The beach volleyball matches at the Olympic Games often take place away from the ocean and on synthetic courts surrounded by stadium seating. The top beach volleyball vacation destinations stand out for other reasons. Their scenic beauty, good weather, and vibrant local cultures are some of the attractions. Here are five of the top destinations.
1. Manhattan Beach, California, USA
Manhattan Beach in California is often called the ‘Wimbledon’ of beach volleyball. It has an active beach volleyball community, and frequent competitions are held there. One of these competitions is the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open. You earn a plaque on the pier if you win. At the end of the pier, you will see these plaques featuring some of the greatest volleyball players. It is also home to the Manhattan Beach Six Man where pro and amateur volleyball players dress up in costumes and fight for the title. Manhattan Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in Southern California.
Beach volleyball has been an official Olympic sport since 1996. Americans will be looking forward to watching volleyball matches at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris this year. Sports betting is now legal in many U.S. states. In Pennsylvania sports betting is extremely popular, and residents will place sports bets on many Olympic sports.
2. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The atmosphere when playing or watching beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach is hard to beat. More people will be playing volleyball than sunbathing or swimming. The weather is generally good, so players can have great fun and play hard on the soft sand volleyball courts. Everyone is highly active in playing or socializing. Fans and players will post on Instagram to show others how much fun they’re having.
The backdrop is stunning, and you can always go to the boardwalk and eat authentic Brazilian cuisine. At night, Rio de Janeiro tourists and locals will dance and party until daybreak.
3. Plage de Prado, Marseilles, France
The Plage de Prado in Marseilles has a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. Everyone seems carefree and ready to enjoy playing volleyball, swimming, shopping, or having a coffee at a beach café. The beach is sunny with clear water and small coves. Marseilles is the second-largest city in France and the oldest. It is home to various art and history museums that are worth a visit. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is probably second only to the Louvre. On days when the weather isn’t great for playing volleyball, visiting it is a good option.
4. Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Volleyball players at Karon Beach may face an occasional downpour of rain but it is generally sunny and hot. The sand is deep, and rinsing off in the turquoise ocean after a volleyball game is a real treat. The green hills and palm trees surrounding the beach create a luscious atmosphere. There is also plenty to do besides playing volleyball. You can rent a motorbike and cruise the coastline, get a Thai massage, or go jet skiing.
5. Manly Beach, Australia
Manly Beach is a gorgeous white beach along the southeast coast of Australia in Sidney, New South Wales. This popular beach is home to an annual volleyball tournament known as Volleyfest. It lasts for nine days from the last week in February into March. Knowing the beach volleyball rules is important if you want to take the game seriously and participate in competitions. Volleyfest attracts some of the top players from across the world.
For a cultural experience while visiting Sidney, there’s the famous Sidney Opera House. Enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene across the waterfront area with music to suit every taste.
