I've previously written a few pieces about budget traveling Europe and working abroad while traveling and today I have a special treat for ya. I'm going to tell you all about some of the BEST BEACHES I've been too! I absolutely love sightseeing and visiting bustling cities, but nothing beats relaxing on a beach while soaking up some Vitamin Sea (I'm hilarious, I know). I've traveled across a few countries and continents now, so I'm going to break this up into a few posts! This will be part one of the European edition! If you can't tell, I'm a little obsessed with Europe, rightfully so, it's incredible and beautiful. But back to the beaches. I won't really rate them, just give some info and photos!
Beach #1 Nice, France
Opera Plage
When France comes to mind, most people think of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, not usually beaches. Well let me tell you, the French Riviera is gorgeous and there are countless beaches to visit! Unfortunately so far, I have only been to one. Unlike a sandy beach, this one is a bit more rocky. Super comfortable? Not really, but taking a dip in the sea makes it worth it! Beside the beach there is a massive walkway, it goes on for miles and is filled with restaurants, bars, little shops and lovely locals selling their homeade goods and paintings!
Beach #2 Cinque Terre, Italy
Riomaggiore
I'm sure you've heard about Cinque Terre by now as its growing more and more popular every day. It's not just one place, it's actually an area made up of five quaint, little towns! I only went to two of the five, Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare. The first two photos are from the beach in Riomaggiore which is rather rocky and a bit small. The town itself is tiny, so not too surprising, but it's lovely for cooling off after a hot day of exploring. Because this beach is so small there wasn't too much room to be able to put your belongings down for a bit, but a quick trip is worth it.
Monterosso al Mare's beach was awesome! Nice, soft sand that went on and on. You have to pay to use most parts of the beach, but I managed to find at least one part that was free! The water was crystal clear and warm and the view was breathtaking! You can travel in between the towns by ferry, train or even by hiking the trails between them, making it super convienient to visit a few beaches all in one day!
Beach #3 Santorini, Greece
Perissa, black sand beach
As you can guess, this beach is all black sand! It's a bit more of a rocky one than soft and sandy, but it's still magnificent! Right near the beach you can find plenty of little shops, small bars, and restaurants to enjoy during your down time from the beach! This was probably one of the most relaxing beaches I've been on. It wasn't full of people, and of those that were there, everyone was quiet and enjoying the peace!
Beach #4 Santorini, Greece
Red sand beach
Another beach named from the color of its sand! Welcome to Red Sand Beach, which once again is a little on the rocky side. You'll come to find there's plenty of rocky beaches in Europe, but they should still be visited! This beach is a little more secluded, as you have to hike into it(it's like a five minute super easy hike, but still). This beach isn't really located near a town or anything so it's more of a day trip place. While there I didn't come across any restaurants or little shops except one small food truck that had fresh smoothies and snacks, which may be all you would need, if not, be sure to pack some goodies!
Beach # 5 Mykonos, Greece
Paraga beach
Oh Paraga, what a lovely spot. This beach is pretty far out from the city center, but there are a few hostels/hotels there and plenty of restaurants so it's always rather lively! You can find super soft sand, lots of stray cats and probably a few people in their birthday suit! Ya you heard that right, there is an area of the beach that is for nudists! It can be quite the surprise if you're not expecting that, so you're welcome, you have been warned! There is a lovely area where you can hike uptop some large rocks where people will do some cliff diving or just appreciate the view! There are also lots of spots to get snacks and beverages here, as well as plenty of opportunities to rent out lounge chairs!
Beach #6 Mykonos, Greece
Paradise beach
Again, the name here gives it away! This beach truly is paradise! Just a small hike away from Paraga beach, you'll come across some of the best times. This beach is a party destination. There are multiple clubs lined along the beach with an occasional hostel or restaurant in between them! Some hugely known DJ's play at some of the clubs on this beach! You can enjoy day, night and themed parties here with a beverage in hand and your feet in the sand!
P.S. The Mediterranean is the saltiest sea I have ever been in, you float much easier, but you'll want to rinse off after a day of swimming! I hope you all will enjoy these places as much as I did!
All photos were taken myself with a Samsung Galaxy!