This year, data analytics became a dirty word in the European Union. Coming off the back of France’s record high fines on tech giants Google (US$120 million) and Amazon (US$42 million) for obscuring cookie tracking consent options for their users, the EU is clamping down hard on data collection policies in 2023 as the world shifts to a more and more digitised reality.
Data analytics has been used by businesses of all sizes for some time to gain a glimpse into their audience’s lives and to determine the best places to advertise. While most people pick up quite quickly on the uncannily voyeuristic effect of being tracked online, a good many of us also welcome these “targeted ads” as “curated” recommendations for products or services we might enjoy.
For example, social media feeds are the result of carefully curated likes or dislikes, sorted by powerful algorithms. They’re often the first place you go for ideas and recommendations about a trip itinerary. Munich-based holiday-home booking platform Holidu has picked up on the power of social media to do just that, using data already available on the net to compile a list of Europe’s best beaches, a list truly by and for the people.
What is the methodology? Holidu first narrowed down the sample size using ratings and reviews on Google Maps — only the beaches with the highest ratings and at least 500 reviews made the first cut. The initial ranking was then sorted according to the average rating and number of comments. This was followed by another filtering based on how many Instagram posts and TikTok videos featured each beach’s name.
From Santorini to Ibiza, Europeans are no strangers to enjoying the continent’s abundance of wonderful beaches. There are many different types of beaches, from small, unspoiled strips of sand where you can listen to the ocean sounds in silence to beach clubs that host parties and watersports. Without further ado, scroll down for Holidu’s top five trending beaches in Europe in 2023.
1. Omaha Beach, France
The famous Omaha Beach along France’s Normandy coast tops the European ranking. Omaha Beach has consistently attracted travellers from around the world with its 132,000,000 TikTok and 152,376 Instagram tags. Normandy’s coast is one of those scenic vantage points, where sky and ocean blend together as they swallow up the horizon. The fact that many visitors come to the Normandy coast in remembrance and in celebration of World War II’s brutal landings cannot be overlooked.
2. Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria
Playa de Las Canteras is located on the north coast Gran Canaria. The 286,340 Instagram hashtags and 14,600,000 TikTok views are evidence of Las Canteras’ beauty, comprising stunning stretches of golden sand, crystal clear waters and an internationally renowned coral reef along the coastline. There is no shortage of tourists at this beach, with its lively promenade offering restaurants, bars and shopping to make your day on the beach enjoyable.
3. Praia da Rocha, Portugal
Just next door with 118,596 Instagram hashtags and 3,700,000 TikTok views is Portugal’s proud entrant from along the Algarve coast, Praia da Rocha. Da Rocha is a natural wonder, with dramatic cliffs, rock formations and other features. It also attracts tourists due to its 17-mile stretch of coastline.The th On its eastern side, a century-old fortress still stands. Praia da Rocha, a popular beach that is loved by both locals and tourists alike who are looking for a beach getaway, is known as a lively place.
4. Zandvoort Beach in The Netherlands
Zandvoort Beach, located in The Netherlands, is fourth on the list with 3,700,000 TikTok hits and 125,577 Instagram tags. This Dutch beach draws thousands of visitors each year due to its vibrant atmosphere and large sand dune. Zandvoort Beach is a popular destination for sunbathers, water sport enthusiasts, and beach clubgoers. There will be a spot just right for you.
5. Elafonisi Lagoon, Crete
A ranking of Europe’s best beaches would not be complete without the inclusion of the Greek Islands. Elafonisi Lagoon, a natural marvel on the southwest coast Crete is famous for its pink-coloured sand. This colour was created by the calcification of shells from dead benthic amoebae (amoebae). With more than 98,518 Instagram tags and over 10 million TikTok videos, this beach is popular with media and young adults.
Holidu has a complete ranking of European beaches here. Or, the United Kingdom’s ranking is here.
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