The Best Crowd-Free Beaches in Europe to Visit This Summer

As a travel writer, one of my greatest loves is experiencing a new country, region, or city with my son. But one place has always been our favorite: London.

Mom may have a daily skincare routine that she follows religiously at home but packing a variety of creams, gels and serums can be challenging when traveling – especially if she doesn’t want to check a bag.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane en route to a dreamy, faraway beach or road tripping for a closer-to-home sandy retreat, packing the right bag helps ensure you have just what you need to make your trip to the beach as easy and relaxing as possible. Of course, a solo traveler’s idea of the best beach bag can be quite different from someone on a family vacation who is in charge of carrying everything for everyone. We’ve got both of those needs covered, and everything in between.

From Maine to Florida, the East Coast is home to some beautiful stretches of coastline, amazing views, and of course, remarkable beach towns. Whether you're looking for a summer hotspot full of excitement and entertainment and brimming with crowds, or want to escape to a quieter small town this season, the shores on the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is so much to explore this summer.

Italy’s best-known beaches are renowned worldwide, thanks to their dramatic seascapes, sparkling seas and settings that offer other-worldly sunrises and sunsets. Fame brings crowding and over-tourism, of course, and while it’s a challenge to find an empty beach almost anywhere in peak season (except boat-access-only coves), there are plenty of under-the-radar and less frenzied spots with ample helpings of natural beauty and historic attractions. These places have not lost their local rhythms and charms to a tidal wave of tourists, and are frequented by Italians who live in nearby towns.

An ancient city that looms large in history and legend, Athens has its main sights clustered in one area with tiny central neighborhoods.

If you are young and looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Europe, there’s good news.

Elevate her travel style game with these gorgeous dresses that look as good as they feel. In fact, they’re so comfortable, they may replace her old sweats and tees.

Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast to the south of Valencia, Villajoyosa has been named the “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024,” according to European Best Destinations, which has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year. The best secret destinations in Europe is a ranking that recognizes hidden corners, spots far from the crowds, beautiful villages lost in time, and places where some of Europe’s natural beauty can be experienced by simply taking a short walk.

Over the past few years, with the influx of New Yorkers and Californians calling South Florida home, high season in Palm Beach is no longer confined to the slightly-less-balmy winter months. In between Aspen for skiing (or après) and the Hamptons in summer, Palm Beach’s iconic The Colony Hotel operates as a year-round base for the society set, celebrities (you’re sure to see a Real Housewife or two) and a stylish mix of 20- and 30-somethings who’ve moved their business South post-pandemic.

The best beach cover-ups for women are lightweight, stylish, and versatile—looking just as good over your bathing suit by the pool as they do during a hotel lunch. Whether you're headed on a weeklong vacation to Lake Como or are cruising to Ibiza this summer, be sure to pack a few swim cover-ups you can throw on after a dip in the water. We browsed some of our favorite online shops to find the best styles for you to wear this summer, from two-piece sets and maxi dresses that double as daytime outfits to beachy sarongs that let you show off your favorite swimsuit. Below, 31 beach cover-ups for women to wear poolside all summer long.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels, I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer. But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.