In the photo: beaches ‘that look like paradise’ in a surprising European country

The island of Sommaroy (foreground), in northern Norway, is home to a small fishing village and says Visit Tromsois ‘known for its beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activities’. Sommaroy means ‘Summer Island’ because historically it was only visited in summer. It is connected by a bridge to the island of Hillesoya (center, with the round hill) in one direction and to the island of Kvaloya and the rest of Norway by another bridge

Above is a striking beach on Bear Island, located in Norway’s Spitsbergen archipelago

Bleik Beach, on the island of Andoya in the Vesteralen archipelago, ‘is one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in Norway’, says Visit Vesteralenwho adds: ‘With its white sand and endless dunes it is more reminiscent of a tropical paradise than an Arctic landscape’

Haukland Beach on Norway’s Lofoten Islands is so special that it is on Lonely Planet’s list of the 100 best beaches in the world. The guide described the spot as ‘a blinding stretch of lush sand’, adding: ‘The sea doesn’t really creep higher than about 15 degrees Celsius, and that’s in August, but the spectacular natural setting still makes this one of the most incredible places. beautiful places among the thousands of beaches in Norway’

Kvalvika Beach is ‘one of the most beautiful places in Lofoten’, says Visit Norwaywhich also notes that it “feels like it could be on the edge of the world.” Visitors will witness ‘turquoise waves crashing on the sand and sheer rock walls rising into the clouds’

According to him, the beach near the village of Unstad is ‘the most famous surfing spot in Lofoten’ Visit Lofotenwho describes the spot as ‘flanked by a right and left point break’ and has a stony bottom. Moreover, as this photo shows, it is a striking location

According to sources, Bunes Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lofoten Visit Lofoten. The tourist office points out that you can only reach it by boat, adding: ‘The beach faces the open sea, surrounded on each side by the Helvetestinden and Storskiva mountains.’

Ramberg Beach is a ‘real gem’ on the Lofoten Islands, says Visit Lofotenindicating that it is ‘easy to reach from the road’, with many nearby hiking trails

See Eggum Beach. This stretch of sand on the Lofoten Islands is described by travel blogger ‘The smooth escape’ as a ‘piece of paradise’ with ‘hardly any visitors’

Sola Beach is located near Stavanger in southern Norway and is a popular place for families. Norwegian air says: ‘With fine golden sand stretching for 2.5 km and gently sloping into shallow water, Sola Beach (also known as Solastranden) is an ideal holiday spot for families. Even on busy days there is plenty of room to spread out’

Mjelle beach, in northern Norway, is famous for its red sand, which is caused by minerals (namely garnet particles) from the beach’s rocks. Visit Bodo says: ‘Mjelle’s red sand beach is a beautiful place, and perhaps the most romantic midnight sun spot in Northern Norway’

This winding road leads to the beautiful beach of Hoddevik, a ‘real surfer’s paradise’, says Norwegian air. The team says it is ‘rarely busy’ and has ‘soft white sand, clear blue water and towering cliffs on either side of the bay’ with ‘views stretching across the North Atlantic Ocean’