On the trail of lonely pines in Menorca
Cala Galdana The beach and its neighbors are gorgeous. Turn off Ferreries and take the attractive Me-22 road, which brings you to the breathtaking horseshoe bay, shrouded in pine trees. The golden sand beach is peaceful even on a busy day. There are beach toilets and a cafe. There are also water sports facilities if you want a little more activity. Neighbour Cala MitjanaThe beautiful beach, a short walk east, is wilder Cala Makarella, two miles west from the trailhead. If I could beam to any beach on my day off, I’d go here.
Bethan Patfield
A landlocked beauty in North Macedonia
My partner and I met by chance while traveling on the Roman Via Egnatia road from Durres to Istanbul. Trpejca. It’s not the sea, it’s on the huge Lake Ohrid, but it’s definitely a pebbly little beach and, most importantly, it’s quiet even during peak season when we visited. The water is clear and there is a painted wooden pier on the charming side of the gallows. We spent a day lounging, looking at the mountains a few miles across the water, kayaking, and smiling about our luck in finding a nice beach in landlocked North Macedonia.
Anja Celik
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
Every week we ask our readers for travel recommendations. Various tips will be posted online and may be available in print. To enter the latest contest, visit the reader tips homepage
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Drifting seashells, Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is known for its beautiful bays but this is my favorite beach Meia Praia, miles of beautiful sand east of town. Walk past beach bars and restaurants to find emptier areas where shells drift among the golden sands. Finally you reach the mouth of the Odiáxere River; You can’t pass it, but it’s a satisfying turning point. If you don’t want to walk the entire beach, you can take the train from Lagos to Meia Praia station on the Algarve line (Vila Real de Santo António runs 90 miles between Faro and Lagos) and start exploring. From here.
Carolyn
Lazing under the limestone cliffs of Lefkada, Greece
roundabout drive Porto Katsiki It allows intermittent views towards the beautiful clear waters on the island of Lefkada. After parking, about a hundred steps will take you to the pebble beach. A walk to the opposite side can provide some shade under the massive limestone cliffs. The clear and calm turquoise water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. There’s a viewpoint above the beach with stunning sunset views, and draws a small crowd most evenings. Behind it is Taverna Oasis, serving Greek classics and superb seafood with stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Charlotte José
Edge of the world on Île de Ré, France
We cycled towards the white sands Plage Campiotel and I looked out across the blue expanse of the Atlantic on the westward shore of the Île de Ré. The lack of road infrastructure and the abundance of bicycle paths further enhance the feeling of being on the other side of the world. There are no cafes or crowds. All you have is wild sand dunes and the occasional pair of leathery nudists passing by.
Sid
Minoan wonders in eastern Crete
What about travel? kouremenosOne of Crete’s easternmost beaches, it offers a glimpse into the most rustic parts of the island. Located among ancient Minoan temples (above and below water), this beach offers a combination of calm waters for families and a windsurfing spot for thrill seekers. Delicious, authentic cuisine is served in several taverns close to the beach.
georgios
What lichen is not, Poland
Beach Jastrzebia Gora Poland has silky sands like the Maldives. Along this beautiful coastline, fragrant pine trees line the beach and the air is so clean that lichens grow along the way. I was lucky enough to find amber stones after the storms. Beautiful.
Rita
Coastal train from Barcelona
Take the R1 train from Barcelona station on the coast; From Montgat Nord to Malgrat de Mar, every stop has a beautiful beach away from the noise of Barça. Tickets can cost less than 10 euros round-trip. I used to live in Barça and I swear the stations are directly on the beaches and you can travel to five or six places within an hour of the city.
Adam Baines
Rice pudding ice cream on the coast in Portugal
The beautiful sandy beach of the traditional Algarve town of Carvoeiro is nestled among rugged golden cliffs while providing all the amenities of a seaside town with the bonus of an ice cream shop selling the tastiest rice pudding ice cream. I’m not sure if this is a traditional Portuguese dish, but if not, it must be!
Helen
Winning tip: Sicily hotspot
I discovered my new favorite beach on a trip to southeastern Sicily last summer. Santa Maria del Fokallo, just over an hour’s drive from Catania. Staying with my friends, I crawled out of the house early every day to swim alone on the entire beautiful beach. Paz Maya, a small beach shack, has become my spot for a quiet coffee in the morning, then transformed by a DJ at sunset into a cozy place to drink a cocktail, dance or just enjoy the view.
Paula