Italy/Spain/or Portugal Beaches?
 

Planning our first trip to Europe this summer and want to end our trip with 3 - 4 days on a beautiful beach where we can lay out, swim, have a drink, and have things to do in the town or city (night life, restaurants, stores etc)

Because the beach is a must on both of our lists, I am kind of planning our trip backwards with the end point directing where we will be coming from, if that make senses.

Anyhow, which country do you think we should go to for our beach time/experience in Europe and why?

We will be traveling in July.

Thanks!

I would look at the beaches in the north of Spain, San Sebastian, Santander,etc.

If you are used to the Caribbean, there are only two islands with decent beaches - they are Sardinia and Corsica. Many places in Southern Europe have beache but most simply do not match those of other areas in the world.

As Happytrvlr points out, the beaches in Northern Spain are good but they are generally wide and can be windswept.

What month? Spain has the best beaches but is beastly hot in the summer. Sardinia is a good idea, but that has travel logistics to consider. You must prioritize--do you want to see Europe or do you want a beach holiday? The combination may compromise both.

Bob - it's July which is clearly going to be busy.

Parker - give us an idea of your schedule and we can suggest a possible destination to put your feet up on a beach. There is a very complex, low cost European network of routes which are mainly operated by Ryanair and Easyjet. This allows you got get out of any city and to a good beach area in less than an hour. If you book in advance (the earlier the better) the prices can be very low.

In addition, many cities (Rome, Barcelona etc) have beach areas very close but may be very busy in July. It may be worth avoiding these areas at the weekend when the locals decend.

We frequently use this approach (city + beach) as we find many cities far too hot and busy.

Barcelona + Mallorca
Rome + Sardinia
Milan + SML
Tuscany + Alberese
Lucca + Elba
Seville + Costa De La Luz

Have all made great trips in the past and left us very relaxed.

"Markrosy" - Thanks for the input. Your approach is what I am looking for! Yes I am use to Caribbean beaches and understand I won't get exactly that over in Europe, but hope for something close??!!

It looks like (so far) that getting to Europe will be cheapest by arrival to London. I was thinking 2 nights London then travel (train) to Paris, 2 nights Paris. Then travel to either Italy or Spain - and spending 3 - 4 nights in a city of one of those two countries and then end with 3 - 4 nights on a beach somewhere. Nailing day which beach to end at is the hard part - so more details for recommendations are appreciated. For example, why San Sebastian etc. Thanks!

San Sebastian is a great idea, since there is a fabulous beach right in town. It is not "beastly hot" in summer.