The 12 Spectacular Beaches of Ayia Napa

August 2nd, 2009
beach
Ken Sand asked:


The resort town of Ayia Napa on Cyprus is not only famous for its hectic nightlife. It’s also very well known for its pristine and sandy beaches. Here’s some information about the various beaches you can choose from when you visit the «party capital of Cyprus.»

The beaches are listed from west to east of the city centre.

Ayia Thekla - Small and not very busy

Situated six kilometers west of the centre Ayia Napa is petite Ayia Thekla, It has a small island within its grasp and is within walking distance from the main road taking you to Ayia Napa. It has taken its name from a tiny old church in the area. There’s a little cafe run by an old lady at this beach.

Makronisos Beach - Well sheltered

A cluster of bays forms Makronisos beach. The three bays stretch out in different directions, one to the west, the second to the southwest whereas the third one stretches in a south easterly direction resulting in well sheltered beach areas.

Landa

A 300 meters long beach is found in the middle of Makronisos beach and Nissi Bay - only 500 meters away from each beach. 

Nissi Beach/Nissi Bay - The party beach

Only three kilometers west of Ayia Napa. These closely connected twin beaches attract thousands of tourists every year. Nissi, which in Greek means “small island”, gives a new dimension to the beauty of the landscape. It is well sheltered from the wind and facilitates all sea sports. This beach is where the young party tourists go during the daytime. It’s many bars and activities here in addition to plenty of opportunities to practice ***********.

Vathia Gonia - Protected from winds

Vathia Gonia is found 400 yards east of Nissi Bay. The beach is also fully protected from winds. Sea sport facilities are provided.

Pernera

This beach stretches up to 200 meters long and is located in between the beaches of Vathia Gonia and Katsarka.

Katsarka

A rocky beach 800 meters long, situated about 500 meters west of the fishing harbour, just before the Pernera Beach. 

Pantahou

This beach stretches from the fishing harbour of Ayia Napa for more than a kilometer and follows on easterly direction. Thousands of tourists visit it every year. Facilities for all sea sports are provided for and cafes, snack bars and restaurants abound in the area. The fishing harbour of Agia Napa with its small colorful boats adds character to the view and is a happy reminder of the past.

Glyky Nero

The starting point of this beach is where the Pantahou Beach ends and it is extended up to the point where the sea-caves are situated.

Ammos tou Kambouri

A little coastal hay beach found in between Ayia Napa village and the remote Kermia Beach. 

Kermia

Situated two kilometers east of Ayia Napa on the main road leading to the Cape Greco, Kermia Beach is located on the west side of Cape Greco. It is private and remote.

Konnos

Konnos is situated four kilometers east of Ayia Napa on the road between Cape Greco and Protaras and it is the last beach which determines the boundaries between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. It is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island and well sheltered from heavy winds.



Doris

Best Beaches in Siesta Key

August 2nd, 2009
beach
Danielle Branch asked:


Siesta Key beaches are among the finest in the world, and we have plenty of awards to prove it. The beach extends along the entire Gulf Coast of the key, but it is really three distinct areas, each with its own characteristic charm.Relaxing and enjoying the peace and solitude of the area seems to be the favorite pastime for guests, but other activities are available.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach offers the same lush, white sands, azure waters, and stunning sunsets, but it is relatively secluded and quiet, as it has only one public access road. Most resorts have private beaches beyond the public beach area and the water’s edge. Visitors staying in the resorts, apartments and beach clubs here enjoy a quieter beach experience. At the southern tip of this beach is the Point of Rocks - a lovely snorkeling and diving area that is rich with coral rock formations as well as colorful and abundant marine life. So, if a quieter beach experience is what you may be after, then Crescent Beach is where you want to go.

Siesta Public Beach

Siesta Public Beach is the northernmost beach area. Shallow water depth in the near shore area together with year round lifeguard protection, makes this one of the safest beaches in the County and great for small children. The Public Beach has a shaded picnic area, playground, pavilion, tennis courts and beach volleyball courts.

