Europe is a significant player in the global beach tourism industry, holding a 38.3% share. Further, the thriving beach tourism scenario in Europe has the solid backing of the European Commission.
The Commission is supporting all European countries with beautiful beaches through action plans, smart strategies, and sustainable growth initiatives.
Therefore, it is no surprise that by 2032, the European beach tourism industry is expected to reach $357 billion.
Now, as a traveler, if these stats look mundane to you (I love them as I think traveling is all about touching and improving lives, and you cannot do that without an economic boost!), the glorious stretches of sand and the dramatic landscape give you enough reasons to plan a trip.
In this Tour and Travel Blog, I have curated the most popular summer destinations in Europe, along with the hidden gems.
So, couples, you know where you need to sail for some serious coastal fun!
The Best Summer Destinations In Europe Beach: Forget The Count!
Think of the dramatic landscape of the Mediterranean Coastline. Some are sandy and fun, while others are gothic and involve a lot of drama.
On the other hand, the Atlantic beaches are full of marshlands, inlets, and barrier islands.
Now, despite the difference in the landscape and coastal geology, beaches are the best summer destinations in Europe, thanks to long hours of Sun and pleasant weather conditions.
Also, summer months are ideal for various outdoor activities on the beach, including sunbathing, swimming, and scuba diving.
Furthermore, intimate activities such as sunbathing against the serene water backdrops make the beaches in Europe ideal for summer romance.
Moreover, I cannot think of a more romantic venue for a candlelight dinner than the Mediterranean beaches in Europe.
Here, I present the beaches I have been to in Europe, and while there are some regular staples on our list, mostly I have talked about the beaches that have impressed me the most.
1. French Riviera: Plage Notre-Dame Porquerolles Was Our Sweet Spot
‣ Closest Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)
With approximately 180 km of coastline, the French Riviera, the setting of popular movies such as GoldenEye and Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, is dotted with stunning beaches.
The over 90 beaches in the French Riviera offer an unmatched diversity. So, you have beaches like Pampelonne, where the vast sandy stretches will grab your attention.
On the other hand, the French Riviera boasts Paloma, an adorable spot with its dramatic pebble beach.
However, we found our sweet spot at Plage Notre-Dame Porquerolles, a beach that is just 15 km away by a water taxi ride from the French Riviera.
Porquerolles, one of the best summer destinations in Europe, is a not-so-developed island with a length of 9 km and a width of 2 km.
So, we started our day by bicycling through red trails. The eucalyptus trees on both sides of the trail blessed us.
After the ride, we visited the contemporary art museum at Villa Carmignac and enjoyed the best rosé champagne and local delicacies at their outdoor dining setup.
We came back to the beaches by noon, and the cafes with the musicians playing the old-day tunes created the perfect backdrop for the change of shades and lightplay we were witnessing on the sandy stretches.
And it was sunset time! We knew we had to take a dip. We could listen to the grinding of cicadas and see how the last rays of the Sun for the day weave magic on the sand and water.
After our moments in the water, it was our time to get back to the French Riviera. We had a great time at the beach with memories of broken wooden chairs and weary bicycle stands as beautiful frames from a movie.
Au revoir, Porquerolles!
⁕⁕⁕ Tour And Travel Note ⁕⁕⁕
Don’t miss a visit to the resort town of Nice if you are in the French Riviera. It is one of the best European cities with beach and nightlife.
2. Amalfi Coast: A UNESCO World Heritage Site And The Prettiest Coast Of Italy
‣ Nearest Airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
The Amalfi Coast requires no introduction. From beaches with dramatic rocky coves to those with sandy stretches, every beach stands out with its unique appeal, and Mediterranean delicacies here are out of this world.
Nevertheless, among all the beaches, Fornillo Beach in Positano won our hearts. With pebbled beaches and fewer crowds, everything about the beach defined the word “intimate.”
It was our Punto Dolce, where we enjoyed all the beach chores to the fullest. However, the highlight of the visit to this beach was exploring the nearby Grotta di Fornillo, as the scenic views were amazing.
