Europe's Best Beaches Include Two UK Spots
The new list of Europe's best beaches for 2026 includes two UK locations in the top rankings, proving world-class coasts extend beyond the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Miami Beach officials are implementing a new approach for March, moving away from traditional spring break chaos and focusing on safety and order.
- The two UK locations named in TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards are Horsey Beach in Norfolk, which ranked 13th, and Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland at 19th. - Horsey Beach is known for its large colony of grey seals, with over 3,000 pups born during the 2024/2025 pupping season, while Bamburgh Beach is distinguished by the 1,400-year-old Bamburgh Castle that overlooks the coastline. - Other top-ranking European beaches on the list included destinations in Crete, Sardinia, and Corsica. - Miami Beach's new "Wake Up to a New March" campaign is a pivot from previous years' more restrictive "breaking up with spring break" message, now promoting fitness events like marathons and wellness festivals. - The city's shift in strategy follows years of chaotic spring breaks, which in the past have included multiple shootings and fatalities. - Despite the more welcoming tone, strict measures will be in effect during peak weekends (March 12–15 and 19–22), including DUI checkpoints and license plate readers on the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways. - Financial deterrents are a key part of the plan, with parking garage fees increasing to between $40 and $100, and the towing rate for non-residents doubled to $548. - Access to the beach on Ocean Drive will be limited to specific street entrances with security checkpoints to confiscate prohibited items such as coolers, tents, and glass containers.
