The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Europe

This classy terracotta-roofed hotel revels in the Italian concept of “sprezzatura” – a term devised by Renaissance author, Baldassare Castiglione, meaning “easy-going nonchalance”. It’s an apt way of describing this effortlessly stunning Porto Ercole hideaway, carved into the rugged clifftop on the Monte Argentario Peninsula. Being a two-hour drive north of Rome makes it a popular weekend spot for city-dwellers escaping the bustle, which also means it’s close enough for visitors keen on a day trip into the capital.

It’s a bold call to name a hotel after the blessed paradise reserved for heroes and gods, but this five-star adults-only offering in Crete lives up to its lofty promise. If the endless view over the Aegean Sea doesn’t make you feel divine, the appetising Mediterranean menu at the Euphoria Restaurant certainly will. Head Chef, Lefteris Soultatos, is the mastermind behind the six-course food and wine pairing dinners – which feature freshly-caught fish and local produce grown in the Hersonissos region. The on-site wellness spa includes a Cretan massage, using local olive oil, raki and orange extracts.

As the name suggests, guests here are a hop, skip and a jump away from Cannes‘ glamorous Croisette Beach. The 94 rooms here are elegantly decorated – with white walls and subtle pastel tones accentuating the floral cushions and colourful artwork. The breakfast is just as vibrant, with freshly squeezed juices and local jams – giving guests the energy they need to explore the city. If your plans are a little less ambitious, take up residence in one of the rattan sofas on the hotel’s private beach – designed by Parisian architect, Jean-Philippe Nuel.

There’s a regal air to this Mallorcan hotel – particularly at night when the spotlights illuminate its gleaming white Roman arches and pillars. Shiny palm trees tower over the outdoor pool – providing welcome shade for guests enjoying downtime in the poolside hammocks. If you’re keen to up the tempo, there are two silica-sand tennis courts – with lessons available should you be looking to improve your inconsistent serve. The hotel can also sort guided hiking tours around the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

With direct access to Três Irmão beach, guests at this four-star hotel are only ever a one-minute walk from the Algarve’s famed golden sands. If you’d rather avoid saline overload, take a dip in one of three hotel infinity pools before allowing yourself a little foodie indulgence – the Sea Deck restaurant’s sumptuously salty sardines with sweet potatoes and coriander should do the trick. This place also serves the popular Portugese Vinho Verde – otherwise known as “green wine” – grown in the north of the country and so named because of its age, rather than its colour.

This hotel’s coastal location on the north German island of Rugen infuses every one of its 60 rooms – expect porthole windows and oak-wood floors resembling ship planks here. Baltic-Sea-view rooms have balconies with outdoor seating – the perfect spot to plot your post-breakfast walk along the Binz beach promenade. There’s no need to make a mad dash though, as all guests are allocated their own strandkorb on the beach. The Meer Spa includes Clarins and Ligne St Barth treatments – and there’s an infrared cabin alongside the sauna and jet-lined pool.

Breakfast in bed and champers and chocolates on arrival are some of the charming touches that make this hotel an idyllic romantic getaway on Larvik beach – near the Norwegian capital of Oslo. Couples are invited to enjoy their treatments romantically together at Scandinavia’s largest spa – with combined experiences including a duo hammam and the chance to give your partner a body scrub. The property is located above a natural mineral spring and the water used here comes from a cave 55m (180ft) below ground – said to be rich in healing properties.

This kid-friendly hotel on Skrea Beach – just beyond the municipality of Falkenberg on the west coast of Sweden – has a smorgasbord of activities to keep the little ones happy and the grown-ups serene. All hotel guests enjoy free entry to the Klitterbadet Bathhouse – which includes Sweden’s only 50m (164ft) salt water pool along with a whirlpool, sauna and heated outdoor pool. There’s also a range of arts and crafts available at reception and the friendly staff can also provide a treasure map leading to prizes. For adults, the in-house spa offers an evening sunset retreat to end the day with.