i am taking a trip for 10 days in July - probably to Europe. Looking for a beautiful beach with shops, restaurants and night life. But priority is beautiful beach.
Thanks.

Does the "texture" of the beach make any difference to you? How about water temperature?

Yes- I want a soft sandy beach- not rocky- and warm water.

Soft sandy beaches in Greece are very rare: http://www.greeka.com/ionian/zakynth..._shipwreck.htm

I haven't been there yet, but I've been researching Crete for an upcoming trip. Apparently, there are several highly rated sandy beaches there to choose from.

Not sure how easy it is to book a summertime escape there only one month in advance, but give it a try!

Cyprus has some sandy beaches with crystal clear water at Ayia Napa. Nissi Beach is truly stunning, but busy with the 18-30 crowd. You might find the nightlife a bit too much. Protaras also has great beaches.

Turkey: Turquoise Aegean coast :
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-...ean_Coast.html

Portugal: the Algarve :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travelers...s-cTop-g189100

Spain: Ibiza, Costa del Sol
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travelers...s-cTop-g187427

Thx so much. I'll do some research. What about Italy?

Some of these look great!

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/home...b_3324127.html

Wow, that huffpo post is a joke. Eight small enclaves that they claim "rival" Carib beaches? Good luck.

European beaches are not in the same class as Caribbean beaches.

"European beaches are not in the same class as Caribbean beaches" - well I actually like the beaches I've been to in Europe better It is a differnet vibe. Of course you can't go to the EU beaches in the winter and I don't think there is snorkeling like in the Carribean but the overall atmosphere of EU beaches is usually friendlier? and I love all the beach side restaurants with inexpensive food / wine from the various countries.

I have been to the beach in Antibes, Rhodes, Capri (now that was really NOT a beach but pebbles / stones), Nice (same as Capri), Monterrosso, and just recently got back from Naxos Greece. The beach there, while not quite as palmy / pristine as some Caribb. beaches was very pleasant. I loved renting the chairs and umbrellas for a reasonable fee and then going up to the water side taverna for a long lunch.

So while the beaches may not be the pristine white strands shown in travel magazines, IMO, a wonderful time can be had at EU beaches if that is the scene you are looking for.

Thanks so much.

@brotherleelove2004 "Soft sandy beaches in Greece are very rare"

lol m8.. Have you ever been in Greece?

Enough to know that beaches such as the one I linked above are the exception and not the rule.

TravelingSeeker, he was an experienced Greek hand while you were still learning to tie your shoes.

Ok- I'll compromise on the soft, sandy part of it. Thinking about Sardinia or Croatia - any thoughts?

I've been to a few beaches in Croatia, and while quite beautiful in their own distinct way, they were neither warm nor sandy and this was in September. All were pebbly - some with large pebbles, others with smaller pebbles about the size of a dime or a penny, but none approaching the consistency of sand.

The ones I visited were in and around Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir, and around the islands of Hvar and Brac. I really enjoyed Brac, especially the long winding wooden promenade along the waters edge on the south side of the island, shaded throughout by a canopy of pines. At one end is the tiny village/town of Bol, and at the other, the beautiful and popular (and crowded) beach of Zlatni Rat. You can safely walk/stroll/run it's length - and indeed everyone does - day and night.

Personally for me, being used to the warm waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, the pebbly beaches and colder waters of Croatia took some getting used to but after a few hours, I adjusted to my interesting surroundings and just went with the flow. Lying on a towel on pebbles isn't the most comfortable but again, you adjust. A deck chair is better and there are lots around.
Also worth noting that the entry point into the water in Croatia anywhere on the coast is often just a rocky ledge or a bunch or rocks with your towel set up under the pines or on grass. Beaches aren't considered necessary for entering the sea in many areas.

Go to Southern Sardinia for the beaches but forget the night life.

Or pick an island in Greece and enjoy a bit of everything.

Thanks - I'll check those out. So many choices ....