Top Mediterranean Beaches for Your Next Cruise
Sun, sea, and sand – Mediterranean edition
If you’re the cruiser who packs three swimsuits and a sun hat, this one’s for you. You think about these essentials even before considering shore excursions. The Mediterranean is dotted with some of Europe’s most dazzling beaches. This handpicked itinerary is perfect for anyone who believes the best part of a cruise is the beach day.
From secret coves to iconic stretches of sand, here’s your ultimate beach lover’s cruise route:
1. Mykonos, Greece – Psarou or Super Paradise Beach
Think clear turquoise waters, golden sand, and stylish beach clubs. Psarou is where the luxury meets laid-back, while Super Paradise offers a more vibrant, party vibe. Both are easily reached by taxi or shuttle.
Local Tip: Visit early for calmer crowds and better sunbed choices.
How to get to Psarou & Super Paradise (Mykonos)
From the port: Mykonos cruise passengers either tender into the Old Port or dock at Tourlos.
To Psarou Beach:
- Taxi: ~15 mins | ~€15–€20
- Bus: Walk to Fabrika Station, take bus to Platis Gialos, then walk | ~€2
To Super Paradise Beach:
- Water Taxi: From Platis Gialos | ~€10
- Taxi: ~20 mins | ~€25 one way
Tip: Taxis are in high demand—consider pre-booking or sharing.
Psarou or Super Paradise Beach
Psarou Beach offers luxury loungers and champagne service, while Super Paradise is the island’s party hotspot. Both are a short ride from the port.
Tip: Visit early to claim the best spot before the beach clubs fill up.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- Nammos – Upscale beach club with Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails.
- Super Paradise Beach Club – Lively music, seafood plates, and dancing.
- Pinky Beach – Elegant, beach-chic venue with fresh sushi and salads.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Nammos Village – High-end designer labels right behind Psarou Beach.
- Mykonos Sandals – Handmade leather sandals, a perfect keepsake.
- Jewel of the Gods – Timeless jewellery with Greek symbolism.
- White – Chic boutique for breezy island fashion.
2. Palma de Mallorca, Spain – Playa de Illetes
A short hop from the port, Playa de Illetes is a dreamy crescent bay with crystal-clear water and soft white sand. The beach is framed by pine trees and rocky coves – perfect for both swimming and sunbathing.
Personal Note: I always grab a fresh fruit granita from the beach kiosk – heaven!
How to get to Playa de Illetes
From Port: Cruise ships dock at the Port of Palma.
To Beach:
- Taxi: ~15–20 mins | ~€15–€20
- Bus: Line 4 from Avenida Gabriel Roca (port road) to Illetes | ~30 mins | ~€2
- Private Transfer: ~€25–€30 if arranged in advance
Tip: Taxis are easiest, but buses are reliable and scenic.
Playa de Illetes
A quiet gem just outside Palma, this beach boasts calm turquoise waters and a peaceful vibe—perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- Balneario Illetas – Classy beachside dining with fresh seafood.
- Virtual Beach Club – Trendy with tapas, cocktails, and ocean views.
- Las Terrazas Beach Club – Modern and elegant, ideal for long lunches.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Boutiques in Illetes – Beach kaftans, jewellery, and boho bags.
- Rialto Living (Palma) – Art, interiors, and slow fashion.
- La Pajarita – Classic gourmet sweets and local delicacies.
- Mimbreria Vidal – Beautiful hand-woven baskets and totes.
3. Nice (Villefranche-sur-Mer), France – Plage des Marinières
Step off the ship into postcard-perfection. Plage des Marinières sits right near the cruise tender drop-off and offers soft pebbles, calm swimming, and views of pastel villas climbing up the cliffs.
Cruise Tip: Pack water shoes – those stones can be unforgiving!
How to get to Plage des Marinières
From Port: Cruise ships tender directly into Villefranche-sur-Mer.
To Beach:
- Walk: Just 5–10 mins along the waterfront from the tender pier
- Cost: Free!
Tip: This is the easiest beach day – everything is walkable.
Plage des Marinières
Located steps from the tender dock, this pebbly beach has clear waters and a front-row view of the pastel-hued hillsides of Villefranche.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- La Mère Germaine – Renowned seafood institution.
- Le Cosmo – Great for coffee, lunch, and people-watching.
- Le Palmier Plage – Sand-between-your-toes dining.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Galerie Tropezienne – Art and coastal home décor.
- Marché Artisanal – Crafts and ceramics (summer only).
- Nice – Rue Paradis – Chanel, Hermès, and French fashion houses.
- Cours Saleya Market – Spices, soaps, and flowers with Provençal charm.
4. Rhodes, Greece – Tsambika Beach
Wide, golden, and backed by dramatic hills, Tsambika is one of the best beaches on Rhodes. Warm shallows stretch for ages, making it ideal for floating, swimming, and simply doing nothing.
