Europe’s 40 greatest beaches

Croatia’s Zlatni Rat is among Europe’s most alluring stretches of sand - iStockphoto

No two beaches are the same. There are dreamy stretches clad in golden sand. There are their dramatic rocky opposites, all wave-shaped boulders and surges of spray. There are long curves of beach where the tide seems barely to move – and tiny coves where you have to grab your moment as the water rushes in. There are beaches laden with tourists where you have to fight for an inch of room. And there are beaches where, on the right day, there is nobody there except you.

You can travel the world to find beaches such as these. But you can also find them all across Europe. Here, a range of Telegraph Travel’s destination experts pick the brightest and best – whether they are on the fabulous southern flanks of France and Spain, pinned to the Greek Aegean, or tucked away in places far less known…

Skip to:

• Spain
• Portugal
• France
• Turkey
• Croatia and Montenegro
• Germany
• The Nordics
• Italy
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Greece

Spain

Bolonia, Andalusia

Bolonia blends sandy dunes with pine forests - iStockphoto

Marked by a vast sand dune at one end, gentle, windswept Bolonia is popular with nature lovers, surfers and anyone interested in Roman remains, thanks to the fascinating archaeological complex of Baelo Claudia.

Insider tip

Walk up the dune at sunset; on a clear day you can see Morocco.

How to get there

Drive west from Tarifa for 25 minutes. Parking is free, but chaotic in August.

Where to stay

Praia de Rodas, Illas Cíes, Galicia

Praia de Rodas, on the pretty Cíes Islands in Galicia, is a protected beach - iStockphoto

Only 2,200 people a day are allowed on the Cíes Islands, and for good reason. Praia de Rodas is a gentle arc of white sand with pine forest behind and the Atlantic cold in front. It’s quiet, clean and beautiful – if you can cope with the water temperature.

Insider tip

How to get there

Ferries run in summer from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona. Book well ahead. No day trips outside peak season.

Where to stay

La Concha, San Sebastián

La Concha is among the world’s best city beaches - Marco Bottigelli

Probably the most elegant city beach in the world, with a long, curving promenade and locals who actually use it. The strip of sand is wide and clean, the water is calm and the backdrop is straight out of a 1930s travel poster.

Insider tip

Swim to Santa Clara Island if you’re feeling strong.

How to get there

Where to stay

Playa de Poo, Asturias

Playa de Poo on the green coast of Asturias at low tide - Alamy

Your children will love you – not only for the name, but for the minimal supervision. Sitting on the flank of a sheltered inlet, the beach is effectively inland, with shallow, warm and safe water, and is set against a hinterland of meadows and woodland.

Insider tip

The small car park fills up fast – better to take the train (from Llanes and further afield).

How to get there

Train to Poo, then 10-minute walk.

Where to stay

Praia As Catedrais, Galicia

Praia As Catedrais, also known as ‘beach of the cathedrals’, has magnificent rock formations - Alamy

The spectacular “cathedrals” in question are a series of rock arches and buttresses that vanish at high tide and reappear at low, as if hauled up by cables. The sand is fine, but this is a beach for visiting more than lounging. Entry is regulated in summer – reserve a ticket online.

Insider tip

Go at full low tide, not just any low tide. There’s a difference.

How to get there

15-minute drive from Ribadeo or train to Reinante.

Where to stay

Platja de Treumal, Catalonia

Platja de Treumal is five minutes from the Catalonian town of Blanes - Alamy

This small, pine-backed cove comes as a delightful surprise, sandwiched as it is between the unlovely resorts of Blanes and Lloret de Mar. With coarse sand, but unusually clear water, it’s no secret but can be quite quiet in the late afternoon.

Insider tip

There’s a good area for snorkelling by the rocks on the northern edge.

How to get there

Walk 15 minutes from central Blanes or park at Pinya de Rosa gardens (paid).

Where to stay

Platja de Formentor, Mallorca

Playa de Formentor is a Blue-Flag beach on the northern tip of Mallorca - Frank Heuer

The fabulously chic hotel (now a Four Seasons) that has stood here since the 1920s owns most of the land hereabouts, and, consequently, car access is limited. This has made for a de facto nature reserve and some gloriously unspoilt beaches, framed by pines. The water is turquoise and impossibly clear.

Insider tip

Take a kayak out – the best views are from the water.

How to get there

Drive or bus from Port de Pollença.

