For centuries, Europe was at the heart of maritime adventure, home to legendary privateers, fearsome buccaneers, and notorious smugglers. Today, travelers can explore incredible pirate-related sites across the continent, from historic pirate havens to maritime museums and fortresses once attacked by infamous raiders. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of pirate legends, here’s the ultimate guide to the best pirate-related attractions in Europe.
1. Saint-Malo, France
Saint-Malo, a walled port city in Brittany, was once a notorious base for privateers (legalized pirates) who harassed enemy ships under orders from the French crown. Visitors can explore the impressive ramparts, visit the Musée d’Histoire de Saint-Malo, and learn about famous privateers like Robert Surcouf and René Duguay-Trouin. Don’t miss the nearby Île du Grand Bé, where the famous writer and privateer enthusiast Chateaubriand is buried.
📍 Must-See: Fort National, Musée d’Histoire de Saint-Malo
2. Port Royal, Malta
Malta played a key role in Mediterranean piracy, with the Knights of St. John both battling and engaging in piracy against the Ottoman Empire. Valletta’s Fort St. Angelo was a stronghold against pirates, and the Maritime Museum in Birgu tells tales of Maltese corsairs who raided Ottoman and North African ships.
📍 Must-See: Fort St. Angelo, Malta Maritime Museum
3. Cádiz, Spain
A historic hub for explorers and pirates alike, Cádiz was frequently attacked by English privateers, including Sir Francis Drake. The city’s defensive Torre Tavira offers incredible views, and the Museum of Cádiz features artifacts from Spain’s maritime past, including shipwrecks and treasure.
📍 Must-See: Torre Tavira, Museum of Cádiz
4. The Pirate Museum, Hamburg, Germany
Germany might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pirates, but the Pirate Museum in Hamburg explores the stories of the infamous Baltic and North Sea pirates, including Klaus Störtebeker, a feared 14th-century pirate who terrorized Hanseatic trade routes.
📍 Must-See: Störtebeker Memorial, Hamburg Pirate Museum
5. Îles d’Hyères, France
The Golden Islands (Îles d’Hyères) off the coast of southern France were long used as hideouts by pirates. Visitors can explore the Fort de Brégançon, which once protected the French coast from raids, and enjoy sailing tours that recount the area’s piratical past.
📍 Must-See: Fort de Brégançon, Porquerolles Island
6. The Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s Algarve coast was a prime hunting ground for Barbary pirates. The fortified town of Lagos and Sagres Fortress were essential defenses against raiders. The Portuguese Maritime Museum in Lisbon also houses exhibits on Portugal’s history of piracy and naval warfare.
📍 Must-See: Sagres Fortress, Maritime Museum in Lisbon
7. Cornwall, England
Cornwall’s rugged coastline was a notorious haunt for smugglers and pirates. The Jamaica Inn (made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel) tells tales of smuggling, while the Pirate’s Quest Adventure in Newquay offers an interactive pirate experience for families. The Charlestown Shipwreck Museum houses real pirate artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.
📍 Must-See: Jamaica Inn, Pirate’s Quest Adventure, Charlestown Shipwreck Museum
8. Gothenburg, Sweden
In the 18th century, Gothenburg was a base for privateers fighting against Denmark and Russia. The Maritime Museum and Aquarium tells the story of Sweden’s naval battles and piracy in the Baltic Sea.
📍 Must-See: Gothenburg Maritime Museum
9. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Adriatic Sea was once plagued by Uskok pirates, who defended Croatian territory while attacking Venetian and Ottoman ships. The Maritime Museum in Dubrovnik and the Pirate Fortress of Omis provide deep insights into these naval conflicts.
📍 Must-See: Omis Fortress, Dubrovnik Maritime Museum
10. The Channel Islands, UK
The Channel Islands were a notorious pirate haven, with smugglers and raiders using the caves and coves of Jersey and Guernsey to store stolen goods. Today, visitors can explore the Maritime Museum in St. Helier and visit the Castle Cornet, which once defended against pirate raids.
📍 Must-See: Maritime Museum in Jersey, Castle Cornet in Guernsey
Final Thoughts
From the fortified walls of Saint-Malo to the pirate strongholds of Cornwall and Croatia, Europe is full of thrilling destinations where you can uncover the history of piracy. Whether exploring museum collections of real pirate artifacts, walking in the footsteps of privateers, or sailing along legendary pirate coasts, these sites bring the swashbuckling past to life. Perfect for history lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike, these destinations make for an unforgettable pirate-themed journey through Europe.