Best beaches and seaside holidays in Europe 2023

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Valencia, Spain open image in gallery Valencia’s main square, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento The list is topped by a less -high-profile city, with Valencia gaining a “destination score” of 91 per cent. Pollenca, Spain open image in gallery Mallorca’s pristine beaches and mountainous terrain are a beautiful combination Britain’s favourite Balearic island has dozens of seaside destinations to choose from, but the northern town of Pollenca has ranked highest, with five-star ratings for its beach, seafront and peace and quiet. Chania, Greece open image in gallery A view over Chania’s Venetian-style harbour An idyllic city on the northwest coast of Crete, Chania offers visitors an appealing mix of ancient history, Greek culture and natural beauty that saw it ranked highly for its seafront, attractiveness, friendliness and food and drink offerings. More architecturally diverse than Porto, Lisbon is home to a range of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, from the Belem Tower to the Jeronimos Monastery.. Chaido and Bairro Alto are where much of the nightlife is centred, while Alfama and Baixa are other popular neighbourhoods, whether you’re looking to browse the popular Time Out Market – a food market that houses stalls run by a selection of the city’s best restaurants – to a ride in one of the city’s famous trams, Tram 28.