subject: So Many Beaches, So Little Time [print this page] For a lot of travellers, when booking annual holidays, the beach is by far the most important element. There are so many great beaches around the world so where do you start? Heres a list of some of the best beaches in Europe and beyond...
1) A 2km stretch of crystal clear waters and beautiful soft sand, Playa den Bossa, IBIZA is possibly one of the best beaches within a 2 hour flight from the UK. From pedaloes for those wanting to chill out and take things easy, to kite surfing for the more adventurous, the main strip offering the usual water sports. The south wind along this coast makes it appealing to windsurfers too who enjoy riding the waves. Ideal for when the sun gets too intense, there are many beachfront bars offering long, refreshing cocktails.
2) With its famous Blue Lagoon home to a sheltered inland bay and crystal clear waters; Olu Deniz, TURKEY is the most photographed beach of Turkey. On one side, the gentle sea laps up to the white shingle shore whilst the 10 minute walk along the cape will take you to the protected area of the National Park. Hire a fishing rod; you never know what you may catch! You can hire pedaloes here as the waters are so calm.
3) Ela Fonisi, CRETE has some of the prettiest sands in Europe, tinged with pink from the corals its an area of natural beauty to the south west of the island. Without visiting this picture postcard paradise for the day, no holidays to Crete would be complete, here you can walk out for 200m and the waters wont come above your knees and its so clear you can see the magnificent sea life.
4) Sharm El Sheikh, EGYPT is a historical gem located on the shores of the Red Sea, its golden beaches offer the opportunity to relax and unwind whilst the clear waters allow for some of the worlds best diving. The Ras Mohammed National park is home to famous coral reefs and is well worth a boat trip even for you who just enjoy snorkelling. There are hundreds of species of marine and tropical fish just off the main beach if you prefer to go at your own pace and plenty of water sports available too.
5) Bijilo beach, GAMBIA is the most tropically beautiful beach you will find without a 10 hour flight, long stretches of soft sands await you and this beach is always uncrowded apart from the occasional fruit sellers who walk all along the coast selling the freshly picked fruits and nuts. You can enjoy a cocktail or two whilst watching the fishermen casting their nets out into the ocean, its not recommended to swim in these waters as there is a strong undercurrent.
6) Cocoa Island, MALDIVES has exotic beaches to die for, powder white sands mixed with transparent waters it makes the perfect escape for honeymooners and newlyweds. Snorkelling and diving are famous in the Maldives and its easy to see why, theres a wealth of turtles and Lion Fish and you could even find yourself swimming with stingrays.
7) Soft grain sand is in abundance in Varadero, CUBA, ideal for lazing away your days with a tropical Caribbean cocktail. There are water sports galore here and the refreshing breeze makes it comfortable in the intense sun.
8) Thought to be one of the top 10 best dive sights in the world its easy to see why visitors return year after year to this exotic paradise. Patong beach, PHUKET is the most popular beach in Thailand, with its tropical waters and famous party atmosphere youll never want to leave!
I felt most inspired by Ela Fonisi beach, CRETE, its simply breathtaking and Ill definitely be taking
holidays to Crete in the very near future. With such a huge choice of stunning beaches to explore, this list will surely give you some pointers in the right direction!
