Compared to the warm South Seas, Sweden's Baltic resorts may seem cool and less comfortable. However, the northern summers offer relief from sweltering heat, and the risk of sunburn is significantly lower.
The Swedish beach season typically spans about two and a half months, from mid-June to the end of August. At the start of the season, the water temperature is around +18-19°C, while in July and August, the sea warms up to +20-21°C.
The popular seaside resorts of the southern islands and the Baltic Sea in Sweden are transformed fishing villages, far removed from the city's hustle and bustle. Here, you can experience a relaxed family holiday by the sea, away from noisy bars and blinding neon lights, while still enjoying all the comforts of civilization.
Near the beach areas, you'll find a variety of amenities including restaurants, cafes, bike rentals, boat rentals, and fishing equipment. Many vacationers indulge in aristocratic leisure activities such as horseback riding, golf, and sailing during their holidays.
If you're planning a seaside vacation to Sweden with kids, it's advisable to gather information about the resort beforehand. For young children, the quiet and shallow bays of places like Sandhammaren, Lomma Bjerred, and Skanden Island are ideal for teaching them how to swim. These clean sandy shores, sheltered from the winds, will also keep young architects entertained for hours.
If you're traveling with teenagers, the windy coasts of Halland and Skåne are the perfect destinations. These areas offer a mix of relaxation on Sweden's beaches and exciting activities like surfing and windsurfing. It's a great way to get your teens to put down their smartphones and enjoy active fun. According to guides, some of the best surf schools in the country can be found in resort areas like Apelviken, Shrea, Tulesand, and Mølle.
For advanced adult surfers seeking high waves, the beaches of Höllviken, Koseberga, Löderup, Roo, Kullaberg, Skanör Falsterby, and Wen Island are excellent choices. During the summer, these areas attract a diverse international crowd of like-minded people, providing an opportunity to make new friends while honing your surfing skills.
The resorts of Lüharn and Ochus are known for their versatility. They offer peaceful nature vacations for adults while providing opportunities for extreme activities and playgrounds for preschool and primary school children.
If you're a romantic seeking solitude, you may discover the best seaside vacations in Sweden on the islands of Gotland, Fårö, Eland, and Österland. Enjoy sea bathing and sunbathing in Helsingborn, and if you desire, you can complement your vacation with rejuvenating procedures at Ramlös, the country's oldest water treatment center founded in the XVII century. Engelholm also boasts Sweden's only thalassotherapy center alongside its beautiful beaches.
Sweden's free urban beaches are as inviting as the resorts. The sand is pristine, the water is clear and calm, akin to a deserted island, and civilization is just a short walk away.
The beach areas of the Stockholm archipelago are now open to the public in the Swedish capital. Young romantics often choose cozy Kersen Bay among picturesque cliffs for their dates. Families with children may prefer the shallow sandy beaches on the islands of Longholmen and Djurgården. Arlampshov Park allows cliff diving, and Rolambshov Beach near the old pier is perfect for diving enthusiasts.
In Malmö, you'll find the city's oldest municipal beach, Ribbersborg. This beach offers guided tours and proudly showcases a local landmark - a separate bathing area for men and women, constructed in the late 19th century. Surprisingly, Ribbersborg now features a cozy nudist corner and separate areas for bathers with dogs!
Other notable spacious beach areas can be found in the suburban districts of Ljunghusen, Stenhammaren, Skanör Falsterby, and Stenshuvud. Additionally, Hagestad hosts a "wild" nudist beach, a favorite vacation spot for European hippies and respected among informals.
