The Ultimate European Beach Bucket List

It’s that time of the year again where everyone who’s lucky to live or be near a coastline descends to the beach. Europe may not be known for its tropical destinations but we sure give the others a run for their money when it comes to our sandy, stunning shorelines. And it’s not just about the beach, it’s about the amazing places to eat and drink close by too… Here are the top spots:

Val Do Lobo Resort

Portugal

If you want to know where all the beautiful people come during the summer months – you’ll be sure to find them here on Portugal’s most famous beach. They’ve a shopping centre nearby with pretty much everything you’d need, eateries from French to Italian and plenty of bars that stay open late. This part of Portugal is perfect if you have a family with a little bit of cash to spare.

Inch Beach

Co.Kerry, Ireland

The 5km stretch of Inch beach plays host to amazing sand dunes, scattered shipwrecks and signs of Stone and Iron Age settlements. Inch is also a favourite with surfers and there’s even a surfing school for those of you who want to learn the skill. Sammy’s bar and restaurant is a popular spot for visitors and locals and will more than likely become your hub while you’re here.

Prasonisi Beach

Rhodes, Greece

During the summer, the sea uncovers two exceptional long sandy beaches in the south of Rhodes. The best thing about this is one is calm – so if you’ve young families it’s perfect. The other past has high waves and is considered a super place to go hit the surf.

Costa del Azahar

Benicàssim, Spain

This beautiful strand is a popular destination for Spanish people to take their holidays. And let this be the reason you come here – the food is as authentically amazing as you’d expect. And what else is Benicàssim good for? It’s famous for its annual music festival. There are hundreds of apartments you can rent if you’re a festival goer and don’t want to have to camp. Come here with a basic understanding of spanish though – the locals do not appreciate you making orders in English!

Woolacombe

Cornwall, England

In the high season you’d be mistaken for thinking this was a beach in Spain. The sprawling sands, multiple hotels and eateries make this the perfect place to set down for a few days and not break the bank.

St. Tropez

France

If you’re an image conscious citizen than St. Tropez was custom-made for you (if you have cash to splash). In peak season, over 100,000 people populate this part of France every day! The best time to come here is in fact out of season when it becomes so quaint and you can almost reimagine how it was as a little fishing port 50 years ago. Ideal for walkers and sun godesses.

Søndervig Beach

Denmark

Don’t underestimate this stunning beach in Denmark. Its rolling sand dunes and white smooth sand makes it the perfect place to get some TLC and recharge the batteries. They even have an annual sand castle competition in the town.

Hvar

Croatia

Not only is this an incredible nightlife and foodie spot – Hvar boasts some of the best waterfronts in Croatia. There are always hundreds of beautiful boats and yachts along the piers which add to the feeling of exclusivity. The clear waters make it perfect for diving and fishing too.

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