Regional beach guides
Coasts, islands and regions compared by season, access, water, crowds and trip style.
Regional beach guides for choosing between coasts, islands and beach regions by season, water temperature, access, crowds and travel style.
All guidesRegional beach guides - coasts, islands and beach regions
Best beaches on the Cote d'Azur: from Nice to Saint-Tropez
Riviera beach overview from Nice and Cannes to Saint-Tropez, with pebble versus sand reality, Posidonia, mistral impact and concession logistics for first-time visitors.
Best beaches in Corsica: from Palombaggia to Saleccia and the wild west coast
Corsica beach overview from the Bonifacio coves to the Desert des Agriates and the Calanques de Piana, with sand reality, libeccio wind impact and 4x4 access logistics.
Best beaches in Brittany: from the Cote de Granit Rose to La Baule
Brittany beach overview from the Cote de Granit Rose and Ile de Brehat to the Quiberon peninsula and La Baule, with tide reality, water temperature and parking logistics.
Best beaches in Normandy: Etretat cliffs, Mont-Saint-Michel bay and the Cote Fleurie
Normandy beach overview from Etretat and the Cote d'Albatre to Deauville, the D-Day beaches and the Mont-Saint-Michel bay, with tide reality and family logistics.
Best beaches on the Costa Brava: from Cala Sa Boadella to Cap de Creus
Costa Brava beach overview from Lloret and Tossa to Calella de Palafrugell, Aigua Xelida and Cap de Creus, with cove logistics, tramontane impact and parking reality.
Best beaches in the Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
Atlantic island beaches across the four largest Canary Islands, with volcanic black sand, golden dunes, year-round climate and trade wind logistics.
Best beaches in Sardinia: La Pelosa, Cala Mariolu and the Costa Smeralda
Sardinia coast highlights from Costa Smeralda to La Pelosa, with permit logistics, drive reality, Mistral wind impact and family versus boat-only coves.
Best beaches in Sicily: San Vito Lo Capo, Cefalu, Taormina and Isola Bella
Sicily coast highlights from San Vito Lo Capo to Taormina, with crescent-bay logistics, Etna-side options, ferry access and crowd patterns by month.
Best beaches on the Amalfi Coast: Positano, Atrani, Furore, Maiori and Praiano
Amalfi Coast beach reality from Positano to Maiori, with pebble logistics, ferry-versus-bus access, sun-bed concessions and family alternatives.
Best beaches in the Greek Islands: Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Naxos and Paros
Greek Islands beach overview across Cyclades and Crete, with red sand, white pebbles, Meltemi wind reality and ferry hopping logistics.
Best beaches in Malta: Mellieha, Golden Bay and the Blue Lagoon on Comino
Malta archipelago beach guide across Malta, Gozo and Comino, with sandy bay reality, Blue Lagoon logistics, ferry access and crowd patterns by month.
Sardinia beaches guide: where to base yourself for sand, coves, families, and wild coast
A practical Sardinia beach guide comparing Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, Orosei, Villasimius, Chia, Oristano and Alghero, with access, seasons and boat notes.
Secondary beach towns 2026: when a less famous coast is the smarter holiday
How to choose secondary beach towns in 2026 when famous beaches are crowded or expensive, with practical checks for access, safety, water quality, food, lodging and backup beaches.
No-car beach trips 2026: trains, ferries and walkable bases that actually work
How to plan a no-car beach trip in 2026 using trains, ferries, buses and walkable bases, with practical checks for luggage, last-mile access, backup beaches, storms and crowds.
Related guides
Beach conditions
Sea temperature, wind, waves, swell, tides and daily swim decisions.
Water quality & pollution
Rain runoff, bacteria, algae blooms, pollution signs, Blue Flag signals and safer water checks.
UV, heat & weather
UV index, heat, shade, storms, clouds, wind shifts and smarter beach timing.
Beach safety
Rip currents, warning flags, jellyfish, shore break, cold water, children and safer swimming.
Family beaches
Family beach planning, toddlers, teens, dogs, shade, parking, toilets and low-friction days.
Access, parking & facilities
Parking, toilets, showers, public transport, accessibility, beach rules and easier arrivals.
Surf guides
Surf forecasts, beginner waves, swell period, shore break, boards, wetsuits and wind choices.
Snorkeling & clear water
Shore snorkeling, visibility, clear water, reef-safe planning, families and calm entries.
Lake swimming
Safe swimming lakes, city lakes, freshwater quality, algae checks and inland beach days.
Beaches near cities
City beach guides for day trips, public transport, parking, beach clusters and realistic timing.
Beach trip planning
Packing, timing, budgets, beach tents, coolers, dogs, photos, activities and backup plans.
Destination comparisons
Side-by-side beach destination comparisons for families, surf, warmth, price and access.