Antibes-Juan-les-Pins, Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Saint- Laurent-du-Var...It already gives you a taste of holidays...
Book your flights to Nice, your accommodation in Nice as well as your activities and tours in Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur such as a "Nice Food Tour".
How to get there: Book your flights to Nice and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Hotel Le Negresco" overlooks the beach and the Promenade des Anglais.
4. Carvoeiro Bay
Algarve - Portugal
Carvoeiro beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Located in the municipality of Lagoa, in southern Portugal, it is one of the most beautiful bays in Europe.
Carvoeiro is an ideal destination for families in Summer and for couples in Spring and Autumn; its fishermen's houses built right on the beach, its golden sands and secret caves (book your tours to Benagil Caves) are stunning!
The Portuguese cuisine is generous and the restaurants of Carvoeiro offer terraces with live music, colourful cocktails, planchas, seafood, all in a festive and family atmosphere.
Book your flights to Faro and your transfer (40 min) as well as your accommodation in Carvoeiro and your tours and activities in Carvoeiro such as a "Carvoeiro Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour".
How to get there: Book your flights to Faro and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Castelo Guest House". Perched on a cliff above Carvoeiro Beach.".
5. Bogliasco Bay
Liguria - Italy
Considered one of the best hidden gems of Italy, Bogliasco is a colourful destination a few kilometres from Genoa in the Italian Region of Liguria and therefore not far from the Cinque Terre also ranked among the Best bays in Europe.
With its pastel-coloured houses, its turquoise waters, its restaurants with breathtaking views, its candy pink villas, its palm trees, lemon trees, centuries-old olive trees, its art galleries, its terraces with Aperol and sunset, truffle pasta, with seafood or alla genovese, a holiday in Bogliasco is truly an unforgettable experience.
During your stay visit the best beaches in Italy, best natural wonders and best destinations to visit in Italy.
How to get there: Book your flights to Genoa and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Agriturismo Le Pale" featuring a swimming pool and a restaurant.
6. Girolata Bay
Corsica
This beautiful bay surrounded by majestic red cliffs and small beaches is one of the most beautiful bays in Europe. Girolata is a small medieval village inhabited by fishermen. Very picturesque it is an idyllic location for holidays in the heart of nature, to recharge your batteries, for nature, sports or idleness holidays.
Located near an ancient underwater volcano, the entire Gulf of Girolata is fascinatingly beautiful. With its pines, its eucalyptus, its sublime bay and its turquoise waters, its medieval village, it is a destination of choice for holidays far from the crowd, far from stress.
Book your flights to Calvi (1h by car), Ajaccio or Bastia (2H) as well as your accommodation in Corsica and your activities and tours in Corsica such as a "Corsica: Boat trip with Aperitif".
How to get there: Book your flights to Calvi (1h by car), Ajaccio or Bastia (2H) and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Hotel Bella Vista". Ideally situated between Scandola Gulf and the Orto Capo.
7. Cala Galdana
Menorca - Balearic Islands - Spain
This place is perfect if you are looking for a waterfront hotel with direct access to the beach in one of the most beautiful bays in Europe.
The beach is very clean and almost empty in low season because the biggest n hotels nearby are closed, so you can enjoy an almost deserted beach if you are lucky enough to travel in low season in Menorca.
But even in high season, the place is not too crowdy ( mostly families). The water is still warm enough in October for swimming and you can snorkel to observe the many fish in these crystal clear waters. In summer you can rent comfortable sunbeds .
Book your flights to Menorca, your accommodation in Menorca as well as your activities and tours in Menorca such as a "Catamaran Cruise with Meal".
How to get there: Book your flights to Mallorca and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Melia Cala Galdana" offering a great location directly on the beachfront of Cala Galdana Beach.
8. Mount Saint Michel
Normandy - France
For some it is located in Normandy for others it is obviously in Brittany! Administratively speaking, Normandy is home to the second most visited tourist site in France, Mount Saint-Michel. Many private tours connect Paris to Mont Saint-Michel for a one-day visit with tasting of the famous omelette of Mère Poulard, (its secret? It’s been beaten for hours!)
Desilting work was carried out a few years ago to give this bay its natural appearance. At high tide, Mont Saint Michel is totally isolated from the rest of the continent and once again becomes an island cut off from the world.
Book your flights to Rennes (1h), Nantes (2h) or Paris (3h by car) as well as your accommodation in Paris or Mount Saint Michel and your tours and activities such as a "Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel From Paris" .
How to get there: Book your flights to Rennes (1h), Nantes (2h) or Paris (3h by car).
Where to stay: "La Mère Poulard" the hotel is ideally located in the heart of Mont Saint-Michel.