3. The Egadi Islands: The Best Fusion Of Natural Beauty And Ecological Attractions
Also known as the Egadi Islands, these islands in Italy are some of the best European summer beach destinations.
Our destination was Favignana, which has beautiful beaches, such as Cala Azzurra and Cala Rotonda.
However, our favorite among all was Bue Marino. The rocky coastline here is unique, and we fell in love with the sunrise views.
Furthermore, we decided to explore Favignana, and we took a ferry to the nature reserve of the Saline Trapani. It is around 40 minutes to reach the nature reserve.
This Ramsar Site, and a protected area entrusted to the World Wildlife Fund is home to the rare Aphanius fasciatus fish.
Further, we saw birds like the Saker Falcon and the Common Shelduck there.
4. Platja de Formentor, Majorca: A Calm Beach With Green Water
‣ Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
A calm “Blue Flag” beach located along the Formentor Peninsula, Platja de Formentor is surely one of the best that Majorca Island has to offer.
The landscape here defines the word drama, and the sight of the Tramuntana mountains amidst dense pine forests will stay in my memory forever. Furthermore, the blue and green colors of the water complement the backdrop.
The beach is not very long, and we took a walk of around 1 km to reach Cap de Formentor, the farthest point of the beach.
Also, we took a ride in a rented sailboat. Catamarans are also available for rent. You can even try snorkeling for more adventure.
5. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia: A Romance With White Sand And Turquoise Sea
‣ Nearest Airport: Kefallinia (EFL) Airport
One of the best summer destinations in the world, Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, has our hearts for its stunning natural beauty.
The beach, awarded a “Blue Flag,” features stretches of white sand with the most dramatic cliffs in the backdrop.
Furthermore, the turquoise water provides a serene experience for the eyes.
6. Hietaniemi Beach, Helsinki: Best For Summer Swimming And Beach Volleyball
‣ Nearest Airport: Helsinki Airport
Hot summer days call for some serious beach fun at Hietaniemi Beach, Central Helsinki, Finland.
With its shallow water and picturesque setting, Hietaniemi Beach is perfect for playing basketball and beach volleyball.
Also, don’t forget to try the coffee and snacks at Badenbaden, the summer terrace. Want to try your luck at golf?
Pay a visit to the miniature golf course nearby.
7. Beach of Durres: The Most-Visited Beach In Albania
‣ Nearest Airport: Tirana Airport
The beach of Durres, the most-visited beach in Albania, is also one of the best beaches in Europe.
Durrës, as a city, has a rich historical background, with the stories going back to 627 BC. Additionally, the Roman amphitheater was our biggest draw.
Additionally, the beach stands out due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, a prominent feature in the cultural, historical, and economic landscapes of Europe.
Recently, the Adriatic Sea was in the news after a Riesenhai, or basking shark, was seen off the Croatian Peninsula.
8. Fteri Beach, Kefalonia: Romance In A Secluded Beach With Turquoise Waters
‣ Nearest Airport: Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou
With rugged hinterlands and candy-colored houses, Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, is the prettiest beach I have been to in Europe.
One of the best summer destinations in Europe, this beach on a secluded cove has beautiful white cliffs and the bluest water.
Don’t miss snorkeling in the water for the ultimate adventure.
9. Praia da Comporta: The Secret Sweet Spot In Portugal
I was almost done penning this blog, and then suddenly it struck me. I have missed Mala Beach, another wonder in the French Riviera.
With pebbles and sand on the shores, this secluded beach is ideal for some intimate moments with your partner.
Further, the views of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and cliffs leave you awestruck.
11. Vitali Beach: Best For The Quiet Romance
‣ Nearest Airport: Athens International Airport
Vitali Beach in Andros, Greece, is one of the best summer destinations in Europe if you are planning a coastal getaway.
It is one of the quiet ones, too!
The shores are full of pebbles. So, it is quite a walk before you reach the blue waters. However, the nearby caves and the best Pina Colada available make every effort worthwhile.
