Choose the coast, then the cove
Europe's coastlines have different temperaments. The Amalfi Coast is vertical and theatrical: Le Sirenuse climbs the cliff above Positano's bay, and Belmond Hotel Caruso looks out from a terraced hilltop in Ravello.
The Côte d'Azur is polished and social, and Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc stands among pines on Cap d'Antibes. Liguria offers the harbour village of Portofino with Hotel Splendido in the hills above it, while the Tuscan Maremma gives Il Pellicano at Porto Ercole, a cliffside garden hotel with a quieter pace.
The Greek islands, Mykonos and Cavo Tagoo among them, trade shade for white-washed views and summer wind. Madeira's Reid's Palace in Funchal, high above the Atlantic, is a mild-climate alternative when northern Europe turns grey.
Season, access and the true price of a view
A sea view is the headline; access is the story. Ask whether the water is a few steps away, a lift ride down, or a shuttle boat. In Positano and Ravello, stairs are part of the experience, so if mobility is a concern, confirm the routes with the hotel in writing.
July and August fill first and cost most. May, June and September usually offer warm water, calmer beaches and softer rates, though many resorts close from late autumn to spring, so check opening dates.
Price the stay honestly. Resort fees, sunbed charges, parking and half-board supplements can turn a bargain into an ordinary rate. A transparent smaller hotel with a good terrace often delivers better value than a large resort with add-ons.
