11 Most Romantic Beach Vacations in Europe for Couples Who Love the Coast

Romance and the beach go perfectly together. What could be more special than embracing your loved one as the sun sets? Or dining under the stars on a restaurant terrace located right on the sand? Add a moonlit stroll along the promenade and you have the perfect recipe for romance. Taking a beach vacation as a couple is a fantastic idea and some European destinations are better suited for this than others.

I’ve collected the most precious romantic gems on the continent. Here, you’re guaranteed to find the most enchanting atmosphere for creating memorable moments with your significant other. From island escapes in Greece to sublime panoramas in Italy, gastronomic revelations in France and the deluxe allure of Monaco, here are the most romantic places in Europe for couples.

Dubrovnik is an incredibly scenic destination. A visit to this Croatian town is always filled with beauty. The essence here lies in the spectacular combination of three colors—the blue of the Adriatic Sea, the white of the limestone cliffs and the red of the rooftops. Take a cable car ride to the mountaintop to witness the town’s grandeur from above. Hold your loved one’s hand and tour the stunning city fortifications, walk through the well-documented filming locations of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” (Dubrovnik “played” King’s Landing) and enjoy atmospheric dinners at one of the many traditional restaurants scattered throughout the labyrinth of Old Town’s narrow alleys.

But Dubrovnik isn’t only about history—the town ranks among Croatia’s top beach destinations. Enjoy Banje Beach with its Old Town views, kayak to the pristine Betina Cave and experience more local flavor at Bellevue Beach in the relaxed Montovjerna neighborhood.

Everywhere you look in Antibes is cinematic. This underrated gem of the French Riviera doesn’t have the crowds of Cannes or the yachts of Saint-Tropez, but it’s ideal for experiencing the unfiltered Provençal lifestyle. It’s about waking up to the sound of a centuries-old bell tower in the morning and heading straight to the traditional morning market for the classic café et croissant duo. Then, wander through the flower-filled narrow streets of the Old Town and marvel at the sea from the ramparts.

Antibes is also a hotspot for beaches. Check out scenic stretches like Gravette and Ponteil for swimming and sunbathing. The town is the perfect place to dive into Provençal cuisine without breaking the bank. Be sure to try beignets de fleurs de courgettes (fried courgette flowers), daube (wine-braised beef stew) and socca (chickpea bread).

“Infinitely beautiful was it to observe this region, of which every point had its interest.” This is how German writer Goethe described Taormina during his Italian travels. Easily one of the most gorgeous towns on the planet, this Sicilian jewel is pure romance. Nestled into the dramatic mountainous landscape, Taormina’s Old Town greets you with a labyrinth of narrow streets, all overlooking the sea below. The ancient Greek amphitheater offers the best view—of Etna’s fuming cone rising above Sicily.

Take a funicular down to relax at one of Italy’s dreamiest beaches, the stunning Isola Bella. Also, spending nights in Taormina means witnessing magnificent sunsets and sunrises with the active volcano in the frame. There’s nothing quite like this town. Be sure to check out Season 2 of HBO’s “White Lotus” to get yourself in a romantic mood before visiting—the show perfectly captures the town’s ageless allure.

The world’s tenth-smallest country is also among Europe’s most romantic destinations. Everything is close here, meaning you can enjoy a variety of experiences on your couple’s trip with ease. Malta is all about marvelous Mediterranean beaches like sandy Għadira Bay, natural Qawra Point and red-sand Ramla. The small size also allows you to experience several towns and enjoy romantic variations.

Valletta is perfect for long strolls with historic harbor views, Gozo Island offers a calm escape from civilization, Sliema works best for nightlife and Marsaskala will introduce you to Malta’s unhurried seaside living. Don’t miss the boat trip to Blue Grotto—it’s the best place to see the spectacular coast.

Cascais is a top destination for couples for two reasons. First, the town is one of Portugal’s most charming places to visit, offering dramatic ocean-hugged cliffs, marvelous sunsets and seafood-heavy restaurant menus. Second, Lisbon is never too far away, as the regional train takes you there in under an hour.

The atmospheric, palm tree-dotted streets of the Old Town are a pleasure to explore. Cascais is a beach-first vacation town with several great sandy beaches like Tamariz, Duquesa, Rainha and Ribeira. But the real showstoppers await on the town’s western outskirts. Here, the oceanside promenade takes you to the treasures of Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Check out the Santa Maria House Museum for a picturesque lighthouse, and feel nature’s power at the Boca do Inferno cliffs.

