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Just imagine: you board a train or get into your car in Switzerland – and just a few hours later, the sea is glistening before your eyes. No airport stress, no security checks, no waiting at the gate. Instead, your holiday begins as soon as you set off. For anyone who wants to travel in a more relaxed, mindful way – or simply prefers not to fly – there are some wonderful beach destinations from Switzerland that are surprisingly easy to reach. Whether it’s the Ligurian coast, the Côte d’Azur or the Adriatic: a seaside holiday is often closer than you think.
07.04.2026
Miryana
Contents:
Photo: Nice on the stunning French Riviera.
Sun-drenched promenades, elegant seaside resorts and the sparkling Mediterranean: the Côte d’Azur is one of Europe’s most iconic beach destinations. Towns such as Antibes and Nice combine urban charm with beautiful beaches, Mediterranean laid-back style and a vibrant summer atmosphere.
Travelling by train is particularly convenient: from 2026, the TGV Lyria will run direct seasonal services from Switzerland to Marseille – taking around 3.5 hours from Geneva and around 4.5 hours from Lausanne. From there, you can continue comfortably along the coast to Antibes or Nice. If you’re travelling from Zurich, you can reach Nice by car in around 7 to 8 hours, or by train in around 9 to 10 hours, depending on the connection.
Journey time from Switzerland: approx. 6 to 10 hours, depending on the point of departure and connection.
Colourful houses, small coves and a laid-back Italian coastal atmosphere: the Ligurian coast is one of the most beautiful destinations for a beach holiday without having to fly. Towns such as Sestri Levante, Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure combine beach holidays with Mediterranean ease, pretty old towns and fantastic sea views. The mix of charming coastal towns, crystal-clear water and an Italian holiday atmosphere is particularly appealing – ideal for anyone who likes their holidays to be stylish, relaxed and easily accessible. You can travel there comfortably by train via Milan and Genoa to the coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: by train or car, approx. 5 to 7 hours, depending on your point of departure, destination and connections.
Photo: Cinque Terre, with its colourful, traditional architecture right by the sea.
Steep vineyards, colourful villages and the sea right on your doorstep: the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most impressive coastal regions. Monterosso al Mare in particular is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, as the village not only boasts plenty of charm but also one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Add to that small coves, magnificent views and that special blend of a seaside holiday and Italian coastal flair. It’s easy to get there by train via Milan and La Spezia to the Ligurian coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: approx. 5 to 8 hours by train or car, depending on your point of departure and the route taken.
Photo: A bird’s-eye view of the Viareggio coastline.
A long sandy beach, an elegant promenade and Italian summer charm: Viareggio is ideal for anyone looking to combine a classic beach holiday with plenty of space, a relaxed atmosphere and a touch of nostalgia. This traditional seaside resort on the Tuscan coast is renowned for its wide beach, charming beach clubs and lively seafront promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. Perfect for families, couples and anyone who enjoys combining the seaside with the Italian way of life. It’s easy to get there by train via Milan, usually continuing via Florence or Pisa to the coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: by train or car, approx. 7 to 9 hours, depending on your point of departure and the route.
Photo: Rimini on the sunny Italian Adriatic coast.
Wide sandy beaches, long promenades and that genuine summer holiday feeling: Rimini and Riccione are among the best-known seaside resorts on the Italian Adriatic coast. Here you’ll find kilometres of beaches, numerous beach clubs, restaurants, bars and a lively holiday atmosphere. Whilst Rimini scores highly with its classic seaside resort charm and plenty of variety, Riccione has a slightly more stylish and relaxed feel. Ideal for anyone looking to combine a hassle-free beach holiday with plenty of sunshine, good facilities and that Italian holiday flair. It’s easy to get there either by train via Milan or Bologna, or by car through northern Italy to the Adriatic coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: by train or car, approx. 8 to 10 hours, depending on your point of departure and the route.
Photo: The harbour promenade in the old town of Cassis, Provence.
