Sweden might not seem like the most obvious destination for a beach vacation, but at the best bathing locations in Sweden you'll be surprised to discover just how glorious its coastline can be. Head to the southern region of Scania and discover shallow, glittering beaches on the coast of the Baltic Sea, close to picturesque little villages and great day-trip destinations in the Österlen region. Book a ferry ticket to an island paradise like Öland or Gotland and avail of the many great facilities and entertainment offerings that tend to pop up around the most popular beaches on these two large islands. Combine your swim with shopping, entertainment and top-class dining by opting for a beach or bathing spot located right in the city's center. Quite simply, make like a Rutabaga and enjoy the summer sun on a resplendent beach.

  • 1

    Ribersborg Beach

    Make like a Malmöite and go to Ribban for a dip

    Ribersborg Beach
    • Budget
    • Families

    Ribersborg Beach, or Ribban as it's known to locals, is a popular and shallow beach near central Malmö with good accessibility and designated neighborhoods for skinny dipping and dog walking. The beach is just a short walk away from central Malmö and is easy to reach using the local city buses.

    During the day, many families flock down to this artificial beach to relax in the sunshine and cool off in the tranquil waters of the Öresund Strait. In the evenings, on the other hand, spontaneous beach parties fill the night's air with pulsating beats and the irresistible smell of freshly barbecued food.

    Location: Fridhem, 217 75 Malmö, Sweden

    Phone: +46 (0)8 519 548 80

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  • 2

    Böda Sand Beach Resort

    Take the whole family on a beach vacation, dog and all

    Böda Sand Beach Resort
    • Budget
    • Families

    The Böda Sand Beach Resort is a chalk-white sandy beach which also offers accommodations, a pulse-raising water park, restaurants and evening entertainment. The resort is located on the northern part of Öland, which is an island off the south-east coast of the country, close to Kalmar. The easiest way to get here is by automobile although there is also a bus stop located just over a mile from the water.

    Kids will be sure to love Böda Sand, not just for the beautiful beach but for its super fun water park which is packed full of slides and a play ship. And when you're done with the water, the resort also boasts a mini disco, playgrounds and a kids club offering heaps of different activities. Fitness aficionados will also enjoy the array of water sports and group classes on offer, as well as the adjacent sporting facilities. In the evening you can enjoy no shortage of entertainment and music, while the special dog beach means that even four-legged family members will receive a warm welcome.

    Location: Bödasandsallén 11, 387 73 Byxelkrok, Sweden

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  • 3

    Sandhammaren Beach

    Enjoy the white sand dunes and swelling waves of southern Sweden

    Sandhammaren Beach
    • Budget
    • Families

    Sandhammaren Beach has been voted the best in Sweden on several occasions for its long, silky sand dunes and gorgeous setting. The beach is located between the towns of Simrishamn and Ystad in the south-eastern part of the Österlen region, which is renowned for its nice weather and natural beauty. The easiest way to get here is by automobile although there are also direct buses running from Ystad.

    The soft sand dunes are great for both sunbathing and picnics while the occasionally strong currents and excellent waves make Sandhammaren Beach a popular spot among surfers. Photography fans will also enjoy snapping the magnificent views and the several 19th-century lighthouses which can be found in the area. There's also a nudist beach for true sun birds who don't want to come home with tan lines.

    Location: Sandhammarvägen 1, 276 45 Löderup, Sweden

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  • 4

    Sudersand Beach

    Enjoy one of Sweden's most popular beaches for families

    Sudersand Beach
    • Budget
    • Families

    The exceptionally wide Sudersand Beach offers 3 miles of grainy, white sand and all of the essential amenities you could ever need for a perfect and hassle-free family day out. Sudersand Beach is located on the island of Fårö, which is to the north of Gotland – a large Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. The easiest way to arrive is to rent a automobile on Gotland and take it over the free ferry which connects the two islands.

    This incredibly broad sandy beach is very popular with both tourists and local families. There is thus a wide range of services and facilities including playgrounds, paddle boat rentals, cafés and restaurants. You'll also find a number of great accommodations options close to the beach in case you decide to turn your seaside excursion into a mini beach weekend.

    Location: Fårö Sudersand 4817, 624 67 Fårö, Sweden

    Phone: +46 (0)31 400 100

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    photo by Arild Vågen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    Skanör-Falsterbo

    Sunbathe and hunt for amber on the coast

    Skanör-Falsterbo
    • Budget
    • Families

    The twin medieval towns of Skanör and Falsterbo offer a whopping 6 miles of sandy beach and shallow waters between them, with something on offer for all the family. The beach at Skanör starts right next to the town's marina, while Falsterbo's beach is located to the south of the town itself. Buses depart from Malmö and service both of the beaches.

