Sulfuric calm, Zakynthos
We came across it by chance on an off-season trip to Zakynthos, a beautiful Greek island famous for its drunk British teenagers. Xigia Sulfur beach on the east coast. We first encountered the smell of rotten eggs due to sulfur water sources. Despite its smell, it is spectacular: shimmering turquoise waters are framed by towering cliffs and sulfur bubbles emerge from the seafloor. Swimming on this beach is said to be good for the skin and often therapeutic. There are other small bays nearby, connected by paths.
Lucas
Island paradise, Galicia, Spain
On the golden sands Praia de Rodas You sit with the ocean in front of you and behind you, enjoying dreamy panoramic views. There is no car or hotel. We camped overnight by booking in advance and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Walking to the old lighthouse is also great.
melina
Walk through the canyon, Mallorca
When I think of a beach trip in Southern Europe, only one place comes to mind: secluded Torrent de Pareis on the northwestern coast of the island. This dream beach with beautiful and calm clear waters is also unique as it is accessed via a kilometer-long narrow canyon tunnel (although ferry options are available during the summer months). Since this is a Unesco world heritage site, the views are absolutely stunning. Moreover, there are no sun loungers, umbrellas or water sports; Come here on a weekday to escape the island’s mass tourism, bring your own towels and prepare for the sunset of your life…
Colin Snoad
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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Picasso’s selection, Côte d’Azur, France
No sand (just pebbles), annoying mouettes (seagulls) may attack your sandwich and the price of lunch at the impossibly chic beach club may bring tears to your eyes. But there’s no beach like this in the world Paloma. Located on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, it still retains the southern splendor of old France. Turquoise seas sparkle, the air is thick with pine trees, and breathtaking views extend to Cap-d’Ail and beyond. Picasso loved this place very much and they named the beach after his daughter Paloma. She knew when she found heaven.
Mel Clarkson
Beach, bicycles and boardwalk, Cinque Terre, Italy
levanto‘s sandy beach is within walking distance of the village’s train station. After some sunbathing, walk into the beautiful town and have a meal focus and enjoy delicious local ice cream and wait for the spectacular sunset over the bay (even better with an aperitif). We rented bikes and rode through the old train tunnels to nearby Framura; From here, you can follow the boardwalk to reach secluded and beautiful swimming spots.
who
Soaring over sand dunes, Huelva, Spain
my favorite beach Matalascañas Southeast of Huelva. The actual beach stretches for at least five miles and is located within the Parque Nacional de Doñana. Its length means you can quickly walk into solitude, away from the crowds. I paraglided off the dunes and soared over the geothermals, flying over them, overlooking the fantastic Rancho Pichilin, an open-air fish restaurant run by local fishermen that can only be reached by walking through the dunes. It’s ruined, but it serves incredible fish dishes at reasonable prices.
Patrick Bastow
Roman seaside restaurant, Croatia
Mala Travna beach on the south coast of Vis is a small pebble beach located at the end of a challenging track. We cycled to eat at Konoba Senko Karuza restaurant. Owner and well-known author Senko Karuza offers organic local produce, including fish he catches and wine made by his family. Food is served slowly and you are free to jump off rocks and swim between courses.
elizabeth
I think of Crete, Greece
Freshwater Bay Located on the south coast of Crete, between Loutro and Chora Sfakion (also known as Glykanera), it can only be reached on foot (an hour from both towns) or by boat due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. Despite this inaccessibility, it has a small, friendly tavern built on a rock by the sea and reached by a narrow bridge. It takes its name from the fresh water springs on the beach. The enterprising tavern owner created a solar-powered shower that streams icy spring water. The remoteness inspires some visitors to take a skinny swim, but it’s not essential.
Nigel Blandford
Stairway to heaven, Sardinia
A small, stony beach Cala Fuili It is not far from Cala Gonone and is reached from the road by going down many stone steps with beautiful views of Orosei Bay. It is a small paradise surrounded by cliffs. If you like walking, there is a path Cala Lunaanother beautiful beach, four miles to the south.
sheila
Winning tip: Absurd Caribbean-like sands, Corsica
Magnificent remoteness located in the southwestern corner of Corsica Plage de Cupabia. Its spectacularly clear, incredibly warm Caribbean-like waters are set in a pristine amphitheater surrounded by rocky coves and stunning white sand. It is 25 miles north of Propriano, down a winding semi-paved road. Despite ample free parking, there is only one small restaurant, Waïkiki, right on the beach.
Kate Harris