‘If I could be teleported to any beach, this would be it’: readers choose their favourite European beaches

07.05.2024 - 10:33 / theguardian.com / Santo António

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

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

Guardian Travel readers' tips

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage

-

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

The winding drive to Porto Katsiki on Lefkada islandallows 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

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