12. Cala de Deiá, Mallorca: Falling In Love With The Rugged Charm
‣ Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Cala de Deià, the rugged and bewitching inlet near Deiá, Spain, has a small beach with crystal clear water. This is a place for couples who love everything quaint and a close-to-nature experience.
After a fun swim in the crystal clear water, you can have your meal at the Can Lluc cafe and enjoy fishing while sitting on the rocky platform above the water.
You can also visit the beautiful hamlet of Lluc Alcari, just 15 km away from Cala de Deiá.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
When it comes to planning a holiday getaway, few destinations rival the charm and allure of Italy. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and romantic ambiance, Italy has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.
This article delves into why spending your holidays in Italy is an unforgettable experience, particularly when you rely on specialized agencies such as Italia Sweet Italia, that will take you to the most beautiful places and sample all the culinary delights.
Italy has long captured the hearts of globetrotters, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and stunning landscapes. Among its many charming regions, Abruzzo and Puglia emerge as hidden gems, each with its distinct allure.
Abruzzo: Where Nature and History Converge
Exploring Abruzzo's Majestic Mountains
Nestled in the Apennine Mountains, Abruzzo boasts breathtaking natural beauty. From the Gran Sasso peaks to the rugged beauty of the Majella National Park, this region offers a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
Tracing History through Medieval Villages
Abruzzo's history comes to life in its medieval villages. Villages like Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Scanno transport visitors back in time with their cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. Exploring these villages offers a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Savoring Abruzzo's Gastronomic Treasures
No visit to Abruzzo is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures. Delight your taste buds with dishes like "arrosticini" - succulent skewers of lamb - and "maccheroni alla chitarra," a pasta specialty unique to the region.
Puglia: A Coastal Gem
Basking in Puglia's Stunning Beaches
Puglia, on the other hand, lures travelers with its stunning coastline. Crystal-clear waters and golden sands await at beaches like Baia dei Turchi and Porto Selvaggio. Relaxing by the sea and soaking in the Mediterranean sun is a must-do here.
Immersing in the Trulli Mystique
Puglia's iconic Trulli houses in Alberobello are a sight to behold. These cone-shaped dwellings are not only charming but also carry historical significance. Exploring the narrow streets and staying in a Trullo provides a unique and immersive experience.
Indulging in Puglia's Authentic Cuisine
Puglia's cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. From the famous "orecchiette" pasta to the exquisite olive oil, the flavors of Puglia are deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage.
Comparing Abruzzo and Puglia
As you consider these two regions for your Italian getaway, let's compare their distinct features:
Landscape Diversity: Mountains vs. Coastline
Abruzzo captivates with its mountainous terrain, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. In contrast, Puglia's allure lies in its expansive coastline, inviting travelers to relax by the sea.
Architectural Marvels: Medieval Villages vs. Trulli Houses
Abruzzo's medieval villages showcase architectural heritage, while Puglia's Trulli houses offer a unique glimpse into the past, making both regions historically intriguing.
Culinary Delights: Gastronomic Contrasts
Abruzzo's hearty dishes reflect its mountainous landscape, while Puglia's cuisine highlights its coastal bounty. Both promise an unforgettable culinary journey.
Choosing Your Ideal Italian Getaway
When deciding between Abruzzo and Puglia, consider your interests. Are you drawn to history, mountain vistas, and medieval charm? Abruzzo might be your match. If sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and unique architecture captivate you, Puglia could be your dream destination.
Conclusion
Abruzzo and Puglia await your exploration in the heart of Italy's enchanting landscapes. Whether you seek the rugged beauty of mountains or the soothing embrace of the Mediterranean coastline, these regions promise a holiday of captivating experiences, rich history, and unforgettable flavors.
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There's something magical about the snowy mountainside that can entice even the most reluctant of travelers to take a chance and experience the exhilaration of skiing. And when it comes to skiing destinations, few places compare to Les Deux Alpes in southeastern France.
In this article, we'll explore the top four reasons why you should visit Les Deux Alpes for your next ski break.
4 Reasons To Visit Les Deux Alpes During Ski Break
Situated right at the center of the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes offers breathtaking views, endless slopes, and an abundance of activities for all levels of skiers.
