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Top 10 cruise port beaches revealed
Spain and Greece destinations dominate rankings
Beach holidays are seeing renewed demand among travellers in 2026, with cruise passengers increasingly seeking destinations that combine cultural attractions with easy coastal access. Google Trends data shows searches for beach holidays have risen by 30% this year.
New research by UK cruise agency Iglu Cruise has ranked the top beaches near Europe’s major cruise ports for 2026, assessing destinations based on factors including accessibility from cruise terminals, traveller reviews and sea temperatures. Spain and Greece secured multiple entries on the list.
1. Plage du Midi in Cannes, France
Plage du Midi rests a short walk from the Port de Cannes and is one of the closest free public beaches accessible to cruise passengers. The sandy beach features shallow waters and a promenade lined with local shops and cafés. Plage du Midi is also a blue flag-certified beach, ensuring the destination meets international standards for sustainability, environmental management and water safety.
2. Kotor Beach in Kotor, Montenegro
Surrounded by steep cliffs of nearby Mount Vrmac and Mount Lovćen, Kotor Beach is situated along the Bay of Kotor in the historic coastal city. The pebble beach is a seven-minute walk from the port and offers crystal waters and calm waves, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. Other nearby attractions include the Old Town Kotor, a Unesco World Heritage site with rich medieval history.
3. Bellevue Beach in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Bellevue Beach is a secluded pebble cove located beneath high cliffs just outside Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. The beach is a 30-minute walk from the cruise port, and is known for its clear waters, cliffside setting and snorkelling conditions, with surrounding rock formations creating a sheltered swimming area.
4. Elli Beach in Rhodes, Greece
Located on the northern tip of Rhodes Island, Elli Beach is around a 25-minute walk from the port and offers proximity to landmarks including the Medieval City of Rhodes and the Temple of Aphrodite. Rhodes remains the largest island amongst the Greek Dodecanese islands in the Aegean Sea.
5. Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Stretching nearly three kilometres, Playa de las Canteras is one of the Canary Islands’ best-known urban beaches and sits around 15 minutes from the cruise port. The beach is protected by the offshore volcanic reef La Barra, creating calmer swimming conditions popular with snorkellers.
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6. Playa de La Caleta in Cádiz, Spain
Situated near Cádiz’s historic centre, Playa de La Caleta sits around 25 minutes from the cruise terminal and is framed by the castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina. The beach stretches nearly 500 metres and has a natural bay with calm waters, while a palm-tree-lined promenade runs parallel to it. The beach also features the landmark white-domed Balneario bathhouse, dating back to the 1920s.
7. Agios Stefanos Beach in Mykonos, Greece
Agios Stefanos Beach is one of the closest waterfront spots for visitors, a 15-minute walk from the Port of Mykonos. The beach is lined with nearby restaurants offering a range of dining options, and provides direct views of cruise ships arriving and departing the island.
8. Single Fin Tuscany Dog Beach in Livorno, Italy
One of the nearest pet-friendly beaches, Single Fin Tuscany Dog Beach offers a relaxed, local atmosphere featuring a beachside restaurant and nearby park. The beach is a 10 to 15 minute drive from Livorno’s cruise port, set within the coastal area of Calambrone.
9. Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Playa de las Teresitas spans more than one kilometre and features sand imported from the Sahara Desert, creating its distinctive golden shoreline. Set against the backdrop of the Anaga Mountains, the beach is located just outside Santa Cruz, around a 15-minute drive from the cruise port.
10. San Sebastian Beach in Barcelona, Spain
San Sebastian Beach is situated at the southern end of Barcelona’s coastline by the Barceloneta district, around a 10-minute car ride from the cruise terminals. It is one of the city’s most popular beaches and offers access to nearby attractions, including the Telefèric del Port cable car, which connects the seaside to the Montjuïc hill’s Mirador de Miramar viewpoint.
For more information, visit iglucruise.com
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