When it comes to European beach getaways, timing is everything, especially for food-lovers who like to linger over leisurely meals without battling for a table. Spring offers a sweet spot for travelers who like to eat well, before the beaches fill with sun-seekers and the best restaurants book out months in advance. Think freshly caught seafood, local wines, and seasonal produce, all enjoyed with a side of crowd-free coastal serenity. From Portugal’s rugged Atlantic shores to Ibiza's more secluded, bohemian-chic corners, we’ve rounded up the best beach destinations to visit now—complete with standout hotels and restaurants worth traveling for.
1. Seafood with Views in Croatia
In coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik, travelers can feast on fresh Adriatic seafood with views of ancient city walls or sparkling blue-green sea. Christy Irvin, a travel advisor organizing gourmet retreats in Croatia, tells The MICHELIN Guide: “Despite the cooler water in May, the sun is warm, the crowds are light, and the beach bars are open.” For dining, Irvin says it’s all about “finding any bites that can serve as a vehicle for Croatian Extra Virgin Olive Oil—from seafood to mixed salad, we can’t get enough. Try the shrimp with oil and garlic in Rovinj.”
Agli Amici Rovinj is the country’s only Two-MICHELIN-Starred establishment. This elegant restaurant in Rovinj's marina offers sea views, a sprawling terrace, and a nighttime backdrop of the illuminated St. Euphemia church. Led by Simone De Lucca under the guidance of Emanuele Scarello, it features two tasting menus—Rovinj (seafood) and Istria (meat)—with standout dishes like grilled cuttlefish with sautéed risotto, complemented by a Croatian wine selection curated by sommelier Kristijan Harjač.
Dubrovnik has plenty of elegant seaside hotels and resorts to choose from. Inspector favorites include Hotel Excelsior—a royal villa turned hotel, which, in previous iterations, hosted cultural and literal aristocracy, from Elizabeth Taylor to Queen Elizabeth II—and Hotel Bellevue, a luxe boutique hotel with glassy façades overlooking the picturesque Miramare Bay.
In Korčula, off the coast of Croatia and an easy day trip from Dubrovnik, LD Restaurant is a One-MICHELIN-Starred establishment combining Dalmatian ingredients, Asian techniques, and serene sea views. Expect compelling combinations like local langoustine with caviar, goat cheese, and oyster; and “Wagyu vs Black Angus”—the most tender beef from both Kagoshima and Scotland, served with aioli, shallot, and fresh chilis.
2. Beaches and Chic Hideaways in the South of France
It’s where the sun shimmers on the Mediterranean for 300 days a year. It’s the land of sunflowers and lavender fields, of crisp rosé and simmering pots of bouillabaisse brimming with freshly caught seafood. The South of France has earned its reputation as a dreamy destination, but uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Summer brings an influx of tourists, making spring the perfect time to visit, free from the crowds. And there’s no shortage of MICHELIN Stars and hotel Keys to choose from.
At Three-Starred La Vague d'Or, inside the Cheval Blanc St-Tropez hotel, Chef Arnaud Donckele pays a warm tribute to this sun-drenched coastal landscape through his four- or five-course tasting menu.
In Marseille, which is quickly becoming a destination for food-loving travelers in the know, Three-MICHELIN-Starred Le Petit Nice is the gold standard for elegant takes on Provençal cuisine. Chef Gérald Passedat’s signature dish, “Ma Bouille Abaisse,” is a bucket-list experience. The One-MICHELIN-Key hotel of the same name, a family-run establishment founded by the Passedats in 1917, features 19 rooms spread across two villas and a modern wellness area with a hammam, a Japanese bath, and a cerulean-hued swimming pool.
Nice is also on the rise, albeit at a slower pace. There, you’ll find trendy new arrivals alongside time-tested institutions like Chez Davia, a Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its refined take on southern French cuisine. Standout dishes include lightly fried barbajuan, a regional specialty, and the chef’s fresh interpretation of ratatouille.
Strolling along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, you can’t help but notice the Belle Époque grandeur of Le Negresco, an independent hotel that has welcomed cultural elites since 1913. Beyond its pink-domed façade lies an extensive private art collection, where works by masters like Niki de Saint Phalle and Moretti adorn the halls. The hotel’s top-hat-and-bowtie-clad staff maintain a sense of old-world charm, while its MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, Le Chantecler, offers exquisite contemporary dining. A stay at Le Negresco is an experience unto itself.
3. Lounging and Lunching Bohemian Style in Ibiza
In recent years, Ibiza has shaken off its reputation as an electronic-music-fueled party destination. Savvy travelers are discovering the Balearic island’s pull beyond Pacha (the famed discoteca), from sleepy, white-sand beaches to bohemian wellness retreats. The Six Senses Ibiza resort even hosts its own wellness festival, called Alma, where revelers can embark on meditative sound healing journeys and attend Shamanic fire ceremonies.
