Europe’s beaches are rated amongst the world’s best for a variety of reasons: their stunning scenery, their unique nature and their lively entertainment offerings. Here is a selection of some of the most unique spots Europe’s coastline has to offer.
Visiting this Black Sea village, close to Bulgaria’s border with Turkey, comes with some nice surprises. In this hidden nook you will find two beautiful beaches, one of them formed next to a natural estuary where the Veleka River meets the sea amidst the fauna of the Strandzha National Park. The area offers plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities for curious travellers.
Come and discover Denmark’s best-kept secret. Fanø Island is an ideal place to relax. Picture the setting: migrating birds swirling overhead and a coastline dotted with quaint maritime villages. Fanø’s beach is incredibly wide at low tide and you can walk several kilometers towards the North Sea. The beach is ideal for discovering amber, or for adventuring as you can even drive your car on certain sections of these vast sands.
This is paradise in a nutshell. The blinding white sand and turquoise water make Santa Giulia glimmer like a jewel in the sunshine. Surrounded by pine trees, the beach is a hive of activity with windsurfing, canoeing, horseback riding and quad bikes, all available for when it becomes too hot to continue basking in the sun.
Rabbit Beach is as unusual as its name suggests. Situated on the Island of Lampedusa, off the coast of Southern Sicily, this unique spot is a treasure chest of wildlife. It is most noted for being one of the few places in the Mediterranean where loggerhead turtles go to lay their eggs. Only reachable by boat, the journey makes the beach itself an even more satisfying destination.
Get in touch with your wild side! A manic mixture of giant sand dunes and windswept forest characterises this long stretch of sand. Myths surround these massive dunes, including the belief that villages are buried beneath the daunting dunes.
A beach fit for a king! A short ferry ride from the main island of Malta is Gozo, with Ramla Bay tucked away in a fertile valley. Upon visiting Ramla Bay, you will be struck by its long-stretch of brilliant red sands. Close by is Calypso’s Cave, a spot identified with Odysseus, the legendary Greek king.
The atmosphere of the thirties combined with the hottest new trends make Sopot a scorching destination. Sopot is one of three cities that make up Poland’s coastal triangle. The beach itself has a Central European feel, with beer gardens and music clubs located straight on the sand and on the wooden pear. At night the promenade continues to be a hive of activity, making it a fantastic destination for the more nocturnal traveller!
Prepare to be impressed by Falesia, one of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches, with its long stretch of white sand runs alongside the dramatic backdrop of red cliffs. The beach is a quiet haven amongst all the crowded beaches in the region, but offering enough leisure facilities to ensure a comfortable day. Make sure you eat a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants alongside this unforgettable landscape.
The hustle and bustle of city life extends to El Cabanyal, Valencia’s city beach. The promenade is lined with restaurants serving delicious steaming pans of the local pride, fresh seafood paella, whilst locals enjoy a cold glass of beer in one of the many cafes as they soak up the rays. Is there a better way to go native?
An unspoilt beach is a rare find in the modern age, but Rhossili is exactly that with its pure sands and stunning sunsets. This is a beach to be enjoyed slowly, if you don’t arrive with a peaceful mind you will definitely leave with one! Visitors should also be sure to explore the gorgeous green pastures beyond.
Romance is everywhere in Europe. But along the coast and in the small harbor towns, romance is inevitable. From seaside villages in Italy to beaches in Latvia, browse some of the most romantic coastal spots in Europe. Then, treat your sweetheart to the ultimate getaway.
Atop of European ranges you’ll find marvelous snowcapped peaks.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Some of Europe’s most magical natural wonders come in the form of waterfalls. From raging falls in Iceland to babbling brooks in Hungary, they come in many forms. See some of the favorite falls here before seeing them firsthand on your trip to Europe.
Some of Europe’s oldest and most iconic places are in its humblest buildings. Monasteries and abbeys are sprinkled throughout the countries and make for a somber and unforgettable experience. From ancient abbeys in Italy to majestic monasteries in Austria, browse this gallery for a better look at them all.
Embark on a journey of historical wonders!
Cruise Czech rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Trace Europe through pilgrimages.
Special ideas for every season.
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One of the most remarkable Greek islands.
