We all have “those” moments, the kind where you spill coffee down your shirt en route to an important meeting or sleep through your alarms the morning of an exam. Let’s face it, life can be a real beach. But when life gives you lemons, grab the salt and tequila and head for the sand!
Here is our guide to the best beach hotspots throughout Europe, perfect for some well-deserved R&R&R (rest, relaxation and rum).
Elafonisi Beach, West Crete, Greece
Say Yiassou (hello in Greek) to the epitome of perfection. Worlds away from bumper-to-bumper traffic is the heavenly Elafonisi Beach, quite possibly the Greek equivalent to the Garden of Eden. One of the most remarkable things about this incredible Cretan seascape is the contrasting colour of the vibrant turquoise water that stretches towards the pink coloured sand. The sheer natural beauty of Elafonisi is enough to draw you from one side of the globe to the other and it intends to stay that way with local government vowing to shield its untouched virtue from urban development.
Camilo Beach, Praia de Camilo, Lagos, Portugal
Portugal is renowned for having an ocean-full of beautiful…well oceans. This little piece of Portuguese paradise has it all; soft white sands, rugged red cliffs, lush greenery and deep jewel tone waters. Potentially the only thing more delicious than devouring a famous Portuguese custard tart, is enjoying one while watching the sun disappear below the edge of the ocean from Camilo Beach.
Spiaggia del Fornillo, Positano, Italy
One glance at this incredible beach in Positano is enough to pull you away from the monotony of the daily grind as quickly as you can say “espresso”. You’ll never know the meaning of “amore” until you lounge on the sun-kissed Spiaggia sands beneath the watchful gaze of the vibrant villas and jagged coastlines that encapsulate the beach. Although there are more prominent beaches in Positano, this gets our vote for its quaint charm and more relaxed atmosphere. An indulgent scoop of gelato or a refreshing glass of white wine is only ever a few footprints in the sand away.
Sablettes Beach, Menton, French Riviera, France
The French Riviera, or “La Cote D’Azur” as it is known in France, oozes opulence and luxury. You feel fancier just saying the name out loud. Really. Give it a try. Much like the Kardashians, the French Riviera is famous for just simply being famous, popular as a holiday spot for many celebs. The contrast of the crystalline waters and the villas cascading in sunset hues behind the beach, make for a sun-soaked fantasy likened to that of a Corona ad. Simply add a picnic lunch and an off-duty celebrity sighting and you’ve got yourself the most incredible getaway.
Skanör Beach, Skåne County, Sweden
While you might not consider Sweden’s positively Arctic climate the ideal condition for a dip in the ocean, Swedish summers boast perfect temperatures and beautiful breezes. Thick, long intermittent patches of grass span over rolling white, sandy hills that lead down to the ocean where simple, yet vibrant beach huts line the shore in an exhibition that perfectly reflects the unencumbered elegance of Swedish life, the kind you can’t buy from Ikea. Just imagine settling in on the sand, nestled in a beach towel with a good book and the perfect playlist. Bliss.