Where to stay

Sally Davies

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Spain's 20 greatest beaches

Portugal

Porto Santo

The sandy volcanic beach of Porto Santo in Madeira - Thomas Pollin

Madeira’s sister island of Porto Santo is famous for its golden sandy beach stretching almost six miles. Crystal clear waters (with an average of 22ºC from June to November) and gentle cliffs frame this paradisiacal site. The sand is said to have medicinal properties, with minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and calcium reported to help with joint and muscle pain — you can bury yourself in it in warm sand baths offered across the island’s wellness centres.

Insider tip

How to get there

Take the Lobo Marinho, a 2½-hour boat ride from Funchal’s port running twice a day. There are also direct flights from Madeira and mainland Portugal.

Where to stay

Praia da Adraga, Sintra

The dramatic coastline of Praia da Adraga in Portugal, on the western side of the Serra de Sintra - Alamy

Sintra may be famous for its palaces and mountain views, but head west and you’ll encounter a string of beaches hugging its coastline. At Praia da Adraga a limestone arch frames the Atlantic waves and the smell of fresh grilled fish lingers from the on-site restaurant. Sunsets here are especially magical – capture wonderful shots both from the ground and up on the cliffs.

Insider tip

How to get there

From Sintra, head west on the N247 towards the village of Almoçageme, then follow a narrow road until you reach a small car park.

Where to stay

Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz, Alentejo

The riverside beach of Monsaraz on the shores of Lake Alqueva - Alamy

The sea in Portugal can often be bitterly cold, instead consider river beaches like Praia Fluvial de Monsaraz. Monsaraz was the first beach created around the Alqueva, Europe’s largest artificial lake – and the temperature here usually stays in the 20C range. Choose to lie in the sand or in the grassy patches, and when you get tired of swimming, rent a pedalo or kayak to explore the rest of the lake.

Insider tip

The Alqueva is a world-recognised spot for stargazing – it’s worth sticking around in the evening or booking a stargazing session at nearby Observatório Astronómico do Lago Alqueva.

How to get there

The beach is a six-minute ride from the nearest village of Monsaraz, with plenty of parking on-site.

Where to stay

Estalagem de Monsaraz (00351 266 557 019) has double rooms from £80, including breakfast.

Praia do Barril, Algarve

Praia do Barril is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park - iStockphoto

In the small village of Tavira on the Algarve an old-style locomotive still whisks visitors to Praia do Barril – and is particularly popular with families. Part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the beach is a prime spot for birdwatching and hiking, with paths winding through dunes, salt pans and a collection of anchors buried in the sand.

Insider tip

If you’re looking for a treat for lunch, try the restaurants in the nearby Santa Luzia village, famous for its octopus.

How to get there

Drive to the holiday resort Pedras d’el Rei, about 10km west of Tavira, then park your car and take the pedestrian bridge or the train.

Where to stay

Quinta dos Perfumes (00351 961 279 338; quintadosperfumes.com) has double rooms from £169, including breakfast. Plan your trip with our guide to the Algarve.

Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo

There are two campsites at Praia do Cabedelo, where the waves are well-suited to novice surfers - Alamy

Most people stick to the south coast, but Portugal’s northern coast is full of beaches too and often less crowded. Set amidst dunes and a pine forest is the Praia do Cabedelo. The waves here are ripe for surfing, and while the waves aren’t as big as Nazaré, they are perfectly suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Insider tip

Water sports providers along the beach offer surf lessons, as well as windsurf, kitesurf, bodyboard, SUP and wing foil.

How to get there

The beach is a short 12-minute drive from Viana do Castelo or a five-minute ferry ride.

Where to stay

Joana Taborda

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France

Plage du Coz-Pors, Brittany

Plage du Coz-Pors is a delightful spot for paddling and swimming - Alamy

The inclement, changeable Breton weather only makes the region’s beaches shine brighter, and Plage du Coz-Pors is rarely crowded. Rocks are scattered across the sea and beach with wild abundance and there are a couple of restaurants, plus kayak and paddle board rentals.

Insider tip

Follow the cliff path around the peninsula; it’s one of the prettiest parts of the GR34.

How to get there

It’s just over an hour’s drive from Roscoff; there’s a free car park by the aquarium.

Where to stay

Calanque de Figuerolles, Côte d’Azur

Calanque de Figuerolles: a pebbly cove within rugged cliffs - iStockphoto

The calanques between Marseille and Cassis are the most famous, but east of Cassis is a different kind of rocky inlet. Calanque de Figuerolles is framed by curious, conical, rust-coloured cliffs, making a striking scene which drew painters long before influencer culture; namely Georges Braque who painted the calanque in the early 20th century.

