Where will you go this summer?
From Schiphol Airport, it only takes 2 to 4 hours to reach the Mediterranean’s beautiful beaches. Imagine sipping a cold beer while gazing at crystal-clear emerald waters—what better way to kick off your summer holiday?
Planning a trip is half the fun, and before you know it, you’ve spent an entire day dreaming, searching, and getting inspired.
Here’s a collection of some of the most beautiful beach destinations I’ve visited. Let this be your guide as you plan your next summer escape.
Greece: Rhodes Island
Rhodes, the easternmost island in Greece and the fourth largest, is a place where ancient history and natural beauty meet.
Despite its size, you can drive around the entire island in about four hours, making it perfect for a short stay of just a few days.
Rhodes boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times, and the medieval Old Town is still well-preserved and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sea is so clear you can spot fish from the shore.
Neighboring islands like Symi and the whitewashed village of Lindos offer equally stunning beaches, making it easy to explore a different one each day.
It takes around 4 hours from the Netherlands to Rhodes. A 3–5 day stay is plenty, but if you plan short trips to nearby towns or islands, 5–7 days is ideal for a relaxed holiday.
Recommended activities in Rhodes >>
Croatia: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe.
Known as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli films like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Porco Rosso, the city truly feels like it’s straight out of an animated movie.
Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by sparkling, high-salinity waters that make floating effortless and fun.
From the Netherlands, it’s about a 2.5-hour flight. For a laid-back holiday, plan for a 5-day stay. If time allows, consider a day trip to neighboring Montenegro.
Recommended activities in Croatia >>
Cyprus: Ayia Napa
Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a small island nation where two cultures—Greek and Turkish—coexist. Most of the tourist attractions and beach resorts are in the southern part of the island.
The beaches in Cyprus are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The high salt content of the sea makes it easy to float, even if you’re not a confident swimmer.
It takes about 4 hours to fly from the Netherlands. Staying for five days or more is highly recommended—Cyprus is perfect for longer holidays, especially in villas or apartments with pools.
Recommended activities in Cyprus >>
Malta: Comino Island
The Republic of Malta lies in the southern Mediterranean and has two official languages: Maltese and English.
A short 20-minute ferry ride from the main island takes you to the uninhabited Comino Island, home to the clearest waters in the country.
The Blue Lagoon here is renowned for its stunning emerald hue and incredible visibility. It’s often considered the most beautiful beach in Malta.
The flight from the Netherlands takes about 3 hours. A 3–5 day stay is usually enough to explore and enjoy Malta.
Recommended activities in Malta >>
Spain: Palma de Mallorca
Part of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is a small island in the western Mediterranean that’s often described as the “Hawaii of Europe.”
Mallorca has 29 beaches that have received international certification for water quality, making it a favorite destination for repeat travelers.
From the Netherlands, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach Palma. Plan for a 3–5 day stay.
The island also has several attractions beyond the beach, including Spain’s oldest train line and fascinating caves.
Recommended activities in Palma de Mallorca >>
The Netherlands: Texel Island
Texel, located in the North Sea in northern Holland, is a nature-rich island with wide sandy beaches.
From Amsterdam Central Station, you can reach the island’s beach in about three hours, including a scenic ferry ride.
It’s a great destination for a day trip or a weekend escape without even leaving the country.