Everyone knows it, and the fact still holds true—Monaco understands luxury better than any other place in Europe. Couples coming here will find ultra-exclusive hotels with regal interiors and Mediterranean balcony vistas. Although the entire country is smaller than New York’s Central Park, there are 8 Michelin-starred restaurants to elevate your dates.

The Principality is a premier Côte d’Azur beachgoing spot with the elegant Larvotto Beach, flanked by bars, cafes, and dining establishments. Even if you’re not planning to spend thousands of euros, Monaco is a superb seaside destination that instantly charms you with its historic Le Rocher alleyways, the enduring elegance of the Monte-Carlo neighborhood and the green perfection of Jardin Exotique. And let’s not forget the Hollywood love story of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, making Monaco the ultimate destination for romance.

Milos is white and blue—the white of the phantasmagorical chalk cliffs and the blue of the Aegean. The blue of the window frames and the white of the facades in windswept towns and villages. It’s not the largest of the Cycladic islands, but it’s large enough to provide many awe-inspiring moments.

With over 70 beaches, Milos can satisfy any kind of beach craving. You’re in for a treat—from the crystal-clear, snorkeling-ready waters of Tsigrado to Kleftiko’s sublime sea caves, the dramatic rocks of Fyriplaka, the moon-like white cliffs of Sarakiniko and the spectacular sandy expanse of Plathiena. This island is known for its low-key vibe, absence of crowds and mouthwatering gastronomy. It’s a perfect destination for a week-long dreamy Greek holiday filled with romance. When are you coming?

Cinque Terre National Park in Liguria is made for romance. These five perched villages take your breath away with their beauty and Manarola is arguably the most stunning. Colorful houses reflect in the tranquil blue sea with mountains rising behind. Spending a night in such scenery is a recipe for an exceptional romantic holiday.

Plan your trip for the off-season to get the most rewarding experience. Basing yourself in Manarola means easy access to nearby towns via frequent (and cheap) trains. Moreover, there’s the aptly named Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) connecting Manarola to another stunner, Riomaggiore.

The timeless beauty of Tropea can easily bring tears of joy to your eyes. It’s the combination of turquoise sea and white sand that affects you so deeply. Here, the beach ranks among Italy’s finest. Spectacularly towering above is the cliffside Old Town with all the attributes of ideal Italian ambiance. Think sipping Aperol on cozy piazzas, tasting mouthwatering desserts in small cafeterias and indulging in seafood dishes at the local ristoranti.

While overwhelmingly stunning, Calabria remains a very much under-the-radar destination that is rarely too crowded. Tropea is this southern region’s most beautiful beach town and you should definitely check it out for a romantic holiday. The train station connecting the town to Naples and Reggio Calabria is another big plus.

The gorgeous panoramas of the Amalfi Coast provide an ideal accompaniment to any romantic holiday. This stretch in Campania, between Salerno and Sorrento, is the ultimate destination for enjoying Italian dolce vita together. And while local tourist superstars like Positano, Atrani and Amalfi can leave you speechless with their beauty, overcrowding can ruin your experience.

Thankfully, there’s Vietri sul Mare. Connected to Naples and Salerno by train (the only Amalfi Coast town with such privilege), it serves as an ideal base for your romantic escape to this famed rugged stretch. The picturesque streets here are adorned with colorful majolica (a centuries-old local artisanal tradition), the sandy beaches rank among the best in the region and numerous pasticcerias and trattorias guarantee perfect dates. And you’re never far from other Amalfi Coast towns—staying in Vietri is simply less stressful and busy.

There’s hardly a better idea for romance than a Greek island vacation. While Naxos isn’t usually the first choice, this Cycladic paradise should rank high on every couple’s holiday list. Its main town is a picture-perfect white-colored dream with a superb sandy beach, a variety of traditional tavernas and an ancient Temple of Apollo greeting you at the harbor.

Naxos works wonderfully for a carefree escape. You won’t have to worry about avoiding crowds, navigating tourist traps, or enduring transportation woes (Mykonos and Santorini, we’re looking at you). The deal here is a tranquil yet incredibly inspiring Greek dream vacation where all you do is eat well, swim in crystal-clear waters, explore historic sites and enjoy each other’s company. Who wouldn’t want that?