European Beaches

As one of Europe’s most cherished beach destinations, Côte d’Azur is located on the heart of the French South-eastern coast, and is home to some of the best known luxury resorts in the world. For centuries, European travelers have vacationed in the area, which has become a favorite destination for global celebrities and politicians, ranging from European royalty to American pop stars. Centered around the city of Nice, a variety of well known resort towns are found in the region including Cannes, home of the famous film festival, as well as Monaco, a favored destination for the world’s wealthiest citizens.

Throughout its history, the Riviera has been influenced by a wide variety of cultures including the ancient Greeks and Romans, along with modern French culture stemming from the country’s royal traditions. In the 19th century, the coastline became a prime destination for British, American and Italian travelers who began to extensively develop the area with villas, railways and a variety of entertainment venues. At the heart of the area, the Monaco Royalty developed a number of casinos and high-end resorts to cater to the world’s most discerning travelers, including British royalty. In the wake of the Second World War, the Cannes Film Festival highlighted the Riviera’s role in world culture, which has been held annually dating back to 1946.

Along the coastal area, a wide variety of resort towns feature world class beaches and accommodations, including Antibes, Villenuve Loubet, Saint Raphael and Cannes, among others. With a sunny, hot climate during the summer and a mild winter, travelers can enjoy the beaches year round, although the vacation season from February to August; this season features a wide variety of Festivals ranging from the Cannes International Film Festival to the Grand Prix Monaco Formula One Races (in May) to the Nice Jazz Festival in July, rounding out a complete entertainment tradition.

Located on the Southern English coast, Brighton’s famous waterfront Pier forms the core of the city’s tourist attractions, which attract millions of travelers each year. With a local population nearing ½ million, the city has a balance of a vibrant tourist industry, centered around its beaches and nightlife, along with a bustling commercial life including its various medical research institutions.

Known as the Palace Pier, the city’s pier has been the center of social activity, and a number of leading restaurants, amusement rides and entertainment shows near the city’s beaches. Both at night and during the day, the Pier forms the core of entertainment activity in the city. One the other side of the city, the beach front areas are demarcated by the West Pier, which was damaged by a variety of natural disasters and remains under restoration to this day. Between the two piers, the beach front life of the cities revolves around a variety of clubs, arcades and vendors who congregate along the popular beach areas. With keen attention paid to maintaining the ecological life of the marine area, the city has been issued a blue flag certification for its environmental protection measures with respect to marine and beach life.

Running along the marina area, a number of beach sport events are held, ranging from volleyball tournaments to competitive games, especially during the spring and summer months. A vibrant local music scene frequently hosts large public concerts, along with private shows in the areas many clubs. An annual Arts Festival is held every May, which includes a wide variety of artistic performances, ranging from music to theater, which draws art critics, fans and travelers to the area during the beginning of the summer. In addition to relaxing on the Beach, Brighton has an active cultural and culinary scene which makes it one of Britain’s most exciting vacation spots.

Spanish Beaches

Nested in the Southern Andalusia region of Spain, Tarifa is a small community of just 18,000 with a vibrant tourist community. Located on the Costa de La Luz off the Straits of Gibraltar, the city is roughly 150 miles outside of Seville and draws visitors from throughout Spain and Portugal.

The city’s historic tradition includes a number of original castles including Castillo de Guzman, which is a symbol of the region’s strong classical tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In addition to exploring the historic center of the city, visitors enjoy popular water sports off the coast, as well as some of the finest beaches in all of Spain. Well-crafted architecture and traditional buildings accent the city’s natural beauty, which is replete with unique migratory birds, palm trees and a number of well kept natural gardens.

The nearby Malaga Airport is easily accessible from most regional destinations, and is a quick flight from any Spanish flight. While you can also take a bus to the area (by connecting through Algeciras), the relatively low fares make it more convenient to take a flight on a regional airline. Arriving into he city, travelers will find a number of transportation options including car rentals and cabs, which can take you into the heart of the town.

With nearly 50 kilometers of beaches, most resort and villa areas feature private beaches which are right off the water. In addition to the fantastic beaches, guests enjoy a variety of windsurfing and water sports, with classes and training available for beginniners to truly enjoy the coast. Accomodations range from rental villas to bed and breakfast hotels to full service resorts, giving travelers a variety of hotel options.

A small coastal town an hour outside of Rome, Terracina is one of Europe’s finest beach destinations. With an ancient tradition, the city played a core role during the Roman Empire, where the orator Livy once referred to it as prona a paludes (“situated in the marshes”) for its strategic harbor near the Pontine Marsh on the western coast of Italy.

During its early history, the City served as a maritime port for the Roman Navy and ran along with Appian Way (via Appia), increasing its strategic importance for the Empire. The ancient architecture in the era reflects this rich history, including a number of temples and monuments that reflect the core of Roman culture. Over the years, the core buildings in the area have held up well, and even continued development in the Catholic tradition during the Middle Ages including the Cathedral de Pietro e Cesareo, although the region became a flash point during the Second World War conflict.