9. Cinque Terre Bay
Vernazza - Liguria - Italy
Vernazza, better known as "Cinque Terre" has one of the most beautiful bays in Europe.
Cinque Terre is actually not this place in particular but a site grouping together five villages including Vernazza, probably the most emblematic and one of the most beautiful of the Cinque Terre.
To have a breathtaking view of the bay, it is worth putting on your hiking boots and taking a short hike on the coastal path which overlooks Vernazza. You can also discover this exceptional bay from the sea by booking your "From Milan or Florence: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip with Cruise".
Book your flights to Pisa (1h30) Genoa (1h30) or Florence (2H) as well as your accommodation in Cinque Terre and your activities and tours such as a "Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike and Lunch".
How to get there: Book your flights to Pisa (1h30) Genoa (1h30) or Florence (2H) as well as your transfer.
Where to stay: "MADA Charm Apartments Jacuzzi" features a sun terrace and views of the sea.
10. Golf of Porto Bay
Corsica
The Golf of Porto is one of Corsica's most beautiful landscapes. With its amazing sculpted red rocks and beautiful bays it is a real paradise on earth for lovers of nature and breathtaking landscapes.
The sweet scent of eucalyptus will accompany your walk along the coast. Do not miss to walk to the Geonese watchtower to enjoy a 360 degree view of the Golf of Porto Bay.
Book your flights to Calvi Airport (2h by car) or Bonifacio (3h) as well as your accommodation in Corsica and your activities & tours in Corsica such as a "Porto: Creeks of Piana & Capo Rosso Guided Boat Tour".
How to get there: Book your flights to Calvi (2h) or Bonifacio (3h by car) as well as your transfer.
Where to stay: "Residence Le Bella Vista" features sea views.
11. Menton Bay
French Riviera - France
Close to Monaco and Roquebrune, Menton looks like Porto in Portugal with its colourful houses and typical narrow streets. You ranked it among your best hidden gems in France and best hidden gems in Europe.
Authentic destination of Provence, Menton is also a destination rich in colours, flavours, experiences to live and offers one of the most beautiful bays in Europe.
Book your flights to Nice, your transfer (30 min) your accommodation in Menton as well as your activities and tours in Menton such as a "Full-Day Italian Market, Menton & La Turbie Tour" or an "Italian Markets, Menton & Monaco Tour From Nice".
How to get there: Book your flights to Nice and your transfer (30 mins).
Where to stay: "Hotel De Londres". This air-conditioned hotel is just 25m from the beach.
12. Saint Michael's Mount Bay
Marazion - Cornwall - England
St Michael's Mount in Cornwall and the one in Normandy have similarities but they also have notable differences. St Michael's Mount in Cornwall is greener, less dense, less touristy and may be more traditional in the sense that it is managed by the St Aubyn Family and the National Trust to ensure its safeguard for future generations. I
It is above all a family story since the island still belongs to the St Aubyn family.In 1954 Francis St Aubyn gave the National Trust a large part of the island but kept a 999 year lease for his family .Visitors are allowed to visit the island. This place is less touristy and less commercial than its French counterpart, which is exceptionally beautiful and can be even more spectacular in a certain way.
Book your flights to Cornwall Airport Newquay (50 min) or Exeter Airport (1h30) as well as your accommodation near St Michaels Mount in Marazion and your activities & tours in Cornwall such as a "Newquay: Introduction to Surfing Lesson".
How to get there: Book your flights to Cornwall Airport Newquay (50 mins) or Exeter Airport (1h30)
Where to stay: "Marazion Hotel". Facing St Michaels Mount.
13. Villefranche-sur-Mer
French Riviera - France
Located in the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, near Nice, it is much more than a bay but a roadstead. The difference between the two is a narrower opening but above all a greater depth allowing the anchorage of large boats.
Bordered on one side by the sumptuous Cap Ferrat and on the other by the Cap de Nice, it is sheltered from the winds which allows the boats to be protected in winter during violent winds at sea but also for the vegetation to benefit from an exceptional micro-climate and almost year-round flowering of flowers of rare beauty.
The temperatures are always mild, in winter as in summer and this unique place benefits from almost 1000 hours of additional sunshine compared to the French average.
Need more inspiration? Discover your rankings of the most beautiful destinations in France, the best beaches in France, best hidden gems, best castles in France, best natural wonders in France and Best things to do in France.
How to get there: Book your flights to Nice and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Welcome Hotel" has a terrace with panoramic sea views.
