No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Nude beaches are not hard to come by throughout Europe, and some beaches have reputations that precede them. While some beaches are officially nudist beaches, others are just nudist friendly. These beaches are best for sunbathing and have plenty of entertainment for when you are off the sand as well. From Spain to France to Greece, here are three great nudist beaches on the continent.

Es Cavalett

Ibiza has been a long time favorite beach among those looking for a wild party on the beach lasting all day and night, but the Spanish island is also a nudist beach hotspot. Almost all of the beaches on the island are welcoming to nudists, except for those that are part of resort areas.

Es Cavallet beach is one of Ibiza’s more popular beaches, and it is an official nudist beach. Only a short drive from Ibiza’s main town and other popular beaches, Es Cavallet draws visitors from around the world. Es Cavallet is also known for its upbeat gay social scene and two exclusive restaurants. Despite its popularity, the white sands, clear waters, and other surrounding nature is well preserved.

Plage de Tahiti

Nude beaches are easy to find in France as well, and in a country known for its Riviera, among other things, it is only natural that it has some of the most popular beaches in the world. The French Riviera is known for drawing hoards of celebrities looking to take advantage of its exclusivity, while others look to take advantage of its flawless scenery.

Plage de Tahiti, or Tahiti Beach, is located in the upscale resort town of St. Tropez in the French Riviera. Unlike Es Cavallet in Ibiza, Tahiti Beach is not officially a nudist beach, but nudity is quite common. There are restaurants and beach clubs nearby, teeming with high end customers. Popular since the 1970s, Plage de Tahiti and the rest of the St. Tropez beaches draw in celebrities every summer, making it an exclusive place to see and be seen.

Paradise Beach

The small Greek island of Mykonos, like Ibiza, is well known for its amazing summer beach parties and young crowds. Mykonos is one of the more popular Greek islands, and with good reason.

Paradise Beach on Mykonos is not only one of the best beaches in Europe, but also a great nudist beach to visit. Paradise is considered to be Mykonos’ most frequented beach, and is only a short distance from the island’s main town of Chora. Due to its popularity and party atmosphere, if you are looking for some calm time in the sun, be sure to make it to Paradise beach in the morning before people start flooding the sands and the music gets louder later in the afternoon. There is plenty to do here after spending a day at the beach, with bars, restaurants, and shops galore.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is arguably the most popular of Greece’s many islands. Along with its popularity among tourists comes higher prices than on other Greek islands and even more than on Greece’s main land. However its vibrant lifestyle and beautiful beaches make the visit well worth your while.

After you’ve searched for flights to Athens and booked the cheapest one you could find, getting to Mykonos will not be a problem. There are flights from Athens to Mykonos’ small airport on a daily basis, and the trip takes about 35 minutes. There are also daily ferry services from Piraeus, Athens’ ancient, main port. The ride from the ancient port can take anywhere from 3.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on their speed. Ferries or high speed boat rides from Rafina are also an option, but this port is further from the center of Athens. Rafina is closer to Athens International Airport, so it may be more convenient to catch a ferry here directly from the airport if you are not planning on staying in Athens. The ride to Mykonos will generally take about the same amount of time from Rafina that it would from Piraeus.

Mykonos is one of Greece’s smaller islands, with an area of only a few kilometers. This makes it easy to get around and see everything. Chora, the capital of Mykonos, is also its main port town, while Ano Mera is the island’s second largest community. Being a small island means that there are not many taxis, so public transport is your best bet to save time going from place to place. The island’s bus system will get you around Mykonos for an affordable price. There is also a boat service for those looking for an alternative way of getting to some of the beaches on the island.

Paradise Beach is the most popular beach in Mykonos, and is a short 6 kilometer bus ride from Chora, or a short ride using the ferry service, on the south side of the island. The area offers a campsite nearby for those looking for an alternate to hotel accommodations, restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs. Paradise Beach has become renowned for its party atmosphere, and music is constantly playing on the beach. Paradise is also known as being a nude beach, but nudity here has become less common due to its growing popularity.

There are many reasons Paradise Beach has its name, and its crystal clear waters and sandy coastline are only a few of them. If you’re looking for a quieter time sunbathing, be sure to go to Paradise Beach early, because later in the afternoon is when things start to get loud and beach goers begin to party. There are bars and restaurants close by, with Tropicana Beach Bar being one of the more popular destinations (it was even featured on the Travel Channel list of “21 Sexiest Beach Bars).

