When people go on holiday, they usually think about getting to their destination as quickly as possible, hence why they choose to fly by plane. However, what people often forget is that budget airlines are not only stuffy and come with long queues, but they’re also not the most enjoyable experiences. Being cramped on a plane for a few hours and waiting forever just to get through security at an airport is no fun, which is why many people have decided to switch their preferred travel method to Interrail trips.
There are a couple of reasons for this such as being able to take it easier when you arrive at the station and to generally have more space to stretch your legs and walk around. While the journey itself might take a bit longer, it makes up for it in comfort and if you absolutely love breathtaking views, then there’s nothing quite like a scenic train ride.
So to help convince you to take the train for your next holiday, here are 6 European beaches that are easy to reach by train and be far less stressful than getting on a budget airline.
Brittany Coast, France
Whether it’s learning to sail, swimming, boating trips or just a quiet picnic, Brittany Coast is an easily-accessible region of France that is perfect for families and couples alike. With lots of traditional architecture to explore, diverse cuisine to sample and plenty of fantastic beaches to relax on, there’s no shortage of things to do for the whole family.
Westerland, Germany
When you think beaches, Germany usually isn’t a country that you associate with clear waters and golden sands. However, this article is all about offering something unique and interesting and when you consider that as the criteria, Westerland is an absolute gem. Located all the way in the north of Germany close to the border of Denmark and in the dead sea is Sylt, a relatively large island that contains the seaside resort of Westerland. It offers some unique beaches that offer plenty of watersports opportunities and can easily be reached via train. If you want to make the trip even more worthwhile, then it’s a great idea to stop off other German cities along the way such as Hamburg to make the most of the trip across the country.
Venice Lido, Italy
In the heart of the Venetian Lagoon is the island of Venice Lido or Lido di Venezia. It’s technically an 11-kilometre-long sandbar located in northern Italy that is home to around 20,000 people and also some gorgeous stretches of beach. It’s home to festivals, delicious food and plenty of vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a classic Italian-style beach with lots of entertainment and unique cuisine, then Venice Lido is a great place to visit via train.
Côte d’Azur, France
Also known as the French Riviera, this part of France offers a fantastic way to explore the seas thanks to the nearby islands but is also home to countless activities such as hiking, horseback riding and even caving. The beaches, however, are a real highlight to the region and are as luxurious and enjoyable as you can imagine. If outstanding coasts and crystal-clear waters are what you’re looking for, then Côte d’Azur is a must-see location in the heart of France.
Cadaqués, Spain
As one of Costa Brava’s biggest attractions, Cadaqués is a place filled with high-end seafood restaurants and bars that are popular with the nightlife junkies. The beaches around the area aren’t the most amazing golden-sand beaches that you can find in other parts of Spain, but this is a unique place thanks to its setting and the romantic vibes that you can get from simply exploring Cadaqués. It’s a lot more intimate and less about the beach experience and more about what comes along with it. We definitely recommend this location if you’re travelling with a partner, but not so much if you have an entire group or a family to think about too.
Tarragona, Spain
Spain has plenty of beautiful beaches but in comparison to Cadaqués, they’re closer to the picturesque ideal of clear blue waters and bright sandy coasts. If you absolutely love sunbathing, relaxing and occasionally dipping into the water for a swim, then Tarragona should be on your list of beaches to visit by train.
Hopefully, this article has given you some inspiration on the many beaches within Europe that are easily reachable by train. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but we believe it would be a fantastic place to get started with the planning for your next Interrail trip.
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