A half-moon of golden sand in Sicily beckons beachgoers to its shores, where medieval lanes lead up to a lively square with great Italian food and a beautiful Norman cathedral. The town of Cefalù is situated 40 miles east of Palermo, beneath dramatic cliffs that give way to the sea. As you walk along the half-moon-shaped beach, the sound of the waves and the warmth of the golden sand create an idyllic atmosphere.
In contrast, a calm lagoon in Portugal offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming fishing village of Fuseta is nestled between Olhão and Tavira, and its natural park protects it from overdevelopment. Visitors can take a water taxi to secluded spots or return at their leisure, making for a highly accessible yet blissfully remote experience.
For those who love watching the ocean's power, the mile-long Porto de Mós beach in Portugal is a haven. The Atlantic rollers create an awe-inspiring display, while surfers and sun-seekers alike can find their perfect spot on this stunning beach. A short walk to Campimar beach shack offers a well-deserved pint or two after a dip in the sea.
In Greece, the Fourni islands remain an unsung bliss for those seeking solitude. Petrokopio beach is one of the island's hidden gems, with ancient marble quarries and white stones that create a picturesque backdrop. Kampi beach, on the other hand, offers a tranquil atmosphere backed by tamarisk trees. Visitors can also explore Thimena island in a fishing boat to discover quiet coves and restaurants.
Riga's perfect ribbon of sand is another European gem worth discovering. The pine forests of the Ķemeri national park border the beach, which stretches for miles along the Baltic coast. Nature lovers will delight in the soundtrack of calling cuckoos and singing wood warblers as they walk through the forest or relax on the beach.
Lastly, a winning tip from Oksana Memedova is to visit San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain. This charming beach offers a promenade for strolls, a vibrant surf scene, and tranquil waters perfect for rock pooling. The nearby aquarium is also worth a visit, while lunch at Tierra Astur serves up delicious local cuisine, including good-value cider.
In contrast, a calm lagoon in Portugal offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming fishing village of Fuseta is nestled between Olhão and Tavira, and its natural park protects it from overdevelopment. Visitors can take a water taxi to secluded spots or return at their leisure, making for a highly accessible yet blissfully remote experience.
For those who love watching the ocean's power, the mile-long Porto de Mós beach in Portugal is a haven. The Atlantic rollers create an awe-inspiring display, while surfers and sun-seekers alike can find their perfect spot on this stunning beach. A short walk to Campimar beach shack offers a well-deserved pint or two after a dip in the sea.
In Greece, the Fourni islands remain an unsung bliss for those seeking solitude. Petrokopio beach is one of the island's hidden gems, with ancient marble quarries and white stones that create a picturesque backdrop. Kampi beach, on the other hand, offers a tranquil atmosphere backed by tamarisk trees. Visitors can also explore Thimena island in a fishing boat to discover quiet coves and restaurants.
Riga's perfect ribbon of sand is another European gem worth discovering. The pine forests of the Ķemeri national park border the beach, which stretches for miles along the Baltic coast. Nature lovers will delight in the soundtrack of calling cuckoos and singing wood warblers as they walk through the forest or relax on the beach.
Lastly, a winning tip from Oksana Memedova is to visit San Lorenzo beach in Gijón, Spain. This charming beach offers a promenade for strolls, a vibrant surf scene, and tranquil waters perfect for rock pooling. The nearby aquarium is also worth a visit, while lunch at Tierra Astur serves up delicious local cuisine, including good-value cider.