While visiting Europe, most people will go from city to city. Although city hopping is certainly a nice way to explore the continent, Europe has much more to offer than just urban lifestyle.
The beaches in Europe are incredibly beautiful, and while visiting Europe during the summer, they’ll act as the perfect place to cool down and enjoy some leisure time.
France and Spain are well-known countries for national and international tourists to head to, but did you know that places with much more beautiful beaches offer a cheap escape from the expensive mainstream beach towns? Please keep reading to find out where they are.
1. Coral Bay – Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has been a part of the European Union since 2004. The quality of life on the island is very high, since the costs of living are low and there are plenty of things to do.
Among those things, you’ll find going to the beach as one of the best things to do for those who come to the island to enjoy a summer vacation.
Cyprus’s climate
Cyprus is situated in the Mediterranean sea, close to West-Asia and North-Africa. Because of its geographical location, it enjoys a warm climate all year long. The temperature rarely drops below 17 degrees Celsius.
In the summer, it will even reach 30 degrees and over. The summers are hot and dry, while the winters on Cyprus are comfortably mild, but rainy and unpredictable.
Visit Coral Bay
Beaches are scattered all around the island, but one stands out the most: Coral Bay. If the name should not tell you enough, Coral Bay is the perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
The reef is only 50 to 100 meters from the shore and is packed with beautiful coral and marine life. Here, you’ll be able to leisurely float in the clear waters while enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches of Europe.
The water is calm and warm, and there are dive schools and snorkel gear rentals, so you won’t have to bring your own. Coral Bay enjoys blue water and white, sandy beaches.
The beach is surrounded by banana plantations and vineyards, which make for a beautiful view from the beach. Find more information about Cyprus and its beaches at cyprusnext.com.
2. Ksamil – Albania
An up-and-coming European destination is Albania. Because both Albania and Cyprus are European countries, you can visit them with your Schengen Visa.
A decade ago, Albania saw rarely any tourists at all, but now that the breathtakingly beautiful beaches of the country are on the radar of many Europeans, the tourism sector is suddenly booming.
Albania is located in the southeast of Europe, just above Greece. It is situated at the Ionian and Adriatic sea, which means it has a similar climate to Greece and has some of the most beautiful beaches of Europe.
Albania’s climate
Because of this subtropical Mediterranean climate, Albania has some of the most beautiful beaches that Europe has ever seen.
The beaches are comparable to the famous Greek beaches, but Albania is an even cheaper country, which attracts lots of tourists as well. Those looking for a cheap holiday at a beautiful beach, will certainly not regret visiting Ksamil.
Ksamil beaches
Ksamil is by far the most important and most beautiful beach place of Albania. The city has over ten beaches that are super easy to get to. Along the beaches, you’ll find lots of hotels to stay at and some water sport activities to join.
The beaches are perfect for snorkeling and are also a great starting place for visiting other famous attractions, such as the Blue Eye: natural spring with deep blue water, similar to the Mexican cenotes.
The spectacular beaches of Ksamil are best visited in the summer months of July and August. In these months, the weather will be dry and hot: perfect for a beach vacation.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, go in the shoulder seasons between March and June or September and October. You’ll still be able to enjoy the great weather at one of the most beautiful beaches of Europe, but there will be a significantly lower number of tourists.
3. Cala Goloritzè – Sardinia
Sardinia is an Italian region and the second largest island in the Mediterranean sea, after Sicily. The island is accessible by airplane, making it a perfect getaway if you’ve had enough of the city life.
The island has over 1800 kilometers of unspoiled coastline and is famous for its incredible beaches and impressive rock formations.
Sardinia’s climate
Sardinia enjoys a hot, Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers. In the summer, the temperature regularly hits 30 degrees Celsius.
Sardinia is located in the Mediterranean sea and is famous for having a “six month long summer” meaning that the sea is warm enough to swim in between May and October.
The winter temperature is mild, with an average of 15 degrees. However, it can rain quite a lot as the weather is unpredictable in the winter.
Cala Goloritzè
On the east coast of Sardinia, you’ll find the picturesque beach town of Cala Goloritzè. This beach is enclosed by cliffs, making the water calm and perfect for swimming.
You’ll be stunned by the amazing white, powdery sand and the turquoise blue water this beach has to offer. The beach is very small, but since it is quite difficult to get to, there might only be a few other guests if you’re lucky.
Cala Goloritzè is known for its needle rock called Monte Caroddi or the Aguglia. This rock is 148 meters high and is often scaled by daring rock climbers. The beach can only be reached by boat, or by hiking the Cala Goloritzè Trail: a 3.5 km long trail.
Since this beach is in a protected natural area, boats are not allowed to dock here, so you’ll need to book a tour or hike to the beach yourself. Once there, you’ll most definitely find it with the trouble as this beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Europe.
