Scheveningen, The Netherlands by FaceMePLS

1) Scheveningen, Netherlands

This beach may not be able to boast the highest temperatures or the most picturesque seafront, but there are plenty of water sports to take part in and a number of bars and restaurants. However, one of the most appealing things about Scheveningen is its location – you can easily have an early morning dip in the sea before visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam or one of the 17th century palaces in The Hague.

2) The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The natural, largely unspoilt beauty of this Lithuanian beach needs to be seen to be believed! Unfortunately it’s a protected World UNESCO Heritage Site and sadly, as a result, there are certain areas that are a no go for tourists. However, the parts you can access are absolutely worth the journey, and this beach is a truly beautiful place to spend a day.

Curonian Spit, Lithuania by Tobin

3) Pembrokeshire, Wales

While you can never depend on good weather in Wales you can certainly depend on absolutely stunning scenery in Pembrokeshire. If you’re not convinced take it from the National Geographic magazine, which voted it the second best coastal destination in the world. It’s easy to fit in as part of a trip round the UK so there’s no excuse for not seeing the area for yourself.

4) Barleycover, Ireland

Again, this beach may generally be cold, but the beautiful natural surroundings in County Cork more than make up for it. This beach could be the perfect antidote to a hectic weekend sightseeing and sampling Ireland’s famous Guinness beer in Dublin, which is only a few hours away by car.

5) Pupnatska Beach, Croatia

The Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia all boast delightful coastlines and, as a result, trying to pick out just one is mightily difficult. However, Pupnatska beach, on Korčula Island is a definite contender thanks to its sapphire waters, stunning white sand, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Pupnatska Luka, Korcula, Croatia by Andrea Musi

6) La Rochelle, France

While the South of France boasts some mesmerising beaches, there are plenty of places on the western coast that can give the south a run for its money. La Rochelle is one such resort. What many people will love about a holiday incorporating La Rochelle is the fact that the area is steeped in history. Many holidaymakers will only feel comfortable sunbathing once they are sure they have explored the town and learnt about its rich history.

7) St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

Gorgeous views, interesting trails, lovely restaurants… there’s little if anything to fault with this beautiful beach. And, even better, being on an island the size of Jersey means there’ll be another great beach around every turn. So take a wander and you could find yourself your own private piece of beach!

If you are taking one of the many Europe tours available, do make sure to add a beach into your trip. Europe’s architecture, art, culture, food and history are all wonderful of course, but everyone needs time to relax! And what better way to unwind and rest tired feet than on a beach with truly stunning scenery?

Written by Michael Palmer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer.

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1. Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland bestowed with a number of eye-catching attractions.

Historic City centre of Helsinki is a traditional place started establishing in the seventeenth century. It provides you nice places to visit like the Helsinki Cathedral, the City Hall and the Old Market Hall, the Market Square and also Palace of the President.

Helsinki Cathedral, Finland by Debarshi Ray

The Old Town of Helsinki is also a famous attraction of Helsinki. This is old only by name now because it has been designed modern now. The place where past and present of Finnish experience meets!

Toolonlahti Bay is also a bewildering place to visit in Helsinki. People enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a tranquil experience and this Bay also offers very magnificently planted Winter Garden, the Finnish National Opera, the Olympic stadium, the Sports Museum, the Linnunlaulu ditrict of the wooden villa and the Finlandia Hall.

2. Vaasa

Vaasa is situated in northern Finland. It is mainly a coastal region. The best time to visit Vaasa is summer because in winter the temperature drops below the freezing point. It is considered as the sunniest place of Finland. In the summer season the temperature is slightly above 20 Degree Celsius. This city had been restructured and rebuild due to the fire struck in 1852. This city has large number of students due to three universities situated here. Even the first library of Finland was built here.

Vaasa, Finland by Robert Nyman

3. Savonlinna

In the south of Finland there is a city named Savonlinna. The Olavinlinna castle is a beautiful place to visit here. The captivating Savonlinna opera festival is held here.

The second appealing attraction is to smoke sauna here. It will let you to experience the essence of Finnish tradition. This sauna is heated by wood without a chimney. The Jatkankomppa sauna is considered as one of the finest sauna in the world.

Savonlinna, Olavinlinna Castle, Finland by Simona

4. Open Air Museum of Seurasaari

An open-air museum of its own style is located on a green island in Seurasaari. This island is a peaceful oasis in the centre of the city. The traditional Finnish lifestyle is being displayed in the manors, cottages and farmsteads at the museum. This museum was founded in 1909. Currently at the Seurasaari Museum there are eighty seven separate buildings. Each province of the Finland is represented in the old buildings that are very well preserved. This provides the idea of the countryside way of life of the three centuries (1700-1900) of Finland.

Open Air Museum of Seurasaari, Finland by Wilson Bilkovich

5. Aland of Finland

Don’t miss the archipelago of more than six thousand (6,000) Aland in the Baltic Sea. A bewildering sight to be seen at least once in your lifetime and the best time to visit is between May and September. These islands are flat so the better conveyance is bike.

Aland, Finland by Ian Oliver

It is easy traveling to this country due to the availability of cheap flights to Finland. Moreover, the flights to Finland are not very rare to find. Obviously Finland is a very well established and simply a beautiful place to visit.

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Blue Lagoon, Comino island, Malta by Martin Lopatka

You can choose from two small, sandy beaches with excellent swimming and a stunning lagoon of brilliant turquoise blue water. During the summer this island is overcrowded with day-trippers.

Comino is suitable and also recommended to everyone who loves the sun, sea and water sports. Here you can really enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. The waters are crystal clear with safe swimming even for the youngest children.

To get to Comino, use one of two ferries from Mgarr (Gozo) or from Cirkewwa (Malta) or any other Chartered Yachts from other parts of the island.

Casal Qala, Gozo, Malta by Martin Lopatka

If you would like to stay on the island and spend here a few days, you will be left with nothing other than use the services of a luxury 4-star Comino Hotel, which is the only accommodation option on the island apart from the small campsite with a basic washing facilities. Its disadvantage is that it is opened only in summer, during the peak tourist season. It was built on a beautiful bay with a sandy beach and offers a variety of sports activities, including swimming pool. The hotel also has several bungalows, about 10 minutes away. Hotel provides windsurfing school during the day, or you can enjoy evening barbecues and dancing in hotel.

In spring the island is covered with flowering herbs, so this time is probably the best for a visit. But be careful, collecting flowers or minerals is strictly prohibited on the island.

Comino has a slightly undulating surface, its highest point is Comino Mayor that reaches an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. The most popular beaches where you can enjoy the sun and lazing by the water are St Nicolas Bay or Santa Maria Bay.

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Alploch Gorge, Austria by Bernhard Maeser

Both gorges Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch, which are about 1 km from each other, are divided with Staufensee lake with beautiful blue water. After appointment you can also see here 100 years old hydroelectric power plant.

Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch Gorges are a beautiful place suitable for hiking. On the rock walls there are romantic narrow wooden trails and the beauty of the canyon is doubled with amazing local waterfalls. The trail is also suitable for families with children. Rappenlochschlucht – Alploch Gorges are open from April to October. In the summer months (July and August) tourists have the opportunity to enter the gorges free of charge every Thursday.

Rappenlochschlucht, Austria by Bernhard Mäser

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