With summer quickly approaching, our thoughts turn to longer days, warm evenings, and cocktails on the beach. What’s better than watching the sun go down with a cool glass in your hand, cheeks rosy from a day in the fresh air?
Here are some suggestions for where you might like to visit for your evening tipple.
Xiringuito Vai Moana, Barcelona, Spain
Image Credit: Stéphane D
It’s easy to find many a xiringuito, or beach bar, along the coastline near Barcelona. Vai Moana is inspired by Easter Island, offers healthy food options and, of course, a wide cocktail selection. As Bogatell beach is popular with families, the bar also has a menu specifically designed with children in mind - so they’ll be happy too while you relax after a fun-packed day.
Badeschiff, Berlin, Germany
Image Credit: Till Westermayer
Despite its capital city location, the River Spree turns into a beach resort in the summer; deckchairs line the banks and drinkers can enjoy a panoramic view. The Badeschiff barge is a focal point for the summertime offerings and functions as a floating swimming pool. Its surrounding beachside area is excellent for recreation - yoga, stand up paddling courses, massage treatments, beach parties, and live music can all be found in the summer months. Or you can simply relax with a cocktail.
Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Image Credit: Daniel Lobo
This fits the bill of much-loved beach bar - nothing fancy, but it does the essentials right. Pop your feet into the water of White Bay and sit back with an Original Painkiller; a concoction of premium dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, topped with nutmeg and perfected at the bar in the 1970s. Anchor your boat off the beach and swim ashore to the Soggy Dollar.
Whale Bar, St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Image Credit: Giuseppe Milo
Gaze out at the Indian Ocean from the luxurious Whale Bar, inspired by - you’ve guessed it - a whaleshark. This bar is an architectural overwater beauty aside a private coral reef, offering a selection of local seafood, tapas, wines, and spirits. Try the Island Mary, their signature version of the traditional Bloody Mary.
The Chophouse, Sliema, Malta
Image Credit: Sarah Cronk
OK, so this one isn’t technically a beachside bar, but The Chophouse deserves a listing for its fantastic food and drinks offerings which come accompanied with a side of ‘view’! With a wide panorama over the water to the beautiful capital, Valletta, enjoy a glass of something fine from the humidity controlled wine cave before tucking in to a succulent steak or some grilled fish from the Malta’s largest charcoal grill.
Baba Nest, Phuket, Thailand
Image Credit: Ben Reeves
Why would a rooftop bar make it onto a list of best beachside bars? Well, this astounding Baba Nest bar floats on an infinity-edge pool above the Andaman Sea, meaning your eye line touches the water all around you. Watch the sun set from this fabulous location and gaze at the surrounding islands whilst sipping on a cocktail.
Stokkøya Bar, Norway
Image Credit: Aslak Raanes
Sitting on a stretch of white sandy beach, the Stokkøya Bar is the perfect spot for a midsummer’s drink. The sun doesn’t set, so you can watch the sunlight reflected in the fjord all night long. Not only does the bar offer seasonal, local produce, but the drinks menu is curated to complement the food in the best possible way.
Title Image Credit: Stefan Palka (Image Cropped)