Some travelers want to have it all—rich cultural experiences, fine dining, upscale shopping—and lazy hours spent sunning, swimming, or strolling along the beach. Many of Europe’s finest cities aren’t just popular for their art museums or nightlife scenes; they’re also home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities based on their attractions, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. We took a close look at the European cities travelers love most and found that many of them feature knockout beaches. Of Barcelona, one reader said: “It has everything you could want in a city—plus a gorgeous beach.” Other readers agreed, hailing the Spanish city’s “fantastic mix of city, history, and beaches.” Even Dublin, known for its breweries and cobblestoned streets, was celebrated for its “friendly people, amazing culture, beaches, shopping, and fantastic food.” Although Ireland may not be renowned for sunbathing weather, its rugged coastline is just as beautiful as the better-known urban beaches of Rio de Janeiro or Sydney. From the balmy, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the frothy waves of the Atlantic, here are the favorite European beach cities according to GoTravelDaily readers.