Paradise Beach is perfect place to let loose, unwind, and party all day and night.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Plage de Tahiti

Nude beaches are not uncommon in France , and Plage de Tahiti is one of the top nude beaches in the resort town of St. Tropez. Tahiti Beach is clothing optional and you may even run into some celebrities while sun bathing. Be sure to mind your manners and follow nude beach etiquette while there and don’t stare or take pictures.

Montalivet Beach

Located on France’s Atlantic coast, Montalivet Beach is the birthplace of the naturist movement in the 1950s. Naturally, this beach would be a logical starting place for your tour of the top nude beaches in Europe. Within the privacy of the confines of the resort, there are over 1,000 camp sites, in addition to shops, restaurants and other facilities. Montalivet offers a family friendly environment whether you want to lounge on the beach or explore nature.

Cap d’Agde

Also in France, Cap d’Agde boasts one of the largest leisure ports on the French coast along the Mediterranean Sea, and also boasts one of the biggest nudist resorts in Europe. About 40,000 visitors come here daily during the high season. The resort is fenced off from the rest of the beach, and serves as a small town within its borders. Nudity is permitted not only on its beaches, but throughout the establishment in restaurants, shops, and more. The resort consists of accommodations as well, and with almost 200 businesses within its walls, you may not find much reason to leave.

Red Beach

While Myrtos is consistently voted one of the best beaches in Greece and more generally in Europe, Red Beach, another Greek beach, is a top nude beach in the region. Located on the Greek island of Crete, Red Beach has been popular since the 1960s. Crete is a Mediterranean island with a vast history, so it is no surprise that Red Beach offers a certain charm to those looking for a nude beach with a story.

Vera Playa

Vera Playa can be found in Andalusia, Spain and has been developed since the 1990s into a thriving center for naturists. A 2 kilometer stretch of beach is reserved for nudists, and Vera Playa hosts the only naturist hotel in all of Spain. There are also several apartment complexes that accommodate naturists.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

If you’ve scored a deal on cheap flights to London, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. Especially if you’re visiting in summer, Europe’s beaches offer enough scenic beauty, recreation and cultural attractions  — as well as sand and sun — to keep any traveler busy.

For the best in Spanish beaches, head to La Concha on the northeastern coast. Near the trendy town of San Sebastian — a popular destination amongst foodies and epicureans — this urban beach offers spectacular views of the cityscape around a protected bay. La Concha’s long stretches of warm, white sand are lined with restaurants, nightclubs and palm trees, offering the quintessential Spanish beach experience.

Though England isn’t especially famous for its sunny weather, the beaches at Brighton have been a popular tourist destination since the 1700s. Originally lauded as a retreat for the health-conscious, today Brighton’s beaches draw sunbathers in the summer and fun-seekers the rest of the year with the amusement rides, arcades, nightclubs and eateries. Tourists can simply hop off their cheap flights to London and grab a train or bus for the short trip south to Brighton’s beaches.

The Greek isles and mainland are ringed by so many gorgeous beaches that it’s next to impossible to pick just one. Skip the party at Paradise Beach and head to the island of Hios. Set on the island’s southern end, Vroulidia Beach’s remote location and amazing views make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean. Its stretches of white sand are protected by cliff-lined coves, making it an excellent choice for water play.

If western Scotland is your destination, don’t miss the beach at Sandwood Bay. This Sutherland beach features a mile-long strand of glittering sand and the majestic scenery of the wild Atlantic. To reach this isolated stretch of rolling dunes, you’ll have to hike over four miles from nearby Blairmore.

Croatia’s Zlatni Rat beach near the town of Brac offers stunning views of the Adiratic. This beach’s name translates to  “Golden Horn;” visitors will undoubtably notice that the beach does indeed resemble a curved horn, but also that its shape and position change depending on the wind’s direction and strength. Zlatni Rat’s clear blue water is surrounded by pine forests and the ruins of an ancient Roman villa.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is somewhat of a hidden treasure in the Mediterranean. The large island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, with a Greek south and Turkish north. The northern half is only recognized by Turkey, whereas Cyprus, referring to the southern part of the island, is a recognized part of the European Union. Due to its status, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is off the beaten path, but you shouldn’t miss its sights and sounds. You can easily get to Girne and the rest of Northern Cyprus by taking a short ferry ride from Turkey’s southern coast.

Girne has many historical attractions as it boasts a 6,000 year history involving several cultures, but it is also known for its long, sandy coastline and turquoise waters. There are numerous beaches within a few kilometers from Girne, each with its unique views and its own perks.

