For many, February is the month of love. People seek out the perfect romantic restaurant to host their Valentine’s Day dinner. For others, it is the last day of winter, which reminds people to start the hunt for their summer holiday destination.
If you too are eager to leave the cold days behind, check out our top Mediterranean beaches for summer vacations. We’ve rated these locations according to their sun exposure as well as their cleanliness. This way you can enjoy both the sun and a swim in crystal-clear waters without the risk of a shark attack. Just kidding!
According to latest research from The European Environment Agency, the country with the cleanest waters in Europe is Cyprus. The rest of the Mediterranean beaches with quality values above the EU average are in Malta (97 %), Croatia (95 %), Greece (93 %), Portugal (87 %), Italy (85 %), and Spain (83 %).
So, who wouldn’t want to dive into those waters? You should visit these European countries as soon as possible. And we’ve picked the best beaches in those destinations for you to relax.
1. Konnos Bay – Protaras, Cyprus
Ayia Napa and Protaras towns in the Famagusta district home the best beaches you can find on the island. This is where you can take crystal clear waters and golden sands for granted. Although it’s hard to pick one out of the bunch, the blue-flag crowned Konnos Bay as a top Mediterranean beach to visit.
This picturesque beach consists of two small bays surrounded by small hills and cliffs. They keep the sea calm and safe for swimmers, whilst framing the beautiful scenery. Easily accessible by car, bike or foot, the beach can gets crowded during summertime, especially on the weekends. Come early to secure a preferred spot near the shore.
Upon arrival, park your car on top of the hill, then take the stairs leading down to the beach. On your way, don’t forget to enjoy the amazing view and take lots of pictures to share with your friends!
There are water-sports activities available at reasonable prices small kiosks that serve food and drink. Umbrella and sunbed rental is available at the beach. What’s exciting about the yellow sunbeds is that they are actually floatable and you can take them in the water with you! Be careful not to fall asleep while you are laying on them.
2. Blue Lagoon – Malta, Comino
If you visit Malta, then Blue Lagoon is a must. It has two small sandy beaches, surrounded by rocks for sunbathing and diving. The clear shallow waters allow swimmers to see the colourful seafish.
Snorkeling is a popular tourist activity as well as exploring nearby caves. Expect the beach to get busy during the day. Food and drink stands as well as umbrella rentals abound so you don’t have to worry about them.
3. Porto Katsiki – Lefkada, Greece
This golden sandy beach is just 40 kilometers away from the capital city of Lefkada Town. Surrounded by high hills, access isn’t easy but definitely worth the effort. The 80 steep steps along the cliff make your day a bit more adventurous! This harsh climb and descent should encourage you to stop now and then to take in the breathtaking landscape. For an alternative route, take the taxi-boats from the towns of Nidri and Vassiliki.
Porto Katsiki offers a variety of water activities such as swimming, sailing and surfing. There are no lifeguards on duty, thus you have to be extra careful during late afternoon high tides. Snack bars are available at the top of the hill, while sunbeds and umbrellas can be found at the beach.
4. Zlatni Rat – Brac, Croatia
This narrow beach is a protected natural land that extends 450 meters into the clear blue sea. The view is stunning as swimmers can enjoy the view of the sea on both sides. This is a white pebble beach with groves of pine trees set against the soaring beauty of Vidova Mountain, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands.
Interesting fact about this beach: the waves, winds and sea currents affect the shape of the tip of Zlatni rat. Don’t be surprised to see, the second time you visit, that this pristine Mediterranean beach isn’t as you left it.
Zlatni rat beach is just 2 km from Bol and accessible by car. Some prefer the 20-minute-seaside walk. Alternative transportation options include a tourist train and boat from the port of Bol.
5. Portinho da arrabida beach – Lisbon, Portugal
Located in Lisbon, this quaint bay, with its white sands and calm waters is perfect for swimming. The surrounding hills create a stunning environment as well as isolate the bay. The shallow waters there are so transparent that you can see the bottom of the sea. This Mediterranean beach is as beautiful as it is tranquil. There isn’t any public transportation that come here. You can access by car via narrow roads. Should you make it there, you will find some restaurants where to enjoy good food in peace.
6. Cala Luna – Sardinia, Italy
Cala Luna is one of the best beaches of Sardinia. This Mediterranean beach stands out for the scenery, the surrounding limestone cliffs and the nearby caves.
To access Cala Luna, take a short and pleasant boat ride from Cala Gonone. Otherwise, you will have to go on foot and take a long and complex walk of 7 km. You can also extend the boat ride to the Grotta del Bue Marino (the “Cave of the sea cow”). This is a huge sea cave that has stalactites, stalagmites and an underground beach and traces of neolithic rock carvings.
You don’t have to worry about food and drinks in Cala Luna as there is a beach bar and restaurant behind the beach waiting for you to take a break from your sunbathing and have some lunch or cocktails!
7. Es Trenc – Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Es Trenc beach is one of the many outstanding wonders of Mallorca. Blessed with turquoise waters and soft golden sands, this Mediterranean beach features on many travel bucket lists. This amazing place is relatively remote, surrounded by windswept sand dunes and a pine forest.
Although it is the busiest beach of Mallorca, it remains well-preserved. Es Trenc offers all the comforts for sunbathers; bars and restaurants, beach chairs, umbrellas and bathrooms.
The beach is considered safe as lifeguards are on duty during normal hours. Thus, it is also a very popular destination for families with young children. However, have in mind that it is also a nudist-friendly beach!
About the author
Christoforos is writing on behalf of www.holidaycheck.com,