Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Hurghada, Egypt

These Nearby Destinations Have Island Vibes, Pristine Lagoons, and Year-Round Sunshine — Without the Long-Haul Flight

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Palma, Tenerife, and Dubai are just some of the top tropical destinations you can reach easily from Brussels. While the Belgian capital is famous for its charming architecture, waffles, and historic landmarks, it’s also perfectly positioned as a gateway to tropical escapes.

In under 8 hours of flying, you can swap Brussels’ rainy skies for sunny beaches and turquoise waters. Whether you prefer the palm-lined promenades of Palma de Mallorca, Antalya’s ancient ruins and beaches, or the Albanian Riviera’s hidden coves, there’s a destination for everyone.

We’ve carefully curated this list of tropical spots based on their proximity, beauty, and accessibility from Brussels. Each destination offers warm weather, relaxing vibes, and exciting activities — perfect for a weekend escape or a longer retreat.

From Portugal’s lush Madeira to Morocco’s stunning Agadir, these 12 tropical destinations close to Brussels promise beachside relaxation, historical exploration, and delicious cuisine just a short flight away.

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Exotic Warm Destinations in September Antalya, Turkey Alanya © Proslgn / Adobe Stock
Antalya, Turkey 1/5
12 Most Luxurious Cities in the World Dubai United Arab Emirates © frank peters Adobe Stock 624418872 - These Nearby Destinations Have Island Vibes, Pristine Lagoons, and Year-Round Sunshine — Without the Long-Haul Flight © frank peters / Adobe Stock
Dubai, UAE 2/5
Cheap Warm Destinations in the World in October Sarandë, Albania © Aleksandar Todorovic / Adobe Stock
Sarandë, Albania 3/5
Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Teresitas beach © Mike Mareen / Adobe Stock
Tenerife, Spain 4/5
Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Palma, Spain Cathedral La Seu in Palma © Balate Dorin / Adobe Stock
Palma, Spain 5/5

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Exotic Warm Destinations in September Antalya, Turkey Alanya 1
Antalya, Turkey
4 7
12 Most Luxurious Cities in the World Dubai United Arab Emirates © frank peters Adobe Stock 624418872 150x150 - These Nearby Destinations Have Island Vibes, Pristine Lagoons, and Year-Round Sunshine — Without the Long-Haul Flight 2
Dubai, UAE
3 8
Cheap Warm Destinations in the World in October Sarandë, Albania 3
Sarandë, Albania
4 7
Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Teresitas beach 4
Tenerife, Spain
5 6
Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Palma, Spain Cathedral La Seu in Palma 5
Palma, Spain
4 7

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Sarandë, Albania

Cheap Warm Destinations in the World in October Sarandë, Albania
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Sarandë is one of the most underrated tropical destinations close to Brussels. Tirana, the Albanian capital, is only a 2-hour and 30-minute flight away from the Belgian capital. Then Sarandë is less than a 4-hour drive from Tirana. 

Therefore, you could find yourself in a tropical paradise in less than 7 hours. Sounds perfect, right? Sarandë is a beautiful coastal city along the Albanian Riviera famed for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. A big hit with beachgoers, you’ll likely spend most of your vacation sunbathing, swimming, and having fun on Sarandë Beach.  

However, there is also much to see in the city. For example, you don’t want to miss the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle and Saranda Embankment.

Travel Tips

  • Try Albanian Seafood: The seafood in Sarandë is fresh and cheap. Head to a seaside restaurant like Taverna Laberia at sunset.
  • Bring Cash: Many places in Sarandë don’t accept credit cards, especially smaller shops or restaurants. You can exchange currency at the airport or ATMs in Tirana.
  • Go for a Boat Tour: Take a boat tour north of Sarandë to visit scenic spots like Turtles Cave, Anchor Cave, and Krorez Beach, with stops to swim and relax in crystal-clear waters.

Vlorë, Albania

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Vlorë, Albania
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Vlorë is another breathtaking coastal city in Albania that’s close to Brussels. This time, you’ll have to take the 2-hour and 30-minute flight to Tirana and a 2-hour and 20-minute drive to the city. Like Sarandë, Vlorë is well known for its sunny climate, tropical-esque beaches, and exciting attractions. 

