Europe has so many awe-inspiring destinations and today we show you some of our favourite European hotels by the sea.
This 5-star boutique hotel is built into a cliffside looking down over the Adriatic Sea and all rooms have dramatic sea views too! The beach below is accessed by a lift and you can dine beachside at Nevera, a Mediterranean a la carte restaurant which is open seasonally. The hotel is built upside down as the lobby is at the top as you enter the building and the rooms and restaurants are below! This also means that you get the most stunning views right upon your arrival at the hotel when you check-in. If you would like to visit the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik it is either a short shuttle bus away or a ten-minute walk from the hotel. This hotel lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, a beachside location and a bustling historical city filled with culture.
Mystique, Santorini
Although the Greek island of Santorini has an untold amount of stunning views, just check out #santorini for the millions of beautiful photos #unfiltered from visitors to the island on Instagram. But, arguably, Mystique, Santorini is the most Instagram-able of them all, with its high standing position on the rim of the caldera, located on the most southern point of Oia. The hotel's infinity pool offers the most 'seen to be believed' panoramic views over the volcanic cliffs and the sparkling Aegean Sea. The hotels free-form rooms are carved into the cliff offering white, cool retreats from the sun and they all feature private, ocean-view terraces. Treat yourself to a cocktail at the pool bar, Aura, where you can watch some breath-taking Santorini sunsets.
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy
Made up of three historical buildings, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has views across the Gulf of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius. It is surrounded by a beautiful private park containing citrus and olive groves as well as a vegetable garden used by the hotel kitchen. There are historic statues all over the resort as well as a children's playground and football field. The best place to make the most of the sunset is the hotel's terrace which offers stunning views over Sorrento Bay along with the Michelin starred restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet.
W Barcelona, Spain
We already know that Barcelona is a fantastic holiday destination for those looking to combine both a beach and city break. The W Barcelona sits overlooking the sea and is a fantastic base for those preferring a beach view and relaxed atmosphere rather than the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The view from the hotel's infinity pool across the sea to the Barcelona centre skyline is stunning, with multiple shades of blue and turquoise. All rooms have private balconies so you can drink in the view anytime, night or day. We also recommend making the most of the Eclipse Lounge, located on the 26th floor with fantastic views across the water.
Gran Meliá de Mar, Mallorca, Spain
This adults-only paradise is located on the coastal town of Illetas on the beautiful island of Majorca. It is just a short walk to the beach and the coastal town is close to the capital, Palma, combining a beachside location close to the busy city centre. All rooms offer sea or garden views and there is a Spa by Clarins, two outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre as well as three restaurants. The pool itself is surrounded by Balinese-style cabanas where you can relax, take in the view and sip on a cocktail or two.
Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve, Portugal
Located within Portugal's Algarve region, Pine Cliffs Residence sits on a cliff looking over the blue seas of the Atlantic Ocean. It is set within the Pine Cliffs Resort close to Falesia Beach and there are all sorts of outdoor activities to enjoy along the coastline. These include golf, six swimming pools across the resorts, the spa, tennis courts along with a whole host of water sports. This is a fantastic family destination or for those wanting to combine relaxing by pool or beach along with activities.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum, Turkey is a clear contender as Turkeys answer to the Amalfi Coast and the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is set in a sixty-acre waterfront location with not one, but two private beaches and view across the Aegean Sea. To make the most of its stunning sea location, most windows at the hotel are floor to ceiling and the hotel pool overlooks the sea. There are also nine restaurants and bars to choose from as well as a cake shop!
Grace Santorini, Greece
As the name suggests, Grace Santorini is located on one of the most picturesque, stunning Greek islands in the Cyclades. Grace Santorini has jaw-dropping views and its major WOW-factor is the hotel's infinity pool which overlooks the sea due to its poised position on the caldera clifftop.
