SANDS GREAT
Europe’s best beach revealed – with pristine white sands, £3 beers and super cheap flights from the UK
The beach is located on the third-biggest island in the Mediterranean
EUROPE'S best beach has been revealed - and it's perfect for holidaymakers who want to swim in warm crystal-clear waters.
Nissi Beach in Cyprus has been named as the best beach in Europe by a travel insurance company.
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Research from the recently revealed the best beaches to visit in Europe.
The stunning stretch of white sand in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, came out on top after factors such as sea temperatures, summer temperatures, the cost of nearby accommodation and five-star reviews were analysed.
The soft sands at Nissi Beach are just a short walk from the party town of Ayia Napa – and the beach could not provide more of a contrast.
Nissi Beach is also great for sunbathers, with the Cyprus beach seeing highs of 35C almost every day in the summer.
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It's also been known to even hit 40C, meaning sunshine is practically guaranteed.
According to the research, the sea temperature is warm too, with temperatures averaging around 24.4C.
The beach is also popular for water sports, with banana boats, jet skis and parasailing all on offer.
Local bars that are off the main tourist slip in Ayia Napa will sell beers, wines and spirits for €3 (around £2.55).
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Prices of alcoholic drinks will rise in popular dance bars in the centre of town, with prices starting from €5.
Nissi Beach has its five star reviews to thank for its first place ranking in the research.
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On TripAdvisor alone, Nissi Beach has over 4,000 five-star reviews, with many holidaymakers calling it "beautiful" and "wonderful".
One person wrote: "Nissi Beach is the nicest beach I’ve ever experienced in my life, it is absolutely stunning, it’s clean, perfect and beautiful."
Another holidaymaker added: "A wonderful beach and the water is super cool. In the morning is the best but also in the afternoon you can find out a lot of activities to do."
As the third-biggest island in the Mediterranean, there's plenty of other things to do in Cyprus, with popular resorts including Larnaca, Coral Bay and Paphos.
Other beaches across the island are praised by both visitors and locals, and there are more than 55 Blue Flag spots.
Fig Tree Bay is one of the most famous beaches, renowned for its smooth, white sand beaches.
Getting to Nissi Beach is relatively simple, with the beach less than an hour's drive from Larnaca International Airport, its nearest airport.
Flights from the UK take just over four hours and are available in both September and October from £28 for a return journey.
In the research, Mellieha Bay Beach in Malta nabbed second place thanks to its warm temperatures, with averages sitting at 29.2C.
Meanwhile, the lesser-known Portoroz Beach in Slovenia was ranked third in the research because it was the cheapest destination on the list.
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The top 10 best beaches in Europe
THE research revealed the best beaches in Europe, with just one spot in the UK making the list.
- Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- Mellieha Bay Beach, Malta
- Portoroz Beach, Slovenia
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
- Zlatni Rat, Croatia
- La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
- Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
- Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain
- Bournemouth Beach, England
- Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
And a beach in Wales was named as one of the best beaches to visit this year by Lonely Planet.
The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has been to two of the best beaches in the world - but here's one in the UK she says is just as good.
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