Siesta Public Beach is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets, easy-going waves, and gorgeous, crystal-white sand. At the “Great International White Sand Beach Challenge” held in 1987, it was recognized as having the “whitest and finest sand in the world.” There’s always something to do at Siesta Public Beach, and it’s within easy walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in Siesta Village.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach, south of Crescent Beach, offers an entirely different experience. Located right on the beach there is a playground, picnic areas, a horseshoe pit and boat launching ramp. Turtle Beach provides a sportier, “family friendly” beach experience. The sand on the beach tends to carry more shells, making it perfect for beach combers and shell collectors.

No matter which of our gorgeous beaches you choose to visit, your time will be memorable. Enjoy Florida the way it used to be - unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can find ample accommodations close to the area that suits them best, but you can easily visit and enjoy all three.



Lorraine

Have Fun & Frolic at Beach Destinations in India

August 1st, 2009
beach
Jadiete Collins asked:


If you are planning for vacations this season, why not go for beach tour of India. India has long coast line spanning about 7000 km encircling the peninsular India. Numbers of sunny beaches dot this long coastline. Beaches in India offer pristine and flawless beauty to captivate its onlooker. While on beach tour of India, you will get to experience exotic, unexplored and peaceful beaches having out of the world charm.

Beach destinations in India offer most vivid range of beaches. One can experience calm backwaters, lagoons, bays, rough lava-rocked sea, marine estuaries, crashing surf, powdery golden sand and palm fringed coast. India is flanked by Arabian Sea on the Western Coast and Bay of Bengal on the eastern Coast.

Sea freaks and water sports adventurers can have gala time on beaches in India. There is great opportunity of water sports and water activities on almost all the beaches in India. One can opportunities of angling, boating, swim, relax and more. Beach tour of India can be very rejuvenating and enjoyable.

Goa and Kerala top the list of beach destinations in India. Besides the beaches in Kerala and Beaches in Goa, Gujrat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Karnataka can also boast of their share of beaches in India.

However beaches in Goa are the most popular beaches all over the globe. People from across the globe, flock to Goa for getting relaxed on its beaches. Beaches of Goa are marked by spectacular green vistas and rolling hills. White soft sand on shore in combination with azure blue sea water creates heavenly scenery. Some of the most famous beaches of Goa are Anjuna, Baga, Dona Paula and Calangute Beach.

Next comes to mind is Kerala for its lovely beaches. Kerala is famed for its backwaters and cool, exotic beaches and tropical air. Kovalam is ranks highest on the list best sea resorts. Swaying coconut palm trees dot the long coastline with glistening sands and salubrious atmosphere offer the just perfect picture of paradise. While on the beach tour in India, you find yourself away from the blurring city noise and lights and get just pure nature.

You can catch the beauty of beach temple at Mahabalipuram. Puri in Orissa is the most picturesque beach in the world. If you want to spend time on most peaceful beach, Digha in west Bengal is the nice beach.

Beaches of isles of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadeep offer such a sight that can not be described in words. You can see the kaleidoscope of colors created by flashy fish, coral reef above the green waters.

On beach tour in India, one can get taste fresh catch from sea. At all the beach destination of India, you can gorge on delicious sea food. All the beach destination of India offer picture perfect holidays, no matter there are crowded or isolated.



Karl

What should I stock in my 55 gallon beach themed aquarium?

July 26th, 2009
beach
Loves Dogs asked:


I am redecorating my 55 gallon freshwater aquarium. It is going to be a beach theme. It will have a section of blue gravel for the ocean and then a sand gravel mix for the sand. Of course it will have palm trees and other cool beach stuff as decor. What kind of fish should I stock the aquarium with? Any ideas?

Audrey

The Best Beaches In California

July 25th, 2009
beach
Dave Text asked:


If you like to laze around the beaches, then this list of the best beaches in California will definitely be your best guide. This is a list for what we believe are the best beaches in California. Of all the beaches California has to offer, we think these are tops! If you can find better beaches in California, then we’ll eat out hat (metaphorically speaking)!

