Beach Extreme Day Trips in Europe

🏖️ Explore Europe's Best Beaches 🌊

Discover stunning beaches easily reachable from the UK for your next day trip or weekend getaway.

Here are 13 beautiful beaches close to airports achievable in a day. With destinations across 6 countries, why not search for flights from the UK and treat yourself to an Extreme Beach Day Trip!

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Banje Beach

Croatia

Nearest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (20 mins)

Taxi

20 minutes • €30

Public Transport

30 minutes • €6

Shuttle bus to Old Town, then 10-minute walk

Dubrovnik's most famous beach offers stunning views of the city walls and Lokrum Island. The pebble beach features crystal clear waters and excellent facilities.

HistoricScenicWater SportsLuxury

Barceloneta Beach

Spain

Nearest Airport: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (25 mins)

Taxi

25 minutes • €30

Public Transport

40 minutes • €10.40

Aerobús to Plaça Catalunya, then Metro L4 to Barceloneta

A lively urban beach known for its golden sands, vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to numerous restaurants and bars. Perfect for combining city exploration with beach relaxation.

Urban BeachFamily FriendlyWater SportsNightlife

Cala Jondal

Spain

Nearest Airport: Ibiza Airport (10 mins)

Taxi

10 minutes • €15

A sophisticated beach known for its crystal-clear waters, beach clubs, and beautiful setting. Popular among celebrities and luxury yacht owners.

LuxuryResort BeachScenicWater Sports

Cavtat Beach

Croatia

Nearest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (10 mins)

Taxi

10 minutes • €15

Public Transport

15 minutes • €3

Local bus (Libertas line 31) to Cavtat

Beautiful pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by picturesque scenery and historic sites. Perfect for combining beach time with cultural exploration.

Natural BeachHistoricScenicWater Sports

Glyfada Beach

Greece

Nearest Airport: Athens International Airport (30 mins)

Taxi

30 minutes • €40

Public Transport

40 minutes • €5

Bus X96 to Glyfada

A vibrant coastal area offering sandy shores and clear waters, complemented by a lively neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Urban BeachShoppingNightlifeLuxury

Palma Beach

Spain

Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (20 mins)

Taxi

20 minutes • €35

Public Transport

30 minutes • €5

A11 bus directly to Palma Nova

A family-friendly beach resort with soft white sand and shallow waters, perfect for children. The beach offers excellent facilities and a wide range of water sports activities.

Resort BeachFamily FriendlyWater SportsNightlife

Playa de la Concha

Spain

Nearest Airport: San Sebastián Airport (20 mins)

Taxi

20 minutes • €35

Public Transport

30 minutes • €3

E21 or E27 bus to San Sebastián city center

Renowned for its crescent-shaped bay, golden sands, and clear waters, making it one of Europe's most iconic urban beaches.

Urban BeachScenicFamily FriendlyWater Sports

Playa de la Malagueta

Spain

Nearest Airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (20 mins)

Taxi

20 minutes • €20

Public Transport

30 minutes • €2

Cercanías C1 train to Málaga Centro, 15-minute walk

A popular urban beach with dark sand and a lively promenade, offering a perfect blend of city and beach life with excellent facilities.

Urban BeachFamily FriendlyNightlifeAccessible

Playa de las Canteras

Spain

Nearest Airport: Gran Canaria Airport (25 mins)

Taxi

25 minutes • €35

Public Transport

30 minutes • €3

Bus Line 60 to Santa Catalina Park

A renowned urban beach with golden sands and calm waters, protected by a natural reef, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Urban BeachSnorkelingFamily FriendlyWater Sports

Playa del Postiguet

Spain

Nearest Airport: Alicante–Elche Airport (20 mins)

Taxi

20 minutes • €25

Public Transport

30 minutes • €4

C-6 bus to city center, walking distance to beach

An urban beach at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, offering golden sands and calm waters. Perfect for combining city exploration with beach relaxation.

Urban BeachFamily FriendlyHistoricAccessible

Ponchettes Public Beach

France

Nearest Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (15 mins)

Taxi

15 minutes • €25

Public Transport

25 minutes • €1.50

Tram Line 2 directly to Jean Médecin or Garibaldi stations

The iconic beach along the Promenade des Anglais offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is lined with both public and private beach areas. Perfect for combining French Riviera glamour with beach relaxation.

Urban BeachLuxuryHistoricScenic

Porto Istana Beach

Italy

Nearest Airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (12 mins)

Taxi

12 minutes • €30

Public Transport

25 minutes • €2

ARST bus from Olbia city center to Porto Istana

A stunning white sand beach with crystal-clear waters and views of Tavolara Island. Known for its pristine nature and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Natural BeachScenicSnorkelingWater Sports

Praia de Faro

Portugal

Nearest Airport: Faro Airport (10 mins)

Taxi

10 minutes • €10

Public Transport

20 minutes • €2.25

Local bus (Proximo Line 16) directly to Praia de Faro

A long stretch of golden sandy beach with calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers both developed and natural areas, catering to different preferences.

Natural BeachFamily FriendlyWater SportsScenic

Here are 13 beautiful beaches close to airports achievable in a day. With destinations across 6 countries, why not search for flights from the UK and treat yourself to an Extreme Beach Day Trip!

🙂 FRIENDLY DISCLAIMER - The information provided on this page (facilities, transport details, etc.) is for general guidance only and was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Prices, transport options, and beach facilities may change without notice. Please conduct your own research and verify details directly with local authorities and transport providers before making travel arrangements.

Have a correction or suggestion? Email us at hi@extremedaytrips.com