Getting There: You’ll need a taxi or excursion, but it’s worth every mile.
How to get to Tsambika Beach
From Port: Ships dock at the Port of Rhodes, near the Old Town.
To Beach:
- Taxi: ~35–40 mins | ~€50 each way
- Private Excursion or Group Transfer: ~€30–€40 pp round trip (via tour companies or pre-booked)
- Car Hire: ~€45–€70/day + fuel
Tip: Consider sharing a taxi with fellow cruisers to split cost.
Tsambika Beach
This wide golden beach is ideal for families, with warm shallows and a scenic mountain backdrop. Taxi or excursion recommended.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- Taverna Tsambikos – Traditional dishes in a relaxed taverna
- Tsampika Beach Snack Bar – Gyros, cold drinks, and snacks.
- Panorama Taverna – Elevated views and hearty Greek food.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Kolymbia Souvenir Stalls – Olive oil soaps, lace, and local crafts.
- Enigma Leather – Traditional Greek leatherwork
- Rhodes Old Town – Street of the Knights – Boutiques and artisan stalls.
- Greek Corner – Spices, honey, and edible souvenirs.
5. Corfu, Greece – Paleokastritsa Beach
Tucked into a dramatic cove surrounded by olive groves and cliffs, this beach is famous for its translucent waters and snorkelling opportunities. Rent a paddleboat or simply soak it all in.
My Moment: The best swim of my life was here – the water feels like silk.
How to get to Paleokastritsa Beach
From Port: Corfu port is about 2km from the Old Town.
To Beach:
- Taxi: ~30–35 mins | ~€45–€55 each way
- Bus: Green Bus Line B7 to Paleokastritsa | ~1 hour | ~€3–€4
- Excursion: Often included in cruise tours (~€35–€60 pp)
Tip: Taxis can be hard to get on return—agree pickup time in advance.
Paleokastritsa Beach
One of Corfu’s most scenic bays, ideal for snorkelling or paddling. The dramatic green cliffs create a picture-perfect background.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- Akron Beach Bar – Modern, stylish, and right on the beach.
- Spiros Taverna – Casual dining with warm Greek hospitality.
- Apollon Beach Bar – Great for drinks after a dip.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Monastery Gift Shop – Icons, honey, and handcrafted items.
- Beachfront Kiosks – Jewellery, olive oil, and beachwear.
- Patounis Soap Factory (Corfu Town) – Heritage olive oil soap.
- Spyridon Market – Local liqueurs, sweets, and Corfiot produce.
6. Cagliari, Sardinia – Poetto Beach
Seven kilometres of bliss! Poetto is the perfect place to unwind after exploring the old town. Expect soft sand, beach bars, and space to stretch out.
Local Fave: Grab a chilled Ichnusa beer from a beach bar and watch the sun set.
How to get to Poetto Beach
From Port: Cruise ships dock near the centre of Cagliari.
To Beach:
- Taxi: ~15 mins | ~€15–€20
- Bus: Line PF or PQ from Piazza Matteotti (walkable from port) to Poetto Beach | ~20–25 mins | ~€1.30
- Bike Hire: Cycle paths run from town to beach | ~€10–€15/day
Tip: Poetto is huge—ask driver to drop you near your preferred beach bar (Emerson, Twist, etc.)
Poetto Beach
Stretching over 7km, Poetto is Cagliari’s go-to beach. Enjoy soft sands, clear water, and laid-back beach bars.
🍽️Where to Eat & Drink
- Emerson Beach Club – DJ sets, sushi, and sunset cocktails.
- Twist Beach Club – Perfect for an early evening aperitivo.
- Palm Beach Club – Classic beach dining with full-service menu.
🛍️Shops to Explore
- Beach Promenade Stalls – Swimwear, handmade bags, and Sardinian trinkets.
- La Rinascente (City Centre) – Italian fashion, perfumes, and gourmet food.
- Via Roma Boutiques – Independent fashion and local souvenirs.
- Artisan Summer Booths – Linen, jewellery, and gifts by local makers.
📋 Download: Beach Day Essentials Checklist
Heading to the beach on your next cruise stop? Don’t leave the ship without this beautifully crafted checklist! It’s packed with essentials for comfort, style, and sketching inspiration – whether you’re lounging in Corfu or swimming off Mykonos.
Towels, flip flops, sun cream, water shoes, and a good read – don’t miss a thing.
Want to visit all these beaches — without the guesswork?
These dreamy beach stops are all part of curated cruise routes we specialise in. If the idea of a sun-kissed voyage through the Med makes your heart race, why not chat with us? We’ll help plan the perfect cruise that combines beach time with culture, cuisine, and comfort.
✨ Stress-free planning. No hidden fees. 100% sunshine guaranteed.*
(*Weather permitting 😉)
Over 20 years’ experience | ATOL Protected | UK-Based Travel Concierge.
Discover more from Atlas Cruises
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