On the west coast, Petunia Ibiza, A Beaumier Hotel, is a boutique property in a hillside village featuring stylish, bohemian-rustic suites. At La Mesa d’Es Vedrà, the onsite restaurant hugging the island’s rocky coastline, guests can sip a cocktail at sundown and take in dramatic views of Es Vedrà, the postcard-worthy offshore rock formation.
In Ibiza Town, at One-MICHELIN-Starred La Gaia in the Ibiza Gran Hotel, Chef Óscar Molina offers creative Mediterranean dishes with a focus on sustainability. Molina has developed two tasting menus: Tanit (an homage to a goddess in Carthaginian and Ibizan mythology), celebrating local ingredients, and Posidonia, highlighting seasonality while upping the ante on culinary innovation. Expect artistry in each bite.
Es Terral, also in Ibiza Town, holds a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. There, French chef Matthieu Michel Savariaud offers a menu blending international influences with seasonal, organic ingredients, drawing on the chef's French roots and occasional Arabian influences, all while showcasing locally sourced products. Further south along the coast, One-Starred Unic boasts a unique location, to say the least. It sits inside two glass cubes, allowing nature’s beauty to complement Chef David Grussaute’s tasting menus, which highlight little-known Ibizan ingredients while supporting local growers, farmers, and fishermen.
4. Volcanic Beaches and Bold Flavors in the Canary Islands
Off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Spanish Islas Canarias, or Canary Islands, offer travelers blue skies and dramatic volcanic landscapes year-round—not to mention a fresh, distinctive local cuisine to discover. Think wild plants, fresh catches, and bold flavors.
At MuXgo, in the Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, meals kick off not in the restaurant but on Chef Borja Marrero’s organic and sustainable farm. A Canary Islands native and champion of local products, the chef incorporates wild plants from around the island to create sauces and garnishes. The restaurant holds both a MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star, in recognition of its sustainability focus. The Santa Catalina is also home to One-Starred Poemas by Hermanos Padrón, a seafood-focused restaurant where Chef Adrián García, from nearby Arucas, offers two tasting menus composed of creative dishes like prawns with a prawn head toffee and shiitake mushrooms.
On the island of Tenerife, Moral, which has a Bib Gourmand distinction, sits inside a charming old mansion—a stark contrast to the modern reimagination of the interiors and the compelling dishes from the young chefs Icíar Pérez Cejas and Juan Carlos Pérez. On the island of Gran Canaria, Salobre Hotel & Resort Serenity offers luxury villas with minimalist natural interiors, surrounded by maximalist natural beauty. The combination makes this resort, tucked next to a golf course, a dreamy destination unto itself. Non-golfers can find their serenity at the Be Aloe Wellness Center, featuring jewel-toned pools, a Finnish sauna, biotonic showers, and an oxygen therapy booth.
5. Beyond Beachside Basics in Portugal
The great thing about Portugal is that you’re never too far from the beach—the Iberian gem has over 1,100 miles of coastline. With the scent of orange blossom hanging in the air, travelers to Portugal’s coasts can tuck into local specialties like grilled sardines and bacalhau at beachside taverns. Slow dining meets stunning cliffside views and excellent Portuguese wine.Once a haven for surfers, the coasts near Lisbon are now drawing foodies as well. Cascais and Sintra alone are home to a handful of MICHELIN-vetted restaurants, including Lab by Sergi Arola, Midori, Fortaleza do Guincho, and more. In Lisbon itself, two Two-Starred restaurants stand out: Belcanto, led by Chef José Avillez in the hip Bairro Alto, and Alma, helmed by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa.
Known for its golden cliffs, hidden coves, and crystalline waters, the Algarve, in southern Portugal, is a favorite for European travelers. Vila Joya, one of the region’s poshest escapes, has the feel of an intimate villa—it’s no surprise that it was initially a private home. Guests can enjoy the elegant suites splashed in soothing shades of cream and the onsite Two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant from Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, who draws inspiration from the nearby Atlantic Ocean to create bright, artful dishes.
On a pristine estate, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a destination in its own right. The property features an 18-hole golf course, four pools with private cabanas, and a selection of bars with sweeping views of the lush, rolling Algarve hills. This May, the hotel will roll out a new spa with eight treatment rooms, beauty studios, and a sprawling fitness center. Designed by Greg Payne, renowned for his work with AMAN hotels, the spa will partner with local artisans and herbalists to honor and celebrate the Algarve region.
6. Athens, the Gateway to Some of Europe's Best Beaches
From the history and philosophy echoing through the Acropolis to the rugged islands and whitewashed villages where goats roam freely and local artisans craft herbed cheese and floral honey, Athens and its surroundings offer something for every taste.At the foot of the Parthenon, One-Starred Makris Athens offers more than just unparalleled views—though the glass floors, revealing ancient vestiges, are truly impressive. Chef-Owner Petros Dimas celebrates Greece’s heritage with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own farm and local producers, crafting three tasting menus—Genesis, Utopia, and the vegetarian Physis Vegan—complemented by a 300-label wine list and creative beverage pairings.
