Beaches, Swansea

Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On a good day, you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline. The beach is situated on the South West Coast Path. Walk north walk to Plymouth (5 miles) or, a little further, walk south-east to the River Yealm passing other beautiful bays - Heybrook and Wembury. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bovisand-beach-p432713

A well known beach in the city of plymouth. https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bantham-beach-p271883

Perranuthnoe beach is located on the south coast around a mile to the east of Marazion, with fine views of Cornwall's jewel, St Michael's Mount. At low tide Perranuthnoe is a sandy beach with some shingle and at high tide, the beach is mostly claimed by the sea. The beach is a popular one with surfers. Known by locals as Perran Sands, the beach can be confused with the beach of the same name at Perranporth on the north coast. https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/good-beach-guide/west-cornwall/penzance/perranuthnoe-beach

At low tide access to St Michael's Mount is by way of a granite causeway, once walked by pilgrims. Whilst at high tide a gentle boat ride takes visitors to the historic castle on the island. Simply relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of this enchanting beach is pleasant enough but with windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing and sailing all on offer there is plenty to keep even the most energetic busy. The long sandy beach is very safe, and a short walk along the sand dunes will enable you to find a private sun trap. There are rock pools to explore around Chapel Rock and Marazion Harbour, and a well-equipped play park is situated just above the beach. Facilities for sailing and windsurfing are available, with a windsurfing school situated at the far end of Marazion beach. https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/lifeguards-seasonal/west-cornwall/marazion/marazion-beach

Lamorna is the place where the 2013 movie Summer in February was filmed. The cove has a small pebble beach beside the harbour and quay with lots of large boulders, especially at low tide. The cove is on the South West Coast Path between Porthcurno and Mousehole. A nice quiet spot for swimming and a good spot for scuba diving, though no lifeguard cover provided. https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/west-cornwall/lands-end/lamorna-cove-beach

There’s nothing quite like a day at the seaside, and Blackpool is one of the best beach resorts you will find in the UK. It was even recently awarded its first ever Blue Flag, putting it on par with other world renowned sites including the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific coastline. http://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/blackpool-beach-275980/

This lovely, long, family-friendly beach in the village of Plonévez-Porzay has a magnificent view over the town and bay of Douarnenez and the cliffs of the Crozon peninsula. http://www.brittanytourism.com/to-see-to-do/beaches-and-seaside-activities/beaches/plage-de-kervel2

This is a very sheltered part of Islay's east coast. The road towards Claggain Bay is wonderful and offers a wide variety of landscapes, views and great distilleries to visit. Here 3 major distilleries offer tours and a dram and are not to be missed when visiting Islay. After you pass the distillery of Ardbeg the road becomes smaller and passes some sheltered bays on the right where lots of seals bask in the sun. I have counted as much as 27 seals one time. A little further down the road, one of the most interesting historical sites on Islay can be visited. Kildalton church and Cross. The Kildalton cross is well preserved and of great detail and is one of the few remaining in Scotland. Built in the Iona tradition with Pictish, Irish, Northumbrian and Celtic motives. The cross is 2.7 metres tall and can be dated back as far as 800AD. A few miles down the road the most beautiful bay on Islay reveals itself: Claggain Bay. An idyllic and totally unspoilt sandy beach with colourful pebbles waits to be discovered. Lovely birds seek shelter here and the views towards Kintyre are stunning. Claggain Bay is probably one of the most beautiful bays in the whole of Scotland, at least in my opinion. If you park the car on a sunny day without wind and just sit around and watch the views and enjoy the wildlife in this quiet and remote part of islay you never want to leave Islay. https://www.islayinfo.com/claggain.html

Nine Kilometres south of Sanaigmore Bay is Islay's most beautiful bay, according to many, called Saligo Bay. The bay is accessible through a gate halfway between Machir and Ballinaby farm west of Loch Gorm. For access cross the dunes with numerous rabbits and descend to reach the breathtaking beach. Saligo Bay offers one of the most beautiful light conditions according to some photographers and is a favourite spot for people to watch and photograph an Atlantic Sunset. North of Saligo Bay is a distinctive rock formation, locally known as the "Sleeping Giant". Cross the gate and from here it is only a short walk over the dunes directly west towards the sea to get access to Saligo Bay. Here wonderful sunsets and stunning light awaits you or just a memorable beach walk. The light on this part of Islay is exceptional and by some considered to be the best in the whole of Scotland! This beach is not safe for swimming due to strong currents! https://www.islayinfo.com/islay-walk-saligo-bay.html

