Europe is renowned for its beaches, drawing visitors from all over the world, eager to grab some sunshine in the warmer climes. The continent quite simply spoils you with its array of sandy shores.
Not sure which to visit? Here are six of the best.
Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza
Located in Playa d’en Bossa itself, this beautiful beach stretches for 2 kilometers and is almost like taking a mini tour through Ibiza itself. At one of the beach you have the watchtower, at the other you have the Ibiza Old Town, Dalt Vila, and in between you have the party spots and the family friendly places. There’s also a sparkling ocean to walk alongside. The watchtower end is a little quieter, if you’re looking to get away from the hedonism and party vibe of the island.
Elounda Beach, Crete
When you’re looking for nice beaches to sunbathe, you can always count on Greece to deliver the goods. Elounda Beach, on the Greek island of Crete, is a Blue Flag beach and is keenly maintained, due to the number of luxury resorts and high-end properties around the beach. Swimming or even just floating in the beach waters is a pure joy. There are also picturesque little islets around the beach and you may even see an eagle or two gliding above you.
Sinemorets, Bulgaria
Not many people have heard of this little gem in Bulgaria, and those people are missing out. This seaside village which sits on the Black Sea coast of the country in the south east is a truly relaxing getaway from the crowds, allowing you to drift away from it all as you lay on the silky white sands. Since this village is close to the Turkish border, you may also consider keeping your passport out for a day trip into Turkey.
Playa de Troya, Tenerife
Situated in Playa de las Américas, this beach is quite possibly the most famous in the resort. The beach offers visitors a privileged location in the center of the resort town and is well sheltered. Surfers may also be drawn to the beach, as the waves are large, providing plenty of practice for novices and a pleasing session for more advanced surfers, although not excessively challenging.
El Palo, Malaga, Spain
This is a popular beach and is very family friendly. The authorities even reconstructed the shoreline to make the most of the space and improve the beach experience for visitors and locals alike. Fishing and diving at this beach are popular pursuits and you can sample the fruits of the fisher-folk’s labors at the local restaurants, which serve fresh produce. Naturally, you can hire parasols and sunbeds at the beach.
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
This beach resort has always been popular, even way back in the hedonistic era of the 60s and at times it feels like the resort is trying to recapture some of that magic. The Playa del Inglés beach itself actually links up with three other beaches in the resort — Playa de las Burras, Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Corralillo — to form one continuous, glorious beach. You can also visit the attractive dunes of Maspalomas.
Europe is packed with rewarding destinations to visit on beach holidays. Step onto the sand of any of these beaches and you’ll know straight away you’re on holiday.
Images by Beata Betty, tedbassman and sheggy, used under Creative Commons license