On the Athens Riviera, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is a dreamy seaside escape from the bustling city center. Guests can swim in the crystal-blue Aegean waters and tuck into taverna-style dining with breathtaking views. The resort delivers the Four Seasons’ signature luxury, from a holistic Greek-inspired spa and wellness studio to serene pools, a full-service salon, and more. For dining, the resort has several onsite options, including MICHELIN-Starred Pelagos, where Chef Luca Piscazzi crafts a modern, Mediterranean-inspired menu showcasing prime seasonal and local ingredients.
The Margi is another Athens Riviera gem in the upscale seaside district of Vouliagmeni. There, you’ll find quietly luxurious rooms and suites, a serene spa and pool, and MICHELIN-Starred dining at Patio, which sources its herbs and produce from The Margi Farm. Chef Panagiotis Giakalis shares his “farm to fork” philosophy through two tasting menus that are grounded in Greek cuisine.
7. Stylish Stays and Local Staples in Turkey
Picture a seaside meal of mezze with the freshest yogurt, grilled vegetables, and juicy kebabs, with a soundtrack of the Aegean Sea lapping against the sand. This is what awaits travelers to Turkey’s coast.About 300 miles southwest of Istanbul, Izmir features archeological sites, covered markets, and plenty of terraces overlooking the turquoise Aegean. Asma Yaprağı is a family-run restaurant where guests dine in the midst of a lush garden and grapevines. The restaurant, which has been awarded both a MICHELIN Green Star and a Bib Gourmand, has a distinct farm-to-table approach, serving seasonal comfort foods like freshly baked pumpkin pie with yogurt, fried courgette flower with ricotta and fresh herbs, or traditional manti stuffed with yogurt and chili oil. Proprietor Ayşe Nur Mıhcı tells The MICHELIN Guide: “We cook in harmony with nature as changing colors, smells, and flavors around the sun embellish our long table.”
With its hilly landscape and crystal-blue seaside views, Bodrum is another Turkish destination savvy travelers are slowly discovering. Maçakızı is the kind of stylish and sophisticated luxury hotel you’d expect on the Côte d’Azur. Between the beach club, the spa (replate with Turkish hammam), the three onsite restaurants (including the MICHELIN-Starred Maçakızı Restaurant), and more, the resort offers plenty of options for lazing away days under the Aegean sunshine and nights in the cool coastal breeze. Visitors to the region should also check out Kitchen By Osman Sezener, which was awarded One MICHELIN Star in 2024. Chef Osman Sezener draws inspiration from Bodrum—from the sea to the trees—to craft modern dishes inspired by traditional Turkish home cooking.
Another sign of the region’s ascent, the Six Senses opened an outpost in Kaplankaya, 90 minutes up the coast from Bodrum. There, you’ll find the brand’s signature mix of bohemian luxury, healthy sustainable dining, and over-the-top wellness options. The onsite spa features 38 treatment rooms, hammams, a Finnish sauna, a crystal steam room, and “experiential rains.”
In Alaçatı, on the Çeşme peninsula, you’ll find The Stay Alacati Warehouse, a 1980s-era warehouse reimagined as a chic boutique hotel with an artistic flair. The property, which doubles as a venue for music and theatre performances, offers modern rooms looking out onto the hotel gardens, a serene pool, and a shuttle service to the private Plage Isolée beach club.
8. Mediterranean Flavors and Cliff-Top Pools in Sicily
Among the destinations for the best beaches in Europe, Sicily promises swims in crystal-clear waters and a stunning coastline that ranges from golden sandy coves to rugged cliffs, as well as sun-ripened tomatoes and other local staples. The capital city of Palermo is a great entry point for exploring Italy's largest island, just off the southern tip of the Italian mainland. For Sicilian dining at its best, our Inspector favorites include One-Starred Mec Restaurant, set inside a 16th-century palazzo, and Buatta Cucina Popolana, a Bib Gourmand spot serving traditional dishes like sarde a scottadito, fresh-caught sardines grilled to perfection. Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is everything you’d want from a Sicilian villa stay: a 19th-century seaside palazzo with tiered gardens, palatial Art Nouveau interiors, and elegant Mediterranean-inspired restaurants.
Taormina is a picturesque town on the island’s eastern coast, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its Ancient Greek Theater, medieval streets, and proximity to Mount Etna, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most coveted destinations. It’s also home to two different luxury hotels holding Two MICHELIN Keys, our designation for exceptional stays: San Domenico Palace (A Four Seasons Hotel), and Grand Hotel Timeo (A Belmond Hotel). The latter houses Otto Geleng, a One-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant offering refined Sicilian favorites and breathtaking views.
Nearby, the Two-Starred St. George by Heinz Beck, set in The Ashbee Hotel, an early-20th-century villa on the edge of Taormina’s historic center, showcases the Three-Starred chef’s refined take on the region’s bounty. Dishes include risotto with chicory, razor clams, black lemon, and grapes, as well as delicate tortellini filled with basil, almond, cuttlefish, and ‘nduja.
Hero Image: The view from the One-Starred LD Restaurant in Korcula, Croatia. © LD Restaurant
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