Europe, between the Atlantic Ocean and the various seas that wash its shores, offers a wide variety of beaches that can be very different. From the black sand beaches of Iceland to the long fine sand beaches of England or Scotland to the surf spots of Portugal, the choice is wide. But frankly, holidaymakers are more likely to head to the saturated beaches of southern Europe and the Mediterranean, such as Sardinia, Greece, Spain or Corsica.
Jazz Beach in Budva (Montenegro), the most fashionable
A few kilometers from the old town of Budva in the south of Montenegro, Jaz is a popular beach with fine sand covered by translucent waters. It is ideal for snorkeling and exploring the seabed. The water is so transparent that you can see up to 5 meters deep. This very popular beach also offers many sea activities. Bars and restaurants offer local specialties and cocktails. You can easily rent chairs and umbrellas.
Cala Goloritzé in Baunei (Sardinia), the original
Covered with white pebbles and sand, this small paradise cove is located in the municipality of Baunei, in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in the province of Nuoro, Sardinia. La Cala is perfectly recognizable thanks to its rocky outcrop, a limestone pile over 140 meters high. This area is more popular with mountaineers for its climbing routes than swimmers. A source of fresh water flows from the cracks in the rocks of the beach and flows into the sea.
Bantham Beach (England), famous
Nestled in the heart of South Ham, England, on the estuary of the River Avon, Bantham Beach is one of Devon’s premier beaches, though still little known. Located near Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Bantham Beach is within a Protected Natural Area (AONB). It offers stunning scenery with panoramic views of Bigbury Bay and the famous Burgh Island. There you can practice and even start surfing, kitesurfing and kayaking.
Sandwood Bay (Scotland), discreet
You can access this beautiful beach by a path that runs along a rugged lagoon. There is no public transport leading to Sandwood Bay. But the effort is amply rewarded with a fabulous view of Scotland’s most beautiful beach, Sandwood Bay. It then takes some time to explore the kilometer of golden sand, sand dunes and rocky cliffs. Despite its popularity, Sandwood Bay is never crowded as the beach is large enough to absorb the crowds of visitors.
Cala Macarella in Menorca in the Balearic Islands (Spain), famous
A small cove nestled between forest and cliffs, Cala Macarella is often said to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Menorca, but it is not lacking. It is also one of the most visited places on the Balearic island. To enjoy its turquoise blue waters, fine sand, and the beneficial shade of pine forest, it is best to avoid the high season.
Voutoumi Beach Antipaxos (Greece), unavailable
Antipaxos is a small 5 km² island in Greece, located south of Paxos. Uninhabited, or nearly so, the island of Antipaxos has vineyards and three beaches: Vrika, white sand, Mesovrika and Voutumi, two mosaic beaches. This wonderful beach can only be reached by the Ionian Sea. The closest is the port of Gaios in Paxos.
Curonian Spit in Nida (Lithuania), the most natural
Between Lithuania and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, the Curonian Spit (or Neringa) is a natural wonder of sand and pines protected by UNESCO. This tongue of sand dunes, one of the highest in Europe, stretches for about 100 kilometers in length and ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers in width.
Rondinara Beach in Bonifacio, Corsica (France), sublime
As its name suggests, this beach, located between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, embraces the rounded shapes of the bay that surrounds it. Fine white sand, turquoise water, gentle slope and calm sea, Rondinara has it all. Towards the tip of Rondinara, several small coves await you. In season, the thatched hut allows you to eat there.
Praia do Norte in Nazare (Portugal), sports
This wild beach, located north of Sitio on the spectacular Cape Nazaré, with its sand dunes that preserve the original vegetation, is washed by rough seas that can be dangerous for swimming, but is popular with surfers. In November 2011, Hawaiian Gareth McNamara made a wave with a height of 30 meters, which is a record. The occurrence of such large waves here is explained by the Nazare Gorge, the largest underwater gorge in Europe, 200 km long and up to 5000 meters deep.
Vik Beach (Iceland), the only one
All the beaches on the south coast of Iceland are covered with black sand, with small fragments of basalt lava covering the area. Vick Beach overlooks Reynisfjörður with its cliffs and basalt columns. Vik, a two-hour drive from Reykjavík, is one of the main towns on the south coast and a frequent stop for excursions in Iceland. Vic Beach is a long stretch of black sand with chunks of ice broken off from icebergs that sparkle like diamonds on the sand.
Source: Le Figaro