In the summer, temperatures in Vlorë reach a delightful 90°F (32°C). These temperatures are perfect for a beach holiday spent sunbathing, swimming, and drinking cocktails by the sea. The best beaches for relaxing in Vlorë are Plazhi i Vjeter and Plazhi i Ri.

Other popular attractions in the city include Lungomare, Vlora Old Town, Muradie Mosque, and the Independence Monument.

Travel Tips

  • Grab Seafood at Taverna Peshku: If you’re a fan of fresh seafood, head to Taverna Peshku, just outside the city center.
  • Rent a Scooter: The city can be busy, so renting a scooter for a day makes it easy to move around and explore. It’s a fun and quick way to get from the beaches to the town.

Palma, Spain

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Palma, Spain Cathedral La Seu in Palma
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Palma, a resort city on the Spanish island of Mallorca, is one of the closest tropical beach destinations near Brussels. A flight from Brussels to Palma costs less than $50 and only takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. The capital of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Palma is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, stunning coastline, and high-quality beach resorts. 

Sun-seeking travelers will also be pleased to hear the island is known for its year-round good weather. In the summer, highs can reach 86°F (30°C). Palma has many beautiful beaches, so deciding where to go first is tough.

However, Cala Major, Playa Ciudad Jardín, and Platja de Palma stand out, offering soft sand and turquoise waters. 

Travel Tips

  • Visit the Cathedral: Try to go around sunset at Palma Cathedral. The view is incredible as the light hits the building just right, and it’s less crowded.
  • Take a Sailing Tour: You can book a $102 sailing tour to explore Palma Bay.
  • Try Ensaimada: Don’t leave without trying an ensaimada, a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry, at Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo for €1.90 ($2).

Antalya, Turkey

Exotic Warm Destinations in September Antalya, Turkey Alanya
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Antalya, Turkey, is one of the closest tropical destinations outside of Europe to Brussels. Many people don’t realize it, but most of Turkey, including Antalya, is in Asia. The flight time between Brussels and this Turkish resort city is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. 

Antalya is famed for being one of Turkey’s largest international sea resorts. It’s home to a glorious stretch of Mediterranean coastline with pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Meanwhile, the city offers luxurious and affordable beach resorts, authentic Turkish charm, and many things to see and do.

Significant points of interest in Antalya include Konyaaltı Beaches, Hadrian’s Gate, Karaalioglu Park, and Antalya Clock Tower. What’s not to like?

Travel Tips

  • Visit the Old Town (Kaleiçi): Be sure to visit the Antalya Museum nearby. It’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and costs €15 ($15.46) for entry.
  • Try a Turkish Hammam: I went to the Kelebek Hammam near Lara Beach. It costs €50 ($51.50) for a full experience, and it’s so relaxing!

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Teresitas beach
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Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is the go-to tropical destination near Brussels if you want to feel like you’ve escaped Europe without traveling too far. You can fly from Brussels to Tenerife in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. When you arrive, you’ll see why travelers rate the island so highly.

Tenerife will surprise you at almost every turn with dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and lively seaside towns and cities. Better yet, Tenerife experiences warm weather year-round, so you don’t need to worry about it being cold. We love how the island offers something for everyone.

Whether you want to sunbathe on Playa de las Teresitas, party at Veronicas strip, or have fun at Siam Park, Tenerife has something for you.

Travel Tips

  • Visit Teide National Park: The cable car ticket costs €23 ($23.70), and from the top, you get views that are totally worth it. It can get chilly, so bring a jacket.
  • Explore La Laguna: This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, just 30 minutes from Santa Cruz. It’s perfect for a stroll around colonial streets. I loved stopping by a café in the town center for a quick bite.
  • Take a Whale Watching Tour: Take a $12.90 whale-watching trip along Tenerife’s Los Cristianos coastline on an eco-friendly yacht for close-up views of marine life like whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Palermo, Italy

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Palermo, Italy
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Palermo, the capital of the island of Sicily, is only a 2-hour and 25-minute flight from Brussels. With the promise of sunny skies, tropical beaches, and traditional Italian architecture, it’s easily one of the most beautiful places close to the Belgian capital. It also serves as a gateway to the rest of the island. 