Alagadi, or “Turtle”, Beach is one of the best beaches in Girne, located just east of the city. It offers the longest stretch of beach on the coastline, a mountainous backdrop, and rolling sand dunes, making it popular with tourists and beach goers. The beach derives its nickname from the annual summer phenomenon of various turtle species going there to nest, with baby turtles hatching later in the year. Nature and beach enthusiasts would be crazy to miss out on this rare opportunity.

Also popular with visitors is Lara Beach in Girne. Many beaches in Turkey and Nothern Cyprus charge an admission fee to set foot on the sands, but Lara Beach is an exception. There is a small 5 lira fee if you want to rent a sunbed however, which is a small price to pay to enjoy a day at the beach. The area around Lara Beach is becoming more developed as its popularity increases, and there are restaurants and cafes nearby.

Kervansaray Beach is another beach only a few kilometers outside of Girne, surrounding a secluded cove. Though it’s popular, Girne has so many beautiful beaches that the Kervansaray cove does not get overcrowded. Rental fees for umbrellas and sunbeds at this beach are cheaper than in the opposite direction of Girne on Lara Beach, and here a sunbed for the day will only cost you 3 Turkish liras.

Surrounded by all of these beautiful beaches, it is no wonder that Girne itself is considered one of the top 10 beaches in Europe. Though faced with strong competition, it made the list along with famous French and Spanish beaches, among others. Girne and the rest of Northern Cyprus offer a glimpse into Turkish, Greek, and Arab culture that is unique to few places in the Mediterranean. The food and architecture found throughout the city are two things that illustrate the vibrant history that has shaped this Mediterranean culture.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Ibiza has everything and attracts a huge variety of visitors every year. Partygoers indulge themselves in late-night clubs and all day beach bars. The jet set hit the shores in their expensive yachts, but there’s also a huge market for good value family holidays. Whatever the reason for hitting the shores of the golden isle, there’s one thing that will remain the same; the stunning scenery and beaches. Ibiza is one of the most picturesque islands anywhere in Europe, and as you’d expect there are countless sumptuous beaches. Here are three of our favourites.

Benirras

Benirras is not the easiest beach to get to, but that just makes it all the more rewarding when you arrive, as the crowds never hit the heights of some of the more popular tourist beaches on the island. There’s no bus service, so a hire car is a must.

The beach itself is beautiful with a huge rock jutting out of the sea. This can be reached easily by pedalo, but remember to take a snorkel and a mask as the fish around the rock will make the sore legs worth it. There are a few bars dotted found, although the rustic one at the left hand side of the beach is by far the coolest and the best spot to watch the late afternoon drummers and hippies arriving for the sunset celebration.

Playa De’n Bossa

This is Ibiza’s biggest beach and arguably the most varied in terms of daytime activities. Here you’ll find water sports, quieter spots for those with small children and packed out beach bars banging out the tunes for the partygoers enjoying a little time by the sea. One of the biggest clubs on the island, Space, is also found here. Space is famous for its daytime parties, so expect the beach bars of Playa De’n Bossa to be packed with clubbers at all times of the day.

Vadella Beach

Ibizan beaches are all breathtaking, but Vadella is truly the jewel in the crown. The beach is an arc of white sand, so wide in fact it’ll be no trouble getting a sun lounger. Lying on the beach and enjoying the water is one thing, but it’s the journey here that is most rewarding. The main road to and from the small picturesque seaside town makes for a stunning journey there and back, but when you first arrive you’ll see the deep blue bay, becoming more and more turquoise as you get closer and closer.

Getting to Ibiza is easy, it’s a short flight from most UK airports and it’s relatively cheap too. There is huge scope to find Ibiza holiday deals online meaning you can easily get there on a budget. If beach is your thing you can keep costs low, if clubbing every night is the attraction for you, you may want to pack a few more Euros.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

1. San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and an autonomous part of Italy. Due to its size and location, Sicily has a unique culture that differs even from mainland Italian culture. Its diverse history, ranging from being ruled by the ancient Greeks to being part of Arab conquests, lends itself to a diverse reality in the present day. These historical influences are reflected throughout Sicily’s cities, cuisine, arts, and general culture.

