Our Favorite European Beaches

Not the Bette Midler kind, the good kind (ok- the movie actually has some merit). In my quest for making the most of every summer, I have a desperate need to search out great beaches. And slowly, so slowly,  Ian and I are becoming connoisseurs of beach life.

 

Kusadasi, Turkey

Garbage in the water could not keep us away from these turquoise waves after getting sick off Romanian water and no water in Istanbul. We jumped in for a quick swim before boarding the ferry for Greece and I don't think I've ever been more refreshed.

Best Beach?
Debatable.
One of my best beach moments?
Undoubtedly.

 Pics of Kusadasi

Samos, Greece 

Looking for a Greek island in the summer, Samos lay right in our path and we hoped it wouldn't be too touristy. It wasn't. We had this little rocky beach and blazing Greek sun all to ourselves.

Syros, Greece

The capitol of the Cyclades, this island showed us what Greek loving is all about. We got into the city in the early morning and slept on a bench in anticipation of the sunrise and sand times. We rode a rickety bus to the far side of the island and received resort treatment for the first time - sand, surf, beach chairs, and drink brought right to your spot of shade. Why did we leave?

Pics of Syros

Cinque Terre, Italy

These fishing villages were made popular with American tourists by the great Rick Steves - possibly the worst things he's ever done. Alas - it is "discovered"...and yet. There is a magical nature that can help you forget the crowds. 

Hike the well maintained trails and earn a jump into the dip waters among the rocky outlets. You can jump in practically, everywhere with some places more popular gathering spots.  We resisted going back, but Ian's dad insisted we take him while in Italy and we are so glad he did.

Riomagiore, Cinque Terre

Procida, Italy 

Gallivanting around Naples with my 18-year-old nephew, we wanted to hit a beach so we headed out to the island of Procida. Less popular than it's sister island Capri, the beach was on fire, the lemons were the sourest, and the harbor was spectacular. Part of my love for Naples has to be for this small island. 

Full post on Escape from Naples ~ Island of Procida

Polignano a Mare, Italy 

When people talk about the perfect Mediterranean beach I know I've been there. When we first moved to Berlin I picked up a terrible little writing job where I wrote city guides for small Italian towns with impossible to find information. The best thing I got from the job was the mention of Polignano a Mare. Caves lead from the rocky shore into the center of the city and the beaches are touched by perfectly translucent blue waters.

We were blinded by the whites of the buildings as we headed down to the beach and carved out our small space of sand. More of an Italian vacation spot - we were clearly the outsiders. We followed the locals to wander through the sea-slicked tunnels and up the rocks to cliff jump into the tropical grotto. Occasionally resting on submerged rocks, we felt the warmth of the sun on our face and we could watch neon fish dart by our limbs.

This place was magic.

Short post on Polignano

There are still many, many places on our list to go...

Where We've Been, Where We're Going