In Palermo, you’ll likely spend most of your time visiting the main attractions, relaxing on the beach, and tucking into pizza and pasta. Must-visit attractions in the city include Spiaggia di Mondello, Palazzo dei Normanni, Ballarò Street Market, and Palermo Cathedral.

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For the rest of Sicily, try to find enough time to visit the Valley of the Temples, Teatro Antico di Taormina, and Mount Etna.

Travel Tips

  • Explore the Catacombs of the Capuchins: It’s a unique and slightly eerie spot in Palermo. The Catacombs open from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 5:30 PM.
  • Check Out the Rooftop Bars: I loved having a drink at a rooftop bar like the one at Hotel Plaza Opera. The views of the city and coast are stunning at sunset.
  • Visit Teatro Massimo This grand theater is famous for being one of Italy’s largest. Even if you don’t go inside, the building’s architecture is worth admiring.

Oualidia, Morocco

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Oualidia, Morocco
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Oualidia, in Morocco, is one of the best-hidden gem tropical destinations close to Brussels. This gorgeous coastal village is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from Casablanca, but only some tourists consider it when planning a beach getaway. In total, it will only take you 5 hours and 40 minutes to reach Oualidia from Brussels.

In Oualidia, you’ll find mindblowing natural scenery, whitewashed buildings, and historical landmarks. Beachgoers looking for sun, sea, and sand in Oualidia must visit El Oualidia Plage, La Grande, and Plage Sidi Karam Addaif. Meanwhile, you need to see many things in Oualidia.

Don’t miss Vue Panoramique Ayiir, Oualidia’s weekly market, and the Vestige of Qasba of Walidiya.

Travel Tips

  • Bring Cash: Many shops and vendors in Oualidia only accept cash, so make sure to bring enough dirhams for your purchases, especially when visiting the weekly market.
  • Try Fresh Oysters: Don’t miss the chance to try oysters at Restaurant Au Crabe starting at $6.
  • Visit the Oualidia Lagoon: The lagoon looks stunning at sunset, with beautiful colors reflecting off the water. It’s a peaceful time to enjoy the view and take great photos.

Hammamet, Tunisia

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Hammamet, Tunisia
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Hammamet is one of the best tropical beach destinations in Tunisia. Conveniently, this picturesque coastal town in northeast Tunisia is only a 2-hour and 35-minute flight and 1-hour bus journey from the Belgian capital. Therefore, you can swap the hustle and bustle of the city for sunshine, laid-back vibes, and sandy beaches in no time. 

In Hammamet, you’ll find a wide selection of affordable beach resorts that offer easy access to the town’s breathtaking coastline. This will allow you to spend most of your vacation sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the sea. Plage de Hammamet is the best beach in town. 

You should also allow ample time to visit Hammamet’s best attractions, such as Fort Hammamet and the Archaeological Site of Pupput.

Travel Tips

  • Visit Fort Hammamet: The fort can get crowded later in the day, so I suggest going early to enjoy the history and stunning views over the Mediterranean without the crowds. Entry fee costs TND 8 ($2.50).
  • Stay Close to Plage de Hammamet: Book a resort near Plage de Hammamet to easily access the best beach. It’s perfect for a quick swim or a relaxing day by the sea.

Kos, Greece

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Kos, Greece The caste of the Knights
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Kos, Greece, is arguably the best tropical destination close to Brussels. The Greek islands are famed for their outstanding beaches, hot weather, and crystal clear waters, and Kos is one of the best. It only takes 5 hours and 25 minutes to reach Kos from Brussels.

However, you will have to make a transfer to Athens. While making a transfer can be tiresome, your efforts are well rewarded. You can enjoy powdery white sand beaches, tranquil turquoise waters, authentic Greek food, and hot weather in Kos. If you visit in August, you’ll be treated to highs of 90°F (32°C). 

