Best beach vacation trends in Europe for 2023

Summer is getting dangerously close, and the burning question arises: where are you off to this year? To Europe, of course!

On Ferryhopper, we have gathered the top European destinations for beach holidays in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco, so you don’t have to wonder all by yourself. 🤗 Whatever your travel style, here are 10 hot trends for a vacation under the sun!

1. Romance in Milos
2. Set-jetting in Sicily
3. Hollywood vibes in Spetses
4. Retro coolness in Hydra
5. Living the camper life in Elba
6. Peace and quiet in Favignana
7. Adrenaline in Tenerife
8. Digital nomading in Mallorca
9. Resort life in Marmaris
10. Coast hopping in Morocco

Walking on the moon and diving in the sea at sunset in Milos

1. Lunar romance in Milos

A classic lovebirds' nest that keeps getting adored year after year, Milos remains the absolute couples' getaway in Europe for 2023!

Have you ever imagined walking on the moon holding hands with your other half? That’s what it feels like to walk on the lunar landscapes of this volcanic island, only you are actually laying on a heavenly beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters and white rocks!

Bonus: there’s also archeological sites, catacombs and… mouth-watering local dishes to discover!

2. Set-jetting in Sicily

Did you watch the second season of The White Lotus and now you can’t stop thinking “I need to travel to Italy this year”? It’s actually the gorgeous northeastern coast of Sicily and the beach destination of Taormina that is calling your name this summer.

But there’s more The-White-Lotus set gems to explore on the historic island: visit the stunning Noto, the location of Daphne and Harper’s day trip, move on to the capital of Palermo to check out the Villa Tasca palazzo (or even stay there!), and don’t miss the picturesque Piazza Marina beach in Cefalù.

Tip: wondering how to get to Sicily? Easy! Catch a ferry from mainland Italy to Palermo, Messina, Milazzo, or Catania. Check out all available Sicily ferry routes on Ferryhopper.

The elegant coastal beauty of northwestern Sicily

3. Hollywood vibes in Spetses

The cinematic journey resumes in Greece and the historic Spetses. The cosmopolitan island of the Saronic Gulf has become a directors' favorite in the past 2 years, as the Netflix hit Glass Onion and Maggy Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter were both shot there. And it’s only natural that it’s already becoming a beach-vacation hit in 2023!

Prepare to meet the town of Spetses and the elegant Dapia quarter, boasting neoclassical buildings and monuments that create a retro and romantic atmosphere. And, of course, visit the island’s many white-pebbled beaches with lush vegetation and turquoise waters.

Plus: the island is very close to the Greek capital. In fact, the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Spetses takes only a bit over 2 hours by high-speed ferry!

4. Throwback to simpler times in Hydra

If this summer you would love to unplug and leave the noise and traffic behind, we got just the place for you. Super close to Spetses (island-hopping alert!), the quaint Hydra feels like landing in a glorious past. The Greek island has no roads, no cars and no stress! No wonder the island has been the favorite of artists such as Leonard Cohen, Maria Callas and Pablo Picasso.

Exquisite old mansions and quaint alleys? Check. Awesome seafood restaurants? Check. Hiking trails with a sea view? Check. And, as for beaches, they are wild and pristine. We recommend taking a sea-taxi ride around the island, so you can enjoy the salty breeze and swim in the hidden coves of Hydra!

Tip: take a look at our complete guide on how to get to Hydra and plan your trip to the Saronic Gulf in no time!

5. Living the camper life in Elba

Maybe hotel life and resort luxuries are not for you. You are the kind of traveler to explore an island by campervan and sleep under the stars. If you are looking for your next summer adventure, the island of Elba in Italy’s Tuscan Archipelago has everything: wild beaches, seaside cliffs, bike and hiking trails, shipwrecks, and countless historical monuments!

As for campsites, there are so many you can stay in a different one every day and get to know all of the island’s natural wonders. Check out our complete guide for your camping trip to Elba.