Visitors to the area generally arrive by way of economy flights (which takes roughly ½ hour) or by train. Roughly 100 kilometers outside of Rome, the city is easily accessible from the capital, and is a popular vacation spot for both locals, as well as regional travelers from the UK, Italy and France. Most of the resorts in the area feature private beaches, which are known for their relaxing beach fronts as well as local markets, historic buildings and a mix of ancient and modern culture.

Some of the leading hotels in the area are located in the Historic Center of the city, and include Casa Barbara, Trimalcioni and Casa Maria. The majority of hotels in the Center are traditional apartments or villas, which have been converted into rental rooms, offering a wonderful experience for travelers and visitors. Visitors can also enjoy traditional resort hotels outside of the center of the city, where amenities include pools and traditional hotel services.

Located in the heart of the southern French Riviera, Saint Tropez has a historic tradition, dating back to its ancient Occitan culture as well as its more modern role in the liberation of the country during the Second World War. A core part of French culture dating back to the 17th century, when the area formally became a part of the country under Louis XIV, Tropez forms a commercial and travel hub for the continent. During the 19th century, the port stood as one of the most bustling trade bases in all of Europe, although it has evolved into a modern tourist community.

Accessible by way of ferry or bus, Tropez is just an hour outside of mainland France, and draws a number of visitors from the country during the travel season. In addition to hosting a number of natural beaches and water sports, Tropez is also home to a rich art tradition, anchored at the Musee de l’Annonciade (Museum of Annuciation) which is housed in building dating back to the 16th century, which displays traditional French art ranging from Braque to Matisse.The area is home to several pristine, private and public beaches, including:

La Bouillabaisse
Situated near the center of the city, this public beach is an ideal destination for families, as there is plenty of room and a variety of activities and food.

Plage de Pampelonee
One of the most popular beach destinations, Pampelonne is a top sun bathing destination with pristine white sands, an active waterfront and a vibrant night life.

Plage de la Briande
As a relatively more tranquil beach, Plage is accessible only by foot (roughly a 1.5 hour trek), but offers beautiful scenery that makes it well worth the walk.

Plage de la Moutee
Another isolated beach, la Moutee is roughly 3 miles from the main part of the city, and its beautiful sunsets make it ideal for romantic excursions and long walks.

Getting around Europe is easier than even, as many of the world’s finest airports are found on the continent, including:

Munich Strauss Airport
As the primary hub for Lufthansa as well as United Airlines, the Strauss Airport is Germany’s second most popular airport and serves a variety of regional and international destinations. With nearly 34 million passengers passing through its gates each year, the Airport has invested in the latest security technology as well as ensuring state of the art facilities for travelers. With two complete terminals (the most recent opened in 2003), the Airport is easily accessible by rail or car for urban travelers. City officials are planning for an additional runway and terminal expansion, as the logistics of the airport have made it increasingly popular with inter-continental travelers in recent years.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The primary airport in the Netherlands, Schiphol Airport is located just over 10 miles outside of Amsterdam and is a popular hub for European travel. One of Europe’s busiest airports, the terminal sees nearly 48 million passengers a year, 70% of whom were traveling within the continent; with five runways and four terminals, the Airport handles the majority of air traffic volume in the country. Most leading airlines operate gates at Schiphol including Sky Europe, KLM, and Northwest Airlines. The large variety of international airlines includes destinations ranging from Asia to Africa, and you can reach most any metropolitan destination from Schiphol, which also features world-class facilities and lounges for world travelers.

Portugal’s Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport
Situated just outside of the city of Porto, Carneiro Airport has one of the best records of passenger service in the airline industry. With service from a wide range of regional and international carriers, ranging from Air Europa to Iberia, the Airport is known for its cleanliness and efficiency in international flights.

A pristine resort area located off of Catalonia in Spain, Costa Brava (meaning “wild coast”) crosses over 50 kilometers to the French border near Barcelona. Development in the area expanded since the 1960s, as a large number of resorts emerged on coastal cities ranging from Calella de Palafrugell to Aigua Blava.

Featured a rich historical tradition, one can find architectural wonders dating back tot he Roman Empire, as well as small-town, modern fishing villages, such as Calella and Tossa del Mar, which dot the coastlines. These traditional communities are home to narrow, cobblestone roads as well as traditional community activities and home-cooked meals, which make them a must-see stop for travelers. The unique climate in the region provides a temperate setting for a variety of natural forests, which are juxtaposed against the beauty of the natural coastline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local cuisine as well as enjoying the beach life.