Malibu Lagoon Beach: A beautiful lagoon beach with 22 acres of wetlands, gardens and sandy beach. It’s considered one of the worlds premiere surfing beaches. On the east side of the Malibu Creek Bridge is the Malibu Pier, which is excellent for saltwater fishing. On the west side is a nature area.

Venice Beach: No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a trip to this iconic beach. Street performers, artists and “the beautiful people” mingle and stroll all the way to Santa Monica along the famous boardwalk that runs through this inimitable California beach town.

El Capitan Beach: This shady, sandy, Santa Barbara beach features rocky tide pools along El Capitan Creek. It’s perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A long stairway gives access from the bluffs to beach and a bike trail connects the park with Refugio State Beach.

Ocean Beach: O.B. as the locals call it is a laid-back beach-community know for its surfers and liberal politics. It is an eclectic beach community with a leash free “dog beach”, a fishing pier, swimming, surfing and volleyball. It has separate swimming and surfing zones, which is definitely a good idea.

Rio Del Mar Beach: This long, sandy beach is found in the town of Aptos, California, in Santa Cruz County. It features fire rings and a barbecue and picnic area and is a popular summer beach. It is also the home to the “cement boat” a long stranded freighter ship.

Muir Beach: This beach is less than a half hour drive from San Francisco down scenic Hwy I. It’s one of the most glorious regions of Northern California in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fishing, surfing and campfires are allowed, and there are many coastal trails above the beach for hikers to explore.

Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove: This splendid black sand beach is a great place for Whale watching. Located north of the small hamlet of Shelter Cove in a remote region of the “Lost Coast”, it’s the trailhead for the famous King Range hike. This is a day only beach, so campers will have to head for the mountains.

La Jolla’s Beaches: La Jolla means “the jewel,” a fitting name for the precious beaches of La Jolla’s coast. Surfers prefer Windansea beach, harbor seals love the Children’s Pool, La Jolla Shores is popular for swimming and sunbathing, while the Cove is a favorite snorkeling spot.

Drake’s Beach: This vast stretch of white sand can be found at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The areas strong winds and choppy seas make it at little too violent for most swimmers, but sun worshippers will be delighted by the opportunity to work on their tans in a beautiful California outdoor hotspot.



Chris

Is Mission Beach a safe place to stay in the summer?

July 22nd, 2009
beach
interrobangirl asked:


Several friends and I are planning on renting a condo in Mission Beach, several blocks north of Belmont Park, for a week in June. We’re all girls, and we don’t drink. Is this a good place to go?

Nellie

Tranquilize Your Body and Soul With Kerala Beach Vacations

July 20th, 2009
beach
Manish Sinha asked:


Visit the well maintained, neatly kept and securely guarded beaches of Kerala that are turning into an ideal beach vacation destination in India. This natural wonderland is blessed with nature’s green beauties including lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers. The vast network of 44 rivers criss-crossing Kerala, make it a home to a long and charming shoreline that houses numerous beaches and beach resorts.

Besides its coastal beauties and beaches, Kerala is visited for the world famous Snake Boat Races which are organized in these waters around the Onam festival. Kerala witnesses a constant rush of people tired from the monotonous urban life. These people find comfort in the tranquil waters of Kerala. The beaches of Kerala, dotted with swaying palm trees, are beautiful stretches of clean sand.

Plan a trip to Kerala beaches and relax on the golden sands while stretching out in the shade of the rows of palm trees along the beaches, drinking the refreshing juice of a tender coconut and having an Ayurvedic massage. The water of Kerala beaches has a soothing and calming influence on mind and body and it relaxes the senses and souls of those who seek solace on its shores. A few popular beaches in Kerala are:

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha or Alleppey is a district blessed with spell-binding beauty. It lies in the east of the Arabian Sea. A vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crossing it makes it the ‘Venice of the East’. The beach is a home to several avifauna (bird) species. This wonderful relaxing beach is also frequented for fishing.

