Wanna chill out in a seaside boho hangout with vintage vibes, or live la dolce vita like an Italian film star? Check out these killer beach bars in Europe and get booking.
Veranda by Oz, Chios
Source: Instagram @oz_bay_chios
Away from the rowdy clubs and nightlife spots that line the harbour of Chios, this hidden gem of a beach bar awaits. Complete with sun loungers overlooking a dreamy turquoise-blue sea and a picturesque white chapel in the distance, Veranda by Oz is unpretentious and ultra-relaxing, with bangin' food (don't skip the sushi) and super-fresh cocktails (go for an Axia Spritz to amp up the Grecian energy). But if you stay through the evening, this place really comes alive - so if you're lookin' for a party, Veranda's got you covered. BarChick's idea of heaven? It's right here, honey.
Megas Limionas, Chios, 821 00, Greece
Cotton Club, Zakynthos
Source: Cotton Club Zakynthos Facebook
Cotton Club's a staple of the Ibiza scene, and now its breezy style has arrived on Zakynthos. The vibes here are chilled, perfect for kicking back all day long on the sun loungers and sipping green juice - until you give in and order one of the bar's epic cocktails. Or if you're feeling adventurous, book in for one of the club's boat trips to explore the island's hidden caves and secret beaches. When you're ready to feast, head to the restaurant, where loads of fresh sushi and local wines await.
Kalamaki, 29100 Zante/Zakynthos, Ionian Islands
Alemagou, Mykonos
Source: www.alemagou.gr
Mykonos has no shortage of epic places to get your groove on, but when we're feeling the chilled bohemian vibes that put this island on the map, we head to the less-crowded northern part of the island, to Alemagou. White walls and a dusty palm-fringed roof cover the restaurant that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a retro postcard. Venture through to the sand for blue skies, low-key loungers and a swim in the Aegean Sea. As the sun dips below the horizon swap your Greek mezze for one of their mega cocktails. Paradise = found.
Ftelia Beach, Mykonos
Hula Hula, Croatia
If you're on Hvar there's only one place to party when the sun is setting, and that's Hula Hula. This Croatian beach bar is where everyone goes to dance, drink and shake off the dust of the day in favour of a night to remember. It's a tale of two crowds - you'll have the Champagne spraying city boys on vacay (stag stag stag) at one and people keeping it chill with a cocktail and a sunset view at the other. Fresh seafood is served in the restaurant - you might need some, 'cos these drinks sure pack a punch (think European free-pour style) and DJs spin tunes well into the night when everyone heads off for a late dinner before the real party gets going on the island. This is just the warm up, you have been warned.
Ul. Vlade Avelinija 10, Hvar, Croatia
Menorca Experimental
Source: www.menorcaexperimental.com
When one of the best bar groups in the world opens a hotel in a 19th-century farmhouse in Menorca, you know it's gonna be f*cking epic. If you can drag yourself away from the infinity pool, then prop yourself at the chalk-white bar and make the most of the experimental mixology these guys are famous for. Hungry for more? Good, 'cos this joint is all about the food too. They keep things fresh with locally sourced Mediterranean dishes: think juicy tomato salads and fresh fish. The beach is only a 15-minute stroll away for when you wanna dip your toes in the water - then it's back to perfection among the pines.
Batería Militar de Llucalari, Camí de Llucalari, 07730 Alaior, Illes Balears, Spain
Scorpios, Mykonos
Source: https://www.scorpiosmykonos.com
Swaying palms, glittering disco balls & sunkissed skin, welcome to paradise baby. Also known as a private member's club on one of the best beaches in Mykonos. Scorpios was one of the reasons BarChick first fell for Mykonos years ago, and just like the people who linger there, it's one hell of a beautiful place. If you're coming for the day make sure to book a cabana ahead of time, these are like gold dust. Then kick back under the breezy linen with one of their tequila cocktails in hand and live the good life. When it comes to lunch, order in the sharing plates (octopus, every time) up at the restaurant, 'cos it is one of the best on the island. Since being taken over by Soho House it ain't easy to get in for one of their epic sunset parties... so make the most of the loophole, drag out that lazy lunch and you'll be dancing beneath the stars in no time.
Paraga, 84600 Mykonos, Kikladhes, Greece
Atzaró Restaurant & Chiringuito Beach Bar, Ibiza
Source: www.atzarobeach.com
Keep your San Antonio strip. When BarChick heads to the White Isle we embrace the laidback Balearic life. Tucked away on the stunning Cala Nova beach, the Atzaró restaurant and beach club is a perfect palette of chilled '70s style. The natural woods, terracotta pots, chic colour scheme and rattan furniture have us in a blissful summer daydream. Close your eyes and hear the waves lapping next to you - if you're taking five on one of the daybeds, make sure you don't drop off - this isn't an experience you wanna miss. We prefer to sit beneath the covered terrace of the restaurant, heading from day to evening with a chilled white wine in our hand, then head to the Chiringuito Beach Bar when we want a party vibe. Then when night falls things start to getting buzzing in the way only this island can.
Playa, Av. Cala Nova, s/n, 07849, Balearic Islands, Spain
Monte Carlo Beach Club, Monaco
Source: montecarlosbm.com
If you wanna drop serious dollar at one of the top people-watching hotspots in the French Riveria, this one's for you. It's been hosting the magnificent and minted elite of Monte Carlo since the 1930s and has recently had a lick of elegant white paint to make it even more glamorous. Take your pick from the multitude of patios, verandas and sweeping spaces - there's the palm-shaded pool, the Bali-inspired bar and the breezy beach-side restaurant. Feeling flush? See if you can get involved with private deck and sunbathe with the best of them. If there was ever a time to whack it on the plastic, this is it.
Avenue Princesse Grâce, 98000 Monaco
La Scogliera Positano, Italy
Source: lascoglierapositano.com/en/
Everyone's been hitting this postcard-worthy Italian town recently, and it's not hard to see why. If you're joining them, do it in style: grab your shades and your wide-brimmed sunhat and channel the pages of Italian Vogue. Perched on the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, then shimmy up to the restaurant and bar for a sundowner. There's live music, the freshest Italian food, and that laidback lifestyle that means la dolce vita is only a vacation away.
Spiaggia, Via Marina Grande, 84017 Positano SA, Italy