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By Becky Mahan, Editor
#1: Studland Beach and Nature Reserve – United Kingdom
by: treehouse1977 flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
This nationally protected reserve is filled with miles of safe, golden beaches, sand dunes, cafes and equipment rentals for a fun family outing at the shore. You can also take the ferry across the water to Sandbanks to see the rich and famous — and their luxurious homes.
Beautiful beach and coastline with a great beach café to stop and have a drink and a bite to eat. – Lisa C.
#2: Preveli Beach and Palm Forest – Crete, Greece
by: Madalina Ungur flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
This beach is flanked by a forest of palm trees, but that’s not all that makes it unique: it’s also located at the convergence of Kourtaliotis River and the Mediterranean Sea. The resulting lagoon that forms seasonally is filled with both salt and fresh water – which makes for a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.
“Definitely one of the best parts of Crete!” – Maria T.
#3: Navagio Beach – Zakynthos Town, Greece
by: imagea.org flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Only accessible via a taxi-boat from a small port on the mainland, this beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the centerpiece – an old shipwreck right on the sand – causes flocks of tourists to flock to the island for photos. Never mind that the water is crystal-clear and turquoise; that’s just a bonus.
“The most amazing place I have ever been. Incredible beach from the tiny white stones, crystal blue water, so pure that it seems than all the ships are in the air.” – Julis
#4: Praia da Marinha – Azores Islands, Portugal
by: Sam B – Courtesy: Trip.com
Clean, bright, and warm, it’s one of the quintessential Mediterranean beaches — best appreciated either sun-bathing on the golden sand or hiking the cliff-top trail high above.
“One of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, surrounded by these beautiful slopes, it is a picture-like beach!” – Ana Rita Bras
#5: Praia da Falésia – Albufeira, Portugal
by: Tracey W – Courtesy: Trip.com
Seven miles of golden sand and red-rock cliffs make for a picturesque, family-favorite place for sunning and swimming.
“Gorgeous gorgeous beach! Definitely don’t miss spending a few days here toasting yourself!” – Chloe Miller
#6: Elafonisi Beach – Crete, Greece
by: Nancy R – Courtesy: Trip.com
Known best for its pink sands, this technicolor beach also offers a peaceful hike through the dunes, where wanderers can nonchalantly explore archaeological ruins.
“This is THE beach to visit in Crete! If you get enough of the pink sand and wide beaches, take a hike along the meandering path through the sand dunes and archeological ruins.” – Lauren Baker
#7: Glyfada Beach – Corfu Island, Greece
by: Melina I – Courtesy: Trip.com
One of the most popular beaches in Corfu, this well-equipped beach is fully stocked with umbrellas and sunbeds, bars, water sports equipment, and even showers and lockers. The shallow, clear waters make it perfect for families with little ones, and locals participate in frequent beach volleyball tournaments.
“It’s best in the late afternoon and early evening when, glass in hand, you can watch the sun melt into the western sea.” – Melina I.
#8: Praia do Baleal – Peniche, Portugal
by: DiasSoares flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Popular mostly with surfers, this beach is protected by a cove and is thus warmer (and less windy) for a more quiet beach-going experience.
“The less intense of the beaches in the area, this is a great spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.” – Jason Flegel
#9: Praia do Alvor – Alvor, Portugal
by: lele3100 flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Another fully-equipped beach at the convergence of river and sea, Alvor Beach offers calm lagoons for gentle swimming, as well as miles of wide sandy expanses for fun and games outside the water.
“Alvor is a wonderful blend of contrasts which always makes it an interesting place for a holiday.” – Paul M.
#10: El Portet Beach – Moraira, Spain
by: MollySVH flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
This tiny, picturesque cove near the quiet village of Moraira is perfect for families, given the long, gently sloping shore (which means plenty of shallow water.)
“The place to watch the sun set over the Penon d’Ifach, cool beer in hand.” – Debbie S.
Our editorial team also loves these somewhat non-conventional beaches!
Lake Garda – Garda, Italy
by: Sandra Strain – Courtesy: Trip.com
Perhaps Garda’s most prominent attraction, Lake Garda is a beautiful lake with a tree-lined promenade, and remarkable views along the waterfront.
” If the Americans flock to Lake Como, the Austrians and Germans come here – the scenery is almost as pretty, and it’s a tad less touristy and less expensive, and unlike Como, you can actually swim and windsurf on the lake” – Travis Katz
Kotor Beach/Bay of Kotor – Montenegro
– Courtesy: Trip.com
Considered Europe’s most southerly fjord, this gorgeous bay is ensconced by dramatic mountain cliffs and medieval villages at the water’s edge.
“If you love both the water and the mountains you have both here.” – Susan I.
Trogirska Riva – Trogir, Croatia
by: Anna Maria K – Courtesy: Trip.com
The harbor beach is the perfect place to watch the ships come in to moor at sunset, while the promenade is always bustling with live entertainment.
“Excellent ambience in the evenings when the ships have moored at the quay in front of the cafes and bars that are located along the riva.” – Patrick R.
Source: gogobot.com