Insider tip

Visit out of season if you can, when the beach is much quieter.

How to get there

It’s a 15-minute walk from La Ciotat.

Where to stay

Plage de Wissant, Hauts-de-France

Plage de Wissant near Calais is part of a seaside resort nestled between the capes Gris Nez and Blanc Nez - Alamy

Size matters when it comes to beaches, and Plage de Wissant is more than seven miles long. The weather can be rather British (grey and blustery), so embrace the wind rather than hiding from it. Kitesurfing, foil surfing and char à voile (land sailing) are just some of the activities on offer.

Insider tip

Go on a clear day and you can see Dover’s white cliffs across the Channel.

How to get there

There are numerous car parks in Wissant.

Where to stay

Plage de Gatseau, Île d’Oléron, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Plage de Gatseau on the island of Oléron in France has ample parking and is bordered by a pine forest - Alamy

Oléron may be the second largest island in metropolitan France (after Corsica), but you’re never far from the beach. On the southernmost tip of the island, Plage de Gatseau is framed by pine trees and dunes little higher than molehills. There’s a watersports club and washroom facilities, but you’ll need to bring your own picnic.

Insider tip

Swap the car for a bike as soon as you arrive on Oléron.

How to get there

There’s a free car park.

Where to stay

Plage de Roccapina, Corsica

Roccapina is set in a protected area of Corsica’s southwestern corner, the Grand Valinco - iStockphoto

A little effort is required to reach Roccapina. Those who make the 40-minute hike are rewarded with soft sand, and gorgeous views of the Genoese tower and rocky outcrop shaped like a lion on the headland.

Insider tip

Set off early enough in the morning and you’ll have the beach to yourself.

How to get there

From Figari Airport it’s a 20-minute drive to the car park at l’Auberge Coralli.

Where to stay

Dune du Pilat, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune - Shutterstock

Like a golden mountain on the edge of the Atlantic, Dune du Pilat is Europe’s tallest sand dune. It’s a workout to reach the top, but you’re rewarded with vast views: the ocean on one side and pine forests on the other.

Insider tip

Time your visit for sunset and you can see the moment the sun disappears into the water.

How to get there

There’s a chargeable car park right behind the dune.

Where to stay

Plage des Fosses, Côte d’Azur

Plage des Fosses is a beach lover’s playground - Alamy

Although Plage des Fosses is in the back garden of the super rich (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has some of the most expensive real estate in France) it feels surprisingly laid back. The narrow crescent of sand is backed by the pines and palms of the peninsula, and unlike most of its neighbours, there’s no beach club.

Insider tip

How to get there

There’s parking at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s port (a 5-minute walk).

Where to stay

Anna Richards

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France's 20 greatest beaches

Turkey

Phaselis

An aerial view of Phaselis Bay in Antalya, Turkiye - E+

Saved from development by the evocative ruins of ancient Phaselis, the three beaches here each have their own character. The northern beach, backed by pines, is littered with wave-worn sarcophagi. The south is gently shelving fine sand, usually with myriad wooden gulets (traditional yachts) anchored offshore. Best is the small central cove, partially formed by a Roman breakwater, making a superb natural swimming pool. Bring your own towel and mat as there’s nothing for hire here.

Insider tip

Entry to the ancient site (£8.60) includes parking.

How to get there

Phaselis is a 35-mile, 1 hour drive from Antalya city centre.

Where to stay

Terry Richardson

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Croatia and Montenegro

Zlatni Rat, Bol, Brac

Zlatni Rat, also known as Golden Cape or Golden Horn, is about 2km west from the harbour of Bol - iStockphoto

Dramatically beautiful, this fine pebble spit is an extraordinary geological phenomenon, which changes shape with the wind and tide. Ideal for an active family holiday, it offers sun-beds, umbrellas, pedalos, banana-boat rides and parasailing. Behind it rises Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Croatian islands – hike to the top for gorgeous panoramic views over the Adriatic.

Insider tip

How to get there

Where to stay

Punta Rata, Brela, Croatia

Brela is renowned for its string of fine beaches - Alamy

You’ll find some of Croatia’s loveliest beaches on the mainland coast in Brela. Here, towering Aleppo pines cast natural shade over fine pebble coves, giving onto limpid turquoise waters. A dreamy seven-km promenade meanders along the coast to neighbouring villages, while the rugged limestone heights of Mount Biokovo create a dramatic backdrop.

