But Wait—There's More
Find other great ideas in these related stories:
- Top Islands in the World ›
- The Best Cruise Ship Cabins ›
- Natural Swimming Holes Around the World ›
- The Best U.S. Beach Resorts ›
- Last-Minute Escapes: Beach Vacations ›
- 12 Hotels with Overwater Bungalows ›
- 29 Restaurants on 11 Caribbean Islands ›
- Ten Island Escapes from the Cold ›
- Unexplored Caribbean ›
- World's Sexiest Fitness Retreats ›
- Seaside Classics for a New Generation ›
Nauthólsvík Beach, Reykjavík, Iceland
You wouldn't expect Iceland to be a swimmer's paradise. But then you probably haven't been to Nauthólsvík Beach on the southern coast of Reykjavík. While ocean temperatures this far north normally top out at a frigid 50 degrees, runoff from the capital's geothermal heating system (safely) warms the seawater of this sheltered cove to a comfortable 70 degrees in summer. If that's still too cool, for a few bucks you can steep in the two "hot pots" (pools filled with 100 degree freshwater).
Beyond the beach: Once your fingers go all pruney from your soak, rent a boat from the Siglunes Sailing Club, or refuel with carrot soup and the catch of the day at nearby Nauthóll Bistro). Spend the evening chilling out at the 56-room Hotel Borg, an elegant Art Deco beauty in Reykjavík's central square.
RSS Feeds