Few things are as quintessentially summer as flip-flops, tropical fruit, and beach volleyball. Whether you prefer lounging at the poolside playing online casino or slot games (many of which have a beach theme of their own), or are the more active type on the lookout for your next adventure, our guide to the most vibrant beach volleyball destinations in the world will have you buying a flight ticket asap, even if it’s just an excuse to watch a few games and soak up some sun.
Volleyball began in Santa Monica, California, in the 1920s and became an official Olympic sport in 1996. It can be enjoyed by both amateurs and professionals, and has a host of health benefits. We’re now going to explore the 10 best beach volleyball locations around the globe, in no particular order, so get your beach gear together and pack your suitcase!
1. Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA
As we mentioned, beach volleyball started in California, and the US state remains the volleyball capital of the world to this day. Manhattan Beach is among the most beautiful beaches in southern California and, as the home of the AVP Manhattan Beach Open, an iconic tournament held annually since the 1960s, it’s a volleyball mecca! This event draws around 60,000 people each year, while the beach itself attracts more than 3.8 million visitors each year.
Situated in the South Bay region of LA, Manhattan Beach is two miles long, and boasts around 100 volleyball courts along its length, with volleyball classes available for people of all ages. Surfing and bodyboarding are also popular activities, so outdoor enthusiasts have an entire playground at their fingertips. There is also a bicycle path and a nearby botanical garden, making it the perfect destination for endless days of fun.
Other notable volleyball beaches in California include the nearby Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington State Beach in Orange County, and West Beach in Santa Barbara.
2. Plages du Prado, Marseille, France
Plages du Prado refers to a succession of beaches in the south neighbourhood of Marseille on France’s Mediterranean coast. Created in the 1970s, this artificial development offers a veritable paradise to volleyball players, waterskiers, windsurfers, and bike riders.
In particular, the beach at Roucas Blanc is filled with volleyball players and offers a spectacular backdrop for more than a couple of games. It’s surrounded by plenty of cafés for drinks and snacks, and – because it’s such a popular attraction – a number of sporting events and music concerts are held there. Marseille is the oldest, and second-largest city in France, next to Paris. It has a lovely laid-back atmosphere, and is home to a number of fascinating art and history museums.
3. Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, Canada
Kitsilano Beach is located in Vancouver, within an incredibly beautiful region of British Columbia in western Canada, and is one of the city’s most popular beaches, especially for volleyball!
At “Kits Beach”, as it is locally known, you’ll get to enjoy a breathtaking view of both the ocean and the North Shore Mountains. If you bring your own ball you can borrow a volleyball net from one of the lifeguards (free of charge, using your ID as a deposit), to play a couple of rounds on one of the eight courts.
The beach also has a number of water sports on offer, and hosts the annual Vancouver Open Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament, a three-day event that attracts players from all over the world, with an astonishing 200,000 spectators to boot.
4. Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia
Manly beach is a famous surfing beach in Sydney, the state capital of New South Wales, and was home to the first-ever surf contest in 1964. It’s a long, white-sand beach lined with trees where you’ll be able to have a surf lesson, take a bike tour, and – of course – play volleyball!
This popular volleyball destination plays host to Volleyfest, one of the world’s top tournaments in the sport, during the last week of February each year. Spectators can join in the fun and enjoy the scenery with plenty of beachside cafés, restaurants and bars nearby. There is also a beautiful six-mile walking trail that leads to a number of secret beaches and lush vegetation. Visitors can also reach Manly Beach from the city centre via a ferry from Circular Quay.
5. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA
For crystal-clear oceans and palm-tree-lined beaches, look no further than Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. When you play volleyball at this Hawaiian paradise, you’ll enjoy more than two miles of pristine, picture-postcard beauty set in a vibrant neighbourhood that keeps the party alive.
Waikiki is home to the AVP Hawaiian Open in September, and the Spike & Serve Hawaii Beach Volleyball tournament in November. This beach sport is a core attraction all year round, but the fun doesn’t end there. This is Hawaii, after all! Visitors can look forward to whale watching, thrilling water sports, and an amazing nightlife scene when they visit Waikiki.
6. Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Set on the south-west coast of the island of Phuket, off the west coast of Thailand, Karon Beach offers three miles of soft sand and turquoise waters surrounded by tropical greenery, and of course, beach volleyball. Every day, nets are set up for public use. What’s more, a local team play each day from 4pm till sunset, and training is available for both beginner and professional players.
Kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkelling are other popular activities on this lush beach, all at a relatively inexpensive cost. Catch the Phuket Beach Open Tournament in December, as well as a number of other competitive events throughout the year. The beach is surrounded by resorts and plenty of restaurants, offering an array of entertainment.
Though Phuket is a highly popular tourist destination, Karon Beach isn’t as overcrowded as one may expect, except maybe around sunset – you’ll understand why when you see just how beautiful it is!
7. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Beach volleyball is a local favourite in Brazil, and there is no greater place to experience it than at one of the most famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro – Copacabana Beach. Known for offering a mix of tradition and glamour, the beach spans 2.2 miles, starting at Princesa Isabel Avenue and ending at Posto Seis (lifeguard watchtower Six).
The weather’s always warm, and volleyball is an even more popular activity than sunbathing and splashing! The only rule here is to have fun and play hard. This beach is also famous for its promenade – some may say it’s actually the most famous one in the world! Sporting a groovy black-and-white wavy mosaic design and golden monuments, this is a place that should make it onto everyone’s bucket list.
Rio is alive 24/7, with more than two million people celebrating New Year on Copacabana Beach each year!
8. South Beach, Florida, USA
South Beach, also known as “SoBe”, is a neighbourhood in Miami Beach, Florida, known for its lively nightlife, celebrity-chef eateries and indie fashion shops. You’ll find a passionate community of volleyball players here, and around 15 nets on the beach to enjoy.
There are a number of tournaments held throughout the year and the community, who consider the ocean their backyard, is what really makes this an unforgettable experience. Look for the “South Beach Volley” peeps on the courts of Ocean Drive!
9. Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand
Considered the best beach in New Zealand and one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Mount Maunganui beach, referred to as “The Mount” by locals, sits at the base of an extinct volcano and extends across the waterline of the harbourside city of Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island.
This is the ideal beach to play volleyball, relax on the sands, and swim or surf in the warm waters. During the summer, there is a Gourmet Night Market in nearby Coronation Park that’s filled with fresh produce from local farmers, plus you can go on dolphin tours from the city, and more. The beach volleyball league runs from October to March each year, and the more committed players use a beach volleyball club throughout the year. Finish off your day of leisure with some super-fresh fish and chips, and you’ll see why this destination is such a popular favourite for all.
10. Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
For incredible mountain views, bustling cafés and a vibrant cultural landscape, visit Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town. Volleyball tournaments run from November to March during South Africa’s delightful summer months, and Cape Town is also popular among scuba divers.
If you like to play online slots, you can fill your days relaxing on the sandy shores with a game of Starburst on your smartphone, and then dive into some beach volleyball, followed by a dip in the icy Atlantic Ocean, and perhaps a full-moon walk up Lion’s Head Mountain. If you’re really keen, why not join Beach Bums Volleyball Club for coaching, tournaments and even camps!
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