The sun is finally rearing its head in the UK as the country has been blessed with warm weather these past weeks.
As the temperatures begin to rise, it’s time to head to the beach. But which one?
Nothing beats heading out to a stunning white sandy beach where you can dip your toes in crystal clear blue waters. You may have already picked out somewhere to soak up the sun for a week or two but, for those of you that haven’t, there is still plenty of time to snap up a summer beach holiday.
So where are the best beaches Europe has to offer? Here are my recommendations.
1. Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera
Staying in the Balearic Islands and one of the best beaches in Europe is situated in the quaint resort of Formentera. Currently ranked as the second best beach on the continent, Playa de Ses Illetes is well worth a visit if you want to soak up the sun in one of the most picturesque beaches around.
What it lacks in size it more than makes it up in views and this is the perfect place to while away the day as the multitude of yachts bob their way past.
How to get there: Fly to Ibiza and catch the ferry to Formentera and the beaches are all only a short drive/bus/bike ride away.
2. Praia da Falesia – Albufeira, Portugal
The Algarve is the quintessential destination for many British holidaymakers. The year-round sunshine, the friendly hospitality, short flight times and the multitude of golf courses have made it a magnet for tourists.
However, it is also the magnificent beaches that keep people coming back every year. One particularly impressive beach is Praia da Falesia in the hugely popular town of Albufeira. It gains its name from gouged red cliffs that overlook this stretch of white sand. Despite looming over the beach, the cliffs are not very tall making it accessible for families and couples alike.
They also provide a good barrier against the wind from the north during the close season. Along the coast from Albufeira sits the much more quieter resort of Vilamoura which is ideal for holidaymakers want to just relax in peace during the summer days.
How to get there: Fly to Faro and head towards Albufeira. It is around a 35-minute drive from the airport to the beach.
3. Cala Comte – Ibiza Town, Ibiza
When mentioning the word Ibiza it immediately conjures up images of late night revellers and thumping dance music. However, there is much more than meets the eye and this is perfectly encapsulated by Cala Comte beach in Ibiza Town.
A 15-minute drive from the infamous San Antonio, Cala Comte has become one of the most popular beaches on the island. Boasting crystal clear shores and white sands, this stretch of coastline provides spectacular views of the smaller islands. There are two parts to this beach with one being backed a rocky coastline while the latter has sand dunes.
It is great for snorkelling and topping up the tan but the ultimate highlight of Cala Comte is catching the sunset.
How to get there: Fly to Ibiza and from the airport Cala Comte is a 25-minute drive.
4. Fig Tree Bay – Protaras, Cyprus
Cyprus has long been a popular destination for British holidaymakers. They flock there every year in their droves to soak up almost year-round sunshine and indulge in the hearty Mediterranean cuisine offered by so many of the island’s restaurants.
It is no surprise then that the country’s beaches are a huge plus point. One of the best around is Fig Tree Bay, situated in the resort of Protaras in the north-east part of the island. Tucked away in its own cove, it takes its name from the fig trees that dot the coastline.
Fig Tree Bay has become a popular destination for families while the sportier types can enjoy water skiing, windsurfing and parasailing. You can also swim through the shallow waters to an uninhabited islet which provides cover from the rest of the beach.
How to get there: Fly to Larnaca and Fig Tree Bay is 45-minute drive away situated in the coastal resort of Protaras.
5. Iztuzu Beach – Dalyan, Turkey
Along the gorgeous coast from the Turkish resort of Dalaman is the picturesque Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan.
This 4.5km-long beach sits between the Dalyan river and the Mediterranean Sea, keeping apart the freshwater delta and salty sea water. Not only is this jewel of Turkey a place to relax but is also home to some very special guests.
Iztuzu is often referred to as ‘Turtle Beach’ as it is a place were you can spot loggerhead sea turtles. These animals, which are currently on the IUCN Red list for endangerment, regularly nest here. As such the beach has had a protected status since 1988 and is part of Koycegiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area.
It is a relatively popular beach but not one that overcrowds so is perfect for a lazy day by the sea.
How to get there: Fly to Dalaman and Iztuzu is a half an hour drive from the airport.
6. El Palo Beach, Malaga, Spain
Malaga is the biggest city not the Costa del Sol, even though it is a big and busy place it is without doubt one of he best places in Europe for a relaxing beach holiday. There seems to be endless kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches, it is aimed at tourists so you have everything you ned here. It is the ideal place for a family holiday, El Palo is the place all families should head to for a great family holiday.
7. Praia de Faro, Faro, Portugal
This is the place every water sport enthusiast should head to, there are countless amounts of water sports for you to enjoy here; jet skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and banana boat rides are just some of the great things that you can enjoy here. The thing I love about it is that Faro has an airport which makes travelling here as easy as pie.
8. Paloma Beach, Nice, France
Some of the world’s most famous beaches can be found in the South of France, the region is full of glitz and glamour. It is a celebrity hotspot that attracts the top A list celebrities from Hollywood. Paloma Beach is the place to head to if you want to try and do a bit of celeb spotting, but you have to make sure that you are on the right side of the beach – half is private and half is for the public. I love it here, but make sure you dress to impress!
Are there any beautiful beaches you think should be included in my list? Let me know below.
