TOP 10: EUROPE'S BEST BEACHES

With just a hop, a skip and a jump, you could be enjoying sandy beaches, water sports, coastal wildlife and seaside fun at Europe's best beaches this summer...

Sinemorets, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe offering unspoilt, undeveloped coastline and there are plenty of peaceful white sands to discover. The Simermorets resort on the south east coast of Bulgaria is an idyllic spot, popular with luxury-seekers and offering gorgeous panoramic views of the Black Sea. If you'd rather a family-friendly resort stocked with amenities and hotels, try Bulgaria's Golden Sands or Sveti Konstantin. www.bulgariatravel.org

Ile de Re, France

This picture postcard island off the west coast of France is almost frozen in time. Traditional French houses, narrow alleys and quaint shops make up the main port town of St Martin, while the beaches are a commercial-free pleasure. Don't expect watersports and ice-cream vans, this island is about getting back to nature. Admire the sand dunes, the flowers, the pine forests and sealife, enjoy the oysters and fish, and delight in the cycle paths and donkey rides. www.holidays-iledere.co.uk

Cirali, Turkey

Mix relaxation with Greek mythology on the sleepy beaches of Cirali, Turkey. By day you can bask in the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea and explore the ruins of Mount Olympus. At night you can see the natural flames at Yanartas, said to be spot where the fire breathing creature Chimaera was killed by Bellerophon on winged horse Pegasus. If you're lucky, you might witness a bit of nature too, as loggerhead turtles are apt to hatch on the beach. www.tourismturkey.org

Sesimbra, Portugal

This ancient Portuguese fishing village has barely kept up with the new world, retaining its original charm and the foundations of a 12th century Moorish castle. Sesimbra is protected from the wind by the Arrábida mountain, making it ideal spot for swimming in still sea waters. At the beach promenade you'll find fishermen selling their daily and the surrounding hills offer spectacular views of the bay. Located just 40km from Lisbon, Sesimbra is the perfect escape from the city. www.visitportugal.com

Myrtos, Kefalonia

Kefalonia in Greece is arguably home to the most beautiful beaches in the world. Myrtos is the most popular of these, however, its magnificent stretch of beach lying peacefully beneath limestone cliff faces and rolling hills. The picturesque bay is one of the Ionian islands (famed as the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin) so if it's a photogenic, postcard perfect beach you're after, Myrtos is the one for you. www.visitgreece.gr

La Manga del Mar Menor, Spain

Mar Menor is officially Europe's largest salt water lake while La Manga (26kms of beach front) juts out keeping Mar Menor on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. The sandy beaches and calm, emerald-blue waters on the one side are the perfect recipe for relaxation, while the Mar Menor side is a hit with watersports enthusiasts. www.spain.info

Plage de Saleccia, Corsica

Sun, sand and peace seekers would do well to head to this isolated beach on the north eastern coast of Corsica. The island's beaches are all rather dreamy, but this one in particular is worth making the effort to find. Its spotless white sands stretch just over a mile and meet the gentle turqouise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, while being flanked by rolling green hills. Moor a boat if you have money to spend (and look out for the celebs) or make your way on foot along the coastal footpath from Saint Florent. Either way, remember to pack a picnic as there's a complete absence of shops and bars. www.corsica-saintflorent.com

Curonian Spit, Lithuania

A UNESCO's World Heritage List, the Curonian Spit should be one of Lithuania's biggest draws, yet it's rarely on holiday-makers' radar. Mores the pity, since the 98km strip of sand dunes, beach and forest that stretch out into the Baltic Sea is one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the world. Access the spit from the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda via ferry and stop off in the village of Nida - the perfect jump off point for exploring. Curonian Spit

Home grown beaches, UK

From the family friendly Blackpool in Lancashire to surfers' paradise Fistral Beach in Cornwall, the UK has some exciting and stunning coastline to recommend it. Explore our expert pick of Britain's Best Beaches here.