TripAdvisor reveals Europe’s best beaches… and Bournemouth is at number FIVE
Bournemouth was voted the fifth best beach in Europe, but San Sebastian's La Concha beach nabbed the No.1 spot
ITALY, Spain, Greece, France... when it comes to beaches, Europe is truly spoilt for choice.
But according to TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards - announced today - some of its best offerings are closer to home.
Bournemouth was voted the fifth best beach in Europe - proving that the UK is a fine holiday destination for beach lovers.
Spokesperson for TripAdvisor, Hayley Coleman said: “Year after year UK beaches continue to beat many others located in exotic destinations around the globe, proving that it’s not just good weather that makes a cracking beach."
So if you're still stick for some holiday inspiration this year - read on to find out where Europe's top ten beaches are....
1. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain
San Sebastian's La Concha Beach had countless positive reviews, cementing its place at No.1 on the hot list - and in sixth place in the world.
La Concha Beach is located in the centre of the city and boasts 1,500 metres of white sand.
In addition, in the centre of the bay is the small island, Isla Santa Clara.
Beachgoers at La Concha can swim out to the island, which has its own small beach, a lighthouse, picnic tables and a bar.
Beachfront bargain hotel nearby:
2. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece
The second best rated beach in Europe is Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Crete.
Turquoise waters lap the pink sand and the bay is surrounded by mountain views.
- Find Elafonissi hotels
3. Falesia Beach, Olhos de Agua, Portugal
With its gorgeous golden sands backed by beautiful burnt-orange cliffs is the top rated beach in Portugal at number three.
- Find Ohlos de Agua hotels
4. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus
Sandy Fig Tree Bay features a tiny islet within swimming distance - and the beach goes on for miles.
- Find Protaras hotels
5. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth’s seven mile stretch of sandy beach has something to offer everyone.
There are traditional seaside attractions, famous beach huts for hire, water sports and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.
The bay also boasts its own micro-climate, giving it some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
- Find Bournemouth hotels
6. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya, Turkey
Turkey is enjoying a huge surge in popularity among Brits this summer and Kleopatra is one of their favourite spots - facing the Mediterranean Sea.
One TripAdvisor user said: "Big beach with beautiful sand and beach chairs for rent.
"Good warm water but be aware the waves can be very big. I managed to lose my swim trunks while getting knocked over by a big wave".
- Find Alanya hotels
7. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily, Italy
Rugged coastline and clear turquoise seas put Sicily's Spiaggia dei Conigli at number seven.
- Find Lampedusa hotels
8. Balos beach and lagoon, Kissamos, Crete, Greece
Stunning Balos is one of Greece's most photographed beaches - and was once visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
- Find Kissamos hotels
9. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Often compared to the Caribbean due it its pale sand and bright water - Playa de Ses Illetes is a true beach lover's paradise.
The stretch of sand, three miles from the port of La Savina, where ferries take holidaymakers to and from Ibiza, has shallow water which makes it
popular with families.
10. Playa de Las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Year round sun and perfect natural beauty - the calm waters of this city beach make it the perfect place to flop and drop.
- Find Gran Canaria hotels
