The Top 3 Artificial Beaches in Europe

I really don’t mean to brag (okay, maybe a tiny part of me has that intention), but one of the major perks of living in Barcelona is to have the beach so close. Yes, the sun took a little longer to arrive this year, but I’ll eagerly assume it is here to stay now.

I am not a Barcelona native and I didn’t always have it that great to be a hop and a skip away from the beach. So what’s the alternative if you want to cool off on a hot summer day and can’t dive into the waves of the sea?!

Well, if the mountain won´t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain…

Paris Plages

Paris, for example, is not located next to a beach, so the people of Paris just bring the beach to Paris every summer. From July 20th until August 18th part of the Voie George-Pompidou right by the river banks of the Seine turn into a beach area with sand, palm trees, beach chair and whatever else you could imagine for a good whiff of holidays.

Arena Berlin Badeschiff

Somehow Berlin always manages to think a little outside the box. The Arena Berlin, an event venue, offers the Badeschiff in the summer months. A pool that floats on the river Spree along with a sandy beach and an open-air bar. The Badeschiff has opened for the season in May already and from 8 in the morning until 11.45 at night you’re invited to take a dip. You can also check the website for various events.

Bruxelles Les Bains

If you are looking for some fun in the sun in Brussels Les Bains is where you have to go. From July 5th until August 11th the area around Sainctelette Square right by the Brussel Canal turns into a beach promenade. You can enjoy cocktails on the beach, play beach volleyball and soccer for a small fee and there are concerts for all ages. At night you can come party on the Boat Club.