Europe's beaches cover more ground than the Mediterranean postcard version suggests. The continent has Atlantic surf beaches, Arctic fjord coastlines, Black Sea resorts, volcanic island shores and the kind of sheltered Adriatic coves that take some finding. The Mediterranean dominates the conversation but it's only part of the picture.
Summer is the obvious season, and the crowds in July and August on the more popular stretches reflect that. But shoulder season beach travel in Europe has a lot going for it. Quieter, often cheaper, and the light in May or October on a Greek island or the Algarve is different from the harsh midday brightness of peak summer.
Water temperature varies more than visitors from outside the region expect. The Atlantic coast of Portugal and northern Spain stays cold year-round. The eastern Mediterranean gets genuinely warm by late summer. Knowing which kind of beach you're after makes a difference when planning where to go and when.
