The 8 Best Historical Beach Cities in Europe

Are you a history buff, but you also love to chill on lovely beaches, and you just cannot find the right city with beautiful beaches and with wonderful historical sites? Sure, there are plenty of beautiful historic cities in the inland, and there are also many of them by the sea, but, for several reasons, they don’t have any great beaches. And you surely also know numerous great beach destinations, but where, apart from wonderful beaches, there is nothing else other than hotel resorts.

However, there are also cities with a fascinating history and lovely beaches and these cities are exactly those included in the following list of the top 8 best European historic cities with beaches.

This combination is great for anybody who loves sightseeing and who wants to soak up the atmosphere of our history, but also enjoys relaxing on gorgeous beaches. If this combination doesn’t suit you, or you would also like to experience something else, you can use our search tool, which will enable you to refine your searches with up to 30 filters and, hence, find a perfect trip according to the criteria you have chosen.

1. Barcelona

This Spanish coastal city offers everything that comes to your mind. The city’s main attraction is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, but its beautiful beaches, romantic parks, countless activities for children and lively nightlife will make you fall in love with the city at first sight.

2. Palermo

Palermo was named the Italian capital of culture for 2018, so you can raise your expectations. Fantastic street food, great markets, the Liberty architectural style, stunning churches with impressive mosaics, rich history, or gorgeous sandy beaches. All of this and more you can enjoy in the Sicilian capital.

3. Valencia

The third largest city in Spain is great for everyone who is looking for fine beaches in a historical city. In Valencia, you can also find charming green parks, experience nightlife, great zoos or unusual street art. Pleasant weather with plentiful sunny days will make a vacation in Valencia even better.

4. Malaga

Malaga is a city with charming sandy beaches, beautiful cathedrals, stunning buildings from the Al-Andalus period, 36 museums and many galleries. In the city where Pablo Picasso was born, you can really feel the historic vibe and you will certainly have a great time.

5. Dubrovnik

The city lives with history and, thanks to its beauty, Dubrovnik is a popular filming location. After all, the Game of Thrones series and Star Wars have been filmed here. Dubrovnik itself is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it is not only history that makes it a perfect destination for more than 1 million tourists a year. It is also an ideal base for boat trips and has gorgeous views, lovely beaches, vibrant nightlife, numerous summer festivals and much more.

6. Genoa

Explore the rich maritime history of the city, visit one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, see the old city centre and other beautiful palaces or immerse yourself in the Italian atmosphere with great food. Genoa is truly Italian, with everything that goes with it.

7. Bari

Bari is a great choice for those who are looking for a city that is full of history with nice beaches and great food. There is also Alta Murgia National Park nearby, which is great for hiking and cycling, so nature lovers will come into their own as well.

8. Budva

Budva has a great location for exploring the best of Montenegro, the beautiful old town, superb beaches and vibrant nightlife. When going to Budva, don’t forget to take a boat trip to Sveti Nikola Island, sometimes also called Hawaii Island.

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