Latest news with #EuropeanBestDestinations
Western Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Western Telegraph
Tenby Harbour Beach once voted Europe's most beautiful
The beach, on the south Pembrokeshire coastline, is one of the most recognisable locations in Wales. With its multi-coloured houses, clear blue waters, and picturesque harbour of moored boats, it attracts visitors all year round. The sandy bay is small and ideal for family days out, especially with younger children, and is located at the southern end of Tenby North Beach. Parents favour this beach for its compact size, allowing children to stay within sight while enjoying activities such as sandcastle building and paddling. The beach is also a hub for various activities, with boat trips and day adventures to Caldey Island available from the top of the harbour. The island, inhabited by Cistercian monks, can be reached by a 20-minute scenic sail and offers a full day of exploration. For those seeking more adrenaline, Tenby Watersports offers rib rides, banana rides, and jet ski safaris. Alternatively, visitors can hire kayaks and paddleboards. The beach turns into a bustling centre during the summer months with the Tenby Summer Spectacular Events. These events feature live music, performances, a bouncy castle, refreshments, and a fireworks display over the water. Twice a year, the beach witnesses the fascinating spectacle of Boat Lift Day, when boats are lifted in and out of the water. While there is no parking available at Tenby Harbour Beach, the town centre is a short walk away with Sainsbury's multi-storey car park and the Tenby North Beach and Tenby South Beach car parks nearby. The town centre is packed with cafes, restaurants, pubs, and shops for all your needs. Tenby Harbour Beach is not dog-friendly from May 1 to September 30, and dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade and much of the town. In 2014, the beach was named the Most Beautiful Beach in Europe by European Best Destinations, cementing its status as a must-visit location.
Forbes
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Best Summer Events 2025, Per European Best Destinations
Decorated Boats on the Grand Canal in Venice for the "Historical Regatta" which takes place each September. From the electrifying beats at Tomorrowland in Belgium and opera on the water at the Bregenz Festival, to the Velvet Dinner in Maribor and a historic sailing regatta in Venice, there's an event to suit every taste in Europe this summer. Here are ten of the best according to professional travel organization European Best Destinations. Bregenz Festival The Bregenz Festival takes place ever summer on a floating stage off the shore of Lake Constance. From a stage that seems to rise from the lake, visitors can see incredible set designs and masterpieces of opera, classical music and contemporary compositions, performed by elite orchestras and internationally renowned artists. And as if that isn't reason enough to attend, there are also spectacular fireworks and light projections. Getting There: Zurich Airport is 90 minutes by car. he ceremonial opening of the Fair St. Dominic. Fair tradition dates back 750 years and from 1260 he has been held in Gdansk." Europe's largest open-air summer festival, St Dominic's Fair transforms Gdańsk into a vibrant world of flavors and unforgettable surprises. For 765 years, this iconic fair has drawn in travelers, artists, collectors and dreamers in search of not only rare treasures, but also meaningful moments. The medieval trade tradition blends with the spirit of a modern festival offering hundreds of fair stalls and over 400 events. Concerts, dancing, street theater, chill-out zones and family workshops complement the market with antiques and handmade goods by local artisans. Getting there: Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is just 20 minutes from the city center. Tomorrowland, Belgium Tomorrowland is one of the world's biggest electronic music festivals, drawing over 400,000 fans from over 200 countries for two weekends each July. The festival's stages feature massive 3D structures, LED mega-screens and immersive storytelling themes. This year's theme is 'Orbyz' turning the festival location into a magical universe made of ice filled with mythical creatures. The festival attracts the world's best DJs like David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Eric Prydz. Expect spectacular fireworks and laser shows too. Getting there: Brussels is 30 min by car to Boom. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Every August, Bristol's skies burst into color as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight in Europe's largest and most spectacular balloon festival. The Bristol International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate is a free, four-day celebration that transforms the city into a floating dreamscape, making it one of the most popular events of the year. Visitors will see mass ascents at sunrise and sunset, where dozens of balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off simultaneously, creating a panoramic spectacle in the sky. At night, the festival transforms into a mesmerizing light show, as balloons illuminate in perfect sync with music. Getting there: Bristol Airport is just 20 minutes from Ashton Court Estate. Alternatively, London Heathrow is around a 90 minute drive to Bristol. Puppets Occupy Street Festival, Craiova, Romania Art, music and theatre come together in Puppets Occupy Street Festival. For eight days, the streets, parks and squares of Craiova become a surreal open-air stage, where giant puppets parade, street performers captivate, and immersive animations and visual arts take over the city. With international artists, oversized puppet floats, interactive workshops and concerts, this free, non-competitive festival turns Craiova into a dreamlike playground for all ages. Getting there: Craiova has direct flights from London and Brussels. Velvet Dinner Maribor The Velvet Dinner