    Skanör and Falsterbo have everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable beachside experience. Hire a cute little cabin where you can get changed in peace and then simply pop yourself down on the sand. The shallow waters are great for younger kids will teenagers will be sure to appreciate the jetty at Falsterbo. There are kiosks, restaurants and night clubs all located close to the strand. The Falsterbo isthmus is well known across Sweden for its amber so while the kids hunt for shells, you can try and find a clump of this precious Baltic Sea gold.

    Phone: +46 (0)10 225 55 44

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  • 6

    Lomma Bay (Lommabukten)

    Hop on the bus and head to the beach

    Lomma Bay (Lommabukten)
    • Budget
    • Families

    Lomma Bay is a beautiful and accessible beach and recreation area and proof like none other that Sweden's southern region of Scania really has been blessed with truly gorgeous nature. The bay is located to the north of Malmö and spreads across the municipalities of Lomma and Bjärred.

    To reach the northern part of the bay, which is known locally as Lomma Beach, take the bus to Sjögatan which is located just over 500 meters away from the sand. Alternately, head to Bjärred Beach by taking the bus to the Bjerredsgården Bus Stop which is just over 300 meters from the beach itself. Both beaches offer facilities such as showers and toilets and you'll find restaurants and kiosks in the vicinity of both locations. The shallow waters are highly popular with both families and kite surfers.

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    photo by bjaglin (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Tropical Beach on the Parapeten Pier

    Take a dip at a unique bathing spot in central Helsingborg

    Tropical Beach on the Parapeten Pier
    • Budget
    • Families

    Tropical Beach on the Parapeten Pier is a natural sandy beach lined with tropical palm trees, and is arguably one of the best bathing locations in Sweden. The Parapeten Pier is located just under 200 meters to the north-west of Helsingborg Central Station, making it easy to reach by train or by foot from the center of Helsingborg. It is home to Tropical Beach which was built for the H99 Housing Fair back in 1999 and is adorned with exotic palm trees swaying in the wind – hence the name.

    This charming beach offers amenities such as showers and toilets and there is even a restaurant and an ice cream parlor right next to the beach. A wide range of shops and cafés are also located just a stone's throw away.

    Location: Kvickbron, 252 67 Helsingborg, Sweden

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    photo by Guillaume Baviere (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Mölle

    Choose between two beaches with tranquil waters and great views

    Mölle
    • Budget
    • Families

    The historic fishing village of Mölle is packed full of old-world charm and home to 2 magnificent beaches, Solviken and Fågelviken. Mölle is located around 18 miles to the north of Helsingborg. The easiest way to make your way here is by automobile although it is also possible to take the bus from nearby Höganäs. The bus stop is located just a few hundred meters away from both of the beaches.

    Solviken is a great beach for families, surrounded by rocks and trees. There is a kids' pool and a playground for your little ones and plenty of amenities such as toilets and showers for a more comfortable experience. At Fågelviken, you'll find all the same services and amenities as well as an enticing jetty and an ice cream kiosk.

    Phone: +46 (0)928 103 00

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  • 9

    Rörum Beach

    Relax on southern Sweden's Apple Coast (Äppelkusten)

    Rörum Beach
    • Budget
    • Families

    Rörum Beach enjoys a superb location among the apple orchards of the Österlen region and boasts an almost Mediterranean vibe. The gorgeous sandy beach is located immediately to the south of Stenshuvud National Park and offers unparalleled views over Stenshuvud, which is a big hill measuring 97 meters in height. The journey there takes just 10 minutes from the town of Kivik and 40 minutes from the larger town of Ystad.

    This popular beach boasts soft and powdery sand, flanked by woodland which offers cooling shade on a hot summer's day. The shallow water is perfect for families although the currents can sometimes be a little strong for the littlest members of the family.

    Location: 272 95 Simrishamn N, Sweden

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  • 10

    Långholmsbadet

    Recharge your batteries with a dip in Lake Mälaren

    Långholmsbadet
    • Budget
    • Families

    Långholmsbadet is a central beach with great waters and makes for the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of shopping and lunching in Stockholm. The beach is located on the north-western part of Långholmen in central Stockholm, just 600 meters from the Bergsunds Strand Bus Stop. There are buses operating between the beach and Stockholm Central Station.

    Despite its convenient location, right in the heart of a busy European capital city, Långholmsbadet has been awarded a Blue Flag for its safe and clean waters and for the facilities on offer. The area is home not only to a lovely beach, but to a leafy green space with a lawn and some trees where you can enjoy a picnic in he shade. The central location also means there is no shortage of shops and cafés in the area for whatever you might need, making the beach one of the best bathing locations in Sweden.

    Location: Långholmsmuren 21, 117 33 Stockholm, Sweden

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