Highlights of a Kos vacation include Tigaki Beach, Kos Old Town, and the Roman Odeon of Kos.

Travel Tips

  • Therma Beach: You can soak in natural hot springs at Therma Beach; it’s a relaxing experience, especially after a day of sightseeing.
  • Catch the Sunset at Zia Village: The village of Zia, located on a mountain, offers the best panoramic views of the island. Go in the evening for a beautiful sunset and enjoy the local tavernas.
  • Try Windsurfing: If you’re into water sports, Mastichari Beach is perfect for windsurfing. Rent equipment locally and enjoy the clear waters and strong winds.

Crete, Greece

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Crete, Greece Palm Vai Beach
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Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island, is another epic tropical destination near Brussels. Like Kos, you’ll have to transfer to Athens, but it’ll only take 5 hours and 10 minutes to reach the island. Crete is famous worldwide for its picture-perfect towns and cities, rich history, and impressive natural beauty.

You’ll explore the island’s fascinating attractions when you’re not sunbathing on one of the many beaches or sipping wine at sunset. Significant points of interest you don’t want to miss include Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Old Venetian Port of Chania, and Knossos Palace. Meanwhile, the best beaches on the island are Elafonissi Beach, Balos Beach, and Falassarna Beach. 

Travel Tips

  • Hike Samaria Gorge: If you’re into hiking, Samaria Gorge is a breathtaking trek with stunning views. Entry fee costs €5 ($5.15), and it’s best to do it in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.
  • Relax at Elafonissi Beach: Elafonissi Beach is perfect for relaxing with shallow waters and soft pink sand.
  • Try Local Cretan Cuisine: Head to Georgia’s Traditional Taverna to enjoy baklavas, tzatziki, and stuffed zucchini.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most unique tropical destinations close to Brussels. Admittedly, Dubai is far from the Belgian capital, but you can find direct flights that take less than 7 hours. Dubai is best known for its skyscraper-laden skyline, iconic attractions, and luxurious resorts.

However, beach lovers will also be pleased to hear that the city is home to many tropical-esque beaches. Dubai’s beaches are lined with vibrant palm trees, while the sea is emerald. Meanwhile, Dubai’s high temperatures make it an excellent place to catch some sun.

The average temperature in August is 97°F (36°C). Notable locations in Dubai include Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Mall.

Travel Tips

  • Book a Desert Safari: This $38 guided red dunes desert safari from Dubai lets you experience dune bashing, quad biking, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional desert camp activities with dinner and entertainment.
  • Join a Cruise: Sail along Dubai’s coastline on a luxury yacht for $30, passing iconic landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Bluewater’s Island while enjoying food, drinks, and a virtual tour guide.
  • Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden: If you’re visiting in winter, the Dubai Miracle Garden is a must-see. It’s the world’s largest flower garden, featuring stunning floral displays. Entry fee costs AED 100 ($27).

Hurghada, Egypt

Tropical Destinations Close to Brussels Hurghada, Egypt
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Hurghada is one of the most popular tropical destinations close to Brussels. It’s only 7 hours and 25 minutes away from the Belgian capital by plane and is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. In Hurghada, a coastal city in Northern Egypt, you can enjoy 25 miles (40 kilometers) of stunning coastline, luxury beach resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

One of the best things about the resort is how it offers something for every kind of traveler. Beachgoers can sunbathe and swim at Orange Beach and Old Vic Beach Hurghada. Adventurers can go snorkeling in the coral reefs. Party animals can dance the night away around Sheraton Road, and families can have fun at Hurghada Grand Aquarium.

Travel Tips

  • Try Local Food: Don’t miss out on trying dishes like camel steak, camel goulash, and camel soup at Moby Dick Restaurant.
  • Stay in a resort with a house reef: If you love snorkeling, book a hotel with a house reef, like the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Resort. You’ll get direct access to the water and colorful fish right from the beach.
  • Use Uber: It’s affordable and easy to use, especially if you’re not familiar with the local taxis. Just make sure you have data on your phone.

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