Beaches in Europe?

[copahc]

Where do Europeans go in the winter? Are there any destinations in Europe that are still warm enough to go to the beach during winter? How about Greece.. Turkey.. Canary Islands??



I moving to Europe this winter and may want to escape the cold at some point. Back in the U.S. I can always go on a quick trip to the Caribbean, or Mexico, but I'm not so sure what I'll do now. I don't want to go too far, but maybe Africa? Any suggestions for a warm preferably seaside escape??

[no-backpacker]

The Europeans goes to either some of the Canary Islands, Marocco (?), Tunis, Egypt.... All of those places CAN be "chilly" in December and January so to be sure to get "sun and beach" I would recommend going to Asia or other warm places outside Europe.

C.

[obrienkf]

Europeans "ski" in the winter, or head to seriously warm climates -- even the south med / north africa is unpredictable (was in Tunis a few years ago in November --- it wasn't exactly warm). Head to Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar, or coastal Kenyaif you want warm in the winter .... there's a very pretty white sand beach south of Mombasa, Kenya, called Diani Beach... Lamu Island north of Mombasa is also wonderful. Zanzibar is a great vacation, but stay upscale if in the old town. Mauritius is very white sand and organized, and Seychelles isa great mix of exotic with grand wildlife, some very exclusive near private islands.



The Med is not as hot as it looks in the brochures. Sicily gets "hot" in April and brutal in the traditional summer months. Greece is not warm in the winter, nothing happens, and many places shut for the winter seaon. Best enjoyed in mid Aprilto May or September to mid October.



So, it does depend on your own limits in temperature. My choice, if the objective is to do as little as possible, andwind down completely on a beach in luxury--- Lamu, or Seychelles.All gorgeous Indian Ocean vacation spots, not widely subscribed, and on Lamu there are wonderful 'on the beach, on stilts' island style accommodation, that is really beyond imagination ---- lazy mornings, some deep sea fishing, and lazy afternoons.



And Diani Beach will always be a personal favourite, as I have many friends there. Its really pretty, and there are some over the top places there as well. None have appeared on LL yet. There are opportunities to combine a holiday on the beach with a few days on safari in nearby Tsavo National Park.



so, a few ideas for you. enjoy your time in Europe. Accept that skiing is a big local escape in continental Europe --- Chamonix, Innsbruck, Italian Alps, and all of Switzerland.



kind regards