Beautiful white sand beach is one of 'best in Europe' with crystal-clear waters

A breathtaking beach is already hailed as one of the best in Europe, and now it's also been tipped as a must-visit for Brits looking for swim-friendly waters.

Tropea in Italy is no hidden gem, and it's not difficult to see why it's been crowned a must-visit this summer. If you were going to put a picture of a beach on a postcard, Tropea ticks all of the boxes. White sands? Check. Crystal-clear waters? Check. Breathtaking surroundings for those all-important Instagram backdrops? Check.

The Blue Flag beach is free to visit, but it can get quite busy during the peak summer months because it's popular with both locals and tourists. As for those inviting turquoise waters, you can hire the likes of pedalos in the area to go exploring, or join one of the many boat trips that take you along that ridiculously pretty Italian coast.

As for back on the fine sands, you can hire sunloungers and umbrellas, not to mention that there are plenty of restaurants and shops just a short walk away. The gorgeous beach is also currently rated as one of the top 10 in Europe, taking eighth place in the rankings on Tripadvisor, based on visitors' reviews.

One happy holidaymaker wrote of their stay: "Wonderful place, always clean and clear water (so much so that you could see the fish). We rented a pedal boat to go a little 'offshore' and enjoy the enchanting sea of Tropea and we are not disappointed. Enchanted!"

Another added: "The downside is the need to climb stairs from the city to the beach and back. But in Calabria, it's inevitable. Pros are much more: a beautiful coast, with bays and relatively low tourist occupancy, crystal clear water, a clean groomed beach, wonderful views and beautiful sunsets."

If you are planning to take a dip, you'll likely get to enjoy water temperatures averaging 26.3C, according to new research from Iglu Cruise. In fact, their experts have named Tropea as the best beach in Italy when it came to rankings of where to go for a dip, and enjoy glorious sun-soaked weather.

The travel insiders explained: "Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Italy (according to Tripadvisor), Tropea Beach is another location where you can find warm sea temperatures that are perfect for swimming in the summer. Views from the beach are spectacular, with surrounding cliffs causing a natural barrier to the wind. If you’re looking for azure blue waters and white sand, this might be the beach for you."

It wasn't just Tropea that impressed. In fact, overall it came fifth in the rankings, with Konyaaltı Plajları in Turkey taking the top spot, with waters boasting average temperatures of 27.8C. You can check out the full top 10 list below...

1. Konyaaltı Plajları, Antalya, Türkiye - 27.8°C
2. Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa, Cyprus - 27.3°C
3. Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece - 26.5°C
4. İztuzu Plajı, Dalyan, Türkiye - 26.5°C
5. Tropea Beach, Tropea, Italy - 26.3°C
6. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece - 25.7°C
7. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece - 25.6°C
8. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain - 25.1°C
9. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy - 24.9°C
10. Playa de Muro Beach, Majorca, Spain - 24.8°C

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