Shimmering UK beach looks like Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast

You’d be forgiven for looking at these pictures and thinking this was somewhere on the Mediterranean.

With its crescent of golden sand, the sun glinting off the cerulean sea and the sky a flawless canvas of blue, it looks like it could be Italy’s Amalfi coast, especially with those colourful fishing boats gently bobbing on the water. 

But this is not one of the world’s most famous and most-pictured coasts at all. It’s Viking Bay, a coastal treasure perfect for swimmers and sunbathers alike, boasting an array of charming eateries and pubs. It’s Kent’s answer to the picturesque Positano.

Raise a glass to the splendours of Italy as you sip an “ice cold Birra Moretti” beneath vibrant parasols at the bustling Viking Bay Cafe, basking in the captivating atmosphere of this lovely corner.

And it’s not the only place on the UK coast that resembles those stunning Italian coastal towns that are known the world over — this holiday spot offering Mediterranean-style turqoise blue waters just off a busy motorway. 

Broadstairs’ beloved bay in Thanet is adored by beachgoers; even at high tide, there’s ample sand to enjoy, flanked by a meandering pier and a delightful tidal pool. On Tripadvisor, users have showered it with praise, earning it an impressive 4.5-star rating from around 1,000 reviews, reports Kent Live.

One visitor wrote last year: “Absolutely wonderful beach cafe and bar situated on stunning Viking Bay and close to the lift. It has plenty of tables complete with parasols. They serve amazing freshly cooked food and have a great selection of bar drinks including ice cold Birra Moretti, Beaverton Neck Oil and Fosters – all on draught.

“The burgers here are probably the best I’ve ever had and they even do ‘skin-on fries’ here which are always favourite. There’s also really nice whippy ice cream and loads of other ices and lollys and treats.”

There is also The Pavillion bar and restaurant on the beachfront, which also serves vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. It has four out of five stars on Tripavisor, with a reviewer called Stephen saying: “We had been to the pavilion the previous day and were so impressed that we came back for lunch. A lovely location. The staff were very friendly and the food was excellent. Service was very good. Highly recommended.”

There had even been a Michelin-starred restaurant, Stark, in Broadstairs, but that has sadly closed. 

There are two large car parks close to the bay, both of which charge for parking but at reasonable rates. From the street above, a smart tower provides a lift down to the beach. Upon the doors opening, you are greeted with a stunning view of the bay – a sight far superior to most elevator views. This facility was renovated and upgraded relatively recently by Thanet District Council at a cost of £17,000.

The public toilets are open throughout the year, although they have received some negative reviews for being unclean and odorous. If you fancy exploring the town, Broadstairs is just half a mile away, offering a variety of shops and a wide selection of restaurants.

Time Out praised Broadstairs for its “backdrop of chalk cliffs, numerous pubs with sea views and a fantastic food scene”, making it a top choice for day trippers and city dwellers looking for a weekend escape.

And let’s not forget, Broadstairs boasts seven sandy bays, allowing for a full day of beach hopping. Kingsgate Bay is a must-visit, with its impressive former castle on the headlands, chalk ‘window’, rock pools and safe bathing areas. 

One holidaymaker who visited Viking Bay advised arriving early during the peak season as it can get crowded by noon. However, he was full of praise for the beach, saying: “This is hands down my favourite part of the Kent coast. The beach is large, sandy and clean. People just seem happy.

“We walked all along the beach eating ice cream and enjoying the sea air. Be aware though that it can get very busy, so plan to get there as early as you can as finding a parking space can get tricky. But it’s worth the effort and is surrounded by lovely places to eat and shops to peruse. Or just eat ice cream and watch the world go by!”