As a part of the shift in the direction of ‘coolcations’, seashores have gotten more and more fashionable for winter journeys.
In 2024, a lot of Europe sweltered throughout record-hot summers, prompting some holidaymakers to postpone their journeys to cooler months.
As a part of this shift in the direction of ‘coolcations’ – shoulder season and winter breaks or these in cool international locations – seashores have discovered renewed appreciation as chilly climate points of interest.
Whether or not taking chilly water dips and blustery, bracing walks is a long-standing ardour or one thing you fancy making an attempt for the primary time in 2025, listed below are 11 stretches of sand which look really superb in winter.
Admire a surreal black panorama at Stokksnes seashore, Iceland
Stokksnes seashore, on the Icelandic peninsula of the identical title, is a stretch of shoreline which undergoes a wide ranging transformation in winter.
This isn’t solely because of the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, however due to the best way the jet-black sand clashes with the brilliant white chunks of glacier ice scattered throughout the seashore.
You’ll additionally discover quite a few strange rock formations right here, many topped with wigs of frozen moss.
Attempt wild tenting at Kvalvika, Norway
This rugged seashore is situated on Moskenesøy, certainly one of Norway’s Lofoten Islands. You’ll discover it close to the northern tip of the island and it’s solely accessible on foot, which makes it the best spot for anybody looking for some crowd-free day out.
It’s additionally a preferred tenting spot – pitch your tent on the grassy turf behind the golden sands and keep at bay the winter chill by constructing a fireplace with the driftwood which washes up right here.
Except that’s, you go to in February, whenever you’re most likely higher off staying in one of many fisherman’s cabins accessible to lease – since temperatures can usually plummet to -3°C.
Have a cold dip at Downings Seaside, Eire
This Donegal seashore is thought for its clear water – therefore its Blue Flag designation.
It’s a chief place to present chilly water immersion remedy a go, however most likely greatest to stay to dry land throughout the winter months for those who’re a newbie.
The stretch of sand is discovered on the Rosguill Peninsula and it’s a magnet for photographers – nothing beats staring over the water to look at the solar sink behind the jagged silhouettes of the Derryveagh Mountains.
It’s additionally only a quick stroll from The Singing Pub, a comfortable inn the place you may heat up by the roaring hearth, with a pint of Guinness sipped beneath low-slung beams.
Lounge on the lakeside Vinterplayan in Norway
Away from the shoreline, Norway’s Lake Storsjön is a draw throughout the colder months.
The world often known as Vinterplayan (winter seashore) fills with households eager to take advantage of winter solar.
Deckchairs (and blankets) are supplied freed from cost, and when it’s time to heat up, you may head to the lakeside Vinterbadet, to chill out within the sauna, soothe aches and pains within the wood-fired sizzling tub and (optionally) end with a chilly plunge into the lake’s icy waters.
Wander dykes and dunes on Langeoog Island, Germany
The whole Langeoog Island, one of many East Frisian islands discovered off Germany’s Decrease Saxon North Beach, is a superb spot for winter seashore walks, though the star of the present is the 14-kilometre stretch of sand which streaks down one aspect.
It’s a spot which feels each wild and historic, formed by deep dykes, mudflats, towering dunes and wildlife-filled salt marshes.
It seems ethereal in winter when chunks of ice wash ashore and the towering snow-dusted sand dunes present vantage factors for the photographers who come right here to snap birds like eider geese, greylag geese and snow buntings.
Discover a browsing paradise on Praia do Guincho, Portugal
For browsing fanatics, this Cascais seashore is a chief winter spot. The massive breaks rolling in from the Atlantic have made it a famend place to catch waves.
Even for those who don’t take to the water, there are wind-sculpted sand dunes to get pleasure from with hardly any crowds, regardless of the very fact it had a starring position in James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Go nature recognizing on Hiddensee Seaside, Germany
Hiddensee Seaside, on a tiny island simply off the coast of Germany’s Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shoreline, was the inspiration for numerous artists, together with William Turner.
It’s a Baltic magnificence which seems surreal throughout the winter months when towering waves pummel the seashore.
Take the time to discover the broader Pomerania Lagoon Space Nationwide Park – the island is on the coronary heart of this nature reserve, well-known for its historic forests and salt marshes. Preserve an eye fixed out for the wildlife, together with cranes – 60,000 arrive right here each autumn.
Go to the volcanic Nogales seashore on the Canary Islands
This black sand seashore on La Palma is a well-liked start line for hikes throughout the island’s volcanic panorama, though you’d be forgiven for staying put to look at because the frothing white waves roll over the black sand.
Positioned on La Palma’s northern shoreline and solely accessible through a brief, steep path, it not often will get crowded. Head to the raised viewpoint close to the southern finish to snap the perfect images.
Go fossil looking at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Compton Bay, on the UK’s tiny Isle of Wight – a 28-minute ferry trip to Southampton – is a string of a number of seashores.
They’re a magnet for fossil hunters, lots of whom come right here throughout the winter months when blustery winds reveal historic fossils as soon as wedged deep inside quickly eroding cliffs.
After a stroll alongside its sands, head to Brook Seaside – a continuation of Compton Bay – to take a look at the fossilised dinosaur footprint.
Inhale the scent of pine on Praia do Pego seashore, Portugal
Breathe within the scent of winter on this Portuguese seashore, an infinite stretch of golden sand with a backdrop of pine timber.
It’s a brief stroll from the village of Comporta, the place you may fulfill starvation pangs at cosy cafés resembling Almo the place the steak tartare with smoked carrots with roasted almond cream is a well-liked winter hotter.
Carry a pair of binoculars and hold an eye fixed out for the dolphins which are sometimes noticed frolicking within the surf.
Heat up on Praia de Vilamoura, Portugal
If a cobweb-busting coastal breeze is a bit of too excessive in your winter seashore break, head to Praia de Vilamoura within the Algarve the place the mercury hovers round 20°C throughout the winter months.
The seashore is house to spectacular geological options, lots of which solid lovely shadows because the solar makes its early departure.
Go for a stroll alongside the boardwalk earlier than heading to Vilamoura Marina (Portugal’s largest) to gawp on the tremendous yachts.
