Looking for the best beach and food destinations for your next trip? Stop searching, here are my 3 favorites of all time! I promise, you will have the time of your life!
What better combo is there in the world? After traveling for years and visiting many countries, here are my 3 best beach and food destinations. And I’m sure you haven’t thought of at least one of them…
Don’t miss out on delicious meals while watching sunsets or sunrises… After all, this is what life is all about, right? So get ready for your next beach getaway!
This post will share the top 3 best beach and food destinations I’ve traveled to… Get ready for an incredible culinary experience!
Ecuador, THE FORGOTTEN destination OF South America
Oh, Ecuador! If you’ve read some of my articles before, you know how much I love this country. I couldn’t possibly list all the reasons why in a lifetime! But if you need some convincing to visit the Country of the Four Worlds, check out my Ecuadorian section. I promise you’ll be booking your flights there before the end of the day!
BEST ECUADORIAN BEACH AND FOOD DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST
Before diving into the best local dishes you can try on the Ecuadorian coast, let me share a few recommendations of beach towns you have to visit while you’re there! And you know what? Ecuador offers one of the best affordable beach vacations out there!
- Olon: A charming village with everything you need for a peaceful vacation. Plus, you will find there a multitude of beachfront restaurants offering the best Ecuadorian dishes!
- Montanita: Just 10 minutes from Olon, Montanita has it all. From food and shops to surf lessons. And if you’re into dancing and nightlife, this is the place to be!
- Ayangue: Small fishing village, Ayangue is a true-hidden gem—unless you visit during bank holidays, as it’s one of Ecuadorians’ favorite beach destinations!
- Ayampe: With its wild and expansive beach, Ayampe will make you feel like you’re in your own private paradise. And if you’re a surfer, it’s one of the best spots on the Ecuadorian coast!
- Los Frailes: Part of the Machalila National Park, Los Frailes is a protected area where you can’t buy food. But after a peaceful day there, head to Puerto Lopez for some delicious local seafood dishes.
- Mompiche: Located further north, Mompiche is a small fishing village still unknown to most tourists. Which means uncrowded beaches and an authentic experience! While there, don’t miss Playa Negra, a stunning black sand beach.
To learn more about these places, check out this article…
But now, let’s focus on what you’re really interested in—the best food to try on your vacation there!
SOUPS
Near almost every Ecuadorian beach, you’ll find a multitude of fish and seafood soups to try! But if you only have time to try a few, here are the two best you can’t miss out on!
- Ceviche: The only cold soup in Ecuador (at least that I’m aware of!). It’s a must-try if you’re traveling along the Ecuadorian coast. Made with lemon, tomato, bell pepper, onions, and any kind of seafood or white fish, it’s the most refreshing dish you can have on a hot day! It can be served with rice, patacones (smashed and fried plantains), or chiffles. Personally, I love it with patacones, but any of these options are fantastic, believe me! And if you want to spice it up, add some aji!
- Encebollado: Elected several times as the second-best fish soup in the world, the encebollado is the symbol of Ecuadorian coastal food. Once you try it, there’s no turning back. But what’s in it, you might ask? The recipe seems simple—a mix of tuna fish and manioc cooked in a broth of bell pepper, onions, and sometimes tomatoes, with added spices. To make it even better, add chiffles (plantain chips) and aji (hot salsa) before eating it. Your belly will thank you later!
FISH AND SEAFOOD
Obviously, on the coast, there are a lot of different dishes made with seafood, but here are the ones you shouldn’t miss out and try in a seashore restaurant to enjoy the view while eating…
- Corviche: I can’t even begin to describe how delicious corviches are! Is it because they’re deep-fried? Maybe… But it’s not just that! These small (or not-so-small) balls of mashed plantains are filled with a mixture of onions, bell pepper, tuna fish (and sometimes shrimps too), and peanut butter. Considered a popular street food, they’re crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside… Believe me, it’s definitely a dish you can’t miss on your food trip to Ecuador!
- Cazuela: Another delicious dish in Ecuador’s culinary culture… And I know it might seem odd, but it’s made with the exact same ingredients as the corviche. But surprisingly, it tastes different… Instead of being deep-fried, the mixture is placed into bowls and then cooked in the oven. Usually served with rice, and sometimes patacones too, the cazuela will keep you full for hours! But don’t worry, afterward you can always go take a nap on the beach…
- Shrimps al ajillo: Now onto a completely different dish that you have to try during your culinary vacation! Lighter and much easier to digest than the two previous ones… Shrimps or fish al ajillo are simply delicious, simple, and full of flavor! I bet you’re dying to know what it’s made of now… Well, it’s quite simple. The seafood is cooked in a sauce made of garlic and bell peppers, with some added spices, of course! Also served with rice and patacones, you’re in for a treat, believe me!
PLANTAIN
Plantains, ripe or not, play a significant role in coastal Ecuadorian cuisine! Relatively cheap, as they are locally cultivated, and highly satiating, they can be incorporated into complex dishes or enjoyed on their own.
Here are my three favorite ways to eat plantains that you should try on your next Ecuadorian food trip!