The Concha Bay is the image par excellence of San Sebastián: it is the most classic, the most photographed, the most visited of them all... The Concha Beach stands right in the centre of the city and stretches from the City Hall to the Pico del Loro (Parrot’s Beak). Its 1,500 metres of white sand are elegant and cosmopolitan (it will come as no surprise that the Concha is considered to be one of the best city beaches in Europe). The The Concha promenade is punctuated with several elements famous in their own right and well known beyond the city: the Concha railing (one of the most universal icons of the city, unmistakable for its design), the lamp posts (replicated in the Film Festival awards, “los relojes” (“the clocks”, main access to the beach), the area around La Perla (with its variety of spa options, bars & restaurants, sports clubs, etc.). All of these elements make a stroll round the Concha (whether by the beach or the promenade) an essential activity for locals and tourists alike. You can continue your walk round the bay by taking the Paseo Nuevo promenade round the bottom of Monte Urgull and heading along the Zurriola Beach until coming to Sagüés in a spectacular city stroll covering around 6 kilometres. https://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/to-do/what-not-to-miss/the-concha-bay

In a natural, protected environment and of greenery, the beach of sand of Doussard gives you a marvellous corner of relaxation, allowing you to use entirely edges of the lake of Annecy. Bathings and at pleasure laughs! https://en.lac-annecy.com/equipment/1/128585-bout-du-lac-beach.html

Over the centuries, the river Orb and the Mediterranean have shaped the history of Sérignan. As a direct result, the town now covers four distinct areas with different activities that can be all reached by bike. http://uk.beziers-mediterranee.com/beziers-uk/principal-uk/discover/the-coastal-littoral/serignan

Vestre Fjordpark is located in the western part of Aalborg but close to the city centre. Here you can both swim, sail in canoo or kayak, windsurf, winter bathe, or just enjoy the sun and the beautiful nature by the fjord. The Fjordpark has for 70 years been a wonderful gathering spot for all ages in Aalborg, especially on good summer days, it has been one of the most attractive places to enjoy the heat, and in 2019 it is nothing less than a summer paradise. There are exciting playground areas for children of all ages and top modern facilities everywhere. Stranden (the beach) is a large bathing area with sand bottom, a 50 m basin and diving board basin, diving board tower, and climbing wall. You can enjoy the sun on the areas on the roofs or the grass areas (with several sections in cover). The areal between the Fjord and the bathing area is called Tangen, and from here kayaks are launched. In the Fjord there is a floating bridge, from where the kayaks can also be launched, or you can swim from the Open Water-sections. https://www.visitaalborg.com/aalborg/plan-your-trip/vestre-fjordpark-gdk596122

The beach Ribbersborgsstranden and the associated recreational area are located in Malmö district Ribersborg and therefore only in about a three kilometres distance from the city center of Malmö. The extensive green areas and the long sandy beach were already created in the mid-1920s as a recreational area for the city's population. The sand for the beach was specially fetched from the Oresund and then delivered by train. The entire recreational area extends from the new district Vastra hamn along the coast up to Limhamn. Walking and biking paths lead through the spacious lawns behind the beach. There are also several playgrounds for football, rugby and American football. The beach is equipped with a total of 10 bathing piers. If you walk along the beach from Västra Hamnen, you meet the Kallbadhus Ribersborg at the first bridge. At the end of a broad pier is the bathhouse, built in 1898 and fully restored in 2009. In addition to a sauna, the complex has a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/ribersborgsstranden-bathing-beach-in-malmoe