Kovalam Beach

It serves as the starting point of your backwater cruise to explore the beautiful countryside of Kerala. Surrounded by lush greens, the Kovalam beach is always dotted with a number of boats and Kettuvalloms (houseboats). Kovalam beach is an ideal destination for surfing and it enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year.

Dharmadam Island Beach

Located 17 km from Kannur, this small 5 acre beautiful island is dotted with coconut palms and green bushes. The island is about 100 metres from the mainland of Dharmadam and a special permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Marari Beach

Located at a close proximity to the Cochin city, Marari is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy and palm fringed beach. It offers an idyllic location for relaxing holidays far away from the hustle bustle of the urban life.

Fort Kochi Beach

The historic city near the beach showcases a different kind of lifestyle inspired by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This cultural influence is clearly revealed in the Indo-European architecture in Fort Kochi. Cochin Carnival on the New Year eve is the major attraction at this beach.

Varkala Beach

Varkala beach is a highly revered place because of an ancient shrine of Lord Vishnu dating back around 2000 years. Consisting several mineral water springs, popular for their medicinal values, the beach is also called ‘Papanashini’. People believe that a dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach purifies the body and the soul.

Beypore Beach

A few decades back, it was a ship building centre. Located in north Kerala, the Beypore beach was initially developed by the Arabs. Remnants of the ship building industry and the old wood industry can still be seen here.

Ezhimala Beach

This beautiful beach has a hillock towering about 286 metres. The beach is famous for a number of water sports activities and a Naval Academy.

Muzhappilangad Beach

This long clean beach is an ideal spot for swimming and Ayurveda therapies. Tourists can take sunbathe or just lounge around the golden sands. The beach is surrounded by black rocks.

A few other prominent beaches in Kerala that are perfect for Ayurveda therapies, water sports activities and relaxation, are:



Bekal Beach

Kanwatheertha Beach

Kappad Beach



Kappil Beach

Payyamblam Beach

Poovar Beach

Shanghumugham Beach

Somatheeram Beach

Tanur Beach

Thirumullavaram Beach

Vallikunnu Beach



Kerala beaches and the nearby regions are famous for delectable sea food, friendly people, smiling sun, sapphire blue water and swaying palm trees. These fascinating beaches are best suited to rejuvenate your mind body and soul.

Plan a trip to the Kerala Beaches with www.keralaindiavacation.com and enjoy your best holidays in the treasure trove of indigenous cultural practices and art forms. Kerala beaches, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, are among the most romantic beaches of the world.



Judy

Top 10 Caribbean Beach Vacations

July 18th, 2009
beach
Ryan Burden asked:


Looking for the best Caribbean beach vacation? Hey, I love sharing the highlights of all the places I visit and learn about. Below you’ll find my top 10 picks for a great beach vacation with examples of what’s special about them. Then you can decide which one you think would be the best beach vacation in the Caribbean for your trip!

Aruba:



This place is for those that like a non-stop vacation with lots of restaurants, bars casinos. The beaches are gorgeous, the water is wonderful and it hardly ever rains. The scuba diving is awesome with great opportunities for photography. The fishing is pretty good too.

Barbados:

Your troubles will simply wash away in the soft island serenity of this great beach vacation destination. Brighton Beach is a great place to stay for your Caribbean beach vacation and the most popular here. If you want a little more privacy you can get secluded villas around the island. Taking that horseback ride on the beach will feel as if you’re in a movie and I would highly recommend trying it. Probably my second favorite beach vacation overall.

Turks and Caicos Islands:

Like long beach walks? At 12 miles long, Grace Bay is simply a phenomenal stretch of soft white sand with smaller luxury resorts, spas and great restaurants perfect for a beach honeymoon vacation. And the water color is the most vibrant translucent turquoise… I love it! Seems that many movie stars and rock stars like it too with several owning homes and vacationing here on some of the 8 secluded islands all with fantastic beaches. Turks & Caicos has long been a diver’s paradise with great deep-sea and bone fishing too! Taking the kids? Well, Beaches Resort consistently gets high marks as one of the world’s best family beach vacation spots.