Reason 1: Extensive skiing terrain
One of the biggest draws of Les Deux Alpes is its extensive skiing terrain. With over 220 kilometers of slopes, skiers of all levels will have plenty of runs to choose from. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there's something for everyone. The resort also offers off-piste skiing for the more adventurous skiers, with opportunities for heli-skiing and ski touring.
The resort is also known for its high-altitude skiing, with runs reaching up to 3,600 meters. This means that skiing is possible even in the late season, making Les Deux Alpes a popular destination for spring skiing. Don’t forget to book your ski pass at Erna Low in order not to waste your time waiting in long lines.
Reason 2: Great for families and beginners
While Les Deux Alpes offers plenty of challenging runs for experienced skiers, it's also a great destination for families and beginners. The resort has a dedicated beginners' area with gentle slopes and ski schools for all ages.
The ski institutes provide a range of lessons, from group lessons to private lessons, which is relatively easy for everyone to gain knowledge at their own speed. The resort also has a range of activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing.
There are also child-friendly activities, like a sledding area and a snow garden, making Les Deux Alpes a great choice for families with young children.
Reason 3: Apres ski and nightlife
Les Deux Alpes isn't just about skiing - it's also one of the most awesome Alpine Apres-ski resorts. The resort has a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to all tastes. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink after a day on the slopes or party until the early hours, you'll find something to suit your mood.
One of the most popular apres-ski activities in Les Deux Alpes is ice skating. The resort has a large ice rink that is open throughout the day and into the evening, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes around the rink, serving everything from hot chocolate to cocktails.
Reason 4: Stunning scenery
Finally, Les Deux Alpes is known for its stunning scenery. Located at the heart of the infamous French Alps, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
There is also a range of activities for those who want to take in the scenery, including snowshoeing and guided mountain walks. One of the most popular activities in Les Deux Alpes is a ride on the Jandri Express cable car.
Tips To Keep In Mind While Visiting Les Deux Alpes
Who doesn’t enjoy a holiday with their favorite set of people at Les 2 Alpes? The snow across the glacier and cannons surely make you refreshed and energized. But there are certain factors one should keep in mind while traveling to Deux Alpes.
Shortlist The Places You Wish To Travel
Visiting a ski resort is fun, but not everyone in your group will agree on a common plan. Different people would want to travel to different parts of the city. Hence, in order to avoid confusion and conflicts, prepare a list beforehand. Hand out the list of common places everyone will visit collaboratively to each group member. This way, each one of you can enjoy without worrying about individual interests.
Catalog Skiing Needs
People with their personal cars and ski equipment have no worries about storing the boards, skis, and shoes in their trunks. But what about the rest? They might want to try new skis. The skis technology never stands still- a titanium and carbon plate adds extra speed to the ski. Choose an all-mountain freeride ski if you wish to travel off-piste.
In case you are a technical skier, rent an additional sharp-carved ski. Maximum hotels have preset agreements and collaborated with ski rental companies offering extra discounts.
Check Out Fun Things To Do In Les Deux Alpes
It’s time to spice things up a bit. This step is also important to determine the individual interests of each group member. Les Deux Alpes offers everyone a range of entertainment zones. Check them out here:
Ice Glider
Who doesn’t love to drive bumper cars? But would you dare to drive them on icy ground? This activity might charge you around 5 euros for 5-6 minutes, and only two people are allowed in a single Ice Glider. Also, it is open from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays.
Bowling
At 12 Place de L’Alpe de Venosc, you get bowling with six lanes. A maximum of 8 players in each lane can play, which makes advance booking highly significant. The cost is somewhere around five euros for each person in the game. There are also darts and air hockey, along with a minibar.
Wrap Up
Winter sports holidays are totally fun for your physical and mental well-being. And when you visit Les 2 Alpes, fun is guaranteed. Make sure you take note of the aforementioned tips to make your stay a pleasurable experience.
