An Insider's Guide to Three of Europe's Best Hidden Beaches --InternationalLiving.com
Europe's beaches are as diverse as the continent itself, rich with hidden gems the average tourist has never heard of. A new report from the editors of International Living identifies three of Europe's best -- and most overlooked -- beach getaways where sun and sand are still affordable and uncrowded.
BALTIMORE, July 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "You can surely go to the Costa del Sol, Amalfi Coast, or the French Riviera and find great beaches," says Dan Prescher, senior editor with International Living. "But why fight the crowds and pay the high prices when there are great beaches off the beaten tourist trails? This new report points readers to three beaches where they can enjoy all the genteel comforts of a European vacation on the coast—but do it without battling massive numbers of visitors."
These three beautiful European beach destinations offer fun in the sun near an historic town in Spain, a wealth of natural drama in the Canary Islands, and a hidden cliffside escape in Northern Ireland—all well out of the tourist glare.
Llanes, Spain
In Asturias province in northern Spain, the town of Llanes (west of Bilbao and Santander) is a beach community that provides all the amenities. This is a resort from a genteel time — filigree cast-iron balconies overlook tiny fishing harbors. Floats and nets dry in the clean sea air. Elaborate glass awnings from the late 19th century add an Old World grace to pavement cafés, and the tradition of bite-sized pintxo snacks arrayed on bar-tops has been imported from the nearby Basque country.
For the best of the many, many hidden inlets and beaches of Llanes, head westward out of town, past Poo de Llanes, and continue along the AS-263 for half a mile or so. About a hundred yards past the right-hand turn which is signposted "Punto Limpio Llanes" is a dirt parking lot on the north side. From there, a walking track leads some 200 yards to Playa San Martín's clear, clean water and tide-washed golden sand. Swim alongside wading seabirds, and offshore islets with not a car in sight.
Playa de San Juan, Lanzarote
Lanzarote, one of Spain's Canary Islands (although it's closer to West Africa than Madrid) is home to landscapes more typical of the Atacama desert: lava fields, volcanic calderas, crater lakes in vibrant cerulean blue, rocky deserts, and precipitous cliffs. It's drama on a grand scale.
On the northwest coast of this 30-mile long island, around the village of La Santa, the shoreline mostly consists of black lava rock formations plunging steeply into clear water. Head north along the LZ-410 to Caleta de Famara, go through the village (grab some tapas from Bar Sol on the way—the fried calamari rabas on Lanzarote are crisp and fresh) and out west along the Avenida del Marinero. Bear right as the road turns northwards and carry on until it tapers out into sand. Follow the tang of ozone and salt to the tiny Playa de San Juan. Bathe in the warm waters of the scouring Atlantic, under a picture-book volcano.
Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Ireland's coastline is an embarrassment of beauty. There are simply thousands of hidden beaches on the island. For the most part they've been "hidden" because the Irish climate doesn't usually lend itself to beach culture. But gamble on another great summer like 2018's, and it could well be 85 F on the Causeway Coast, right at the top of the island.
Tourism in the region centers on the resorts of Portrush, Portstewart, and the vast white-sand beach of Whitepark Bay. A secret beach awaits just over a mile east of the Giant's Causeway. There's no road—follow the cliffside walking path from the Causeway visitor center to a high point just past Lacada Point where the trail switches back 180 degrees. Directions are difficult, but it's a jewel, overflown by herring gulls, Canada geese, redshanks, curlews, and an occasional lost swan. The water is cool, clear, and empty.
More information on Europe's best hidden beaches can be found here: 5 of Europe's Best Hidden Beaches
Editor's Note: Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to Internationalliving.com
Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available.
For information about InternationalLiving.com content republishing, source material or to book an interview with one of our experts, contact PR Managing Editor, Marita Kelly, +001 667 312 3532, mkelly(at)internationalliving(dot)com
Twitter: @inliving
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/International.Living/
About International Living
Since 1979, Internationaliving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.
SOURCE www.internationalliving.com
Share this article