Insider tip

How to get there

Catch a bus from Split to Makarska, disembarking at Brela, then follow a steep, winding road down to the beaches.

Where to stay

Sahara Beach, Rab, Croatia

Sandy Sahara Beach on the Adriatic island of Rab - Alamy

A sweeping expanse of deep silky copper-coloured sand, giving onto warm shallow water, backed by maquis shrubland, heather and black pine forest, Sahara is one of a succession of sandy coves that rim Lopar peninsula on Rab’s northern coast. Not for the prudish, this is a clothing-optional beach.

Insider tip

There are no facilities on Sahara – bring water, a snack, beach towel and your own parasol.

How to get there

Where to stay

Kraljicina Plaza (Queen’s beach), Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

Anyone can enjoy charming Kraljicina Plaza - getty

Rimmed by fragrant pines, this picture-perfect pink sand beach lies in a horseshoe-shaped cove, near the former 1930s summer villa of Marija Karadjordjevic, Queen of Yugoslavia. As part of Aman Sveti Stefan hotel, the beach was fenced off and locked, and only hotel guests were permitted to swim here. Locals protested – by Montenegrin law, beaches are public property – and consequently, Aman Sveti Stefan has not reopened since 2021. For now anyone can enjoy this charming beach.

Insider tip

How to get there

From Budva, catch the local bus down the coast to Sveti Sefan.

Where to stay

Jane Foster

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Germany

Binz, Germany

Basket-like beach chairs are known as Strandkorb in Germany - Alamy

Germany’s bracing Baltic coast boasts hundreds of miles of sandy beach, and its most stylish resort is Binz, on the nation’s biggest island, Rügen. Shut off behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, it’s been spruced up since reunification, and it now attracts Germans of all ages, plus a smattering of Scandinavians, seduced by its antique architecture and rugged scenery.

Insider tip

The pristine beach is flanked by thick pine forest, ideal for hiking and cycling.

How to get there

Where to stay

William Cook

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The Nordics

Haukland Beach, Lofoten, Norway

Haukland Beach in the Lofoten Islands in Norway - iStockphoto

Regularly voted Norway’s finest and as one of Scandinavia’s most picture-perfect beaches, Haukland is hardly a secret. Set within the striking Lofoten archipelago, it offers an almost impossibly scenic mix of brilliant white sand, emerald waters and dramatic mountains. Although it’s mostly just a fabulous spot to appreciate nature, there is a beach cafe, toilets, and a soon-to-open visitor centre. Climb up to the iconic Mannen peak to view the beach and surrounding scenery in all its glory.

Insider tip

The Haukland Café has a good range of sandwiches, hot meals and drinks – and, of course, striking views. The visitor centre also rents kayaks.

How to get there

The beach is a 10-15 minute drive from the town of Leknes, which has a regional airport. Parking is available for a small fee, but note no camper vans or long-term camping is allowed

Where to stay

Blokhus Beach, Denmark

Blokhus Beach in North Jutland on the Danish North Sea coast is a good place to bathe - iStockphoto

Blokhus, set photogenically into the bay of the Jammerbugt Municipality on Denmark’s west coast, has it all: a 100-metre-wide stretch of sand that extends from Rødhus beach in the south to Saltum beach in the north, photogenic dunes, and oodles of space for lounging and games. There are also options for wind- and kite-surfing, ice-cream shops, a mini-golf course, a sculpture park, and British-style shops selling all the sun cream, buckets and spades and water pistols you could want.

Insider tip

Water babies can also spend time at the sprawling Fårup Sommerland waterpark close by, or escape into nature at Vildmosen, aka The Great Moor, the dune plantations, or Kettrip Hills, all nearby.

How to get there

It’s about a 40-minute drive from Aalborg; there are car parks nearby.

Where to stay

Sandhammaren, Sweden

A wooden pathway towards the sand dunes in Sandhammaren in Sweden - iStockphoto

The beach at Sandhammaren, a nature reserve in Österlen on the southeastern tip of Skåne province, is regularly voted as Sweden’s best. It boasts fine, powdery white sand, highly photogenic dunes, and clear waters that are warm enough to swim in during summer, although dippers should be aware of strong currents. The nature reserve behind the beach is home to wild elks, deer, rabbits and a wide range of birdlife, and is coterminous with another one (Hagestad) that flow together along the coast.