Visitors generally arrive on the Island by Ryan Air, which offers low cost flights from nearby Spanish airports. The capital of the island, Girona, is an oceanfront community which is home to a variety of upscale villas, resorts and dining establishments. Known for its colorful, waterfront buildings, the City is located just an hour outside of Barcelona, and is accessible by train, bus (from Barcelona Nord) or flight. The city’s ancient streets reflect its traditional past, including Jewish neighborhoods as well as Roman architecture. As a Catalan city, the local cuisine is excellent, although dinner is served starting at around 8 p.m. Local time, per tradition. One of the more enjoyable restaurants is Le Bistrot, which offers outdoor dining and spectacular cuisine. Additionally, visitors can enjoy resort towns such as Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, which are home to a more traditional Spanish beach life, and make the Island unique from its neighbors.

As the largest of the Greek Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to some of the region’s finest beaches across its many coastal fronts. Named after Cephalus (from Greek Mythology), the Islands have a rich tradition dating back to ancient times, as well as a number of modern natural wonders that make it an ideal vacation spot for modern travelers.

The island’s diverse geography, ranging from the mountain peaks of Ainos to the dense forests make for beautiful nature hikes and vantage points for viewing the Sea. Within the Island, there are several major cities including the capital of Argostoli as well as the pristine beaches on the Paliki Peninsula. There are three major beaches on the Islands which exemplify the natural beauty of the region:

Myrtos Beach
Located in the northwestern corner of the Islands on Pylaros, the beach is nestled between two mountain ranges (the Kalon Oros and the Agia Dynati). Known for its crystal blue waters and the pristine white sands, Myrtos is known as one of the most beautiful European beaches, and has been recognized by the Telegraph as an ideal vacation spot for UK travelers. The Beach is home to a unique collection of limestone, which makes for a unique beach front experience. Largely left to its natural beauty, travelers to can the Beach by bus, and can find local amenities in the nearby Divarta village.

Petani and Xi Beaches
Near the town of Lixouri, the Beach measures over 500 meters and has a wide variety of steep cliffs, as well as pristine waters, which are favored by swimmers and water activity enthusiasts. Travelers have to find their way to the beach by private car, as only small, single-lane roads lead to the Island, which has helped it to maintain its pristine appearance over the years.

The nearby Xi Beach is nearly 5 kilometers, and is significantly more developed than Petani, with a variety of resorts, apartments and eateries although the Beach retains its Blue Flag Ecological label. Its trademark red sand reflects the unique ecology of the area, which is replete with clay cliffs which overlook the Sea. During peak season, the Beach is highly populous, as a variety of European travelers have vacation homes in the area.

Situated to the southeast of France, just north of Sardinia, the Island of Corsica (more formally, Collectivité territoriale de Corse) is one of the larger islands on the Mediterranean. Although it is technically an autonomous region, Corsica is governed as a French region and served as the birthplace of Napoleon (Bonaparte).

Today, Corsica, has a population just over 250,000 over a nearly 8,500 square kilometer area, and has a unique culture informed by both Italian, French and local traditions. The capital, Ajaccio serves as the governing and social center of the Island, which is driven by a tourist economy. As a result of the Island’s pristine natural habitat and coastal beaches, European travelers have been vacationing on the Island for generations. Known for its dense, natural forests, the Island is replete with chestnut trees, and local artisans produce a variety of gourmet foods ranging from chestnut bread to local wine, honey and gourmet cheese, which are exported to the mainland.

Travelers to the Island can arrive by plane to the Island’s four local airports, which are connected by airlines such as British Airways from the UK and France. Additionally, year-round boats offer transport from major French and Italian ports such as Nice, Marseilles and Naples. One in the city, you can either take public transport, utilize taxis or rent a car (which is the easiest way to get around to major cities.)

In the cities, travelers enjoy the unique local cuisine (especially the home made pastries and pizza, which are unique and draw rave reviews from guests.) The beaches feature a variety of water sports and local cuisine, making for an complete day of relaxation on the Island.

With a rich tradition dating back to the mid-19th century, Edenroc Hotel du Cap has been a staple resort on the French Riviera. Over the years, the Hotel has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest resorts in the region and has hosted a wide range of celebrities over the years, ranging from Ernest Hemingway to global film stars.

Located just off the Cape d’Antibes, the resort is situated on a private 22-acre park with its own sculpted rose gardens, which make it an ideal destination for romantic travelers. The entire natural surroundings are splendid, with breathtaking ocean views nestled by nearby tree forests that make for excellent, relaxing strolls. On the campus of the resort, you can enjoy a relaxation pool which has been carved into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, which is meticulously overseen by the attentive waiting staff.

For those looking to venture out into the water, the Hotel has lunch-time private yacht excursions, as well as private beach tours available for guests. While the resort can be pricey (up to $1,000 during peak seasons), the luxurious amenities make for a timeliness, unforgettable vacation. Travelers during off-peak days can save considerably on room rates, and can still enjoy the well-appointed rooms and legendary guest services.

With just 121 rooms, the resort provides exceptional services and is among the world’s top rated luxury resorts. Each room is inspired by Napoleonic architecture, featuring 18th century antique furniture as well as modern spa and cuisine amenities. The hotel’s famous Le Billini bar is carves from genuine Corinthian limestone and serves an electric set of cuisine to cap off the perfect day of relaxation.