Travel news
Summer might still feel like a world away but if you fancy hitting the beach, it’s probably time to start planning.
And while gorgeous golden sands are to be found abroad, there are some stunning shores right here on home soil.
Recent rankings have revealed the top beaches in Europe – and the list includes some UK spots. Great Yarmouth’s Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, Weymouth Beach and Fistral Beach in Newquay made it into the top 15.
The research, from luxury yacht company Europe Yachts using Trip Advisor review data, saw Spiaggia Dei Conigli beach in Lampedusa, Italy crowned the winner. Located between Malta and Tunisia on the Pelagie Islands, south of Sicily, the famous shoreline – named “rabbit beach”, boasts crystal-clear waters and golden sand, along with views of Isola dei Conigli or “rabbit island”, straight ahead.
In second place was Praia dos Tres Irmaos, Alvor, Portugal, famous for its spectacular rock formations and hidden caves. Translated into English as the “beach of the three brothers”, its name was given because of the three distinctive rocks that run across it.
Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera, Spain, is the third-best beach in Europe. Located in Spain’s Balearic Islands, the beach also falls within Formentera Natural Park, renowned for its exquisite beauty and pink beaches. Also scoring high were Sarakiniko Beach and Balos Lagoony in Greece, well known for its beautiful beaches, that stretch across 227 islands.
Famous for its black sand, Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland, hailed one of the world’s most unusual beaches, almost made the list. The black sand was created by volcanic lava, which has hardened and turned black.
Also included on the list are three UK beaches – Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, Weymouth Beach and Fistral Beach, which hae 73%, 72% and 71% of their reviews being five-star. The UK has more than 1,500 beaches, stretching over 19,000 miles (including islands) and comprising a diverse collection of sandy coves in every region of the country. Fistral Beach, in Newquay, Cornwall, is also noted as one the best beaches for surfing in Europe.
Other beaches on the list are Sotavento Beach, Spain; Iztuzu Beach, Turkey; Fig Tree Bay, Cyprus; and Plage du Sillon, France.
Europe Yachts said: “From the crystal-clear waters of Greece and the Mediterranean to the stunning shorelines of Iceland, every type of beach can be found across Europe... whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a surfer’s paradise or a family vacation.”