The Best Culture Trip Beach Holidays in Europe

Looking for sun, sea and endless sundowners? Enjoy a unique European adventure with Culture Trip this summer
Looking for sun, sea and endless sundowners? Enjoy a unique European adventure with Culture Trip this summer | © Saiko / Getty Images
Nick Dauk

Senior Travel Writer

Slide into a pair of flip-flops and book your way to one of these beachy European holidays by Culture Trip.

When was the last time you let Europe’s long shoreline treat you to a beach holiday? If you’re craving the warmth of the sun, the salt of the sea and as many sundowners as you can stomach, then set your sights on a popular beach destination in Europe. Sip wine along the winding Amalfi Coast or collect seashells from your island-hopping voyage of the Greek islands. Whether you’re in need of a tan or a few hours with your toes in the sand, these Culture Trip adventures give you a flavour of the best beach holidays in Europe.

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A beach full of visitors sit around the rugged rocks of Polignano a Mare, Apulia, South Italy

Seductive Southern Italy

Where a mere trip to any beach simply won’t do, this sunny 10-day jaunt around Southern Italy works like a charm. Spoil yourself with a cruise along the Amalfi Coast and sunbathe on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Get your fill of waterfront sunsets and sunrises, which await you on the beaches of Polignano a Mare and others down the heel of Italy’s boot. Make sure you pick up a pair of shades somewhere between Naples and Leece – lest you spend all week squinting at the sparkling sea.

From US$2789

Next available from 27th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Naples, Italy

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ENDS AT

Lecce, Italy

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Easy

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STYLE

Discovery

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A group of people swim in clear waters at Sarakiniko Beach at Milos

Greek Island Odyssey

Oh, the envy of your friends after they discover you visited not one, not two, but three Greek islands on your beach holiday. Sarakiniko’s lunar-like rock formations in Milos and the sun-drenched sands of Saint George Beach on Naxos will give you pristine photos to use as a postcard signed, “Wish you were here!” For companionship, you’ll have a group of like-minded travellers – as well as the ever-watchful Greek gods and a cold glass of ouzo.

From US$1939

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Athens, Greece

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ENDS AT

Athens, Greece

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Stiniva beach, on Vis island, has a green waters, a small stretch of sand and two cliffs acting as a gateway to the sea

Coastal Croatia

Eight days on the Adriatic is never enough, but it is long enough to give you a taste of the good life in Croatia. This small-group adventure starts in the ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split before you set sail on an island-hopping tour that takes you to blue lagoons, beautiful beaches and lots of wineries. The tour ends in the historic port city of Dubrovnik, where you can indulge in more wine, soak up the last of the sun, or pretend you’re in an episode of Game of Thrones.

From US$2169

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Split, Croatia

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ENDS AT

Dubrovnik, Croatia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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View of Ortasihar Rock Castle with minaret Mount Erciyes and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey

From Istanbul to Antalya: the Ultimate Turkey Itinerary

On this 12-day trip to Turkey, there’ll be ample time to unwind on the pristine beaches of Antalya – but not before you’ve explored the rest of this fascinating country. Follow your nose through Istanbul, from the aroma-filled Spice Market to the neighbourhood of Kuzgunck, where Turkish delights are plentiful. Wander through ancient ruins in Hattusas, Yazılıkaya, Aspendos and Perge. And marvel at the distinctive chimney stack formations of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon – before you hit the beach for a sundowner.

From US$2699

Next available from 12th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Richard Collett and Emma Gibbins contributed to this article.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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