Looking for Europe’s best coastal destinations for rest and relaxation? Then look no further, here are the six spots you should add to your wish list right now:
Santorini
Santorini in Greece is a great place to unwind and remove the stress from your life. It is a beautiful and romantic island, so it is perfect for a holiday with your loved one. Head to Ammoudi, a stunning cove below the village of Oia where you can spend your day cliff diving and then dine at a fish tavern where you can get freshly caught seafood and watch the stunning waves of the Aegean Sea rolling in.
Perissa Beach is a great place to relax on volcanic black sand and take in the view of the Mesa Vouno, a large rock that changes color depending on the time of day. Perivolos Beach is only 3km from Perissa and you can try windsurfing, scuba diving, and rent jet skis. Make sure you stay in a traditional cave house that offers modern amenities and protects you from the wind.
Patara Beach
Patara Beach is a 20km long stretch of sand on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. No development is allowed in order to protect the sea turtles that call this home. You can get simple accommodation in Patara or Kalkan and relax on the beach in peaceful bliss. Make sure you spend at least a day exploring the ancient Lycian ruins of Patara.
The Algarve
The Algarve is on the south coast of Portugal and it is a great place to go for rest and relaxation. Get your holiday off to a peaceful start by booking your transfer in advance, this way you get be collected from the airport and taken your destination hassle free.
The weather in the Algarve is always great and there are plenty of serene beaches to visit like Salema and Praia da Albandeira that are great for swimmers of all skill levels. Be sure to head to the annual sandcastle festival that runs annually from May to October.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning area in Italy that is a great place to explore. You can drive the scenic roads stopping off at the best lookout points, or rent a boat and explore the coast from the water. Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi are beautiful towns filled with historical churches, stunning villas, and gardens. Make sure you try Limoncello, a lemon flavored digestif that the area is famous for.
Scotland’s West Coast
The west coast of Scotland is known for its stunning beauty and it is a wonderful place to find inner peace. You can try island hopping and explore exciting places like the Isle of Arran, Islay, Bowmore, and the Isle of Sky. Spend a day or two on Loch Lomond, one of the most glorious lakes in all of Scotland.
There are also plenty of distilleries, castles, ancient artifacts, and nature trails for you to explore throughout this scenic area. Staying in a holiday home rather than a hotel means that you can do what you want when you want and you can move at your own pace. You can visit the local smokehouses and delicatessens and pick up some fresh local produce to cook with.
Cornwall
Cornwall is on the south-western coast of England and it is a fabulous place to explore. There are many different small towns and villages on the coast that you can explore at your leisure. You can spend your days relaxing on one of the many beaches or you can go swimming, surfing, or playing organized sports like volleyball or football.
If you want to spend a day on the water you can try fishing, canoeing or kayaking. There are plenty of accommodation options available and you can stay in a bed and breakfast, rent a cabin on the beach or give camping a try.