🏖️ Beach Days in Europe: How to Pack Light Without Sacrificing Comfort

If you’ve ever tried dragging a full-sized beach bag through cobblestone streets, onto a packed bus in Spain, or across the scorching sand in Santorini — you already know the deal: less is more.

But going light doesn’t mean going without. After doing my fair share of Euro summers (and learning the hard way), I’ve worked out exactly how to pack for the beach without sacrificing comfort — or style.

Here’s how to get all the good vibes without overpacking, and why I’ll never head to the coast without my travel towel again.

🧳 Step One: Ditch the Bulky Beach Gear

That giant striped beach towel? Cute, but unnecessary.
The oversized tote that doesn’t fold down? Cute, but bulky.
Beach mat, pillow, change of clothes, paperbacks, heavy sandals? All extra.

Packing light for beach days is all about clever choices — things that do double duty, dry quickly, and don’t take up half your suitcase.

🧼 The Secret Weapon: A Travel Towel

I cannot stress this enough: ditch the giant terry towel. You need something light, compact, fast-drying, and sand-resistant. Enter: the quick dry towel.

Personally, I use (and created) the Nomadique beach towel with pocket, and here’s why I think it’s an absolute Euro summer essential:

• Quick dry towel — dries in just a couple of hours, even in the shade
  
  

• Sand free beach towel — just give it a shake, and you’re done
  
  

• Hidden zip pocket — keep your phone, keys, and coins safe while you swim
  
  

• Built-in loops and pegs — so it won’t flap away in the coastal breeze
  
  

• Folds down to the size of a book
  
  

Once you go lightweight towel, you never go back.

👜 What I Pack for a Euro Beach Day

Here’s what’s in my actual beach bag when I’m exploring the Amalfi Coast, hopping islands in Croatia, or sunbathing in the south of France:

• Travel towel (with pocket = always)
  
  

• Sunscreen (SPF 50 minimum!)
  
  

• Reusable water bottle
  
  

• Lightweight sarong (can double as a cover-up or skirt)
  
  

• Book or Kindle
  
  

• Sunglasses + wide brim hat
  
  

• Phone + power bank
  
  

• Small dry bag or ziplock for wet swimmers
  
  

• Lip balm with SPF
  
  

• Snacks (hello, beach baguette)
  
  

Optional:

• Foldable fan
  
  

• Waterproof phone pouch
  
  

• A cheeky can of spritz (don’t tell)
  
  

👙 Outfit Tips for Travel-Friendly Beach Days

You want pieces that go from sand to bar without needing a full outfit change. My go-to:

• Cute swimsuit (one-piece or bikini)
  
  

• Linen shorts or flowy pants
  
  

• Oversized shirt or button-up
  
  

• Birkenstocks or sandals you can rinse off
  
  

Everything should roll up small and dry quickly. No one wants soggy denim in their daypack.

🧼 How I Deal With Wet Stuff

The downside of spontaneous swims? Wet gear.

Here’s how I manage it without ruining the rest of my bag:

• Wring everything out (including the towel — it’ll be mostly dry anyway if it’s quick-drying)
  
  

• Pop swimmers and anything damp into a small dry bag or reusable ziplock
  
  

• Roll up the towel last and let it hang on the outside of your bag if possible
  
  

• If you’re heading straight out afterward, bring a change of undies and a loose outfit — done!

✨ Bonus Tips for Coastal Travel in Europe

• Most beaches in Europe don’t have soft sand — think pebbles, rocks, or even cliffs
  
  

• Many “beach clubs” charge for chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes even towels
  
  

• Public beaches are often stunning, but don’t always offer shade or amenities
  
  

• You’ll do a lot of walking — wear comfy sandals and bring less than you think you need
  
  

• Cold dips are part of the experience. Embrace it!
  
  

TL;DR: Go Light, Go Smart, Go Beach

Euro summer is meant to be fun, not heavy. You don’t need a million things to enjoy the beach — just smart, lightweight essentials that earn their spot in your daypack.

And at the top of my list? A travel towel that dries fast, doesn’t trap sand, and has a sneaky pocket for my stuff. It’s been with me on every coastal stop — from Portugal to Positano — and I wouldn’t do summer without it.

If you’re still hunting for the perfect beach towel with pocket, I’ve got just the thing 😉