Quaint outdoor restaurants, incredible architecture, culture galore, and more islands than you could ever dream of – Europe has it all. But there is no denying that one of Europe’s best features is its coastal offerings, from soft sandy beaches to dramatic cliff faces.
Whether you prefer to be lying on a beach with your favourite book, discovering the tranquillity of the underwater world, or taking a stroll along promenades steeped in history – we have it covered. Here are five of our favourite European coastal destinations and some of the most exquisite resorts worth visiting by private jet this summer.
MYKONOS, GREECE
Nestled in the centre of the Cyclades group of islands, in the middle of the Aegean Sea, sits the Greek island of Mykonos, also known as “The Island of the Winds”.
Mykonos is an island full of character, including the picturesque white windmills that line Little Venice’s waterfront, one of the most unique places known for its magnificent sunsets.
Famous for its whitewashed houses, traditional blue-domed churches, vibrant nightlife, designer boutiques, pristine sandy beaches and award-winning restaurants, Mykonos’ charm and enchanting spirit offer its visitors a truly memorable Mediterranean experience.
WHERE TO STAY: Cavo Tagoo, located just north of Mykonos town, is a luxury hotel built into an impressive natural cliffside.
This hotel offers a contemporary and well-balanced mix of chic comfort and minimalistic design. Whitewashed walls with natural stone accents are combined stylishly with typical Greek furnishings to create the perfect environment for a relaxing Mykonian retreat.
Cavo Tagoo offers a selection of rooms, suites and villas, each with its own infinity pool or cave pool. The resort also has an on-site spa, restaurant, lounge and pool bar area that offers uninterrupted views over the neighbouring island of Delos.
GETTING THERE: Mykonos International Airport (JMK/LGMK), located just 3.5 kilometres from the town of Mykonos, is the only airport serving the island. Accessible by private jet, a transfer to Mykonos town takes around 10-15 minutes by road.
SARDINIA, ITALY
Between Spain’s Balearic Islands and the Italian peninsula lies the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, exquisite beaches, limpid waters and extensive archaeological sites that are rich in history dating back millennia, Sardinia is an attractive destination for travellers world-over.
Situated on the Island’s Northeast coast, between Olbia and Palau, is a stretch of coastline called Costa Smeralda (or Emerald Coast), a name earned from the green hue of the sea. With dramatic rock formations, secluded coves and powdery white sand beaches, the Costa Smeralda is considered something of a natural paradise and attracts some of the world’s most affluent visitors.
During the summer months, the temperature of Costa Smeralda’s crystal-clear waters can reach over 28 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect destination for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Romazzino is a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel located in Arzachena, just a stone’s throw away from the beauty of the Costa Smeralda.
Offering luxurious accommodation consisting of suites, private villas with pools, and a presidential suite, the property also has its own restaurant, spa, two outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor tennis court and a fitness centre. The hotel also has its own private beach where guests can enjoy a range of water sports, including windsurfing, water skiing and surfing.
The Pevero Golf Club, which sits adjacent to the hotel, is heralded as one of the most stunning golf courses in the world. The 18-hole course, designed by American golf course architects Robert Trent Jones and Ron Kirby, provides views of the nearby bays of Pevero and Cala di Volpe and offers an unforgettable golfing experience for both experienced and beginner golfers.
GETTING THERE: Sardinia has three international airports – Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB/LIEO) in the northeast, Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO/LIEA) in the northwest and Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG/LIEE) in the south of the island. A transfer from Olbia Airport to Costa Smeralda takes approximately 30 minutes by road.
MONTENEGRO
A Balkan country, Montenegro forms part of South-eastern Europe and is one of the continent’s smallest nations.
The country’s captivating, rugged landscapes, quaint coastal villages, fjord-like bays, and crystal-clear waters have made Montenegro popular with celebrities and socialites.
Home to Tara Canyon, the deepest in Europe and the second deepest in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be explored by raft or, for those brave enough, by the largest zip line in Europe.
Discover a country full of culture, history, natural wonders, scenic drives, and incredible local cuisines – Montenegro is a remarkable location with something for everyone.
WHERE TO STAY: Boutique Hotel Vissi D’Arte is a small boutique hotel set in the centre of Budva, one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, which dates back more than 2,500 years.
Inspired by opera and art, the hotel offers a variety of luxurious and spacious rooms and suites, each featuring furnishings constructed from natural organic materials. The hotel also has a two-bedroom presidential suite which boasts two balconies and panoramic sea views, ideal for relaxing with a coffee and watching the many yachts that sail in and out of the nearby Dukley Marina.
GETTING THERE: Montenegro has two main airports accessible by private jet – Podgorica Airport (TGD/LYPG), located centrally, and Tivat Airport (TIV/LYTV), which is in the South-western region of Montenegro. Boutique Hotel Vissi D’Arte offers a luxury airport transfer from Tivat, providing a smooth transition from airport to accommodation which takes an average of 30 minutes by road.
THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, lies along the Atlantic-facing coast of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing the southwestern tip of Europe with Spain. Its mountainous interior provides a dramatic backdrop to the traditional whitewashed buildings and terracotta rooftops that grace its rugged coastline.
Renowned for its Port Wine, fado music, medieval castles, cobblestoned villages, historical cities, warm climate, and not forgetting its majestic golden beaches, it is easy to see why Portugal’s Algarve region remains such a popular destination – it has something for all ages.
WHERE TO STAY: Found in the Algarve’s Armação de Pêra municipality, VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa is a 5* resort perched on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This luxurious resort has a contemporary yet traditional style, offering various shapes and sizes of rooms, suites, villas, and apartments, all scattered within 54 acres of subtropical gardens that offer the ultimate seclusion and privacy. The resort’s chic sea-inspired interiors, with blue, white and green tones, match this oceanfront location perfectly.
The resort boasts no less than ten on-site restaurants (one of which has two Michelin stars), its own yoga pavilion, several pools, and tennis courts and is home to an amazing spa with 12 individual treatment rooms. It is also home to the secluded Tremoços Beach, where guests can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling or a leisurely swim in its warm waters.
GETTING THERE: Faro Airport (FAO/LPFR) is the only airport serving Portugal’s Algarve region. Ideally situated, Faro airport is nearly equidistant from the Spanish border and Portugal’s southwestern tip.
NICE, FRANCE
The capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Nice, is located on the southeast coast of France, approximately 20 kilometres from the Italian border.
This beautiful city is known for its stunning coastline and unique Baroque-influenced architecture. A wonderful maze of boutique shops, lively restaurants, galleries and markets fill the narrow streets bound by tall, colourfully painted buildings.
With so much to see and do, an average of 330 days of sunshine each year and very mild winters, Nice is a city worth visiting any time of the year. The Old Port offers the perfect place for a walk, or alternatively, you can sit and admire the luxury yachts over a coffee or cocktail in one of the many restaurants or bars.
WHERE TO STAY: Built in the early 20th century, Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice is a prestigious, Belle Époque style hotel featuring a seamless blend of period architecture and elegant contemporary design, aptly located in the city’s prominent and central Boulevard.
Featuring 112 rooms, each tastefully finished with parquet wood floors, marble furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer uninterrupted views of the Boulevard. The property’s bright white and ivory tones create an intimate and reserved atmosphere.
It is also home to two restaurants, two swimming pools, a spa, and a superb roof terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
GETTING THERE: Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE/LFMN) is located only 8.5 kilometres from the centre of Nice, a transfer from which takes approximately 15 minutes by road.