Bahamas:



Technically not in the Caribbean, but with so many beautiful beaches I had to add it to the best beach vacation list… it’s close enough. Paradise Island is great fun especially swimming with the dolphins, which is an experience of a lifetime. The diving here is fantastic because of the calm waters and enjoying the nightlife is all kinds of fun. For a secluded romantic get-a-way try the pink sand beach on Harbor Island.

British Virgin Islands & U.S. Virgin Islands:

Both make great beach vacations, especially for island hopping. Having a chance to easily enjoy not 1, 2, but potentially 3 islands or more each with it’s own charm make for one of the best beach vacation spots. Trunk Bay on St. John is particularly gorgeous and popular with calm waters and an underwater snorkeling “trail.”

Cayman Islands:

A very entertaining destination with odd things like feeding iguanas grapes while dining at a restaurant. Definitely worth it for the pictures! Three islands in all, its another great place to island hop and enjoy waterfall climbing, extensive shark diving, and swimming with the stingrays and shopping, shopping, shopping.

Dominican Republic:

Here is a place you can go for a cheap beach vacation and still enjoy all the splendid beauty of a Caribbean island. Have a great time scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing and hiking. Fabulous beaches too!

Anguilla:

A fun Caribbean beach vacation to tell your friends about. It’s the only area known in the Caribbean to have beautiful white sandy beaches deserted during peak season, which makes this a great place for couples to enjoy. Especially with activities that include windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Oh, and if you love seafood, all I can say is, “The best chefs in the Caribbean!”

St. Lucia:

A honeymooners delight. Think jazz music, small island, secluded and intimate and that is St. Lucia. Beautiful beaches, lush tropical foliage, scenic mountains, spectacular sunsets and typically many great all-inclusive packages are offered. It all makes for a very seductive beach honeymoon vacation.

Hey, I could add a couple more since the Caribbean is full of beautiful and interesting places. Some may offer a little better snorkeling or fishing, larger or smaller hotels, more seclusion or more nightlife, but all are wonderful in their own way. You really can’t go wrong with these when planning and dreaming of your next Caribbean beach vacation!



Joan

Top 7 Destinations for India Beach Tour

July 16th, 2009
beach
dsouza asked:


India having some of incredibly beautiful beaches is one of the most globally popular tourism destinations. India has some of pristine beaches in the world. Tourists from all over the world visit these beaches every year quite in good number. Beaches offer excellent ambiance with activities, solitude, fun, frolic, and of course enchanting parties. Stunningly picturesque beaches in India are also famous among couple who are planning to celebrate their honeymoon in India. Here is information about top 7 beaches of India which tourists can find in west coast. When you will explore these pristine beaches of India you will forget beaches of other countries.

1. Varkala

Situated near Trivandrum (the capital city) in Kerala, Varkala beach is considered among some of pristine beaches in the world. It is gorgeously picturesque this beach provides serene ambiance for perfect sun & sand vacation in India. It is relatively serene substitute to the commercialized beaches of Kovalam. The setting of Varkala is striking & arresting enough to render you speechless.

2. Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the pristine beaches in the world. Situated on the Malabar Coast along it is a small town, formerly a small fishing village. Today Kovalam grab more and more beach lovers from each corner of the world. Today, it has been commercialized but has treasured its striking features and beauty. It is one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Truly a worth exploring destination it is!

3. Marari

Mind-boggling Marari Beach is truly one of the most spectacular beaches of Kerala, India. It is little known but much praised. It is situated near Alleppey – one of the most popular backwater destinations of Kerala. It is perfect destination for those tourists who prefer to enjoy backwater tours on their India beach tour. The beach is very neat and clean and ideal for mesmerizing beach vacation. The earth conscious Marari Beach Resort is a big draw-card.

