Beaches and Islands of the World: Europe

Alicante or Alacant Beach - Spain: November 4th Update

Alicante (Spanish: [aliˈkante]) or Alacant (Valencian: [alaˈkant]) is a city in Spain, the capital of the Province of Alicante and of the comarca of Alacantí, in the south of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper was 334,418, estimated as of 2010, ranking as the second-largest Valencian city. Including nearby municipalities, Alicante conurbation was populated by 458,843 residents. Population of the metropolitan area (including Elche and satellite towns) was 769,284 as of 2010 estimates, ranking as the eighth-largest metropolitan area of Spain.

The beach.

The City

The Sunbath

Zakynthos [ˈzakinθos]: ZANTE - Greece Beach Nov 4, 2011

Zakynthos [ˈzakinθos] ( listen), also Zante, the other form often used in English and in Italian (Greek: Ζάκυνθος; Venetian: Zacinto), is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. It is also a separate peripheral unit of the Ionian Islands Periphery, and the only municipality of the peripheral unit. It covers an area of 410 km2 (158 sq mi) and its coastline is roughly 123 km (76 mi) in length. The island is named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. The name, like all similar names ending in -nthos, is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin. Zakynthos has a thriving tourism industry.

A View ZANTE Island

People enjoying the Beach

Of course, you can go topless at the beach. No one cares.

Llafranc Beach: Palafrugell, Spain November 4, 2011

Llafranc (Catalan pronunciation: [ʎəˈfɾaŋ]) is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell, province of Girona, Spain, the other two being Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal region of northeastern Catalonia, in the comarca of Baix Empordà.

The combination of a good summer climate and beaches is exploited for both domestic and international tourism. Many domestic tourists come from nearby Barcelona, while the international tourists come from a whole range of countries, especially the Netherlands, England, France, and more recently the United States.

Within easy walking distance of other, similar towns, such as Calella de Palafrugell, a trip to this stretch of the Costa Brava offers more than just one beach or promenade. A true delight in summer with a very pleasant ambiance.

Llafranc is considered a luxury in the northern part of Spain. It can cost up to 4 million euros just to find a small house overlooking the ocean. Some call it the "Laguna Beach" of Spain due to the rich, beautiful people and amazing homes. The small shops around town are gorgeous offering in-style clothes, great restaurants, and fun entertainment. Those who own even a small 3-bedroom apartment near town, can earn up to 2 million euros for the precious homes.

The Hotel Llafranc dominates the main sea promenade and was popular with artists such as Salvador Dali and Ernest Hemingway. The English writer Tom Sharpe is also a resident of Llafranc.

El Far is the most popular residence in Llafranc, located 1.5 km north of the beach on a steep hill overlooking the beach and town. El Far has a lighthouse, hotel and large development with communal pool.

Girl enjoying pool at Llafranc

View of Llafranc

Rocks in the sea!

A View

Lanzarote: SPANIA - Top class Beach in Europe

At first glance Lanzarote has a sparse landscape that has been shaped over time by volcanic eruptions. Visitors who look more carefully find amazing attractions. In the Timanfaya National Park travellers can experience the volcanic origins of the island, for example the grill in the El Diablo restaurant located in the national park, where food is heated over a volcanic vent. Lanzarote is the second largest of the Canary Islands was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1994.