So, this was all about it. I hope you liked the article which guided you all the way through ski holidaying in Les Deux Alpes. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us. Happy reading!
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Being proactive for your trip can help you save from troubles and cherish your time there to the fullest. With the Christmas season in full swing, many families opt to travel to Europe to experience how Christmas is celebrated there.
From the lush architecture of Italy to the vibrant weather of Spain, all the way to the great wonder of the World in France. There’s a lot to explore in Europe and to make sure you do it in the right way, we have compiled a short list of essential tips that you should follow.
Read these tips to make the right decisions.
Europe: a sub-continent comprising 50 countries with diversified vibrant cultures, scenic views, gorgeous beaches, lush green forests, and a lot more. I can write a whole article just about the beauty of Europe but we better be focused on the tips that will help you for your next trip to the sub-continent.
Planning your trip to Europe can be an overwhelming task but not an overwhelming experience if you do know the dos and don’ts of the trip.
Well, if you are on equal footing, I am here with these travel tips to familiarize you with the dos and don’ts. So, hold with me, and let’s dive into the tips that can help you make your trip marvelous.
Book The Stuff Early
Air tickets, accommodation, inter or intra-city transportation, and everything that needs a booking, should be booked earlier.
So, the thing is you should dodge the demand. During the holiday season, in particular, the demand is huge for air tickets and accommodation. Booking them early is the way to go.
Also, I should mention here, the importance of a stable internet while booking so you don’t miss out on the limited number of your beloved seats. Spectrum provides one of the most reliable internet connections in the States. You can contact Spectrum Customer Service and get a plan according to your needs.
The high demand is one thing, there are many discounts available for early bookers. Check Upgraded Points and you can find the discounts for your airfare.
Circling to transportation, you have two options: one is using public transport which isn’t recommended for tourists and the other one is a car rental. Don’t forget to negotiate with the car dealers and be sure that you are getting a good deal.
Pack Like A Pro
Say, you are going on a 10-day trip and you’ll be roaming around three cities. 10 days is a long span and you might need every single thing you use in your routine, right? NO. Nada.
To be a pro-packer you just need to include the essentials in your bag and keep things light.
There are tons of pros for packing light. Mobility is going to be easy for you, you don’t need to pay for checked luggage, you don’t have to wait in long queues to get your bag and there are fewer chances of your luggage getting lost.
Now, what do we count as essentials? Here’s the full list of travel essentials that pro-travelers never skip.
Follow The Local Time
Traveling will most likely accompany jet lag.
Jet lag is basically a temporary sleep disruption for the reason for traveling in different time zones. OK. So, what to do? How do you deal with jet lag?
Adapt yourself to the time zone of the city that you are traveling to the night before your flight. This will help you get enough sleep so you don’t waste any moments of your precious time in Europe and also, you’ll adjust rather easily to the local time.
If your sleep schedule is during the flight then you can implement these tips to sleep on a plane:
Wear bed socks
Switch off your devices
Use a pillow for your lower back support
Skip alcohol and caffeine
Use an eye mask
Opt For Local Currency When Paying
Paying for stuff in Europe may have two possible payment currencies. One is the US dollar and the other Euros which would be the local currency in this case.
While many stores would love you to pay in USD, it’s not the best way. It will sound easy at first because you are already familiar with the currency but the difference in exchange rate can cost you more.
Now you may think why do they want the tourists to pay in USD?
It’s because they earn by giving you a heinous exchange rate of the currency. The bigger your purchase is, the more they’ll earn.
So, it’s always good to pay in local currency wherever you are, whether in Europe or in Bali.
Before You Land, Download Google Translate
How troubling that would be: you land in a foreign land and you can’t even communicate to get a taxi.
Yeah. The better way is to learn the basics of the language of the country you’ll be visiting. But I know, we all are on a tight schedule already. We can’t learn the language.
Tech to save your day! You can use Google Translate to transcribe the written stuff and translate your language into any language. So, there might not be any problems communicating.
Not to forget, usually, Google Maps is available on almost every mobile phone but getting it checked before landing can help you save from the risk of getting lost.
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