A stunning beach known for its sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands has been named the “best” in Europe. Nissi Beach is a popular holiday destination in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. 

The beach stretches for 500 metres, and the water is clean enough for it to be awarded the Blue Flag designation. Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the European Beach Index to help travellers find their ideal beach holiday destination. The experts have named Nissi the best among all. 

The index ranks 10 popular European beaches based on factors such as the sea and air temperature, 5-star reviews, average daily costs and the height of the waves.

According to the travel experts, the gorgeous beach destination offers a budget-friendly daily cost of 103€ (£88), which includes all you’d need for a day trip such as meals, transport, and even overnight accommodation.

One of the users on the TripAdvisor forum who visited Nissi wrote: “Lovely beach. Shallow waters, great bars. Watersports are good. Nice relaxing place to sunbathe this time of year. Never disappointed.”

Nissi enjoys an average of 25C in May and is a perfect place for the beach lovers. 

CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson said: “Travellers seeking the perfect summer getaway will be searching for destinations where they can soak up the sun and relax on the beach without worrying about big waves and cold temperatures.

“Our team looked at 10 popular summer holiday destinations across Europe, ranking them on factors such as water and air temperatures, waves and 5-star reviews.

“Another factor we took into consideration was the average daily costs in each destination, including meals, transport and hotels, as many families are looking for budget-friendly holidays that don’t break the bank.

“Our European Beach Index revealed that Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is the number one beach destination with excellent scores in every category.

“Nissi Beach has been ranked above some of the other famously popular European holiday hotspots due to its warm sea and air temperatures, as well as being one of the most affordable in terms of daily expenses.

“Plage de Palombaggia is an incredible looking beach in Corsica, France, however it came in last place largely due to the expensive prices in the area.”

“We encourage those who are still planning their summer holidays to consider the hidden gems of Europe, including our top three beach destinations Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia.”

Plenty of  African destinations are seeing a rise in tourism. However, there are three countries located north of the huge continent that are really making a mark. While hotspots such as Egypt and Morocco remain some of the most popular destinations for travellers across the globe, countries such as  Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania are also making waves in the travel and tourism world.

Adventure travel company, Untamed Borders has revealed that all three countries have introduced e-visa systems in order to welcome tourists more easily. Algeria has already seen progress with the new system, as the country’s number of visitors saw a 10% increase of around 3.5 million tourists compared to 2023. It’s likely that Mauritania and Libya will experience a similar boost as a result of the system. However, as of right now, there are several travel warnings in place for the three countries.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which provides travel advice for Brits, currently advises against all travel to parts of Algeria, against all travel to parts of Libya, as well as against all but essential to other areas within the country, and also against all travel to parts of Mauritania. It means that while UK holidaymakers are able to visit certain regions in the three countries, it is absolutely cruical that you check GOV.UK and read all the travel information provided beforehand.

However, it seems that the three African countries are set on welcoming travellers and providing special experiences. The founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox, said: “The people and places that sit in the great sand sea of the Sahara are as timeless as the dunes themselves – shaped by wind, trading history, and endurance.

“North Africa contains many rarely visited landscapes and communities, who have fascinating stories and histories, with their lives tracing ancient trade routes, mountain paths, and desert horizons.”

Algeria is home to a number of historical sites including the Ancient Roman Ruins of Djemila, Timgad, and Tipaza. Basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique is also well worth visiting with TripAdvisor marking it as the number 1 thing to do in the country.

Over in Libya, the country boasts also boasts a variety of historical attractions, as well as cultural ones. The Leptis Magna, a UNSECO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved Roman cities is a must-visit, or why not take a trip through the Sahara Desert, with a local guide.

For nature lovers, Mauritania’s Banc D’Arguin National Park, also a World Heritage Site, is noted as “one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds”. The site which has an abudance of diverse species of wildlife is the perfect destination to embrace Africa’s biodiversity. 

With the surge in tourists being drawn to North Africa as a whole, the chance to experience a “truly unique ” holiday away from the large crowds is becoming more challenging.

Plenty of North African countries in the region have received a record number of visitors over the past year, which has indeed opened doors to “harder-to-reach nations” for travellers.

Yet, the three countries are just a few examples of places in Africa waiting to be explored. While they boast many things in common that make them incredible holiday options, one thing that is extremely important to note is that they all offer the chance for holidaymakers to “truly enjoy authentic Saharan experiences, without a large number of other people.”

A hidden coastal gem located in a popular European country has been named the “best” to visit this summer. Zadar, located on the northern Dalmatian coast of Croatia, is a perfect mix of Roman-era foundations and cutting-edge art installations. Named the best place to visit by Outlook Traveller, the city experiences warm weather during summer. 

The 3,000-year-old ancient city is known for its extraordinary musical waterfront and Adriatic sunsets, which once captivated Alfred Hitchcock. One of the most popular tourist spots in Croatia is the Sea Organ, an experimental music instrument. The architectural sound object plays music through sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps.

Travellers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stato de Terra, which comprises six bastion forts built by the Republic of Venice on its mainland domains and its Domains of the Sea. The Church of St. Donatus is another must-visit site in this lesser-known European city.

Additionally, there are many other things to explore, such as museums, national parks, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the city market. June to August is the peak tourist season with the warmest weather, averaging around 25 degrees Celsius. The sea is ideal for swimming, reaching an average of 23 degrees Celsius.

Zadar’s central square resembles an open-air museum, featuring historic landmarks such as the 11th-century Church of St. Lawrence and the 16th-century Clock Tower.

On the southern side of the square, the City Loggia, originally a courthouse and council chamber, now hosts exhibitions showcasing works by international photographers and modern Croatian artists.

A traveller wrote on TripAdvisor Forum: “After seeing Ryanair flights to Zadar, I looked at TripAdvisor to find out more about the area. Zadar city is an ancient walled city packed full of history and religious art, with Roman churches everywhere. We booked an apartment in Bori,k 10 min from the city center, but on the bus route. Apartment Miodrag, the owner, will pick you up at the airport, but I suggest you hire a car as there are lots of small towns up and down the coast that are beautiful.

“The Sea Organ and the Solar Lights on the sea front are a big attraction the kids loved them also it being a port, ferries came and went all day to the islands and Italy.

“Lots of small cafes/bars everywhere, no English/Irish rip-off bars, eating places are mostly pizza, pasta, and grills,fish dishes were the most expensive but cheaper than Spain/Italy. Driving in Zadar/Borik is a one-way system, outwards to Diklo and inwards to Zadar. A great place and not too expensive, we will be back.

A second traveller commented: “Zadar is a small town settled in Dalmatia, Croatia, on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea.

“It has lovely beaches, very good nightlife for summer festivals, a lot of sea and water sports available. It is also surrounded by a circle of five national parks, covering 200 km. 

“It also has ancient history, which is 3000 years old, and lot of monumental buildings, churches, and temples. Restaurants are a common thing, mostly Dalmatian and Italian cooking.

“Accommodation is possible in family houses or hotels. Houses are the better option because of their peaceful and hospitable owners, especially in the Borik area.”