You don’t have to go to warmer regions to find the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The renowned publisher Lonely Planet has recently named Europe’s finest beaches in 2024. And at the very top sits a pearl in Lofoten. Namely Hauklandstranda in Vestvågøy municipality. It is not the first time Stranda has run away with the victory. In 2021, Lofoten joined beaches from Spain, Greece, Portugal and Denmark in the selection. And so does the beach this year too. – The water is cool, but you will still want to jump in, writes Lonely Planet. They describe Lofoten as an arctic dream, and that Hauklandstranda, or Hauklandsanden as it is called in the Mapping Authority, is unique with pointed granite peaks, soft sand and blue sea. – Creates pride Mayor Jonny Finstad (H) is very pleased that the beach in his municipality once again asserts itself in Lonely Planet’s overview. He says it joins a long line of awards they have received for Hauklandstranda. – When we receive such awards from recognized publications, it creates pride. In addition, there is good marketing for both Lofoten and Hauklandstranda as a destination. Lonely Planet: These are Europe’s best beaches Hauklandstranda, Lofoten, Norway Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia, Italy West Beach, Scotland Palombaggia, Corsica Playa Illetes, Formentera, Spain Barafundle Bay Beach, Wales Praia da Arrifana, Portugal Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain Navagio Beach , Greece Platja de Coll Baix, Mallorca Porquerolles, France Rauðasandur, Iceland Praia das Catedrais, Spain Sveti Stefan, Montenegro Lara Beach, Cyprus Zlatni Rat, Croatia Dueodde, Denmark Keem Bay, Ireland Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily, Italy – Surprising? – No, then. We know what natural qualities we have in our municipality. We have received a number of awards in the past. Dagbladet has also voted it Norway’s finest beach. Now they are in the process of upgrading the infrastructure around the beach. Lonely Planet describes Hauklandstranda as unique with pointed granite peaks, soft sand and blue sea. Photo: Randi Saupstad – We are in the process of creating a proper service building, so that we can receive guests with toilet facilities and everything possible. The new service building is planned to be finished in December, but he thinks they should manage to have somewhat better parking facilities ready for the summer. Great expectations for the season Finstad says that topping international beach lists also has its drawbacks. In summer there is a lot of traffic from tourists and guests who want to experience the beach. Then it is important to make arrangements with toilet facilities and parking spaces. – So it is important that it does not become a disparagement for permanent residents. – Do you have faith in the summer season that is coming up? – The forecasts look good for 2024. We have high expectations for the season. In recent years it has been very hot in Europe, so perhaps more people will look north for a slightly cooler summer. Attracts more tourists Tourism manager in Lofoten, Line Renate Samuelsen, says that the attention from Lonely Planet helps to attract even more tourists to Lofoten. – It means a lot for Lofoten as a tourism destination. There is a nature here that grabs you, and then we have so many places like Hauklandstranda. The contrasts here are so wonderful from season to season. – What makes Hauklandstranda special? – The contrast between the mountains there, and then you have the midnight sun right next to you in summer, which gives long bright nights. It is an arctic landscape at the same time as it looks like a Caribbean beach. Head of tourism in Lofoten, Line Renate Samuelsen, is delighted that Hauklandstranda has reached the top in the beach evaluation for the second time. Photo: John Inge Johansen Samuelsen talks about a good winter season for tourism in Lofoten. It is still too early to say how the summer will be. – We hear that it looks good in the summer. But it will only be in the autumn that we will be told how things have actually gone.
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Lofot beach tops the list of Europe’s best beaches – news Nordland
