Have you ever had a whole beach to yourself?
On a hot day back in June, during my visit to Finland, my friend and I discovered we had an entire beach all to ourselves. We’d spent a few hours in Kokkola, looking around the old town and the shops, and I wanted to see what else the area had to offer. When looking at the map for places to explore, I found Valkohieta (White Sands) on the northern end of the peninsula just outside of Kokkola. Perfect!
We followed Trullevintie road out of Kokkola and up the peninsula until we reached the car park for Valkohieta beach. From there, we followed a path through the trees and down to the beach. We were greeted by a tranquil, sandy beach, without a single other person in sight. Heaven!
Whilst the middle of the shore was sandy, rocks and boulders adorned the shoreline to either side. We explored the beach and the rocks, enjoying the peace and quiet of having this secluded beach to ourselves. I could have stayed there all day.
I must admit that I didn’t go for a paddle. I’d like to say my excuse was that I didn’t have a towel with me, but, truth be told, I find the water of Cardigan Bay on the Welsh coast cold enough, never mind the more northerly water of the Gulf of Bothnia!
For cool evenings or chillier days, the beach has a hut and campfire pit, with plenty of wood on hand for making a campfire. There are also changing rooms (should you fancy a dip in the water!) and a toilet.
I would love to sit around a campfire there one cool summer evening and watch the sun go down. Imagine that.
Hopefully, I’ll get to return someday.
29 Comments
Carol
It’s amazing that no one was there
Lisa’s Notebook
Wow, what an absolutely stunning beach, how lucky were you to have it all to yourselves! I know what you mean about the water temperature though, I only swim in the Med for that reason
Nikki
I know, I could hardly believe it!
Eunice Ratcliffe
What a lovely looking place, and how wonderful to have it all to yourself. The fourth photo looks very much like a beach I went to on Anglesey a few years ago – it wasn’t the easiest of places to find and get to which probably explains why there was no-one else there 🙂
Beverley
The beach looks fabulous and so tranquil. I don’t think I would be dipping my toes either though 🙂
tomthebackroadstraveller
…Nikki, you had a gorgeous spot to enjoy. Thanks for taking me along to see the sights.
Kris P
Lovely scenery. You don’t find trees like those framing the beaches here!
Nikki
Finland is full of trees!
Kelly
I’m sure that would be mighty chilly water, so I don’t blame you for not swimming! I’m not normally a fan of beaches, but I bet that would be a lovely place to have a bonfire and cookout.
Ginnie Hart
I can just imagine the thrill of that place all to yourselves, Nikki! And, like you, I would also need a towel, so I totally “get” not paddling around barefoot there. I already have enough trouble keeping my feet warm! 🙂 Your photos of the place more than make up for whatever else you could have done there.
Nikki
Hah! Same! My feet are always cold!
lisl
What bliss, Nikki, and with woodland walks coming right down tot he sea makes it perfect
Astrid
This is like “heaven on earth” to me, Nikki. Look at that beach and the rocks, just amazing. I would not mind a day here an have a nice walk allover the place. Great picture and a wonderful memory to keep.
Jo
Beautiful, and such thoughtful amenities too.
Ann
What a stunning place, Nikki, and how lucky you were to have that beach to yourselves! Thank you for sharing a slice of Summer on this grey and miserable November day! xxx
Yeah, Another Blogger
Hello Nikki. A fine place to relax and mellow-out in. I wouldn’t have gone in the cold waters either. Neil S.
Eastside Cats
Lovely!
Thank you for sharing it with us, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have gone anywhere near that cold water.
Her Digital Coffee
Wow, it must’ve been amazing to enjoy that beach all to yourself! Beautiful photos Nikki!
Johanna Bradley
I was wondering about the temperatures, but I agree- lovely to have a beach to yourself. It happens here sometimes, at this time of year.
Anabel Marsh
Gorgeous! And with facilities too – luxury.
CherryPie
It looks idylic 🙂
Soma @ InkTorrents.com
Beautiful place, not the just beach but also the woodland walks. The rocks reminded of beaches here in northern CA. Love your photos.
-Soma
autumnrainbow
To have the beach all to yourself is bliss. To imagine watching the sun goes down the horizon and replaced by sparkling jewels in the sky is heaven! Nice photos 🙂
DeniseinVA
It is a beautiful country, great scenery and gorgeous photos!
jeanie
The shore is very beautiful — and yes, it also looks very cold!
Susan Paynton
Wow that is stunning!
Peter B.
A beach to yourself is such a rare and wonderful treat! Beautiful photos of a lovely location.
Allie Mackin
Oh WOW this are is beautiful. Reminds me of the PNW of the U.S. A whole beach to yourself, nice! I kind of experienced this when I lived in Seattle and would got to Discovery Park. Great photos!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Denise Bush
A lovely stroll around the beach … thanks for sharing this nice change of pace!