Located on Sicily’s northwest coast, San Vito Lo Capo is a small town with beautiful, untainted beaches and a spectacular mountainous landscape. The seaside escape has not succumbed to over-development of high-priced hotels and restaurants, so accommodations are mostly two-story villas and homes. San Vito Lo Capo has been designated as a Blue Flag beach several times, as it boasts pristine waters and clean, sandy beaches. There are several coves and untouched beaches scattered throughout San Vito Lo Capo. Additionally, the North African and Arab influence is obvious here, as there is an internationally renowned Couscous Festival annually. This is a little known town that provides for one of the best beach escapes in Europe.

2. Cala de Algaiarens, Menorca, Spain

Menorca, part of the Balearic Islands, is full of untouched beaches and coves. Compared to the other major Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza and Majorca, Menorca is much more low-key.  The coastline of Cala de Algaiarens  is rugged with cliffs and rock formations dotting the landscape. Its undiscovered beaches have left the Mediterranean waters off its coast clear and ideal for underwater exploration.

3. Baska Voda, Croatia

Located in Croatia’s Split-Dalmatia county, Baska Voda has become a popular tourist destination on the Adriatic Sea. It was popular in the early 20^th century, but like most of Europe, it saw the negative effects of World War Two. Hotels have since been rebuilt and tourism is once again booming. The beaches are beautiful, but there is also much more to see and do in Baska Voda, including historical sites and museums.

4. Oludeniz, Turkey

The Turkish Riviera is developing and expanding quickly. Oludeniz is the most iconic and well known of Turkish beaches due to its pristine reputation as a Blue Flag beach with a beautiful lagoon. The beach town hosts one of the most popular air shows in the world, and paragliding is a popular activity because of the spectacular views it provides of the waters off the coast.

5. Sopot, Poland

Even Poland, on the north side of Europe, has a Riviera. Though not as popular or well-known as the French Riviera, Poland’s beaches on the Baltic Sea draw in locals and visitors from nearby Germany. The clean, white sands of Sopot accommodate the flocks of people who visit in the summer months without seeming overcrowded. Sopot boasts a lively nightlife, as well as Europe’s longest wooden pier.

6. The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The Curonian Spit is a long, thin stretch of 98 kilometers of land belonging to Lithuania that can be reached by a short ferry ride. It separates the Baltic Sea from the large Curonian Lagoon. The southern part of the spit belongs to Russia, but the northern, Lithuanian part is a stretch of beautiful beaches that travelers often don’t consider when they think of summer beach getaways due to its location on the cool Baltic coast. Nida is the largest city on the spit, and a popular destination for locals, and the entire 98 kilometers of land is a protected national park. The beaches are covered in golden sand and The Curonian Spit boasts some of the highest sand dunes on the continent.

7. Biarritz, France

Located in the south of France on its Atlantic coast, Biarritz is in the Basque region of France and has been a popular destination for over a century. It gained notoriety in 1854 when the wife of Napoleon III had a palace built on the beach that was frequented by various European royals. The palace is still in use as it is now a hotel on the beach. Surfing is a popular pastime on the beaches on Biarritz, as is gambling. Biarritz is one of the top beaches in France off of the beaten path of the French Riviera, and one of the top destinations in Europe.

8. Praia del Fuoco, Italy

This beach destination is accessible most easily by boat, as it is on the tip of Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy, and just north east of Sicily. Secluded and virtually untouched, the beaches are sandy and the waters of Praia del Fuoco are akin to a pool. As with much of the Mediterranean coast, the beaches are surrounded by mountains and cliffs, and coves dot the coastline.

9. Becici, Montenegro

After receiving the Grand Prix in Paris for the most beautiful beach in Europe in 1935, Becici in Montenegro has continued to maintain popularity. Located a few kilometers from the historic town of Budva, Becici is one of the most frequented beach resorts in Montenegro. Budva, nearby, is a historic walled city that offers insight into the region’s vast history. Becici’s proximity to Budva and the rest of Montenegro’s cities and  its popular beaches are not to be missed.

10. Girne, North Cyprus

Girne, located on the island’s north coast which is officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is often overlooked as one of the top beaches in Europe due to politics and its location. Northern Cyprus offers a culture and experience unique to its borders, with Turkish, Greek, and Arab influences. The weather will make you want to dip yourself into the Mediterranean, and for those times that the weather prevents you from swimming in the warm, clear waters, there are historic sites and museums depicting the city’s 6,000 year history.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Taormina, on the very eastern edge of the Italian island Sicily, is an easily accessible beach that is incredibly popular with Italians. Visitors and tourists can reach the beach by using a series of suspended aerial tramways, that are used to carry thousands of visitors each year. In addition to the beautiful beaches of Taormina, there are plenty of historical and archeological sites to see in and about Taormina. The entire area is rich with nature and a short distance from Europe’s largest volcano Mount Etna. There is so much to do in Taormina, a place that encapsulates the Sicilian culture and cuisine, distinct from the Italian mainland. You can get to Taormina throughout the year but the beach is best enjoyed during the normal northern hemisphere summer months of June, July, and August. The coarse sandy beaches of Taormina are where you want to spend your days lounging away in the sun, after which you can get ready and head to town for a traditional Sicilian meal by the water. For those of you interested in the nightlife, Taormina is home to several very active bars and is a lively place to go out for drinks and music.

