5 of the best beaches around the Baltic Sea

While previously popular beach destinations in Southern Europe are now struck by extreme heat waves in summer, the Baltic Sea region offers a fresh perspective on what beach holidays can look like. Forget palm trees, overcrowded strips of shoreline, and temperatures that make you rush to the nearest shade. Instead, enjoy mild weather, scented pine forests and some of the finest white sand you’ve ever seen, alongside spectacular historic resorts, tiny fishers' villages and hiking trails that trace the sea. Plan your vacation around the Baltic Sea at these top beaches.

1. Sellin Beach, Germany

Best beach for a resort atmosphere

Rügen, an island mostly known to local tourists, is Germany’s largest island and home to the splendid Sellin Beach, washed by the waves of the Baltic Sea. The sophisticated 19th-century resort architecture – with elegant wooden detailing throughout the streets of Sellin – is charming, but the most magnificent structure is located on the beach. Here you'll find a white restaurant building with fairy-tale-like towers perched on the Sellin Pier, which stretches 394m into the sea. The pier serves as the defining landmark of Sellin and is often used as a setting for romantic photoshoots.

Sellin Beach is divided into two sections: North Beach and South Beach. Both offer shallow waters suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. North Beach, 1km long and 60m wide, is the more popular section – lively and bustling, dotted with cozy Strandkörbe (wicker beach chairs with a hood) and offering easy access to restaurants. South Beach, 2km long and 25m wide, is calmer, quieter, and often preferred by locals. The coastline is lined with rolling hills of lush greenery, creating a striking contrast with the white sand and blue sea.

• Location: Sellin Beach, Rügen, Germany.

• Getting there: The island is accessible via the Rügen Bridge or by train.

• Amenities: Lifeguards in summer, beach chair rentals, snack bars, restrooms.

2. Rocky Beach of Vidzeme, Latvia

Best beach for hiking

The Rocky Beach of Vidzeme stretches for about 12km along the Gulf of Riga and is one of the most beautiful beaches on Latvia's coast. Don’t expect much space to lay down your towel and sunbathe all day, as most of the beach is covered with stones of all shapes and sizes.

To capture the wild spirit of this place, lace up your favorite hiking shoes and set out on a scenic walk from Meleki to Tūja, part of the 1419km-long Baltic Coastal Trail. The beach truly lives up to its name: round pebbles, larger stones, and massive rocks cover the shore, making even a short hike feel like a proper expedition. Along the way, you’ll encounter only a few locals and fellow hikers, all enjoying the calm rural atmosphere.

The area is also known for the scenic red sandstone Veczemju klintis (cliffs) and the old Ķurmrags Lighthouse, which leans toward the ground in a way reminiscent of the Tower of Pisa. The coastline is mostly covered with pine trees, creating a classic Latvian seaside panorama.

• Location: Between Meleki, Salacgrīva Parish and Tūja, Liepupe Parish, Latvia

• How to get there: Take a public bus from Rīga to Dzeņi and return from Tūja.

• Amenities: Cafes and grocery stores in Tūja; a few picnic tables along the way.

3. Pärnu Beach, Estonia

Best beach for family holidays

Pärnu, a famous beach resort since the 19th century, is celebrated as the summer capital of Estonia, promising an endless summer vibe in any season, though it’s especially vibrant and full of life in June, July and August. It’s an ideal destination for family vacations, offering something for every taste: romantic wooden villas, modern spa centers, art museums, a kid-friendly nature museum, historical landmarks, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, exploring museums, or strolling along the promenade, you can have it all.

Pärnu boasts a 2km-long, wide beach with soft white sand, making it easy for everyone to find the perfect spot to sunbathe. The water is very shallow and can warm up to 30°C (86°F), an exceptionally pleasant temperature for the Baltic Sea. Kids will love the giant elephant slide in the sea and the chance to go on an elephant sculpture hunt along the Supeluse promenade and throughout the town.

• Location: Pärnu Beach, Pärnu County, Estonia.

• Parking: Several paid parking lots near the beach. May–August: €5/hour, September–April: €1/hour.

• Amenities: Lifeguards (June–August), cafes, restaurants, restrooms, playgrounds, mini golf, bike rentals.

4. Skanörs Havsbad Beach, Sweden

Best beach for Scandinavian design lovers

If you love Scandinavian aesthetics, especially wooden architecture, you must visit Skanörs Havsbad Beach. Located on the western side of Falsterbonäset, a peninsula between the Baltic Sea and the Öresund Strait, it is best known for its picturesque beach huts. Ranging from snow-white and beige to sunny yellow, sea blue, and bright pink, these charming bathing cabins create a beautiful backdrop for a day at the beach.

Skanörs Havsbad Beach offers an almost exotic feel, with turquoise water that deepens very gradually – perfect for families with children. The beach features soft white sand and is the most popular section of a 10km-long coastline. Take long walks, escape high-season crowds and explore expansive green landscapes dotted with more bathing huts, grazing cows, flocks of birds and wild rose bushes. The marina in Skanör provides yet another view, with yachts gently swaying on the water and restaurants inviting visitors in with delicious aromas.

• Location: Skanörs Havsbad Beach, Skanör, Sweden.

• Parking: Limited paid parking; public transportation is recommended.

• Amenities: Lifeguards (June–August), cafes, restaurants, fish shops, restrooms.

5. Suomenlinna Beach, Finland

Best beach for history enthusiasts

Suomenlinna Beach comes as a pleasant surprise to visitors to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Built across several small islands in the 18th century as a Swedish defense fortress against Russia, it is now a popular spot for sunset picnics, visiting history museums, walking along the fortress walls and, of course, enjoying the hidden Suomenlinna Beach.

The tiny beach is surrounded by gray rocky cliffs that are perfect for stretching out in the sun. You can then take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Gulf of Finland, sit on the rocks, admire the seascape with other islands on the horizon and feel the history all around you. Since the beach itself is small, it’s a good idea to combine your visit with nearby sights such as Suomenlinna Church, the Dry Dock and King's Gate, as well as museums and other landmarks along the Blue Route, a trail designed for exploring the fortress.

• Location: Suomenlinna Beach, Susisaari, Helsinki, Finland.

• How to get there: HSL ferry from Helsinki Market Square (about 15 minutes); the island is compact and walkable.

• Amenities: Restrooms, cafes, restaurants.