On the trail of the lonesome pines in Menorca

Cala Galdana beach – and its neighbours – are spectacular. Turn off at Ferreries and take the attractive Me-22 road that brings you to a breathtaking horseshoe bay shrouded by pine trees. The golden sandy 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 bit more activity. Neighbouring Cala Mitjana, a beautiful beach a short walk to the east, is wilder, as is Cala Macarella, two miles by footpath to the west. If I could be teleported to any beach on my day off here’s where I’d go to.
Bethan Patfield

A landlocked beauty in North Macedonia

With my partner, I was road-tripping the route of the Roman Via Egnatia from Durres to Istanbul when we stumbled across Trpejca. It’s on the huge Lake Ohrid, not the sea, but it’s certainly a beach, pebbly and small and, most vitally, quiet, even in peak season when we visited. The water is clear and the painted plank jetty on the charming side of rickety. We spent a day lounging, gazing at the mountains a few miles across the water, kayaking, and smiling about our luck in finding a beautiful beach in landlocked North Macedonia.
Anja Steel

Drifts of seashells, Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is known for its lovely coves but my favourite beach is Meia Praia, miles of beautiful sand to the east of the town. Walk along past the beach bars and restaurants to find emptier spaces, with drifts of seashells among the stretches of golden sand. Eventually you reach the mouth of the River Odiáxere – you can’t cross but it makes a satisfying turning point. If you don’t want to walk the full length of the beach, you can get the train from Lagos to Meia Praia station on the Algarve line (which runs for 90 miles between Vila Real de Santo António, Faro and Lagos) and start exploring from there.
Carolyn

Lazing under Lefkada’s limestone cliffs, Greece

The winding drive to Porto Katsiki on Lefkada island allows for intermittent views down to the beautiful clear waters. After parking, a hundred or so steps will take you down to the pebble beach. A stroll to the opposite side can provide some shade under the huge limestone cliff. The clear and calm turquoise water is brilliant for snorkelling and swimming in. Above the beach is a viewpoint with sweeping sunset views and draws a small crowd most evenings. Behind is Taverna Oasis, serving Greek classics and amazing seafood with stunning views over the Ionian Sea.
Charlotte Jose

Edge of the world on Île de Ré, France

We cycled to the white sand Plage Campiotel and gazed out at the blue expanse of the Atlantic on Île de Ré’s west-facing coast. The lack of road infrastructure and abundant cycle paths all add to the joyous feeling that you’re perched on the edge of the world. There are no cafes or crowds. All you have are the wild sand dunes and occasional leathery nudist couple walking past.
Sid

Minoan marvels in eastern Crete

Travelling to Kouremenos, one of Crete’s easternmost beaches, offers glimpses of the most rustic parts of the island. Nestled between ancient Minoan temples (above and below water), this beach offers a combination of tranquil waters for families and a windsurfing spot for those after thrills. A few tavernas close to the beach offer delicious, authentic cuisine.
Georgios

What’s not to lichen, Poland

The beach at Jastrzębia Góra in Poland has silky sand like the Maldives. Fragrant pine trees line the beach along the whole of this beautiful coastline and the air is so pure that lichen grows along the paths. I have been lucky enough to find amber stones after storms. Beautiful.
Rita

Beach train from Barcelona

Take the R1 train from Barcelona station up the coast; at every stop – from Montgat Nord to Malgrat de Mar – is a beautiful beach away from the hustle of Barça. Tickets can cost less than €10 for a return. I used to live in Barça and swear by it, the stations are directly on the beaches and you can travel to five or six within an hour of the city.
Adam Baines

Rice pudding ice-cream by the shore in Portugal

The beautiful sandy beach in the traditional Algarve town of Carvoeiro lies sandwiched between rugged golden cliffs while providing all the amenities of a seaside town with the bonus of the ice-cream shop selling the most delicious rice pudding ice-cream. I’m not sure if this is traditional Portuguese fare, but if it isn’t it should be!
Helen

Winning tip: Sicilian hotspot

Last summer, on a trip to south-eastern Sicily, I discovered my new favourite beach, Santa Maria del Focallo, just over an hour’s drive from Catania. Staying with friends, I crept out of the house early each day to swim with the whole beautiful beach to myself. The one little beach hut, Paz Maya, became my local for a quiet coffee in the morning, later transformed by a DJ into the hot place to be at sunset for a cocktail, dancing or just soaking up the scene.
Paula