Guardian Travel readers have cast their votes, revealing a stunning collection of Europe's most cherished coastal hideaways. From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean to the wild, pine-fringed Baltic coast, these personal recommendations offer a treasure trove of inspiration for your next seaside escape. The shared memories highlight not just beautiful sands, but the unique character and local charm that make a beach holiday truly unforgettable.
A Mediterranean Masterpiece and Atlantic Bliss
In Sicily, the magnificent resort town of Cefalù, forty miles east of Palermo, captivates with its dramatic cliff-backed setting. Readers praise its perfect half-moon beach, where golden sands meld seamlessly into clear turquoise waters. The historic town itself, with medieval diamond-patterned stone lanes, a lively square serving great Italian food, and a stunning Norman cathedral, completes the idyllic picture.
Portugal's Algarve coast offers two distinct experiences. For serenity, the Ria Formosa natural park near the fishing village of Fuseta provides miles of calm lagoon waters protected by sand spits. Accessible by water taxi to deserted spots, it feels blissfully remote. For raw Atlantic power, the mile-long Porto de Mós beach near Lagos delivers awesome rollers perfect for surfing or mesmerising viewing, with a beloved beach shack, Campimar, offering well-earned refreshment and evening seafood.
Unsung Greek Islands and a Baltic Surprise
Beyond the well-trodden paths, the Fourni islands in the north Aegean are a favourite among Athenians. This archipelago boasts numerous coves, with Petrokopio beach standing out for its wonderful white stones and ancient marble quarry history. For solitude, a fishing boat trip to Thimena island and its quiet bay is highly recommended, offering a relatively affordable Greek island escape reachable via ferry from Piraeus to Samos.
Providing a cooler alternative, Latvia offers a perfect ribbon of sand running from Jūrmala to Bigauņciems, just west of Riga. This Baltic beach is uniquely backed by the pine forests of Ķemeri National Park, which feature an extensive network of walking trails. Visitors recommend going in early or late summer for long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, accompanied by a soundtrack of cuckoos and wood warblers.
Winning Tip: Northern Spain's Cider Coast
The winning tip steers travellers away from the scorching south to Gijón in Asturias, northern Spain. Here, San Lorenzo beach offers a vibrant promenade and surf scene, while the neighbouring Playa de Poniente provides tranquil waters and rock-pool exploration. The key local experience is lunch at Tierra Astur on Poniente beach, serving typical Asturian dishes accompanied by good-value local cider. An added bonus is a spectacular airshow over San Lorenzo in late July.
Inspired to share your own discovery? Guardian Travel runs a weekly readers' tips competition. A selection of entries is featured online and in print, and the best tip wins a £200 voucher for a Coolstays break. To enter the latest competition and share your favourite travel find, visit the readers' tips homepage.
