Europe’s best beach walks

Great for swimming and even better for idle walks, Europe’s beaches are some of the most striking in the world. And according to global travellers, these are the top-rated coastal stretches in Europe for seaside strolls.

Castelldefels, Spain

On the eastern coast of Spain, just outside Barcelona, Castelldefels is well known for its fine, golden sands and the grand, mountainous landscape of the Garraf massif that looms in the background.

This half-moon bay stretches over five kilometres and boasts lovely summer temperatures ideal for walks along the coast. You can also play on one the many beach volleyball courts, go kite surfing or cycle along the coastal boardwalk. At the end of the day, relax at Apartamentos Voramar, just metres from the beach.

Nazaré Municipality, Portugal

Nazaré is a Portuguese municipality in a small coastal town. It’s a popular haunt for bold surfers as the ocean is famous for its monstrous waves that reach over 30 metres-high. If you dare not catch a wave, walking along the sand is a relaxing alternative – there is little wind on shore as it’s protected by the 318 metre chalky-white rockface. As you explore the sun-toasted sands, you’ll see local women selling dried fish and other treats, which are all well-worth a try. You can then walk back to Hotel Mar Bravo and feast on the restaurant’s catch of the day.

Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands

Egmond aan Zee is a historic fishing village on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. Its beach is extremely spacious, with golden sand that seamlessly slips into the creamy-blue ocean – an ideal place to wander for hours on end. As you walk, pop into one of the many local restaurants to sample some fresh seafood; prawns, lobster or oysters with a wedge of lemon and a glass of Pinot Gris is a recommended order. If you’ve really walked up an appetite and are still peckish after that, the famous Alkmaar cheese market is just a 10-minute drive away. Here you can sample wheels of cheese as big as your head, then retire to the Romantic Apartment “De Koning” Alkmaar for a well-deserved rest.

Grömitz, Germany

Facing the Baltic Sea on the Bay of Lübeck, the 3-kilometre Grömitz is the longest Baltic Sea beach promenade in Germany. It’s ideal for the avid walker, with a wooden pier and plenty of beach to walk along. Once you come back from your walk, sit in one of the white wicker chairs that decorate the shoreline and feel the soft, white sand between your toes while listening to the waves crashing. Once the sun starts to set, head back to a-ja Grömitz. Das Resort, which is located right on the beach. With a rooftop restaurant and spa facilities, it’s the ultimate place to end a day.

Międzyzdroje, Poland

Międzyzdroje is one of the most upmarket resorts on the Polish coast, famous for attracting Polish film and TV celebrities. Situated between wide, snow-white sandy beaches with towering cliffs and dense forests, it’s only fitting people referred to it as the ‘The Pearl of the Baltic.’

Test your stamina and try walking to another country, since the border with Germany is only 10 kilometres away. Or stick to celebrity-spotting close to the pier, which reaches out an impressive 395 metres into the Baltic Sea. When your walking adventure ends, head back to Dwie Wieże to watch the glorious pastel sunset from the balcony.