Insider tip

The beach is wonderfully unspoiled, but the nineteenth-century lighthouse, open for tours, has a kiosk for drinks and snacks, and there’s a small café near the main car park.

How to get there

From Malmö, head east on Route 9 for around an hour.

Where to stay

Paul Sullivan

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Italy

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante, Liguria

Baia del Silenzio is a relaxed beach in the Parco Nazionale del Cilento - Baia del Silenzio

This crescent of grey sand is backed by the jaunty ochre houses of Sestri Levante. The water is crystalline, and there’s no need to pay for a sun lounger and ombrellone: just lay out your towel and go for a swim in the gently shelving bay, which is bookmarked by the pretty Convento dell’Anunziata, a former monastery.

Insider tip

If you didn’t bring your own parasol, head for the western end of the beach, where the local fishing boats pulled up on the sand offer some shade.

How to get there

Sestri Levante is on the main Genoa to Pisa coastal train line. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the station.

Where to stay

Collelungo, Alberese, Tuscany

The Tuscan Parco Regionale della Maremma is an unspoilt natural paradise - 4Corners

The swathe of wild Tuscan coast south of Grosseto has changed little since the 19th century, and fifteen miles (24km) of pristine coastline is now included in the Parco Maremma nature reserve. This includes one of central Italy’s longest beaches, the three-mile Spiaggia di Collelungo – only accessible on foot from the reserve car park at its northern end. The further you walk south, the more deserted it gets.

Insider tip

If you’re planning to drive on a summer weekend, get there early. Once the car park fills up, it’s one in, one out.

How to get there

By car from Rome (two hours) or by train to Grosseto, then local G15 bus (Mon-Fri only) to Alberese

Where to stay

Calamosche, Vendicari, Sicily

Calamosche is on the east coast of Sicily, between Noto and Marzamemi - Alamy

Sicily’s most important coastal wetland area, the Vendicari nature reserve, south of Siracusa, is home not only to stone curlews and flamingoes, but also to some of Sicily’s most unspoilt beaches. Star of the show is Calamosche, a wide golden-sand cove protected by two low rocky headlands.

Insider tip

Kiosk bar Oasi della Frutta (0039 348 424 8040) offers fruit juices and fruit salads straight from the adjacent farm.

How to get there

Driving is the only realistic option. From Noto, take the Pachino road south. From the reserve car park, it’s a three-quarter mile walk.

Where to stay

Porto Selvaggio, Nardò, Puglia

Porto Selvaggio on Puglia’s Ionian coast has rocky coasts, sandy beaches and dense pine forests - Alamy

The Salento peninsula – the heel of the Italian boot – has some of mainland Italy’s most translucent sea and most spectacular beaches. The natural reserve of Porto Selvaggio is one of the standouts. A wide, deep blue bay backed by a fragrant macchia of juniper, lentisk and Aleppo pines, this is one for real wild beach aficionados: it’s pebbly rather than sandy and there are no facilities apart from a summer-only kiosk bar, but the place is desert-island delightful.

Insider tip

The seasonal kiosk bar on the beach offers decent panini, pasta dishes and salads at reasonable prices – but it’s cash-only.

How to get there

It’s possible to walk along coastal tracks from the town of Santa Caterina di Nardò in around 40 minutes; alternatively, drive to the Villa Tafuri car park (£4/€5) and walk (10 minutes).

Where to stay

Alberoni, Venice, Veneto

Alberoni is a 160-hectare natural oasis including sand dunes and forest protected by the WWF - Aldo Pavan

When Venetians fancy a quick dip, this is where they head – to the southernmost end of the Lido island, where families unfurl their rolled-up beach towels amid waving grasses on the dunes of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reserve. There are no buzzy beach bars and few rows of deck chairs and umbrellas – just lashings of atmospheric nature. Director Luchino Visconti filmed his 1971 classic Death in Venice here.

Insider tip

Through the warmer months the WWF organises a programme of tours and events, from bird-watching and tree-identifying, to star gazing during the August shooting star season.

How to get there

Stefano and Anna at Bici Gardin (piazzale SM Elisabetta 2A), right by the Lido’s main waterbus dock, provide bike hire for the 30-minute pedal south to the beach. One hour costs €5, or €10 for the whole day.

Where to stay

The Residenza d’Epoca Quattro Fontane (0039 041 526 0227) has double rooms from £180, including breakfast. Plan your trip with our guide to Venice.