is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that takes place in the vineyards of Maribor, Slovenia's wine capital. The elegant, open-air dinner is more than just a meal, it's an immersive celebration of local cuisine, culture and community. Guests seated at a long communal table under the open sky are treated to an exquisite menu paired with award-winning Styrian wines. The dinner is prepared and served by rising stars from local hospitality schools, adding a fresh and authentic flair to the experience. Getting there: Ljubljana Airport is 90 minutes by car or Graz Airport is 60 minutes by car. Fireworks explode as Coldplay perform on the Pyramid stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, n Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury, the world's most legendary music festival, brings together iconic artists, emerging talent and a unique mix of arts and culture for five unforgettable days. Held on the vast fields of Worthy Farm, the festival was founded by Michael Eavis in 1970 and features around 3,000 performances across over 80 stages. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic Pyramid Stage, the festival's headliners for 2025 include The 1975, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, The Prodigy and the Ezra Collective. In addition to music the festival features immersive art installations and cabaret performances. Getting there: Bristol Airport is just 1 hour from Worthy Farm. Regata Storica', a competition between Venetian boats and gondolas sail the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Bridge. Every September, the Grand Canal of Venice transforms into a breathtaking stage for the Regata Storica, one of the most historic and visually stunning water festivals in the world. Combining majestic 16th-century pageantry with thrilling gondola races, this event is a true Venetian spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors for an unforgettable display of tradition and color. The first regatta took place in 1315 and today the festival begins with the Grand Historical Parade of ornate 16th-century boats, rowed by Venetians in elaborate Renaissance costumes. Following the parade, the best rowers in Venice compete in highly competitive regattas, racing through the Grand Canal in traditional Venetian boats. Getting there: Venice Marco Polo Airport is 20 minutes from the city center. From there, take a private water taxi or a vaporetto (public boat) straight to the Grand Canal. Cattle drive in Zillertal alps, Tirol – Austria The Almabtrieb (in German 'drive from the mountain pasture') is an annual public event in the alpine regions in Europe, referring to a cattle drive that takes place in late September or early October. During summer, all over the alpine regions cattle herds feed on alpine pastures (Almen in Austria or Germany, Alpen in Switzerland) high up in the mountains. Every September, thousands of beautifully adorned cattle descend from the mountain pastures in the Cattle Drive (Almabtrieb) of Tyrol. This centuries-old tradition, celebrated with music, folk dances, and vibrant parades, marks the end of summer grazing and is one of Europe's most picturesque and authentic rural festivals. Getting there: Innsbruck Airport is 30-60 minutes from the main Tyrolean villages. Flowertime, Brussels, Belgium Every year, Brussels transforms into a paradise of flowers with Flowertime, an immersive floral exhibition outside of the Unesco-listed Brussels City Hall. Talented Belgian and international floral designers let their creativity run wild, crafting breathtaking floral installations that celebrate the year's theme (to be announced soon!). Getting there: Brussels Airport is 25 minutes from the city center.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Fishing town named one of Europe's 'hidden gems' that many don't know about
Nestled between two rugged cliffs in Yorkshire above the North Sea - a nice stroll in Staithes feels like you've stumbled upon some idealised version of coastal living A delightful UK fishing village has recently been dubbed one of Europe's 'hidden gems'. In a fresh compilation by European Best Destinations, Staithes in North Yorkshire was featured alongside Pico Island in the Azores, the vibrant villages of Villajoyosa in Spain and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary as one of the continent's 18 most unique and underappreciated attractions. If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting, as I did recently, you'll certainly comprehend why. Tucked between two craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea, a leisurely wander in Staithes feels like you've chanced upon an idyllic depiction of coastal life. I was even fortunate enough to experience a bit of picture-perfect sunshine during my brief yet memorable visit, writes the Mirror's Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas. Staithes is the very town that birthed world explorer Captain Cook, but it now boasts a range of artistic shops, inviting pubs and top-notch restaurants. One fantastic way to reach this destination is to trek a few miles along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline from Saltburn. From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the quaint fishing cottages nestled below, before descending into the village to explore its offerings. Immediately, you'll observe a strong focus on arts and crafts in the area - a nod to its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of 19th-century painters attracted by the town's fishing traditions and maritime lifestyle. While modern life has evolved, the artistic vibe remains intact. In the local Staithes Gallery, I found myself captivated by contemporary artworks inspired by coastal living. The town is also peppered with quaint gift shops and subtle public art installations. Despite its compact size, Staithes is far less crowded than neighbouring Whitby and even quieter than Robin Hood's Bay, another charming fishing village just along the coast. This allowed me to