9 European Beaches with Coastal Castle Views

When you think of booking a European vacation, especially in the summer months, you often end up deciding between two equally tempting options. You can either book a trip to a beachy locale—think somewhere on the Mediterranean or even one of the great beach destinations in northern Europe—or you can head inland to visit the historic cities and castles that dot the dramatic landscapes.

But what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could spend your time strolling the sands and picking up shells, while also taking in gorgeous views of ancient, fairytale-esque castles? What if you could sunbathe for part of the day and then go take a tour of a historic structure in the afternoon?

Luckily, there are a handful of spots around the continent where you can enjoy Europe’s beaches, while also taking in some coastal castle views.

Here are 9 European destinations where you can enjoy both castles and beaches.

In Catalonia, this destination sits near both Barcelona and the French border. The beautiful town on the Mediterranean has been historically known for its grapes, cork, and fishing. There are a handful of beaches in Tossa de Mar, but if you want to enjoy spectacular castle views, you’re going to want to go to Platja Gran.

Platja Gran offers golden sands and vibrant blue-green waters and, all the while, you’re just steps away from Muralles de Tossa de Mar, a fortification and castle that overlooks one side of the shoreline and dates to the 1100s (the story goes that the defensive structure was originally built to defend the town from pirates).

Take in the views from the beach or book a guided walking tour for an up close and personal experience.

A trip to this destination is nothing short of enchanting.

Situated within Snowdonia National Park, Harlech Beach and its dunes have been dubbed a “site of special scientific interest” in the U.K. It receives visits from jellyfish and sea turtles. It’s also perfectly situated to enjoy views of not just the expansive sands and deep blue waters, but also the mountains in the distances, the verdant green fields beyond (dotted with wildflowers)—and, of course, a castle.

Castell Harlech was built in the 1200s by King Edward I. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and you can visit before or after your day on the beach for a minimal admission fee.

Even though the beach itself is regarded as one of the best in the region, you’ll still find that it’s none too crowded. Better yet? Visitors report that it’s dog-friendly and that parking is stress-free.

Off the coast of Italy, about parallel with Naples, you’ll find the island known as Ischia. It’s renowned for its beauty, hot springs, Roman remains, fishing heritage, and more. You’ll also find a medieval castle and multiple beaches that give you a great view of said castle.

Aragonese Castle technically sits on its own little tidal island set apart from Ischia, and is accessible via a causeway. The first castle built here dated back all the way to 474 BC. Now, the structure stretches up out of the sea as a towering rock fortress.

As for the beaches where you can soak in the views, you could go to Cartaromana Beach (or Spiaggia di Cartaromana). It’s small and a bit rocky, but the waters are warm and you can rent sunbeds. You could also go to the opposite side of the castle and sit in the sands at Fishermen’s Beach (aka Spiaggia dei Pescatori). It likewise offers panoramic views and is nearby some seaside restaurants.

Back in the U.K., Bamburgh Beach has been named one of the best in Europe, and I wouldn’t doubt that part of the reason it’s earned that ranking is because of the giant, historic castle that sits directly alongside it.

Bamburgh Castle has a long past. Somewhere around the 400s or 500s, the landscape hosted a Celtic fort. That fort was replaced by a Norman castle (and you can see remnants of that today) and then, of course, the English eventually took over, somewhere around the 11th century. If the castle looks at all familiar, it may be because you spotted it in its various media appearances, such as on “Most Haunted” or in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

Whatever the case, and whether you actually visit the castle or not, you’ll certainly enjoy its gorgeous, jaw-dropping presence as you stroll the sands of Bamburgh.

In Aberdeenshire, Scotland, you’ll discover Dunnottar Castle. Dating to the Early Middle Ages, this is a castle that’s been basically reduced to ruins, but is still beautiful as its remains stand perched upon a green outcrop overlooking the ocean. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the most photographed castles in all of the United Kingdom.

Below the castle is a rocky, pebble-covered beach that’s every bit the quintessential rugged Scottish coastline that you might be imagining, if you’ve never visited this destination before.

Just note that if you decide to take the beach walk between Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven (sometimes called the Dunnottar Walk), while it’s an overall short trek offering gorgeous views, the path does get steep at times, and there are a lot of steps.

Another destination along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, Peñíscola, Spain is more or less about half-way between Valencia and Barcelona. A visit here blends beaches with culture, an Old Town with lush landscapes filled with lavender and olive trees. 

The castle that you’ll for sure want to see is Papa Luna Castle, or Castillo de Peñíscola. The 13th-century structure looms over the golden beaches, was built by the Knights Templar, served as a papal seat, and was featured as a shooting location for “Game of Thrones.” 

Today, you can enjoy excellent views of the castle from two beaches: Playa Norte and Playa Sur. Playa Norte is a very clean, long, family friendly beach. Playa Sur is a bit smaller and intimate.

When you’re done at the beach, visit Castillo de Peñíscola for a mere €5. The views from the terraces are spectacular.

On the Ionian Sea, Methoni, Greece, is home to the Castle of Methoni and the adjacent Paralia Methonis, or Methoni Beach. It’s a long beach and popular with families. The water is shallow and the waters are clean. It’s just a quick walk from the main square as well, and you can even rent boats or take boat rides from the beach to the nearby islands.

Much of what you see of the castle was built by the Venetians in the 1200s. If you visit the castle itself, you’ll enjoy views of the water and also the nearby village. Entry is just €5.

Go to La Cleta Beach and take in the sights of Castillo de Santa Catlina. A bit more of a (relatively) modern construction, at least compared to some of the other beachside castles on our list, this castle was built in the 1600s.

Today, this defensive castle is beautiful to look upon from the beach itself, but you can go inside to enjoy the views from the castle, as well as the museum. The best part? Entry is totally free!

Additionally, because the beach itself and the castle are located in Cadiz, for those who want to explore European history and beaches, while also not treading too far off the beaten path, this spot delivers.

No judgement if you’re not familiar with Guernsey. It’s an island in the English Channel, closer to the French coast than the U.K., and it’s technically a “self-governing British Crown Dependency”—so partially independent, partially still dependent upon the U.K.

Whatever the case, if you’re looking for a castle to view from a beach, you’re going to want to head to Havelet Bay, where you can enjoy views of Castle Cornet. The bay has a beach, but be aware that the tidal changes are dramatic, so the sandy expanse and rock pools may only be accessible at low tide. Still, fans of sea swimming count this as a great spot to go, and the La Vallette Bathing Pools are nearby, also a favorite.

The castle is on a tidal island and is home to period gardens and multiple museums. Plan a guided tour when you’re not swimming or enjoying one of the nearby restaurants.