- Bolon and tigrillo: Even though they are two different dishes, I’ll put them together as the recipe and taste are really similar. And where you can find a bolon, you can find a tigrillo. Both consist in mashed plantain in which are added onions, cheese, pork skin and some spices obviously… The bolon is then formed into a ball while the tigrillo is served on a plate. The two delights are often served with fried eggs and sometimes beef stew. And before you order one in a restaurant for lunch… They are considered as breakfast food in Ecuador!
- Patacones: I know I’ve mentioned them before, but patacones are so delicious that they deserve their own spotlight in this article! Making patacones couldn’t be easier, yet they are incredible. They can be served as a complement to a dish or enjoyed on their own as a quick bite. Essentially smashed fried plantains, they go perfectly with cheese, eggs, guacamole, peanut butter sauce… you name it! And for a mid-afternoon snack at a seaside restaurant, they are the perfect choice!
- Tortillas: As I’ve mentioned, plantains can be enjoyed ripe or not, and when made into tortillas, they are equally delicious! They are simply boiled, mashed, and formed into patties. Some people add onions, spices, cheese, or pork skin, while others prefer them plain or with any kind of sauce. They make the perfect breakfast or quick snack while spending your day on one of Ecuador’s most beautiful beaches!
France, NOT ONLY KNOWN for being THE Country OF LOVE
BEST FRENCH BEACH AND FOOD DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST
France’s coastline offers an impressive variety of destinations to explore. Because of the different environments and climates of the coastal regions, you’ll find a lot of culinary specialties to taste and make your belly happy.
After eating my way through France’s coastline, I’ve made, just for you, a list of the top beach regions to visit and their exceptional culinary specialties that you simply can’t miss on your next French food adventure…
REGION OF PROVENCE
You’ve probably heard of the French Riviera before… Well, the region of Provence is part of it! It’s one of the best beach and food destinations in Europe. Let me tell you more about their culinary specialties, and you’ll quickly understand why!
Traditional and relatively healthy, Provencal cuisine is mainly cooked with fresh products. Whether they are seafood, olives and olive oil, or seasonal vegetables… The freshness of the ingredients has made the reputation of this French way of cooking!
Here are the most popular provencal dishes for your to try on your next getaway!
- Bouillabaisse: Probably the star of Provencal cuisine! Ask a local what food you should try, and I bet you 90% of them will tell you to order a Bouillabaisse! A fun fact about this famous dish? It used to be made with leftover fish parts as a soup/stew… And now, it is one of the most expensive fish soups you can have on the French Riviera! Crazy, right? So now you know… if you want to try it, it will be expensive! But believe me, it’s worth EVERY PENNY!
- Ratatouille: No, I’m not talking about the movie… The ratatouille is a traditional and easy Provencal dish eaten all around the country when the season comes! Fresh vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, garlic) perfectly paired with fresh herbs and slowly cooked with a pinch of olive oil… It makes the perfect side dish for any kind of fish or meat. And before you tell me you don’t like vegetables, give it a go! It is simply the best!
- Olives and tapenade: There is something about olives in the south of France… They just taste better! And there are so many varieties that everybody can find the one they like… Spicy, Provencal herbs, stuffed with anchovies or bell pepper… Just ask and you will find it! They are so good that they even created a spreadable version of the olives, the Tapenade… With a freshly baked baguette, sitting on the beach or at a seafront restaurant for lunch, your taste buds will be in heaven!
BRITTANY
Brittany tends to have a mixed reputation due to its climate. It’s true that it rains a lot (I’d say almost every day), but as a local once told me, “Brittany is the only place where the sun rises multiple times a day!” and I found that sentiment quite beautiful!
Anyway, aside from the meteorological conditions, you absolutely have to visit Brittany at least once in your life. Not only does it have beautiful and wild beaches, but it also offers the best oysters you’ll ever try! And they make crêpes and galettes like no one else… So convinced?
- Oysters: Did you know that you can eat cooked oysters? I recently tried them that way, and they’re delicious… But in my opinion, the best way to enjoy oysters on your getaway to Brittany is simply with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar while watching the sunset on the beach.
- Crêpes and galettes: Everyone knows about crêpes… But do you know what a galette is? Well… the galette, unlike the crêpe, is made of buckwheat flour and is always filled with savory ingredients. So now you know, don’t ask for a Nutella galette, locals might give you weird looks… My quick tip for you if you want to save some money on your beach vacation: Don’t go to an expensive seaside restaurant if you only want to eat a crêpe or a galette… Instead, find a smaller shop and order to take away. It’ll be half the price, and nothing stops you from going to the beach to eat it!
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
When considering France, people often overlook its overseas territories. However, if you’re searching for the best beach and food destinations, you might just find happiness there. Not only are the beaches paradisiacal, but the food is also delicious and distinctly different from what you’d find on the mainland.
In case you’re not familiar with French overseas territories (and that’s perfectly fine!), here’s a quick summary: The French Republic has 12 overseas territories scattered across the globe: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
This geographical diversity has led to a variety of foods that can be harvested and cooked, contributing to the diversity of French cuisine.
Now, let’s explore the best dishes to try on your overseas getaway!