The tourist reputation of Promenade des Anglais has gone beyond the French or European borders. At present, the famed promenade is a landmark of Nice, from both an infrastructural and a tourist point of view. In fact, its importance for the commercial and tourist platform of the city is reflected by its structure and use. By following the promenade, visitors have the opportunity to stumble on some of the top attractions and architectural marvels of Nice. First of all, it’s the beaches. Most of the beaches in Nice (either private or otherwise) nestle between Baie des Anges and Promenade des Anglais being accessible from the promenade side. Secondly, sights like the Phoenix Park with its imposing Museum of Asian Arts, Palais de la Mediterranee and Hotel Negresco, all are accessible from the proud promenade. On top of that, the street is lined with bars and restaurants where tourists can relax and have a refreshment. Plenty of the bike stands managed by Velo Bleu are also located on Promenade des Anglais. The promenade obviously has something to offer to everyone: it is ideal for sightseeing tours, it provides access to the beach and it is practicable for roller-skaters and cyclists. http://www.nice-tourism.com/en/nice-attractions/promenades-and-pedestrian-areas-in-nice/promenade-des-anglais.html

A small sandy beach with surrounding cliffs and part of the heart of Steninge. The beach is ideal for families, with excellent opportunities for crab fishing. At Steninge you will find a unique bathing area appreciated by both adults and children. There are two smaller sandy beaches with dunes for those who like to feel the sand between their toes. If you like to be active during a day at the beach there is a volleyball net you can use to play. Although what makes Steninge’s bathing area unique is its pier which divides the sea out to the island of Stora Skär. Along the pier, many visitors come to catch the crabs hiding among the rocks. Along the pier is a bathing area with a ladder leading down into the water. Once you are on Stora Skär, you have plenty of space to both swim and sunbathe. Take your snorkelling equipment with you and discover all the life beneath the surface of the rocky seaweed sea bed. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/beach-and-coast/steninge

Tjuvahålan is a naturally beautiful small family beach in Tylösand with a sandy beach, rocks and a jetty. In the past, thieves roamed here, reflected in the name Thieves’ Cave. There are great opportunities here for snorkelling, fishing and barbecuing. Prince Bertil's Trail passes the beach. The history of the cove is an exciting one. It was very popular with smugglers and pirates thanks to its location, hidden from ships at sea. In the end, the authorities grew tired of smuggling and built a coastal post in 1870, which put a stop to the illegal activities. At the end of the 1910s, a boat service started, carrying bathers from Halmstad out to Tylösand. After a while, this also stopped at Tjuvahålan and Svärjarehålan. The ferry stopped operating in 1929 when more people were travelling to the beaches by car or bus. In the 1920s young people began to camp at Tjuvahålan. After a while, a campsite was formed and finally developed into small cottages owned by a cottage association. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/beach-and-coast/tjuvahalan

Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach. Despite being a beach in a city setting this is one of the gems of Monaco. Beautiful clear water for swimming, soft pebble beach for sunbathing and plenty of good eateries around to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. In the stretches of private beach you can hire a lounger and a parasol from the beach club, plus enjoy a cocktail and some food while you top up your tan. Whilst, on the public stretches you will need to bring your own lounger, towel, parasol or whatever you might desire for your trip to the beach. https://www.seemonaco.com/beaches/plage-du-larvotto-monaco-674322

Just 20 minutes from Cannes (External link) by boat, the Lérins islands feel a whole world away from the buzz of the mainland. Visitors are seduced by their idyllic natural beauty with quiet sandy paths, rocky coves to explore and swim in, and a fascinating history combining the mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask and the spirituality of Cistercian monks. The archipelago separates the Gulf of Napoule to the west from Golfe Juan to the east, and is composed of two main islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint Honorat, just a kilometre from each other. They are not accessible to cars, bicycles or scooters and make wonderful, peaceful getaways for walks, swimming, games of pétanque and long lazy lunches. Oaks and creaking pines cover both islands, as well as a fragrant scrubland of myrtle, cistus, honeysuckle and wild clematis – and there’s plenty of wildlife here too. https://uk.france.fr/en/cote-dazur/article/lerins-islands

Together with Barceloneta beach, these are the city's oldest and most traditional beaches. They were the first to have amenities for bathing, an activity that was the exclusive domain of the city's well-to-do classes at the time. The recent building of a hotel has created a small, peaceful cove where you'll find a number of restaurants. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1113/sant-sebastia-beach.html