Turquoise waters, pale limestone cliffs and a charming little harbour town: Cassis is one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the South of France. This small town combines a relaxed holiday atmosphere with stunning natural scenery and is the perfect base from which to explore the famous Calanques. Ideal for anyone who doesn’t just want to lie on the beach, but also wants to enjoy small coves, boat trips and Mediterranean landscapes. It’s easy to get there either by train via Marseille or by car through the south of France.
Journey time from Switzerland: by train or car, approx. 5 to 8 hours, depending on your point of departure and the route taken.
Photo: The spectacular Calanques d’En-Vau near Cassis, close to Marseille.
A Mediterranean way of life, vibrant neighbourhoods and the sea always within easy reach: Marseille is ideal for anyone who likes to combine a beach holiday with culture, fine dining and urban charm. All around the city, beaches, coves and the spectacular Calanques invite you to swim and relax. At the same time, historic harbours, markets and the atmosphere of the South of France ensure plenty of variety. It’s easy to get there by train or car, as Marseille is very accessible from Switzerland.
Journey time from Switzerland: by train or car, approx. 4 to 7 hours, depending on your point of departure and the route.
Photo: Tossa de Mar on the picturesque Costa Brava.
Turquoise waters, small rocky coves and charming coastal towns: the Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most beautiful beach regions. Towns such as Tossa de Mar and Blanes delight visitors with their relaxed holiday atmosphere, picturesque old towns and a coastal landscape that feels wilder and more unspoilt than many classic seaside resorts. Ideal for anyone wishing to combine sun, sea and the Mediterranean way of life with a stunning backdrop. It’s easy to get there by car or train – depending on the route, you can travel from Switzerland through the south of France towards the Spanish coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: by car approx. 8 to 10 hours, by train approx. 10 to 13 hours, depending on the point of departure, destination and connection.
Photo: Croatia: A view of the historic old town of Rovinj.
Picturesque coastal towns, crystal-clear water and a relaxed atmosphere: Istria is one of the most beautiful regions for a beach holiday without having to fly. Towns such as Rovinj and Pula combine Mediterranean charm with delightful old towns, small coves and a coastline whose turquoise-blue waters instantly put you in a holiday mood. Ideal for anyone wishing to combine the sea, fine dining and a slightly more unspoilt stretch of the Adriatic coast. You can get there by car or by public transport – usually via northern Italy or via Trieste, continuing on towards the Croatian coast.
Journey time from Switzerland: by car approx. 7 to 9 hours; by train or bus usually approx. 10 to 13 hours, depending on the point of departure, destination and connection.
Photo: The impressive Dune du Pilat near Arcachon in Aquitaine.
Fine sand, elegant villas and a relaxed coastal atmosphere: Arcachon is one of France’s most stylish seaside resorts. This traditional holiday resort on the Atlantic coast delights visitors with its sweeping bay, beautiful beaches and a charming blend of Belle Époque charm and maritime ease. Ideal for anyone wishing to combine a beach holiday with the French way of life, fresh sea air and a slightly quieter atmosphere. It’s easy to get there by train via Bordeaux, from where you can travel directly on to Arcachon. Direct TER trains run regularly between Bordeaux and Arcachon.
Journey time from Switzerland: approx. 8 to 11 hours by train, approx. 9 to 11 hours by car, depending on your point of departure, destination and connections. From Geneva, Arcachon can sometimes be reached by train in around 7 hours 18 minutes; from Zurich, the journey usually takes around 10 to 11 hours.
If you want to travel from Switzerland to the seaside, you don’t necessarily have to board a plane. From the Côte d’Azur to Liguria, the Costa Brava and Istria, there are many beautiful coastal destinations that are easily accessible by land. Instead of the stress of the airport, your holiday often begins whilst you’re still on the move – with relaxing train journeys, varied routes and plenty of anticipation for sun, sand and sea.
Looking for even more inspiration for holidays without flying? Discover our other travel tips for destinations that can be easily reached by train from Switzerland.
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