- Carry (or cari): Typically served with rice, this culinary specialty from La Réunion is a dish you can’t miss out on while visiting the island! Protein cooked with spices and vegetables, it can be made with meat or seafood. I highly recommend trying the shrimp carry; it is simply the most flavorful food you could have while watching the sunset on a paradisiac beach!
- Cod accras: The star dish of the Caribbean, cod accras are the best snack to have on your overseas getaway. Fried bites of cod, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, my mouth is watering just thinking about eating some. Don’t miss your opportunity while relaxing on Caribbean white sand beaches.
- Tahitian raw fish: If you’ve had ceviche before, I’d say this is the Tahitian version of it. And believe me, it has nothing to envy to the South American ceviche. This marinated fish is the perfect cold dish to have on a hot sunny day after a day at the beach!
MY UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY: CROATIA, ONE OF THE BEST BEACH AND FOOD DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE
BEST CROATIAN BEACH AND FOOD DESTINATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST
First of all guys, let me tell you, Croatian beaches and cliffed sceneries have been the biggest surprise of my life in terms of travels. The coast there is just amazingly beautiful, and if you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend you do so! But that’s not all… They have one of the best foods I have ever tried! Which makes it a perfect long-weekend getaway destination if you are living in Europe.
So picture this: yourself, sitting at a table of a beach-view restaurant, eating one of the most delicious foods you’ve ever had. I know… Who could say no to that thought… But you might wonder which part of the Croatian coast you should visit to live this dreamy experience… Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Here are Croatia’s best beach and food destinations:
- Split: One of the most popular cities in Croatia, along with Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Split stunning ancient historic center is sure to charm you. With dozens of seafront restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to trying delicious local food!
- Zadar: Worldwide known for its Sea Organ, Zadar has so much more to offer. Get outside the city, and find the hidden beaches of the Dalmatian coast! Your eyes will thank you, and so will your belly when trying local Croatian cuisine.
- Trogir: One of Croatia’s cutest towns, if you ask me… Start your day with a stroll around the historic town center, then treat yourself to a delightful sea-view lunch at one of its numerous restaurants. Afterward, relax on one of the nearby beaches, soaking in the afternoon sun.
- Dubrovnik: I believe we’ve all heard of Dubrovnik before… With its charming historic center, wild surrounding beaches, and delectable Adriatic cuisine, you’ll have no choice but to fall in love with this globally renowned city.
- Brela: Small villages along the Adriatic Coast, only 1 hour away from Split, Brela is home to one of my favorite beaches in Croatia. And if you are looking for local food with a view, there is no place you’d rather be!
To learn more about these places and what there is to do and see there, check my “Best Things To Do On The Croatian Coast” article!
Now, let’s dive into the best dishes you have to try while enjoying a sunny Croatian day…
MUSSEL
Anything made with seafood there, is just exceptional… So let’s start with their mussel dishes!
- Dagnje na buzaru or Mussels Buzaru: Probably my favorite way of cooking (and eating) mussels. Nothing’s simpler than a plate of Mussels Buzaru, but it is one of the best things you could have. Croatian chefs, to make this dish (often served as an appetizer), cook the mussels in garlic, parsley, olive oil, lemon, and wine before serving it to you with (a lot) of bread to mop up the juices. Don’t just take my word for it… Try it!
- Dagnje na crvenu buzaru or Mydia: Mydia is not only popular in Croatia but also in Greece. And I believe that’s a good sign of tastiness… Don’t you think so? You won’t have any problem finding this appetizer in coastal restaurants on the Adriatic coast, so you have no excuse for not trying it. What’s in there, you might ask? Mussels, red wine, garlic, fresh herbs, and a few vegetables! And of course, they will give you some bread to mop up the sauce… You wouldn’t want to waste it, right?
OCTOPUS
I am the biggest fan when it comes to eating octopus… I couldn’t explain why, but the taste and the texture make it one of my favorite things to eat on earth. And when they are cooked and prepared the Croatian way… You just won’t be able to resist! Here are two of the dishes you absolutely have to try on your beach and food trip there!
- Octopus salad or Salata od hobotnice: Octopus, potatoes, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and perfect seasoning… Nothing easier, really, but the perfect dish to cool down on a hot sunny day on the Adriatic coast!
- Octopus under the bell or Hobotnica ispod peke: More filling than the octopus salad but just as tasty, the Hobotnica ispod peke is one of the most famous dishes in the country. Slowly cooked in a pot called “Peka” along with vegetables and sometimes wine, it is a delight of flavors! Give it a go, I promise you won’t regret ordering it!
SQUID
- Black risotto: Now, let’s talk about the star of Croatian cuisine… the Black risotto! You might think it’s a weird thing to eat, but trust me, you have to try it! And don’t worry, it’s only black because of the squid ink used to cook the rice. Nothing to worry about… If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll probably ask for more! Just be aware that your teeth and lips will probably turn black while eating it… So it might not be the ideal dish to have if you are on a first date in a romantic seashore restaurant…
If, like me, you fell in love with Croatian coastal cuisine during your beach getaway, I have the perfect recipe blog for you! So, are you ready to try cooking them once you’re back home?