We’ve all been there as little kids, right? Making a sand castle with our bucket, dutifully filling it up then turning it over and tapping gently to make….a very misshapen castle. Maybe we’ll manage two fairly decent ones near each other if our siblings keep clear. But that’s about all we ever achieve with this fickle and slippery medium.
Some people though seem to have more of a gift in these things than the average person, so if you want to go along and see what can really be done with sand, then check these events out!
Fiesa, Algarve
Held in the little known Portuguese town of Pera, not even all that near to the sea, this is a surprising place to start our tour of the world’s finest sandcastles! We’ve already missed them setting up but you can still see the sculptures until 15th October, which this year are on the theme of the Animal Kingdom. If you’re on holiday in Albuferia or Portimao this is just down the road, and even if you’re heading to Faro or Lagos we think it’s worth it to see the skills.
Lappeenranta, Finland
by aNantaB
Every year the people of this Finnish city join together to make the biggest sandcastle in the country, and this year they are making a circus-themed one! Why not go along and see what all the fuss is about, and take in some of the beauty of the area at the same time. Lake Saimaa is popular with summer tourists or you can just enjoy the city with its old fortress and vibrant café culture.
Weymouth International Sand Sculpture Park, UK
by humbert15
Not the most glamorous of locations but certainly worth a day trip if you’re in the area as the best sand artists from all around the world gather together to produce the sculptures on show here. There’s all sorts of things to see, plus a working exhibit where you get to see one of the craftsmen do their thing, so maybe you can pick up a few tips! You could combine with a trip to historic Dorchester for a family-friendly day out.
International Sand Sculpture Festival, Netherlands
by chexov
Right at the heart of international justice is hardly where you’d expect our last sand sculptors to ply their trade but every summer they take over Scheveningen with their skills. The abundance of local sand means that they can let their imaginations run wild, but sadly if you want to see this one you’ll have to wait til next year. Why not plan ahead and take advantage of the savings you’ll make booking in advance?
top image by Mike Cattell
