Here’s when trips to Europe will be cheaper
According to the Wall Street Journal, US travelers could benefit from a drop in airline prices for trips across the Atlantic.
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Travelers love flocking to Europe to relax and recuperate at one of its many beaches.
It’s no wonder why. Europe’s diverse coastline is full of natural beauty, from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. These beaches are set against the backdrop of charming coastal villages and host iconic European beach clubs (Aperol Spritz, anyone?).
To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe’s most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and air temperature, calmness of the water, TripAdvisor reviews and average cost to visit the destination (including food, drink and an overnight stay). The beaches spanned beloved destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy but also included lesser known locales such as Slovenia.
“Anyone planning a vacation to Europe should be sure to visit these beauty spots featured in our index, especially our top three hidden gems Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia,” CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, told USA TODAY in a statement.
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Read below to find the best beaches in Europe.
10. Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica, France
Located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of mainland France, Corsica offers beaches comparable to the Caribbean with Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Think crystal-clear water, soft white sand and secluded coves. The beach scored the 10th spot on the ranking for is gentle waters and having over 3,300 five-star reviews. However, visiting the beach won’t come cheap. Plage de Palombaggia is the most expensive beach on the ranking, costing €233 (about $259.73) for an overnight stay with food and drink.
9. Bournemouth Beach in Bournemouth, England
Tucked beneath cliffs, the sprawling Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the U.K. on TripAdvisor, offering rare warm waters for the country, a bustling pier and calm waters. Visiting the beach will be a bit costly for visitors – the beach is the second-most expensive on the index – clocking in at an average of €180 (about $200) for a one-day stay.
8. Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Spain
Spain’s Canary Islands are idyllic, offering diverse beaches made of black or golden sand. Playa de Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria is well-known for its lighthouse, rolling dunes and warm waters earned it a spot on QuoteZone’s index. Surrounded by restaurants and hotels, visiting the beach will cost, on average, €151 (about $168).
7. Praia da Falesia in Algarve, Portugal
One of Portugal’s most famous beaches, Praia da Falesia is worth the hype. The beach has an array of natural beauty on display – from sandstone cliffs to bright blue water – but also offers a lot to do. Visitors can check out the tide pools at low tide, swim or surf. Visitors can expect to pay around €137 (about $152) for a one-day stay.
6. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy
Located on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a picturesque escape for travelers, and its beaches are no different. La Pelosa Beach’s tranquil waters and white sands have made it so popular that you need to book your visit in advance, which will cost €3.50 (about $3.90). Staying near the beach is pricey, costing about €166 (about $185).
5. Zlatni Rat in Bol, Croatia
Translating to “Golden Horn,” Zlatni Rat is a famous triangle-shaped beach on the Croatian island of Brac that extends into the ocean. As the tides and swells change, the beach also shapeshifts. Besides how stunning the beach is, it’s also relatively inexpensive to visit, coming in as the second-least expensive beach locale on the index. For food, drink and a one-night stay, the average price is €96 (about $107).
4. Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece
Crete is beloved by travelers, and Elafonissi Beach is one of the Greek island’s famous beaches. Depending on the season of your visit, you may encounter the iconic pink sand, but year-round, the beach is beautiful with calm azure waters. However, the beach isn’t exactly tranquil, and gets quite crowded as the day goes on. To visit, the average cost is €184 (about $205).
3. Portoroz Beach in Portoroz, Slovenia
Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, Portoroz Beach is a gorgeous pebble beach fronting Portoroz’s resort area, so you can take a break from the sun and stroll the promenade. The beach is also the cheapest on the index, costing €93 (about $103) on average for a one-day stay.
2. Mellieha Bay Beach in Mellieha, Malta
Not only is Mellieha a sheltered bay that provides gentle and warm waters, but it’s also the largest sand beach in Malta, making it the perfect place for families. The beach scored high on the index for its warm temperatures and water. Visitors can rent sunbeds, swim, kayak and more. To visit, it will cost €117 (about $130) on average.
1. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Earning the top spot on the index is the picturesque Nissi Beach in Cyprus – and rightfully so. The beach seemingly has it all: warm weather and water temperatures, and calm waters since it’s located in a bay, has. In the near distance is a small island, adding to the natural beauty of the beach. “This destination ranked in the top spot across all factors, including water and air temperatures, waves, value for money and the number of 5-star reviews left by visitors,” Wilson said. To visit for one night, it will cost approximately €103 (about $114).
