Hostels are no longer just the domain of city centres and, with the evenings getting longer and thoughts beginning to turn to this year’s summer getaway, Hostelworld has released the top 10 European beach hostels.
Kaixo Backpackers, San Sebastian, Spain
This beautiful luxurious hostel is run by a backpacker with backpackers in mind. It is located just 2 minutes walk from the famous La Concha beach and very close to the surfer-friendly La Zurriloa beach. For those that want to learn, the hostel has surf-boards for rent and can arrange lessons. Bicycles and other local tours can also be organised. The hostel offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for guests of all ages looking for a relaxing beach break.
Down Town Hostel, Spain, Malaga
This modern hostel, renovated in 2008 is located in the heart of Malaga near the Picasso Museum, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre and is just seven minutes walk to the beach. The hostel offers both double rooms and dorms and has a common area with terrace offering the ideal place for relaxing drinks and meeting other guests.
Update 30/12/2017: hostel no longer available
Hostel Essaouira, Morocco, Essaouria
Designed in traditional chic Riad style, this ‘Boutique Hostel’ offers more than most. Centered around a beautiful Moroccan garden, the Essaouira Hostel will make you feel instantly relaxed and at home. Rooms are beautifully designed and resemble something straight out of an interiors magazine. The high terrace offers magnificent views over the city and free yoga classes to guests. Also on offer are an extensive library, cocktail bar and free tours of the town and its nightlife. Barbeques with delicious local food can be organised for groups. Surf trips, kite surf lessons, fishing trips or camel/horse riding can also be arranged.
Update 30/12/2017: hostel no longer available
Goofys, Newquay, UK
Situated a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic, between Fistral Bay and Newquay Golf Course, Goofy’s is the perfect place for a break down in Newquay. The hostel offers a choice of private rooms fully equipped with ensuite bathrooms, meaning that guests can take advantage of facilities usually reserved for hotels. The free buffet breakfast is the perfect way to start the day with the hostel organising surf lessons or any of a number of other adventurous activities.
Update 30/12/2017: hostel no longer available
Surf House Hostel, Peniche, Portugal
Located just 100m from Cantinho da Baia – the premier surfing and kite surfing spot in Baleal, Peniche, this hostel is a semi-detached villa housing 5 bedrooms (4 doubles, 1 single). Peniche offers a communal living room with cable TV and DVD, fully equipped kitchen and BBQ. The hostel can arrange surf boards, wet suits and bikes for guests to hire while surf tours can also be organised.
Update 30/12/2017: hostel no longer available
Bundoran Surf Lodge, Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland
Opened in 2009 on the northwest coast of Ireland and positioned on the main street of Bundoran near shops, pubs and restaurants, the hostel is a 2 minute walk to the local beaches with some of Ireland’s best surf. The rooms are private and spacious with en-suite bathrooms and TV’s. The hostel is run by local surfers and offers a surf school and surf shop along with a pleasant patio for the perfect summer BBQ.
Jorplace, The Hague, Netherlands
This unique place opened in July 2008 and is the only hostel in The Hague offering guests the choice of 90 comfortable beds in very close proximity to the beach and harbour. The staff can organise a wide range of activities for guests while the cosy beer garden is a great place to relax during the long summer evenings.
Hippo Hostel, Budva, Montenegro
Budva, the eastern Adriactic’s oldest town, is home to Montenegro’s best beaches and nightlife and Hippo Hostel is the best place to experience this. A true home from home, whether it is a beer in the common room or a BBQ on the patio and with the relatively small capacity (24 beds) the emphasis is on relaxation and getting to know your fellow traveller. And if you get tired of all that, the beach is only 10 minutes away!
Update 30/12/2017: hostel no longer available
Onda Road Hostel, Calabria, Italy
For a beach break, it is hard to find a more perfect location than the Onda Road hostel. Situated just metres from Praia a Mare, guests will be treated to a location usually reserved for top-class hotels. The beach offers activities ranging from snorkelling and scuba diving to beach volleyball, rafting and (for the real adrenaline junkie) cliff jumping from a 22 metre high natural bridge! None of this should be done on an empty stomach and the free pancake breakfast will take care of this. Add in the swimming pool, large garden and solarium and this is tailor made for the ultimate beach break.
The Pink Palace, Corfu, Greece
The Famous Pink Palace is located on one of the most famous beaches on Corfu – Agios Gordios and suits every travel budget, from backpacker to jet setter. Included in the price of a room is a full cooked breakfast until 11am, traditional Greek home-cooked 3 course evening meal (served on the garden restaurant overlooking the beach) and access to private sun-loungers on the beach. The hostel can also organise a wide-range of activites for guests and offers rooms ranging from one and two bed to bigger dorms, the majority with en-suite bathrooms.