The Four Best Beach Holiday Destinations for 2025

Beach holidays are one of the best ways to spend your trip relaxing, recharging, and generally taking some time to indulge in life’s simple pleasures surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. You might be someone who likes to go all out and stay at a resort, a watersports lover seeking the best surf, or just a sun bum who’s happy wherever they can find a spot on the sand.

You can find brilliant beaches all over the world, from the rugged coasts of Scotland to the pristine bays and coves of the Caribbean. There are so many different destinations for beach holidays to discover, and if you’re planning a trip to the sea this year you might be stuck wondering how you’re supposed to choose.

In this article, we’ve highlighted four of the best beach holiday destinations for 2025 to inspire your travel plans.

Albania

If you’re a beachgoer who is looking for something different, Albania is a brilliant choice for a holiday that your friends and family will be impressed with and envious of in equal measure. The country’s Riviera was recently described as one of the finest in Europe, and more and more travellers have been flocking to the coastline for the previous couple of summers.

Albania has been an up-and-coming travel destination for the past few years, and if you’re looking for somewhere new to travel in Europe then this should be at the top of your list. Instead of miles of developed coastline that feels like it has lost all trace of its authentic atmosphere, you’ll find unspoiled beaches, plenty of friendly local people and culture, and some really unique towns and cities.

Most people spend their time, or at least start their trip, in the town of Ksamil where you’ll find a range of gorgeous beaches that you only need to pay a few Euros to bag a sunlounger on. Another highlight is the UNESCO site Butrint which is also great for historic sightseeing, and travellers looking for a more laid-back experience should opt for Himara which is smaller but feels very peaceful.

Skiathos

Located in northwest Greece as part of the Sporades Archipelago, Skiathos is a wonderful island destination for a holiday by the sea where you’ve got a fantastic range of beaches to choose from. Despite its relatively small size, it’s perhaps the most popular island in this part of the Aegean Sea with plenty of historic, cultural and gastronomic attractions to suit travellers with a wide range of interests.

There are 68 different beaches on Skiathos, offering everything from glamourous and developed stretches of coastline to rugged little coves that you can only reach on foot. Whether you opt for package holidays to Skiathos and maximize on relaxation, or decide to explore as many different sides of the island as possible, one thing you can rely on here is that every beach you visit will be stunningly beautiful.

The water around Skiathos is generally a lot calmer than many other popular beach destinations in Greece, which means that it is a brilliant choice for watersports fans who like to spend their time doing more than just sunbathing when they’re on holiday. It’s also home to Koukounaries Beach, which is often described as one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean because of the almost glowing golden sand. Definitely one to add to your itinerary!

The Dalmatian Islands

Croatia is a travel destination that has seen a huge boom in popularity over the past decade. And whilst the mainland does have places like Spilt and Dubrovnik that have a lot to offer in terms of attractions, it's the Dalmatian Islands off the country’s coast that offer a brilliant selection of beaches to enjoy on your holidays.

Croatia’s popularity might seem off-putting to begin with if you’re looking for a beach holiday destination that won’t feel overcrowded, but with over 70 islands to choose from, there are still plenty of places with an ‘undiscovered’ factor. Try Dugi Otok for a really peaceful trip, Vis for a remote atmosphere and some wonderful local hospitality, or Lošinj for a beach break where you can also focus on wellness.

Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the finest beach destinations in the Dalmatian Islands is to hop between them, making the most of local ferry services or even stepping on board a yacht to travel. If you’re only planning a short trip, or just want to soak up the sun in one place, there are plenty of beach villas in Croatia where you can step right out onto the sand from your front door, maximising the time you spend by the sea.

The Algarve

Our final recommendation for the best beach destinations for a holiday in 2025 is Portugal, specifically the Algarve. Some of the most stunning stretches of coastline in all of Europe are found in this part of the country, and with over 100 beaches to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to stay no matter what kind of trip you’re planning.

One of the best parts of the Algarve you should stay for beaches is Portimão, which has a history revlving around the fishing industy but is also home to numerous lovely beach towns and villages and a lot of great opportunties for watersports. Carvoeiro is another popoular spot, especially if you’re not too bothered about nightlife or exceptionally developed shopping and dining opportunties, with beaches and swiming that are known for being particularly clean.

If surfing is top of your agenda then Sagres on the southern coast is where you should be headed, as the wind and waves here are brilliant, whilst Vilamoura is the best place in the Algarve for a beach holiday where luxurious experiences are a top priority. If this brilliant selection of options wasn’t motivation enough, have we mentioned that the Algarve has over 300 sunny days every year?

No matter what it is you love about the beach, you can enjoy holidays by the sea in destinations all around the world. When it comes to planning your next trip, we hope that this list of recommendations has inspired new ideas for where you should don your sunglasses and swimming costume next.