4. Baga

Situated in the north Goa, Baga is a globally famous beach destination of India. It draws large crowd of sun & sand lovers from each corner of the world. It has sights that appeal tourists. It has actions that thrill tourists. Water sports, para-sailing, dolphin sightseeing trips, bars, clubs, night life, beach shacks, and restaurants, etc all to make this beach very famous among vacationers from all over the world.

5. Palolem

Situated in south Goa, picturesque Palolem Beach is undoubtedly among one of the best beaches of India, appealing vacationers from each corner of the world. The beach is enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms creating delightful and romantic ambiance. This picturesque, shady and semi-circle shaped beach can be perfect destinations for couples who have planned for honeymoon in India.

6. Gokarna

Situated in the North Karnataka, Gokarna is a small and holy town. It is famous for its pristine beaches. It appeals tourists of both kinds – pilgrims as well as vacationers. It is considered one of most beautiful beach destination in India.

7. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is one of the most popular destinations among tourists coming for beach tours India.It is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The town of Mahabalipuram is also famous beautiful rock sculptures, temples, etc. One of the most popular attractions of this beach town is the windswept Shore Temple.



Norman

Gear up to the Beach and Bring Your Beach Chairs

July 14th, 2009
beach
Christa Kowalczyk asked:


Beach chairs make your outdoor relaxation at the beach more comfortable and make the most of the beautiful weather.

If you think that beach blanket or a mat is sufficient for an excursion to the shore with jam-packed beaches nowadays, you might find hundreds of people bringing the same beach blankets blocking each other’s picture of the beautiful beach in front of you. Beach chairs have become trendy accessory on the beach; these allow you relax without having on the same visual level as everyone else.

Beach chairs allow you to get an unobstructed seascape and get you the relaxation that you went there for. If you think that this beach chairs are very uncomfortable to bring, there are some small beach chairs usually the kind that can be folded are widely offered today. If you really wants to stand out, there are multicolored beach chairs to choose from that come something other than plain white plastic color and if you want to provide one beach chairs for every member of the family, you can get a bargain beach chairs or plastic that is common nowadays, so there’s no reason not to get your piece of beach furniture. There are large selections of beach chairs to choose from and here are some of the types of chairs that might help you decide in buying one. A Folding Lawn Chair is a chair that you can use almost anywhere. You can bring this to the beach, in a ballgame or in the park. Lawn chair is also perfect in lounging on your patio or in the backyard. Every home should have at least three or four of these chairs on hand for guests, children and backyard parties.

The Floating chair is a type of chair that is designed for easy storage and transportation when you want to have a get away relaxation on the lake or on the beach. For extra convenience you can choose a Backpack Chairs that come with a complete backpack carrying straps, this type of chair is also great to bring on the beach. If you want the lightest and most portable beach chair, you can choose the Aluminum or Butterfly chairs that are growing trends in the chair industry. This type of chair is really perfect in relaxing in style on the beach. It can be folded nicely for easy storage and travel. You can also choose Wood beach chairs but this kind of chair is a little heavier than a metal chairs, however this chair is more luxurious and durable than the any other type of chair. If you want to have a more luxurious chair while on the beach there are also Beach Chaise Lounges that are designed for a more comfortable lounging.

This type of chair is perfect for taking a nap while enjoying the heat of the sun because this beach chair is close to the ground and often has reclining back rests making it more relaxing. And some of these beach chaise also go together with a changeable canopy that will create some shades when you need it most. While on the beach you can enjoy the heat of the sun, a fabric or a canvass seat is best and for this matter, you can use Commercial Beach Chair.

This type of chair is more durable and last longer in the elements like the heat of the sun than the traditional beach chairs. If you need beach chair for your kids that might be frequently exposed to elements of dust or food stain, plastic or polypropylene seat is best because its materials are more weather resistant than fabric or canvass and can be rinsed off easily to keep them clean. These kids’ chairs are also available with umbrellas and canopies to protect them from the harmful UV rays from the sun. You can enjoy and relax under the sun in the beach. Take along some comfort with one of these convenient chairs mentioned.



Lonnie