Cruises sail to some of Europe's most iconic locations, such as Rome, Athens and Barcelona. Whilst these cities provide rich history, great food and iconic landmarks, they are also home to some of the best beaches on the continent.
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Google Trends search data shows a 30% increase in people searching for beach holidays this year. The beauty of a cruise is that you don't have to choose between the two; you can spend your morning exploring a 14th-century Old Town and your afternoon lounging on a beach, with the ship visible on the horizon. Waking up in a new destination each morning allows you to experience different beaches in one trip without the hassle of repacking a suitcase.
With this in mind, we've identified the best beaches for Europe’s most popular ports, looking at Google reviews, walkability from the port and July sea temperatures to rank the top 10 beaches for your 2026 cruise.
Contents:
- Cannes, France - Plage du Midi
- Kotor, Montenegro - Kotor Beach
- Dubrovnik, Croatia - Bellevue Beach
- Rhodes, Greece - Elli Beach
- Las Palmas, Gran Canaria - Playa de las Canteras
- Cádiz, Spain - Playa de La Caleta
- Mykonos, Greece - Agios Stefanos Beach
- Livorno, Italy - Single Fin Tuscany Dog Beach
- Santa Cruz, Tenerife - Playa de las Teresitas
- Barcelona, Spain - San Sebastian Beach
1. Cannes, France - Plage du Midi
- Walk from port: 4 minutes
- July average sea temp: 22.8°C
Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera, renowned for its international film festival. Cruise ships arrive at the Vieux Port via tender boats.
Plage du Midi is a Blue Flag-certified beach located just a four-minute walk from the tender dock, making it the closest beach on this list. Its accessibility contributes to its top position. Unlike the private beach clubs along La Croisette, which charge entry fees, Plage du Midi is open to the public and offers the same stunning coastal views for free.
This beach features fine, golden sand and shallow waters, making it the most accessible sandy beach for cruisers in the area. The promenade behind the beach is lined with shops and local bakeries, providing affordable food options within walking distance of the ship.
2. Kotor, Montenegro - Kotor Beach
- Walk from fort: 7 minutes
- July average sea temp: 25.6°C
Kotor is a historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Montenegro, located within a deep Adriatic bay that offers a fjord-like swimming environment.
Kotor Beach is located just a 7-minute walk from the cruise pier along a waterfront promenade. As it is positioned deep within the Bay of Kotor, the water is calm and sheltered from open-sea swells, making it perfect for families.
The pebble beach waters are crystal clear, making it an ideal spot for a quick dip after exploring the Old Town. Due to the proximity of the pier, cruisers can see their ship directly from the water. Water shoes are recommended for comfort, and sunbeds and umbrellas are typically available for rent.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia - Bellevue Beach
- Walk from port: 34 minutes
- July average sea temp: 25.5°C
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval Old Town and as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Bellevue Beach is a secluded pebble cove located at the base of high cliffs, accessible by a steep staircase approximately a 34-minute walk from the cruise port. Its sheltered position makes it an excellent spot for cliff diving and snorkelling, with water visibility often exceeding 15 meters.
Due to the surrounding cliffs, the beach receives direct sunlight mainly in the morning and early afternoon. Although the walk to Bellevue Beach is longer than those to other nearby ports, it is quieter than the bustling Old Town.
3. Rhodes, Greece - Elli Beach
- July average sea temp: 26.5°C
- Walk from port: 24 minutes
Rhodes is the largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and is famous for its medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town. The island has beautiful beaches and enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, which is why it is often called the "Island of the Sun."
Elli Beach is a 24-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The route from the ship to the beach passes the historic Mandraki Harbour and the medieval city walls.
With an average July sea temperature of 26.5°C, this beach has the warmest sea on the list. The shore consists of coarse sand and smooth pebbles, providing excellent water visibility. Additionally, there is a diving platform known as the "Trampolino," which stands 5 meters high and is anchored in the sea.
3. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria - Playa de las Canteras
- Walk from port: 15 minutes
- July average sea temp: 21.9°C
Las Palmas is the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of Gran Canaria and the co-capital of the Canaries, known for its year-round warm, sunny climate.
Playa de las Canteras, located just a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal as has the highest Google rating on the list. It features a natural volcanic reef called "La Barra," which runs parallel to the shore. This reef acts as a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions similar to those of a lagoon and is an excellent spot for snorkelling.