Things To Do In Taormina

Greek Ruins – One of the coolest things about Taormina is the old Greek theater very close to the beaches. Remarkably well preserved by time and more recently the Italian government, the theater is still in use to host concerts. Walking around the ruins is free and you can stroll around the theater and surrounding grounds where there are other artifacts and small plagues that describe the history behind the place.

The Duomo Church – Built in the 13th century, the church is quite the tourist draw so you’ll have to arrive early to avoid standing in long lines. It’s easier of course to avoid the lines during the winter – and you don’t want to be stuck in a long line under the hot Mediterranean sun during the summer.

Palazzo Corvaja – A medieval Sicilian palace dating back to the 10th century, it was originally built by the Arabs who had conquered the island. Stop by this palace to see the blend of Arabic and European influence in the architecture, it’s quite a sight.

Visit Mount Etna – This extremely active volcano, the largest in Europe is a spectacular sight to gaze upon. Tours will take you to the area for good photo opportunities, which you can probably get on your own by wandering around. The tours do give you the benefit of information about the volcano as well as some less well-known places to get a look of the sleeping giant where legend has it Zeus lived.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe

Located on the very tip of southern Portugal, Algarve boasts beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by rolling hills protecting the beach from winds and leaving it only with a soft breeze from the ocean. This part of Portugal is an eclectic one, influenced by Portuguese, Spanish, and Arabic culture from the century or so of Moorish rule. The area is a populous one, even when you don’t include the millions of tourists who visit each year. The coast extends about 155 kilometers and is at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Ocean and at the far western edge, the Atlantic Ocean. Despite a large population and being crowded during the summer months, Algarve doesn’t feel overrun with people. The many inlets, islands, and small towns along this coast provide plenty of space for people to spread out and give a degree of privacy for those who are looking for it. Algarve is a great beach destination for sunbathers, young backpackers looking for a good time, and families looking to wind down. The entire area is historically rich as well, and in addition to the Roman ruins, there is a strong Arabic architectural influence evident all around.

Popular Beaches in Algarve

English is widely spoken in Algarve as many of the tourists who made the beaches of this area popular were British or Irish. It has since become popular with many more Europeans, including Germans, French, and Dutch visitors. Some of the more popular beaches in Algarve include Praia da Marinha to Armação de Pêra. The cliamte along this coast is temperate and not as hot as you’ll find at other top beaches in Europe at the same time of the year like Myrtos or Tuscany.

Accommodation In Algarve

While at many of the other top beaches in Europe it can be difficult to find budget accommodations or any accommodations near the beach at all, the Algarve hotels area is littered with a good number of well maintained and locally owned hostels. Many of the hostels were started by European expats who came to the area on vacation and simply couldn’t resist leaving. We recommend you staying at one of these hostels since they offer a unique experience in the Algarve region, serve fresh and local dishes, and are generally well kept and maintained. Most of these hostels also offer private, single, and family rooms and aren’t just for backpackers or young travelers who want to party. (There are those hostels out there as well though.)

Things To Do In The Algarve Region

Visit Faro – The capitol city in the region of Algarve, you can visit the Faro Cathedral, built in the Gothic style around 1750. The interior was exquisitely designed and one of the more intriguing pieces of architecture you can visit in the area.

The Ria Formosa Lagoon – This series of 6 barrier islands that links the area to the ocean is a major tourist draw in the area. The 6th island of the group has become part of a national park. In addition to the park there are plenty of small cafes, restaurants, and places to eat set up all across the Ria Formosa. You can easily access the area using one of the many buses that go to and from the Ria Formosa daily.

Algarve Pottery – Make your way to the towns of Porches or Loule for some of the area’s fine handmade pottery. There are potteries, workshops, and pottery tours across many spots in these and several other towns, for which the region is well known for. From there you can also hop along the wine trail and visit one of the seemingly counties wineries in the Algarve area.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Copyright @2012 Top Beaches In Europe