Lee Marshall

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Malta

Ramla Beach, Gozo

Ramla Bay, widely considered Malta’s finest beach - Alamy

A gorgeous swathe of red sandy beach lapped by azure waters and flanked by cliffs and low vegetation, this is said to be where Ulysses spent seven years entranced by the sea nymph Calypso – or perhaps by the bay itself. The only substantial sandy beach in Malta unblemished by modern development, Ramla nonetheless has sunbeds, lifeguards in summer and cafes tucked out of sight.

Insider tip

A popular spot even in Roman times, the Knights of Malta built an underwater wall across the bay to keep out invading Turks. Snorkel out to see it.

Getting there

There is free parking on the road, but you need to get here early (or late). Public buses stop nearby.

Where to stay

Juliet Rix

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Cyprus

Lara Beach

Lara beach is well known as a site for turtle nesting - iStockphoto

There can be a tendency to assume that every beach on Cyprus is a busy fleshpot. But while that may be true of the sands around Ayia Napa, the west coast of the island is a different beast. Particularly Lara Beach, some 15 miles north of Paphos – a sliver so secluded that it is protected as a turtle sanctuary. Hatchlings appear from May to August.

Insider tip

Bring water. Other than a parking area, the beach has no facilities.

How to get there

Drive from Paphos (one hour).

Where to stay

At the Coral Beach Hotel in Paphos. Olympic Holidays (020 8492 6868) offers a week at Coral Beach Hotel from £939 per person, including flights. Plan your trip with our guide to Cyprus.

Chris Leadbeater

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Greece

Xerocambos, Crete

The coastline at Xerocambos in Crete is idyllic and tranquil, with charming tavernas - Joe Daniel Price

Elafonisi might be Crete’s poster child when it comes to beautiful beaches, but if you’re willing to make the seven-hour drive along winding roads to the island’s south-eastern tip, Xerocambos’ dazzling golden sands riffled by mirror-clear waters are just as striking, only with (far) fewer crowds.

Insider tip

Fill your petrol tank – apart from a few tavernas, facilities are scarce.

How to get there

The zigzag route through Lamnoni gorge is stunning (but not for the faint of heart).

Where to stay

Saria, Karpathos

Head to Saria in Karpathos for unparalleled snorkelling - Alamy

For desert-island vibes, you can’t beat Saria, a tiny uninhabited atoll near Karpathos dotted with the barrel-roofed ruins of houses where pirates lived in medieval times. A paradise for snorkellers, the main butternut sand beach descends to waters so clear you can see starfish ambling on the bottom.

Insider tip

Stock up on local pies at Pigadia’s old-fashioned bakery.

How to get there

During the summer season, boats leave from Karpathos’ capital Pigadia.

Where to stay

Seychelles, Ikaria

With cerulean water, Seychelles beach in Ikaria lives up to its name - 4 Corners

Naming a Greek beach after a tropical paradise might seem risky. Luckily, this bleach-blond strand washed by waters as blue as any you’ll find in the Indian Ocean lives up to its grandiose name.

Insider tip

After a day of tropical bliss, indulge in a seafood feast at taverna Feroi in Maganites, where fish are served fresh from the nets.

How to get there

A steep track near Maganites’ fishing port leads down to the beach.

Where to stay

Voidokilia, Messinia

Voidokilia beach is shaped like the Greek letter omega - iStockphoto

With its honey-coloured sands lining a circular bay so perfect it could have been drawn by Giotto, Voidokilia is one of the Greek mainland’s most striking beaches. Backed by a handful of budget-friendly tavernas, this sumptuous strand is also a magnet for nature lovers who come to spot migratory birds in the neighbouring Gialova lagoon.

Insider tip

The beach is part of a nature reserve – don’t expect sunbeds.

How to get there

It’s 15-minutes drive from Pylos town’s cobbled shopping streets.

Where to stay

Fteri, Kefalonia

Secluded Fteri beach in Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful in Greece - E+

Captain Corelli’s island has plenty of swoonworthy beaches, but few can compete with Fteri’s looping line of sandy coves backed by pine-furred, chalk white cliffs, and lapped by peacock blue waters. And forget mandolins – the only sounds here are mewing gulls and tinkling goat bells.

Insider tip

Rent your own boat in high season and go early to escape the day-tripping crowds.

How to get there

Catch a water taxi from Zola’s port.

Where to stay

Heidi Fuller-Love

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