2. Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal
PHOTO:GETTY IMAGES
The Algarve is one of Europe's most-loved coastal regions, but while everyone flocks to the high-rise hotels in the west, the far east coast, wedged up against the Spanish border, is much less trammeled. As the name suggests, Ilha de Tavira is an island — or rather, it's a dune-like sandbar floating just off the coast at pretty Tavira. The sand is thick, deep, and the color of clotted cream; the gently shelving sea is as calm as a lagoon; and the beach stretches as far as the eye can see. There's not much shade, but you can rent a lounger and rattan parasol.
Advertisement
3. Sa Riera, Costa Brava, Spain
PHOTO:UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES
A croissant of sand snatched from the rocky coastline, Sa Riera doubles as a tiny fishing village and a delectable beach. Sunbathe on either side of the plinth where the fishing boats were dragged up earlier in the morning, go scrambling over the rocks, or enjoy a snorkeling or diving session. The coastline around here is known for shipwrecks, caves, and ancient remains, and at Aiguablava, you'll swim along a seabed littered with Roman amphorae. This is Spain's cultural stretch of coast — both medieval Girona and the Dali Triangle (sites linked to the surrealist painter) are within an hour or so's drive.