September 24th 2024.
Locals in the area fondly refer to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach as their own version of Ibiza. Even though summer may be over, that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. In fact, a recent study analyzed online travel reviews to determine the most serene beaches in the world. They counted the number of times phrases like 'relaxing' and 'relax' were mentioned in the reviews. Are you in need of some downtime? The results are in and the world's most relaxing beach is Little French Key, located on a private island in Honduras. Almost 17% of the 4,250 reviews for this beach mentioned those key words.
But if you're looking for a tranquil getaway closer to home, you'll be pleased to know that Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in Iceland came in third place. It received 15.1% of online reviews describing it as a relaxing destination. This beach, located in Reykjavík, has the unique feature of being geothermal. During the summer, the average temperature is a comfortable 17C, and in the man-made lagoon, the temperature ranges from 15 to 19C. However, if you're brave enough to visit in the winter, you may want to bring a wetsuit. The temperature of the sea can drop to a chilly -1.9C, with the lagoon resting at 0C.
Visitors have described Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach as a little bit of paradise and a hidden gem. According to one TripAdvisor review, it's a must-visit location that's off the beaten track. The reviewer, Beth M, stumbled upon the beach accidentally but was blown away by its beauty. The sunsets are also said to be wonderful, although the initial smell of sulphur due to the geothermal aspect of the beach may be off-putting. But don't worry, it dissipates with time and you can choose to take a dip in the sea or relax in the lagoon.
You may be wondering how seawater can be -1.9C without freezing. According to the National Ocean Service, the salt content in the water lowers its freezing point. Freshwater freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but seawater freezes at 28.4 degrees Fahrenheit. One visitor, who hopped into the water directly from a long hike, said it was the best feeling in the world at that moment.
If you're ready to experience this serene vibe for yourself, it only costs 890 Icelandic Króna to visit. And if you forget your swimwear, you can rent some for 1.190 Icelandic Króna. The easiest way to get to Reykjavík is by flying, and there are currently return tickets available through easyJet from Luton to Keflavík International Airport for as little as £45 in November. From there, it's just a 12-minute car ride from the city center to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach.
The best time to visit this beach depends on your preference for warm weather. July and August are the warmest months, with highs of 14C. But if you don't mind colder temperatures, winter can also be a beautiful time to visit. Just be prepared for frosty lows of -3C, which is matched by the temperature of the Icelandic sea at -1.9C.
In case you're interested, here are the top 10 most relaxing beaches in the world according to SpaSeekers.com:
1. Little French Key, Honduras
2. Palm Cove, Australia
3. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland
4. Yas Beach, UAE
5. Saud Beach, Philippines
6. South Padre Island, USA
7. Otres Beach, Cambodia
8. An Bang Beach, Vietnam
9. White Bay, British Virgin Islands
10. Boca Grande, USA
Do you have a story to share about your experiences at one of these beaches? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at email.
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