leisurely stroll down to the harbourside where the Cod and Lobster pub provides an opportunity for a swift pint overlooking the beach and, reportedly, some excellent seafood. One of the town's charms is how it's bisected by the Staithes Beck river, offering a picturesque walk along the beach before ascending the steps and rounding the corner, all while remaining waterside with the cliffs in full view. There's also a climb back into the cliffs on the north side of the river, affording stunning views of the town, beach and sea. I lodged a brief car journey away in Whitby, but if you're considering an overnight stay, there's an abundance of bed and breakfasts available, some situated right next to the beach. I'd definitely recommend spending the night if possible. We have numerous charming seaside locations in Britain that perhaps we don't appreciate enough - Staithes might just be the most delightful of them all - so it's heartening to see that recognition is now coming from beyond our shores.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Huge sandy beach with ‘magical' blue lagoon named the best in Europe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN extraordinary lagoon beach has been named among the most stunning and peaceful places in the Mediterranean. Port Glarokavos, on the Kassandra Peninsula in Northern Greece features is known for its bright a turquoise lagoon. 3 Port Glarokavos has its very own 'Blue Lagoon' Credit: Alamy 3 Surrounding the lagoon, are sandy beaches backed by green trees Credit: Getty And it was named the best beach in Europe according to European Best Destinations. They said: "With its laid-back vibe and natural beauty, Port Glarokavos is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe — it's also one of the most rejuvenating." Glarokavos attracts many visitors throughout the year looking to relax and immerse themselves in the Greek lifestyle. The lagoon boasts areas with umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as areas which are left bare for those wanting more quiet and privacy. There are also many different activities that take place at the beach including kayaking, paddleboarding and wildlife watching. The beach is conveniently surrounded by camping grounds in the nearby forest. Rather uniquely, those with their car can also drive directly onto the sand. Nearby and along the coast, are a number of other beaches - all with golden sands and clear waters. On Glarokavos Beach, for example, there are even a couple of beach bars, with deck chairs and tables in the sand. One tourist wrote: "There aren't many tourists and some days you can have a great view of Mount Athos from far away." The TUI guide to Crete from best beaches to passport rules Another said: "The view of the sea is magical." A little further in land are a number of restaurants and places to stay including the family-friendly Xenios Port Marina. The resort is in the village of Pefkohori and offers both all-inclusive and half-board. In Pefkohori, there are a number of pretty streets to explore with whitewashed houses, with citrus and olive groves littered between the buildings. In the summer, popular activities include snorkelling, parasailing, sunset watching and shopping for craft souvenirs. To get to the lagoon from the UK, the best option is to fly to Thessaloniki International Airport and then drive to Port Glarokavos, which takes around an hour. Also in Greece is a pretty European 'floating village' with quiet beaches and a picturesque port. Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands is set to be popular, as TUI adds more hotels.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- The Sun
Huge sandy beach with ‘magical' blue lagoon named the best in Europe
AN extraordinary lagoon beach has been named among the most stunning and peaceful places in the Mediterranean. Port Glarokavos, on the Kassandra Peninsula in Northern Greece features is known for its bright a turquoise lagoon. 3 3 And it was named the best beach in Europe according to European Best Destinations. They said: "With its laid-back vibe and natural beauty, Port Glarokavos is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe — it's also one of the most rejuvenating." Glarokavos attracts many visitors throughout the year looking to relax and immerse themselves in the Greek lifestyle. The lagoon boasts areas with umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as areas which are left bare for those wanting more quiet and privacy. There are also many different activities that take place at the beach including kayaking, paddleboarding and wildlife watching. The beach is conveniently surrounded by camping grounds in the nearby forest. Rather uniquely, those with their car can also drive directly onto the sand. Nearby and along the coast, are a number of other beaches - all with golden sands and clear waters. On Glarokavos Beach, for example, there are even a couple of beach bars, with deck chairs and tables in the sand. One tourist wrote: "There aren't many tourists and some days you can have a great view of Mount Athos from far away." The TUI guide to Crete from best beaches to passport rules Another said: "The view of the sea is magical." A little further in land are a number of restaurants and places to stay including the family-friendly Xenios Port Marina. The resort is in the village of Pefkohori and offers both all-inclusive and half-board. In Pefkohori, there are a number of pretty streets to explore with whitewashed houses, with citrus and olive groves littered between the buildings. In the summer, popular activities include snorkelling, parasailing, sunset watching and shopping for craft souvenirs. To get to the lagoon from the UK, the best option is to fly to Thessaloniki International Airport and then drive to Port Glarokavos, which takes around an hour. Also in Greece is a pretty European 'floating village' with quiet beaches and a picturesque port. Plus, one of the cheapest Greek islands is set to be popular, as TUI adds more hotels. 3
