Virtual beach visits: wanderlust? So you just bring the beach home
The summer vacation may fall into the water, but that does not mean that you are not allowed to lie on the beach sipping cocktails this year. How is that possible? With the internet, a good mood playlist and well, a little imagination.
You can easily bring the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world into your own four walls via live stream or with 360-degree images – and the right atmosphere is quickly ensured.
The whole thing has advantages: you can switch to another beach in a matter of seconds, if you get bored, you don't have to push for the best spots – and you don't run the risk of getting sunburnt. An overview.
If you prefer to go to the museum, find out here where virtual walking tours are possible.
1. Elafonisi Beach, Crete
Elafonisi is a small island on the southwestern tip of the Mediterranean island of Crete. The beach of Elafonisi, the so-called "blue lagoon of Crete", is one of the most beautiful in Greece.
The Elafonisi Beach impresses with pink sand (unique in Europe), turquoise water and Caribbean flair. The pink color of the sand comes from shells that are finely ground by the ocean current. Here you can see for yourself.
2. Praia da Marinha, Algarve
Pictures of this beach could cause a short circuit reaction – and let you book your vacation for next year. The Praia da Marinha beach in the Portuguese Algarve, which is protected from the winds by 30 meter high rocky cliffs, is not without reason a piece of jewelry. The furrowed limestone cliffs glow in a warm honey yellow when the sun shines and form bizarre formations such as caves, arches and domes.
3. Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia
To get to the beach in Cala Goloritzè Bay, sun worshipers usually have to hike – just under 1.5 hours. Or they take the more comfortable route and can be brought there by boat in 25 minutes. You can do without both: This link leads you directly to the most beautiful mini-bay in Sardinia.
4. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica
This 360 degree picture takes you directly into the turquoise blue water of the beautiful beach of Palombaggia on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. Maybe not too bad to imagine yourself there from a distance. According to a study by the Travelcircus travel portal, the Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most expensive in Europe. Visitors have to take a proud 70 euros in hand for a bathing day with deck chairs, lunch, drinks, ice cream and sunscreen.
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5. Es Trenc, Mallorca
The Platja es Trenc is the longest natural beach in Mallorca with about seven kilometers. If you look out from the white sandy beach towards the deep blue sea, you will feel like you are in the Caribbean – if you weren't overcrowded with tourists, who come to the fore in high season. On the other hand, there is no human soul to be seen on this 360-degree image, which brings you directly to Mallorca's most beautiful beach.
6. Spiekeroog, East Frisia
Pristine nature, extensive beaches and the endless expanse of the sea: Germany also has beautiful beaches to offer, for example on the East Frisian island of Spiekeroog in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea. This Google shot shows how nice it can really be right around the corner.
7. Sylt and the Baltic Sea
The mayor of Sylt complains about tourists who cheat on the island despite Corona. There are also livestreams from the most popular North Sea island of the Germans that bring you directly to the beach, for example to Westerland.
If you prefer to "travel" to the Baltic Sea, you can click through the Baltic Sea live cams: Here you can see not only beaches, but also beautiful city shots, for example of Lübeck and Kiel.
8. Saint Petersburg, Florida
If you want to continue traveling – at least virtually – then you should visit the website of the St. Petersburg Tourism Organization. There are recordings of live beach webcams that update every 60 seconds.
The St. Pete / Clearwater region on the Florida Gulf Coast is known for its white beaches that stretch for 50 kilometers. For over 50 years, the city of St. Pete has also held the world record of most sunny days without a break with 765 days in a row.
Visit St. Pete / Clearwater has created a one-hour YouTube video showing Fort de Soto Beach with the Gulf of Mexico, including the sound of waves.
With a cocktail and the right music on the beach – without leaving the house
If that's not enough for you, you can listen to the Spotify playlist "Brighter Days Ahead" created by the tourism organization. And for even more Florida vibes, you can also use this YouTube recipe to prepare the "Grouper Sandwich", the country-specific specialty. All you need is fresh breaded perch, cajun spice, lettuce, tomatoes, tartar sauce, parmesan cheese and suitable sandwich bread.
Of course, the right cocktail shouldn't be missing. Visit St. Pete reveals how to mix the perfect key lime mojito. You will need: 45 ml of white rum, 30 ml of lime juice, 90 ml of carbonated water, fresh mint, 15 ml of sugar syrup and crushed ice. First, put the mint in a glass and crush it with a spoon to release the fresh aroma. Next, fill up the glass with crushed ice. Then add the rum, lime juice and syrup to a cocktail mixer and finally the water. Cheers!
With materials from HolidayCheck and Visit St. Pete / Clearwater.
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