Best European destinations for a summer beach holiday

Hey everyone! My partner and I are finally planning our summer vacation and we want to spend a week or two relaxing on some of Europe's best beaches. We are looking for crystal clear water, great local food, and a vibrant atmosphere without it being ridiculously overcrowded. Where would you recommend for the ultimate European beach getaway?

You definitely need to check out the coast of Puglia in southern Italy! The water is ridiculously clear and the food is out of this world.

Have you considered Menorca? It is much quieter than Mallorca or Ibiza, and the hidden calas have the most turquoise water you will ever see.

Naxos in Greece is an amazing option. Long stretches of sandy beaches, incredible local tavernas, and a really charming old town that doesn't feel like a tourist trap.

If you want stunning coastal towns with great food, take a look at some suggestions in this guide on Mediterranean Magic: Your Top Picks for Most Beautiful Coastal Towns. It really helped us narrow down our trip!

Cote d'Azur is nice, but definitely crowded in the summer. I would recommend heading further east to the Albanian Riviera—Ksamil is stunning and still relatively affordable.

For food and crystal clear water, Sardinia is hard to beat. Specifically the Golfo di Orosei. Just rent a little boat for the day and you will find secluded beaches all to yourselves.

Make sure you plan your budget carefully before booking anything. You can get some great insights on expected expenses by reading Budget Reality Check: What Did Your 10-Day Europe Trip REALLY Cost?.

Milos in Greece is breathtaking. Sarakiniko beach looks like you are walking on the moon, and the villages are super vibrant in the evenings.

Don't sleep on northern Spain! San Sebastian and the surrounding Basque coastline offer world-class food, beautiful beaches, and a fantastic cultural atmosphere.

Paros is another great Greek island that hits that sweet spot of having a lively atmosphere without feeling completely overrun during peak season.

If you ever decide to switch things up and take a different kind of vacation, you might also enjoy looking into The Best River Cruises for a Relaxing European Vacation for a totally different vibe.

Check out the Costa Brava in Spain, specifically around Begur. Pine trees meeting hidden rocky coves with crystal clear water and amazing seafood restaurants everywhere.

Crete is huge and has everything you could possibly want. Elafonisi and Balos lagoon have pinkish sand and shallow, crystal clear water that feels like the Caribbean.