As summer nears, beachgoers around the world are already planning their vacations. Omio—the leading platform for booking international trains, buses, flights, and ferries—has just released its annual ranking of Europe’s best beaches, compliments of affordability and appeal for 2025. While these coastal gems are popular with European travelers, their charm, value, and variety of climates also make them attractive options for international visitors looking to explore new beach destinations.
This comprehensive study evaluates key factors such as traveler reviews, average summer temperatures, and the cost of beach essentials like sun lounger rentals, ice cream, local beer—and for the first time—iced coffee and hotel stays. New to this year’s report are detailed sea temperature data and an AI-powered beach assessment.
With another hot summer on the horizon, Omio’s study provides valuable insights into European beach destinations that offer both budget-friendly options and comfortable temperatures, ideal for anyone planning a transatlantic getaway or an international beach adventure.
Playa de las Teresitas: Europe’s No. 1 Beach
This summer, Playa de las Teresitas on the Spanish island of Tenerife emerges as the ultimate beach getaway. With water temperatures around 73°F and comfortable air temperatures hovering near 70°F in the shade, the Canary Islands offer an ideal setting for relaxation and escape from the heat. Last-minute double rooms average about $144 per night, while refreshing drinks like beer and iced coffee are typically priced around $5 each.
Even ChatGPT is impressed, giving Playa de las Teresitas a stellar 96 out of 100. The AI-based evaluation considered factors such as family-friendliness, sand quality, wave conditions, and local infrastructure—including easy access to restaurants, restrooms, and parking.
Last year’s top-ranked Playa de Las Canteras on Gran Canaria takes second place in 2025. The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, continue to earn high marks for their pleasantly mild summer weather and affordable prices on beach essentials.
Coming in third is Kleopatra Beach in Alanya, Turkey, where a scoop of ice cream costs just about $2.20. Overnight stays average around $103 per night, with even lower rates available in the nearby resort town of Side, where rooms start at approximately $68.
In Italy—one of Europe’s most beloved destinations—the top beach pick for this summer is Spiaggia di Sansone on the island of Elba, just off the stunning Tuscan coast. For those seeking more luxurious getaways, the Amalfi Coast and Capri offer upscale experiences, but last-minute hotel rates there can easily exceed $400 per night.
In Greece, Kalamaki Beach on the island of Crete tops the list thanks to its budget-friendly appeal—hotels average under $100 per night, sun lounger rentals are around $11 per day, and summer sea temperatures hover near a comfortable 78°F. In contrast, a stay in Mykonos averages about $162 per night, with sun loungers costing an additional $34.
France is generally more expensive than many other European beach destinations. In Saint-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur, hotel stays can exceed $400 per night. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Narbonne in the south of France, where last-minute accommodations average around $109 this summer and ice cream costs less than $3.
Looking to save this summer in Europe? Portugal is a top choice. Beaches such as Falésia in the Algarve and Praia Grande de Porto Covo have secured places in this year’s top 10 beach rankings. Ice cream, beer, and iced coffee are affordably priced, and last-minute hotel rooms start at around $110.
Europe’s Best Beaches: Sun Loungers As Expensive as $67
Vacationers will find the priciest sun lounger rentals at Croisette Beach in Cannes, France, where a shaded spot by the water costs around $67. A sharp imbalance between supply and demand has driven prices up significantly. In contrast, much more affordable sun loungers can be found at beaches in Turkey, Croatia, Spain, and Cyprus, with daily rental fees typically under $3.
Cool Down, Pay More: Ice Cream by the Beach Now 15% More Expensive Than Last Year
The days of ice cream scoops costing less than a dollar are over. This summer, Bodrum, Turkey, remains the most affordable spot for ice cream, with prices starting at $1.40 per scoop. Across Europe, the average cost of ice cream has increased by 15% compared to last year. The highest prices are found in the Netherlands, where a single scoop can cost up to $5.60.
Iced coffee has become a popular beverage this season, available throughout Europe in local varieties like Frappé and Caffè Freddo. The typical price for this espresso-based refreshment is around $5. In places like Tirana, Albania, and Puglia, Italy, iced coffee can be found for about $2. However, in luxury destinations such as Saint-Tropez, France, prices can climb as high as $12.
Last-Minute Vacation: Hotel Costs
For those looking to escape the city heat, the Mediterranean coastlines of Morocco, Montenegro, and Turkey offer plenty of great deals. Comfortable double rooms can often be found for under $90 per night. Popular Mediterranean destinations like Rimini and Ravenna in Italy, along with Crete and Porto Covo in Portugal, also provide budget-friendly hotel options.
For travelers seeking a bit more luxury, the Amalfi Coast and Saint-Tropez come with a higher price tag. Vacationers should expect to pay up to $444 per night.
ChatGPT’s Favorite Beach
For the first time, Omio asked the leading large language model, ChatGPT, to recommend beaches for this summer. The AI scored each beach out of 100 points, evaluating factors such as natural beauty, family-friendliness, and value for money.
ChatGPT gave the highest score to Cala Brandinchi in Sardinia, famously known as the “Caribbean of Europe.” In contrast, the AI was least impressed by the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France.
Coolcation: The Best Chilly Beaches to Escape the Heat
With the rise of the ‘coolcation’ trend, more vacationers are seeking out cooler destinations as the perfect escape from the sweltering city heat. Excellent chilly beach options can be found in Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
At beaches like Søndervig in Denmark, Varamobadet by Lake Vättern, and Tylösand on Sweden’s Öresund coast, visitors can enjoy comfortable summer temperatures averaging around 60°F (16°C). Even cooler is Scotland, where coastal temperatures average just 55°F (13°C), offering a truly refreshing alternative to the southern heat.
Please visit the following website for further details on this study, including results and methodology: omio.com/c/top-beaches
About Omio: Since its founding in 2013, Omio has been promoting new ways of traveling. As a comprehensive digital hub, Omio helps its customers explore Europe, the United States, and Canada by train, bus, flight, and ferry. Omio operates in 37 countries, allowing bookings in 21 languages and 26 currencies. Additionally, Omio maintains over 1,000 partnerships with transport providers and companies in the train, bus, flight, and ferry sectors.
Over the past eight years, Omio has sold more than 33 million tickets and passes. Starting as a small startup with just a few employees, we now have a team of 300 individuals from more than 50 countries working in locations in Berlin, Prague, Melbourne, and London. We work daily toward the vision of enabling our customers to embark on journeys that propel them forward.