Dreaming of warm seas and quiet, sunny shores? Our travel writers pick their favourite hidden beaches in Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy and Portugal.
On the Greek island of Ikaria, Seychelles beach lives up to its name with white sand, pale pebbles and brilliant turquoise waters. A steep scramble leads to this secluded cove near the remote port of Magganitis. The Erofili Beach hotel in Armenistis offers a perfect base for exploring the island.
Lesbos boasts Skala Eressos, a two-mile curve of dusky sand with sea the colour of a jay's wing. This beach is clean, rarely crowded, and surrounded by vegan cafes and traditional tavernas. Self-catering flats at Heliotropos are steps away.
Karpathos remains one of Greece's best-kept secrets, with near-deserted beaches and a Robinson Crusoe experience on the island of Saria. Accessible by boat, Saria offers crystal-clear waters and medieval pirate ruins. The Afoti Beach hotel near Pigadia provides comfortable accommodation.
On Crete's remote eastern tip, Xerocambos beach features golden sands and Caribbean-blue seas. Reached via a dizzying narrow road, this dramatic cove has few facilities but offers peaceful self-catering at Akti Rooms.
In Spain's Huelva coast, El Rompido combines a small seaside resort with access to La Flecha, an eight-mile spit of virgin powder sand accessible only by boat. The area offers pine-shaded spots and affordable restaurants.