The Atlantic waters are refreshing (21.9°C), and the gentle conditions make it safe for swimmers. Additionally, the promenade is lined with local cafes specialising in Canarian cuisine, making it a convenient destination for visitors to the port.
6. Cádiz, Spain - Playa de La Caleta
- Walk from port: 23 minutes
- July average sea temp: 22.7°C
Cádiz, located in Spain, is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, known for its "Little Havana," which shares architectural, historical, and atmospheric similarities with the Cuban capital.
Playa de La Caleta is just a 23-minute walk from the cruise pier and is situated between the historic castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina. This beautiful bay was featured as a filming location for the James Bond movie Die Another Day and is the city's most central beach.
The walk to the beach takes you directly through the charming La Viña district, offering a seamless blend of sightseeing and beach relaxation. The beach is lined with a white-domed bathhouse from the 1920s and offers calm Atlantic waters. In the surrounding streets, local sellers provide a variety of authentic seafood options just a short stroll away.
7. Mykonos, Greece - Agios Stefanos Beach
- Walk from port: 17 minutes
- July average sea temp: 24.2°C
Mykonos is a Greek island in the Cyclades, often called the "Island of the Winds." It is famous for its iconic whitewashed windmills, the picturesque area known as Little Venice, and the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town.
Agios Stefanos is the most convenient beach for cruisers, located 17 minutes from the New Port pier. This sheltered bay is protected from the island's strong northern winds, ensuring calm water for swimming.
The beach features soft golden sand and a shallow shoreline. It provides a direct view of the cruise ships in the harbour and is situated near several local tavernas. Its proximity to the docking area makes it an ideal choice for passengers with limited time who wish to avoid the busyness of Mykonos Town.
8. Livorno, Italy - Single Fin Tuscany Dog Beach
- Transit from port: 15-minute drive (Taxi recommended)
- July average sea temp: 24.4°C
Livorno is the primary cruise port in Tuscany and serves as the gateway to Florence and Pisa. The city has a non-touristy ambience and is famous for its seafood cuisine.
About a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal in Calambrone is Single Fin Tuscany Dog Beach. This beach is pet-friendly, well-organised, and features clean sand along with a beach restaurant.
Unlike the rocky coastline of central Livorno, this beach offers a lively, local atmosphere. The water is shallow, the sand is golden, and the area is protected by dunes within a natural park. It is a popular choice for cruise passengers seeking relaxation by the sea who have already explored the inland cities.
9. Santa Cruz, Tenerife - Playa de las Teresitas
- Transit from Port: 10-minute taxi/15-minute Bus (Line 910)
- July average sea temp: 21.9°C
Santa Cruz is the vibrant capital of Tenerife and one of the co-capitals of the Canary Islands. It is well known for its Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Playa de las Teresitas, a 1.3 km beach, is just a short bus or taxi ride from the port. This beach is famous for its golden sand, imported from the Sahara Desert, and its man-made breakwater, which creates a calm, lagoon-like environment.
Lined with palm trees and set against the backdrop of the Anaga Mountains, the beach offers a safe and pleasant swimming experience, even during Atlantic swells, thanks to the reef protecting it. Visitors can enjoy numerous beach bars (chiringuitos) that serve fresh seafood and local drinks. Additionally, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent along the beach.
10. Barcelona, Spain - San Sebastian Beach
- Transit from port: 10-minute taxi/10-minute port bus & 20-minute walk
- July average sea temp: 23.3°C
Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, particularly the Sagrada Familia church and various landmarks designed by Gaudí throughout the city. But it also boasts a beautiful city beach.
San Sebastian Beach is situated at the southern end of the city's coastline, close to the iconic sail-shaped W Hotel. Although the 65-minute walk from the cruise terminals is not advisable, the beach is easily accessible via the port shuttle, followed by a short walk or a 10-minute taxi ride.
This beach is one of the oldest and most traditional in Barcelona, serving as a cultural hub for locals and located right next to the historic Barceloneta district. This convenient location allows visitors to easily combine a morning of sightseeing with an afternoon swim. San Sebastian Beach is well equipped with public showers, lifeguards, and numerous high-quality beachfront restaurants.
If we've inspired you to visit these wonderful cities, why not consider a river cruise?
Whether you prefer the historic charms of the Danube and Douro or the exotic landscapes of the Mekong, we have a river cruise for every traveller. Aside from our European beach cruises, if you’re looking for something more tropical, check out our Caribbean ocean cruises for the ultimate beach getaway at sea.