14. Cala Pilar
Menorca - Balearic Islands - Spain
Are you looking for an idyllic bay for a dream holiday in Spain? Pristine blue waters, sandy beach, amazing views await you in this peaceful and protected bay. The beach is accessible on foot (40 min from the car park) it's a nice trail but not easy for families with strollers or people with reduced mobility. It's a dream location but isolated, plan your picnic, water and eco-responsible sunscreen for an afternoon of pure happiness on one of the most beautiful bays in Europe.
Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Spain, the most beautiful destinations in Spain, Best hidden gems in Spain and Best things to do in Spain.
How to get there: Book your flights to Menorca and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Agroturismo Son Vives Menorca - Adults Only"; Offering an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace.
15. Porto Azzurro
Elba Island - Italy
With both Spanish and Tuscan origins, Porto Azzurro on Elba Island is one of Europe's most beautiful bays for sunny holidays. This former fishing village, surrounded by golden beaches and deep blue water offers a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants, water activities, leisure, cultural heritage.
Because one of the best ways to enjoy Porto Azzurro is to relax on the beach, don't miss the beaches of Reale, Terranera or Barbarossa. You can also book your tours and activities on Elba Island and discover hidden coves or go scuba diving.
One last good reason to stay on Elba Island this year? The temperature on Elba Island is mild all year round.
Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy, the best hidden gems in Italy or the best destinations in Italy.
How to get there: Book your flights to Florence and drive to Piombiono ferry terminal. Take the ferry to Cavo and then drive to Porto Azzurro (1h ferry - car).
Where to stay: "Hotel Plaza" Set on a cliff on the seafront of Porto Azzurro".
16. St Malo Bay
Brittany - France
Baie du Prioré and Baie du Corsaire are two emblematic bays of the city of St Malo.
Many cruises departing from Saint-Malo and Dinard will make you discover the bay of Saint-Malo during a boat tour. Saint-Malo is the birthplace of famous sailors and illustrious corsairs such as the discoverer of Canada, Jacques Cartier or the legendary Robert Surcouf whose statue sits on the road from Mont Saint Michel to Saint Malo. From Saint Malo privateers - pirates paid by the French State - attacked merchant ships that had the imprudence to sail near Saint-Malo, this is partly what made the wealth of the corsair city. Rest assured, nowadays the inhabitants of Saint-Malo are well educated and will only plunder you for a few euros in exchange for a delicious gourmet crepe or a guided tour of the fortified city.
Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful beaches in France, the best hidden gems in France and the best things to do in France.
Book your flights to Nantes (2H) or Paris (4h) your accommodation in Saint-Malo as well as your activities and tours in Brittany as a "From Paris - Saint-Malo & Mont-Saint-Michel Private Full-Day Tour".
How to get there: Book your flights to Nantes (2H) or Paris (4h) and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Golden Tulip Saint Malo Le Grand Bé". Located in the walled city of Saint-Malo.
17. Portoferraio Bay
Elba Island - Italy
Protected from pirates by its bastions Portoferraio looks like a bay and is definitely one of the best hidden gems of Italy. Portoferraio is the largest city on Elba's Island and one of the most prosperous towns in Tuscany thanks to the iron trade, the island had one of the richest mines in the country.
Do not miss the walk that leads from the beautiful port inside the walls of the historic centre. Want to relax on the beach? Go to the west coast of the island where beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters await you.
During your stay, discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy, Best Castles in Italy and Best things to do in Italy.
How to get there: Book your flights to Pisa (1h by car) or Florence (1h50), drive to Piombino and take the ferry (1h10 min) to Elba Island.
Where to stay: "Hotel Fabricia". Features its own private beach.
18. Tossa de Mar Bay
Girona - Spain
Blue sky, blue sea and fine sand are awaiting you! Tossa de Mar is magical Its forest of pines very near the sea and medieval walls are a magical setting for a perfect holiday in Europe.
Tossa de Mar is one of the best hidden gems of the Costa Brava and one of the most beautiful secret destinations in Spain.
Because you are different, because spending 5 days in Barcelona is ok but …you need to discover new landscapes, new places, we advise you to treat yourself to a short break in Tossa de Mar.
Located just 1:30 from the centre of Barcelona, Tossa de Mar seems unreal: several fine golden sand beaches and a magnificent medieval castle await you. A sweet scent of pine trees is floating in the beautiful fishing village. Tossa de Mar is a destination to put on top of your travel bucket list if you want to discover the most beautiful places in Spain.
Book your flights to Barcelona (1h20 by car), your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Costa Brava such as a "Best of Costa Brava with boat ride and Tossa Visit".
How to get there: Book your flights to Barcelona and your transfer.
Where to stay: "Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa Superior", is a beautiful seafront hotel.
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