Top European Resorts

Thanks to Becky off we go for a list of some Top European Resorts. If you're in doubt about where to go on your next vacations who knows if your answer isn't in these next lines ;)

It's only really in the last couple of generations that package holidays to Europe have become both popular and the norm. Prior to this, with probably a few exceptions, it tended to be the well heeled who traveled across the Channel and holidayed in such places as San Tropez or Monte Carlo. Despite the economic boom in the early sixties and the resultant shifting in ideas, most holidaymakers still went by train or coach to the seaside. Europe was viewed on the television or by film.


Nowadays top European resorts roll off the tongue with a familiarity brought by overseas travel. The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region would typify this. It is home to nearly half a million people, is very accessible primarily via Faro airport and as such is a vital tourist destination crucial to the Portuguese economy. It brims with a vibrancy during the summer: not only is it awash with holidaymakers but also is an important center for the fishing trade. Almonds, figs and oranges grow throughout, further add to the ambiance of the area.

Who, fifty years ago, would ever have imagined going 'island hopping'? Back in the day Samos, Naxos, Zakynthos and Paros would have sounded like names of exotic chocolates or players in an international football team, not holiday island destinations within easy reach. A flight to Athens opens up the tourist to these jewels of the Aegean Sea. The bigger islands such as Crete, Corfu and Rhodes can offer a livelier, more compact holiday but whichever way round the blend of climate, friendliness and civilization make all things Greek a favored holiday choice.


Spain's 'White Coast' or Costa Blanca as we know it, was always destined to be a holiday hotspot. Benidorm has moved from being a small village into a mixture of hotel, beach and skyscraper and has even demanded the nickname of 'The Manhattan of Spain'. Unlike New York though, Benidorm is dwarfed by an impressive mountain; the Puig Campana reaching 1406 meters into the sky.

If Benidorm is approaching middle age, then it has mellowed accordingly. Not unlike Manhattan, it is a byword for excitement yet has worked hard to lose its 'lager lout' image with such individuals now holidaying elsewhere. It's old town still reveals a sense of medieval Spain, yet the cabaret scene of an evening is second to none. The mountains that surround the town give Benidorm a climate all of its own and its beaches still resound with pure enjoyment.


With theme parks and song festivals, sporting events and shopping areas, cheap holidays in Benidorm represent a great time with good value for money. There's so much to do here.

Once again thanks to Becky for this article and also to Wikimedia and Open Galleries for the photos.