Søndervig, Denmark
For over a century, Søndervig—dubbed the Gateway to the North Sea—has beckoned sun-seekers and sea-dippers alike, enchanted by its shimmering silver-gold sands and grassy dunes. The area boasts a variety of amenities, including mini-golf, tennis courts, trampoline parks, and Segway rentals, all in close proximity to the beach. The town’s standout feature is its renowned sand sculpture festival, ongoing from May to October, which embraces a lively wild animal theme this year. For accommodations, consider the stylish Fjordgaarden, a spa hotel situated just ten minutes’ drive—or a convenient bus ride—away from the shore.
Doubles from £143 B&B; fjordgaarden.dk
Sola Beach, Norway
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Stavanger, Sola Beach is a hidden gem that delights kiters and surfers on breezy days, while families flock to its broad sandy expanse during calmer spells. With only a golf course and hotel adorning its northern edge, the beach is surrounded by protected dunes, teeming with a diverse array of birdlife. Adventurous walkers can tackle a five-mile trail running through the Jæren conservation area, leading to the quaint Vigdel Bay, perfect for swimming. For a comfortable stay, the Sola Strand Hotel offers low-rise accommodations with a vibrant bar and restaurant right on the sand.
Doubles from £124 B&B; solastrandhotel.no
Blokhus Beach, Denmark
For those seeking a vibrant beach resort experience, Blokhus on Denmark’s west coast is hard to beat. The beach stretches over 100 meters wide, bordered by stunning sand dunes, offering ample space for beach games and sandcastle building, alongside excellent conditions for wind and kite surfing. Echoing a quintessential English seaside vibe, the town features charming ice-cream shops, bucket-and-spade stores, and a mini-golf course. The nearby Fårup Sommerland waterpark stands as one of Denmark’s premier attractions, just a stone’s throw away. The Strandhotellet provides cozy accommodations—rooms may be compact, but the exceptional restaurant and friendly staff make for a delightful stay.
Doubles from £172 B&B; strandhotellet-blokhus.dk
Sandhammaren, Sweden
Often hailed as an award-winning beach that evokes Caribbean charm, Sandhammaren graces the southeastern tip of Skåne province with its powdery white sands and a nature reserve teeming with elk and diverse bird species. Visitors can explore the historic 19th-century lighthouse, which is open for tours, while a convenient kiosk offers drinks and snacks. A local café near the parking area ensures refreshment, but the beach remains blissfully unspoiled. Nearby Löderup’s Strandbad boasts a fantastic beachfront location and offers charming white clapboard cottages along with simple, comfortable rooms.
Doubles from £104 B&B; loderupsstrandbad.com
Hoddevik Beach, Norway
Hoddevik Beach is the kind of place that could grace the cover of any travel brochure. With its white sands set against lush, mountain-green fields and aquamarine waters rolling in between two magnificent headlands, the journey to this beach is an adventure in itself. The road winds over a high mountain pass before descending into this stunning expanse, where you’ll find surfers in Neoprene suits navigating the waves. This beach leans more toward adventure than family-friendly, thanks to the Stad Surfing school, which provides lessons for all skill levels—but be warned, surfing alone is not recommended. The nearby Stad Hotell, located 13 kilometers away, offers sleek accommodations with a breathtaking waterfront view.
Doubles from £117 B&B; stadhotell.no
Sjøsanden, Norway
Sjøsanden, an untouched paradise within Furulunden nature park, stretches 800 meters along Norway’s southern tip. Shielded from the nearby town of Mandal by a dense forest adorned with walking trails, this beach enjoys a relatively mild climate, perfect for family outings. The gentle slope of the beach makes it a safe haven for little ones. Mandal itself features a charming old town with cobblestone streets lined with an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants, while Topcamp Sjøsanden provides comfortable cabins, apartments, and camping options.
From £118, sleeps four, topcamp.no
Yyteri Beach, Finland
Finnish locals tout Yyteri’s pristine 6-kilometer stretch of sand as the best in the country, complete with designated swimming zones, areas for surfing, and beach volleyball courts. This family-friendly destination also attracts hikers exploring the Yyteri Nature Trail, which showcases some of Europe’s highest dunes, alongside bird enthusiasts drawn to the array of rare species in the surrounding Bothnian Sea National Park. The nearby Yyteri Hotel & Spa offers exquisite views from many rooms, including the remarkable sauna suite situated on the seventh floor.
Doubles from £118 B&B; virkistyhotelli.fi
Tofta Beach, Gotland, Sweden
Spanning 3 kilometers along Gotland, Sweden’s largest island, Tofta Beach features little more than a handful of cafés and basic campgrounds against the backdrop of a shimmering Baltic Sea. Locals frequent Tofta for its bracing coastal walks and enjoy lunch or sunset cocktails at the modern Tofta Beach House, a striking example of contemporary Scandinavian design right on the sands. Most visitors choose to stay in nearby Visby, accessible via a 20-kilometer flat cycle trail or a mere twenty-minute drive, where the Kalk Hotel offers crisp, comfortable rooms.
Doubles from £139 B&B, kalkhotel.se
Böda Sand, Sweden
Nestled along the northeastern tip of Öland island, Böda Sand’s 20-kilometer stretch of beach presents an idyllic escape for families. Fringed by low dunes and serene pine forests, the southern section features ample amenities, including showers, toilets, and cafes. As you venture further north, the beach becomes quieter and more serene. The Böda Sand Beach Resort caters to families, offering various kids’ activities and several culinary options. For a comfortable stay, opt for cabins that are more homely than camping, particularly those Type 4 or higher, to avoid bunk beds.
From £135, sleeps four; camping.se
Marielyst Beach, Denmark
Once a favored summer retreat for the Danish royal family, Marielyst Beach is part of a stunning 10-kilometer stretch along Falster island’s southeast shore. Its tranquil waters and sandy beaches continue to attract families year after year. Adventurous visitors can bring their bikes and hiking shoes to explore the nearby Bøtø Nature Area or tackle portions of the coast-to-coast cycling trail. The area is dotted with inviting cafés, restaurants, and farm shops, perfect for rejuvenating before or after excursions. The historic Hotel Nørrevang, a half-timbered inn dating back to 1906, features a modern resort for a memorable stay.
Doubles from £112 B&B; hotelnorrevang.dk