The unbelievable colors of Fetovaia beach in Elba island

6. The sound of silence in Favignana

Italy is indeed a popular European destination and things can get pretty busy in the summer. That doesn’t mean that there are no options for travelers who want to enjoy its Mediterranean beauty in a more peaceful and affordable way. If you are one of them, it’s time to meet Favignana in the Aegadian Islands, gaining lots of attention in 2023.

The “butterfly island” stands out for its authenticity. Its picturesque town and harbor will make you feel like you stepped back in time. As for its 33-km coastline, it’s totally unspoilt, rich in caves and blue-green waters. Most beaches are amenities-free (no access fee to pay), which will make you feel more in contact with their incredible nature.

Tip: to reach the Aegadian island, you can catch a ferry from the Sicilian ports of Marsala or Trapani. Find out more about the ferry route from Marsala to Favignana.

7. Adrenaline in Tenerife

Adrenaline seekers and water sports fans, we know what you will do this summer: you can’t resist the unique beach experiences of Tenerife. If you’re a surfing or scuba-diving enthusiast, then prepare to feel blessed, as “the island of eternal spring” is a water-sports paradise all year round!

But the adrenaline rush does not stop by the beach. From the impressive trails of Mount Teide to the Cueva del Viento volcanic cave, the Canary island’s mountains and forests are perfect for outdoor adventures for both the most bravehearted and the more humble nature lovers!

Tip: find out all about ferries from mainland Spain to Tenerife on our ultimate guide!

8. Living the resort life in Marmaris

Unbothered, moisturized, relaxed, without a care in the world… If that’s how you want to spend your holidays, the Turkish Coast is where you want to head to this summer. The fabulous and laid-back Marmaris is once again one of the hottest resorts on the coast for 2023 to visit with your family, friends or significant other. With Greece as a starting point, you can get to Marmaris from Rhodes by ferry daily in the summer.

In Marmaris, you can enjoy the slow vacation life to the fullest. Spend the day at the beach, have lunch and dinner by the sea, take long strolls at the beautiful marina, and visit a traditional Turkish steam bath. And if you feel like being more adventurous, take a diving course at the Galeon site and discover an ancient wreck, or a boat trip to the Dalyan River Delta.

Plus: Marmaris is also an ideal destination for shopaholics! Find out what treasures you can unearth at the town’s markets on our Turkish Coast shopping guide.

Endless days under the sun by a beach in the Marmaris area

9. Digital nomading in Mallorca

Why only take a week-long holiday in Mallorca when you can spend the whole summer (or spring, or autumn) there? As the way we work changes, so does the way we travel. Grab your laptop, find a room or studio, and off to Balearics for an unforgettable summer!

Mallorca is one of the top digital-nomad destinations in the Mediterranean for 2023! Wondering why? With over 200 unspoilt beaches, a super lively and stunning capital (Palma), a vibrant nightlife, awesome villages, mountains, and endless outdoor-activity opportunities, there’s no end to the beauties of this island. And three months on the island is barely enough to get the full taste of them all!

Then again, you might also be considering spending time in the smaller and more quiet Menorca. If you can’t choose between the 2 Balearic islands, let us guide you through the Mallorca-vs-Menorca dilemma.

10. Coast hopping in Morocco

Morocco might not be in Europe, but it’s super easy to reach from Spain and will be super popular in 2023! The sunny North-African country has a long coastline showcasing a great variety; from long sandy beaches by vibrant cities to rocky cliffs and small coastal towns, Morocco has the whole beach-vacation package! Plus: an impressive cultural and archaeological heritage, many shopping opportunities, and a delicious local cuisine!

Catch a ferry from Spain to Morocco, bring your car and plan a coast-hopping adventure from north to west. We strongly recommend visiting the beaches of Asilah, Oualidia, Essaouira, Agadir, and Taghazout!

The never-ending sandy coast of Agadir city

With so many tempting destinations, it’s super hard to pick just one for the summer. We get it. But, once you decide, do you know what’s extremely easy? Booking your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few steps. Then it’s just daydreaming of your upcoming beach vacation until you get there!