For many, Cala Conta needs no introduction. For those who've not yet experienced her crystal shores, you're in for a very special treat. Cala Conta has fabulous views of the little islands dotted near Ibiza's coastline, beautiful turquoise waters and several different areas to explore, making it one of the best beaches on the island. There are two stretches of sand, one backed by a rocky coastline, the other by sand dunes. The shallow water is safe for children and as clear as a swimming pool. Be careful when swimming into the open sea; there are very strong currents here - so even more experienced swimmers should avoid aiming for the island offshore. In the high season the beach is very popular, so come either in the early morning or later in the afternoon. The area of sand is only small, but the waters so inviting you'll spend most of your time there anyway. The many rocky outcrops also make Cala Conta an interesting place for snorkelling. Cala Conta is also one of the best beaches to catch the sunset from, with crowds gathering on land and boats dropping anchor further out to see the soothing spectacle. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/beach/cala_conta_i.htm

The best way to discover the island is with a boat trip around the coast line. Sparkling crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches is everything you need for a perfect day out. https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/guide/boat-trips

The Porton Biondi Beach is located north of Rovinj, beneath the Camping Porton Biondi. From the direction of the old town of Rovinj, the beach can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. If you arrive by car you have two parking zones: one is a small parking place located near the Fish Processing Factory Mirna, and the other, slightly larger, next to the rowing club Arupinum. The coast in this part of the predominantly rocky and difficult to access, but besides the camp are made concrete piers are designed for swimmers between which is applied to gravel. This has greatly embellished and facilitated entry into the sea or remaining on the beach. What beach Porton Biondi makes it particularly attractive for guests is a beautiful view of Rovinj peninsula which certainly contributed to the whole of the coast has become a very well visited in the last few years. https://www.inforovinj.com/eng/rovinj/plaze/porton-biondi.asp

On the west side of the Old Town core lies the Monte beach. For those who find accommodation in the Old Town, this beach will only be a few minutes walk away. This is also the ideal place for visitors who start touring the Old Town – they can find relief from the heat in the Rovinj sea. Although the beach is about 150 meters long, the locals divided it into several parts. The Big and Little Guguliera are small beaches, suitable for bathing small children, while Baluota (or Balota) and Lanterna are beaches favoured by the older population (you get into the sea by climbing down or diving from the rocks). Many cafes and restaurants are a few dozen meters away from the beach, while the XL café and Monte restaurant are situated at the foot of the St. Euphemia church (about 50 meters from the beaches). The beaches are rocky, with no natural shade, so we recommend bringing along some refreshing beverages and headcovers. When the gale gets strong, the waves will make it even more difficult to get into the sea or out of it, so it is better to go for the beaches in one of the numerous Rovinj coves when it is windy. https://www.inforovinj.com/eng/rovinj/plaze/monte.asp

Red Island (Crveni otok), one of the most renowned tourist locations in Rovinj. Actually, it consists of two artificially connected islands: St. Andrew’s Island (Otok Sv. Andrije) and Maškin Island (Otok Maškin). Red Island is a fifteen-minute sail away from the town center. Taxi boats arrive from and depart for Red Island every hour, from a small pier on the main town square, and from Delfin pier. The sail to the island is very pleasant, passing by Katarina Island, Lona and Zlatni rt bays that will surely enchant you with their beauty. Dense Mediterranean underbrush and old coniferous forest are predominant on the island, and there are cultivated flower parks with paths near the hotels and annexes. In 2002, Red Island was hit by a heavy storm, almost entirely destroying the 100-year-old pine forest, which has been providing shade and shelter from summer heats for numerous tourists. The biggest damage was caused on Maškin Island. A lot has been done towards cleaning and renovating the island since last year so that you could enjoy its beauty and intimacy again. You can find a really large number of beaches on the island. They are mainly stony beaches with typical coves covered with pebbles. The most frequented beaches are the ones situated on the south side of St. Andrews Island, near the hotel and the annexe. Numerous services are offered nearby, namely: a restaurant, a pool, miniature golf courses, a diver centre and others. A small part of the shore near the little port has been covered with gravel, making it suitable for children and seniors. https://www.inforovinj.com/eng/rovinj/plaze/crveni-otok.asp

