A Guide To The Most Glamorous Beach Towns In Europe

By Venus Wong, Refinery29

Aside from a guaranteed dose of sunshine, every beach town comes with certain little quirks that add to its unique charm: Cape Cod has lighthouses, New England has cottages, and Maui has tiki huts and palm trees.

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But if you're willing to travel, the seaside destinations in Europe make quite an impression: With their rich history and joie de vivre, these villages have long been a favorite holiday spot for glamorous jetsetters. There's even a whole genre of fashion design — resortwear — inspired by what you'd wear on these fancy holidays.

Summer may be winding down, but that shouldn't stop you from channeling your inner Bardot. Grab your shades and espadrilles as we show you you the seven chicest beach towns to live la dolce vita.

Nin, Croatia

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The first royal capital of Croatia, this hidden gem along the Dalmatian Coast offers the perfect balance between heritage and leisure. The Church of the Holy Cross — the smallest cathedral in the world — and a medieval city wall gives a historic backdrop to the long and sandy Queen’s Beach. You'll also be getting a beauty treatment from hitting up the coast: The beach is rich in peloid mud, containing minerals. It's not uncommon to see people smearing the black sludge all over their bodies.

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Saint Tropez, France

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This hotspot on the French Riviera needs no introduction. Brigitte Bardot first put the destination on the map with her iconic turn in the 1956 classic And God Created Woman, and jet-setters have been hooked ever since. Frequented by celebrities and renowned designers, this coastal town is an excellent base to star spot — just grab a table at Le Café des Arts and Le Club 55 and you'll be golden.

Comporta, Portugal

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Cascais and the Algarve may be the country's most well-known beach destinations, but Comporta is the destination to keep an eye on. Just an hour's drive from Lisbon, the up-and-coming beachside village has been referred to as "the new Ibiza" — but without all the crowds. The rustic white houses with terracotta roofs, quaint street markets, crystal blue waters make this one of the most underrated Instagrammable spots in Europe.

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Juan-Les-Pins, France

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The South of France has a lot more to offer than yachts and Cannes. Head to Juan-les-Pins — Antibes' lesser-known next door neighbor — to experience the genuine Côte d'Azur lifestyle. The region served as the inspiration for some of Picasso's most well-known artworks during his two-month stay here. Locals love sunning topless along the long stretch of sandy beach along the coast, but you'll also need to make time for the sumptuous produce at local farmer markets and vintage treasures at flea markets.

Ibiza, Spain

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A roundup about European beach breaks won't be legit without a mention of Ibiza. The Spanish island gained popularity in the Seventies as the laid-back destination for hippies, and has since emerged as one of the party capitals of the world. Despite its nightlife fame, it's still possible to have a chilled out experience on the island: Head to Sa Caleta Beach for a quieter atmosphere and great seafood, and bookmark the undisturbed Es Codolar Beach if you want to skinny dip in peace.

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Sardinia, Italy

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Life doesn't get any better than on this Mediterranean island. You'll find world-class resorts with unbeatable views sprinkled along Costa Smeralda, juxtaposed by ancient Roman ruins on the island. It's impossible to eat poorly here: The Italian island is known for its culinary delights, from Michelin-starred trattorias to family-owned lunch spots.

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Mykonos, Greece

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Crowned as one of the top summer destinations in Europe, Mykonos is in no shortage of admirers. Mykonos' beaches and old towns is uniquely photogenic, but the nightlife is what it's all about: Partying in the massive open-air clubs are frequently by the world's premier EDM DJs will be some of the best travel memories you'll ever make.

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