Hi there - I am still in the early planning stage of a summer vacation with my DD this. So far, I know that I want to start in Venice and end in Paris. What I haven't decided is how to spend the middle of our trip. We have 6 nights that we'd like to spend enjoying beautiful beaches. I was thinking the south of France, but I've already seen that and would like to try something new. I had been thinking Spain and the Costa Brava but would like to know your thoughts. Are there other countries that I should consider with lots of beautiful beaches and good food for us to enjoy? Croatia? Greece? Is Mallorca worth the trouble it takes to get there? I really appreciate your input!
Where are the MOST beautiful, FUN, and Teen friendly beaches in Europe?
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Also, how are the beaches near Lisbon and Barcelona? I googled Barcelona beaches and they don't look as beautiful as costa brava.
Look at Tossa de Mar.
Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is very teen friendly but far from Spain, look at Ibiza
What are Teen friendly Beaches? and what is the age of your daughter?
If with teen friendly, we understand the same thing, i would recommend the amazing beaches of Halkidiki near Thessaloniki, there are plenty of great hotels there and great sandy beaches.
Google Hanioti beach or Porto Carras as an example.
In addition to knowing the age of your daughter, I suppose you would want to consider her level of sophistication (and yours!) since partial or complete nudity is a feature of many beaches. The other issue is your expectations of finding sand. Many beaches are shingle -- small[ish] stones rather than sand.
Let us know what you decide and if possible what you actually do. This is a perennial question.
La Barrosa Beach in Chiclana, close to Cadiz, voted the most beautiful beach in Spain. I loved it. It had the added incentive to been close to Cadiz and Seville, so add that to your planned activities
I rented a villa with friends in Chiclana de la Frontera. I do not recommend the place we rented, but definitely recommend the area.
Juan les Pins is a popular with my teens (in case you want to go back to the Cote d'Azur).
I agree that Tossa de Mar fits your bill. It's closish to Gerona airport and avoids having to go all the way back to Barcelona. It's a beautiful area and you can day trip into Barcelona from there.
Wouldn't your trip be simpler if you went to Croatia? It is such a trendy hot spot now with young people, it might be a great choice, with affordable "luxuries".
Bol on the island Brac is often said to be Croatia's premier beach (it has got a wonderful configuration), and I hear (never been) that staying in the nearby village of Murvica is the best of both worlds if you are looking for secluded beauty plus easy access to the popular Bol. You can also do some island-hopping day trips if everybody wants a break from the loungers.
http://www.bol-croatia.net/
http://www.croatia-beaches.com/best/brac_bol_zlatnirat_beach.htm
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-08-09-island-hopping-Croatia_N.htm
http://www.dalmatianet.com/brac/murvica
http://www.booking-dalmatia.com/en/town-place/murvica
PS: The other place to consider is beautiful San Sebastian if your family are foodies.
http://backpackingworldwide.com/blog/san-sebastian-panoramic-the-most-beautiful-city-in-spain/
And ultimately, if you're looking for white sand beaches and pristine water, you're better off in the Caribbean than in Europe, period.
6 nights including Venice & Paris?? soooo. 2 2 and 2?
The beach sand was sugery white at Pamplonne outside of St. Tropex. Free styling beach though if you or your daughter care.
Tropez sheesh
(correcting myself in case there are still spelling police at the Forum)
Without knowing anything about your teens, I would be attracted to Hossegor on the Atlantic coast. Fabulous sand beaches, surfing capital of France and yet not overrun by tourists like the places along the Côte d'Azur.
If you are looking for the best beaches in Europe, they are in Sardinia.
If you are looking for world class beaches, there are none.
Over 44 years I have travelled what must be over half the Coast of the Med. There are some lovely spots but nothing comes remotely close to what we experienced in the Out Islands of The Bahamas.
Before anyone from Spain chips in, find me a beach in Europe that beats this........
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Central_America/Bahamas/South/Exuma/George_Town/photo884006.htm
This is good
http://www.vacanzeitaliane.info/wordpress/?p=103
But The Exumas it is not.
Dickie_Gr
How about this ? : http://tinyurl.com/agfc6yf
Forgot to add.. it is Balos on the island of Crete
Great beaches on the south coast of Portugal.....lots of families with teens during the summer months.
Agree with the southcoast of Portugal (Algarve). Lovely beaches and enough to do for teens in the summer months.
Wow clausar...Balos looks AMAZING. Thanks for that.
Great beaches on the coast of croatian peninsula Istra:
http://crodestinations.com/istria-eco-oasis-in-the-heart-of-europe/