Beach Balzamake just after Kurent cape, Small and Big Scaraba bay divided by cape Scaraba are reachable by foot with a thirty minutes walk from Rovinj town center or by bicycle. The nearest car park is just after Monvi Entertainment Center and is free of charge but it can also be very crowded in July and August. From the car park, Scaraba beach is a few minutes walk like any other beach within the Golden Cape Park Forest. The coast is rocky with a few inlets covered with pebbles. The rocky beach Balzamake is suitable for sunbathing because of big flat stones. Scaraba cape offers more privacy and less people on a rocky coast not recommended for elderly people or families with small children. This kind of beaches are frequently visited by naturists that are not a rarity in Rovinj. The pebble beach in Big Scaraba bay with its pier is a favorite place for swimmers and divers. http://www.rovinj.co/en/meet-rovinj/beaches/scaraba/

The main attraction nearby is Castiglione della Pescaia, a very attractive town consisting of a fishing boat harbour dominated by a mediaeval castle. http://www.grosseto-info.com/index.htm#.Wko_-1T1XLZ

One of Lisbon’s latest must-visit places. This river beach, with its broad steps, attracts locals and tourists in search of hot sun tempered by the breeze of the river. https://www.visitlisboa.com/see-do/sightseeing-activities/attractions/ribeira-das-naus

Valkane is the most notable and most furnished beach in Pula. It is located in Zelenika Cove in the western part of the town, at the beginning of Lungomare Boardwalk. Part of the beach is rocky and pebble and most parts are made of concrete. One part is adapted to disabled persons with special ramps for entering the sea. There are two bars on the beach: Valkane bar and Šumi more, where you can enjoy drinks next to the sea. At Valkane there is a playground for bocce and beach volleyball. Near the Sports Center Valkane, there are several tennis courts, a football field and Valter restaurant. Beach Valkane is awarded a Blue Flag which is given to beaches with lots of facilities and crystal clear sea. There is a lifeguard service on the beach which takes care of the security of the swimmers. Near the beach, there is a bus stop with a direct link to the city. https://www.pulacroatia.net/item/valkane-beach-pula/

Ready for an exciting day on the beach? How about refreshing yourself in the beautiful, clear sea in Opatija? Then join us at Slatina! The main town beach of Slatina is located in the heart of Opatija. The beach is partly concrete and partly sandy, which makes it an ideal choice for many swimmers. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of cafés, restaurants and sports facilities, which guarantees a fun and fulfilling day on the beach. https://www.visitopatija.com/en/slatina-beach-p530

Cool beach. Plenty of entertainment: two volleyball courts, a trampoline, a playground,a children's inflatable playground on the water.The "NEMO" boat with a glass bottom runs once an hour. There are several cafes on the beach,a grocery store 20 meters from the beach.Free showers and toilets.You can rent boats and catamarans.

Ambrela Beach is located in small St John Cove, between Saccorgiana Beach and Hotel Brioni. It is covered in pebbles with boulders of rocks. On the side, it is surrounded by autochthonous holm oak trees. Ambrela Beach is very popular among the local population and guests. Because of the soft entrance to the sea, it is convenient for families with kids. In the vicinity of the beach, there is a restaurant and a Lounge Bar Ambrela after which the beach was named. You can rent sunbeds, parasols and pedal boats on the beach. In the cove, there is a safe net, and Lifeguard service also takes care of security. There are public showers, toilet and dressing rooms on the beach as well. Entrance is free along with free parking near the beach. Ambrela Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag. https://www.pulacroatia.net/item/ambrela-beach-pula/

Histria Beach is located under the Hotel Park Plaza Histria on Verudela Peninsula in Pula. The beach is very popular and is partially made of stone while the other part is built from concrete. Because of the soft entrance and a terrace all the way to the sea, Histria Beach is very suitable for families with kids and older persons. By the beach, there is a small autochthonous holm oak woods suitable for leisure in the shades. The beach was awarded with a Blue Flag as an evidence of crystal clear sea and maintenance of the beach. Lifeguard service takes care of the security, and there is a safety barrier to protect the swimmers. You can rent sunbeds and parasols on the beach along with other equipment. There is a Beach Bar & Restaurant Yacht on the beach. https://www.pulacroatia.net/item/histria-beach-pula/