When the summer sun finally hits Europe, we all know we’re thinking about only one thing inside our office blocks: when can we get to the beach! Beach breaks are an age-old tradition for summer vacations, and with new destinations opening up gorgeous beaches lined with luxurious beach hotels across the continent, it’s a vacation that will never go out of style. Europe is a huge place, so the only thing left to consider is where to find the perfect spot for the perfect luxury beach hotel vacation…

1. The French Riviera

Glitz, glamour, and celebrities have never been lacking in France’s best vacation area, and intimate boutique hotels now line the beautiful coastline from Cannes to Monte Carlo. It’s the entertainment that’s the real draw here, though: from uber-stylish casinos in Monaco to dusty streets and tiny art galleries in Nice, there’s plenty to fill those days away from the beach, as well as your evenings. For a more sedate experience, there are so many options: leave the cities behind and head for the gently rolling hills, where you’ll find nothing to disturb your poolside book-reading adventure, except perhaps the spectacular view. of the sunset over the Mediterranean.

2. Capri and Ischica

The tiny islands of Italy are a spa paradise and are perfect for that sumptuous beach break with uninterrupted panoramas of the sea. The healing waters are legendary, the hotels have all the luxuries covered, and fresh seafood and Italian wines abound. There couldn’t be a better combination or indeed a more perfect setup. Rocky Capri is the island of choice for the stars, but larger Ischica is just as welcoming and attractive, with much lower prices.

3. Santorini Island

Greece’s most beautiful island can certainly rival Capri and Ischica: the volcanic landscape is breathtaking, and the Caldera Church on the tip has been named the most romantic (and spectacular) place in the world to watch a sunset. Santorini is like something out of a history lesson: all ancient towns with whitewashed houses built into the rocky cliffs and family run trattorias serving fresh local cuisine.

4.Dubrovnik

A little further east in Croatia, the perfectly preserved city of Dubrovnik sits on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Imagine aquamarine waters, the golden stone of medieval walls, narrow cobbled streets leading to ancient churches and Monte Carlo-sized yachts in the harbour: that’s Dubrovnik at its best. Stay inside the Old Town within the walls to soak up its magic, and in the evening stroll the winding streets for fresh seafood and Italian-inspired gelato for dessert.