Experts have compiled a new ranking of European beaches taking into account the pandemic
As "Russkaya Germaniya" notes, the closure of borders and cancellation of flights led to a complete suspension of travel companies' activities. Fans of so-called early booking, which once allowed significant savings on tours, were unable to enjoy their pre-planned vacations.
Planning ahead, which was once a sign of reasonableness and practicality, now seems not only difficult but shaky and risky. The pandemic teaches us to live in the here and now, reminding us of the forgotten idea that nothing is more permanent than the temporary.
In the 2020 season, beaches will still open. But with conditions, one of which is strict adherence to social distancing. Research conducted by experts has shown that there is no danger of contracting coronavirus in seawater, but on land, after swimming, this risk is quite high. Therefore, the recommended distance between sun loungers should be at least two, and ideally four meters.
Not all beaches have the area to implement such social distancing. That is why this year, when compiling the prestigious ranking of the best beaches in Europe for the 2020 season, experts at European Best Destinations primarily considered the spaciousness of beaches, their compliance with new health safety criteria for vacationers, and the low number of recorded coronavirus cases in the tourist region.
Monolithi Beach, Preveza, Greece
The epidemiological situation in Greece is quite favorable. This country is home to the longest beach in Europe – Monolithi, which can accommodate many tourists even under social distancing conditions, as its area is nearly 1.5 million square meters. The popular beach is located near the city of Preveza in western Greece.
Comporta, Alentejo, Portugal
The Alentejo region, where this beach is located, is virtually untouched by the coronavirus infection. Tourists who are concerned about their health will also be pleased with local hotels that have received Safe&Clean certificates from the Portuguese government, confirming strict compliance with sanitary standards.
Hel Peninsula, Poland
The epidemic situation in Poland is significantly better than in many other European countries. The length of the Polish beach included in the prestigious ranking is 35 km, and its width ranges from 30 to 3 km.
Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal
The most popular island of Madeira for tourists is Porto Santo. This small island with a wide coastline attracts travelers not only with its mesmerizing landscapes and seclusion but also with the unique procedure of hot sand treatment (psammotherapy).
Halikounas Beach, Corfu, Greece
Located on one of the greenest Greek islands, the beach is just a 40-minute drive from Corfu Airport. Halikounas is a narrow and long sandy beach popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers.
Ghajn Tuffieha, Malta
Malta also has far fewer registered coronavirus cases than other countries. One of the most beautiful beaches in Malta is rightfully considered Ghajn Tuffieha – its ochre sand and transparent turquoise water give this beach a special appeal.
Meia Praia, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
"Meia" in Portuguese means "half," but the name "Meia Praia" means nothing; this beach is the largest in Lagos.
Jurmala, Latvia
White sand, dunes, and convenient shallows – on the long beach of Jurmala, stretching over 20 kilometers, there is room for all tourists who comply with the new anti-coronavirus rules.
Nida, Lithuania
The town of Nida is located in the middle of the Curonian Spit, just a few kilometers from the border with the Kaliningrad region. Local beaches stretch along the entire coast of the spit. Since the Baltic waters do not warm up to temperatures familiar to sea lovers even in summer, the local beaches are quite sparsely populated and attract those who prefer contemplation of landscapes to swimming with an atmosphere of seclusion.
Binz, Rügen, Germany
The island of Rügen is one of the sunniest regions in Germany. The length of its beaches reaches 140 kilometers – more than enough space for everyone who wants to relax by the sea without violating social distancing norms. Binz Beach attracts visitors with its fine white sand and lack of waves.