THE 50 BEST BEACHES IN EUROPE

THE PANEL

Gabe Davis is former British surfing champion; Siobhan Dolan is a journalist and co-founder of family travel website www.babygoes2.com; Sarah Miller is a chic beach aficionado and editor of Conde Nast Traveller; Simon Rogerson is editor of DIVE Magazine, Britain's biggest-selling scuba magazine; Pete Shannon is Expedia's offical "Beach Explorer", who recently travelled 53,804 miles (the equivalent of more than twice round the equator) seeking out the world's best beaches (read the report at www.expedia.co.uk).

1

LAVEZZI ISLAND, FRANCE

The marine reserve of Lavezzi, a granite archipelago located between Corsica and Sardinia, is known to divers as "Meruville" due to its impressive tally of resident meru (or grouper) fish. The reef comprises a series of rocky pinnacles coated in yellow cup coral. "This is as colourful as anything you'd find on the Barrier Reef," says Simon Rogerson. "It's also amazing to see so many moru; they're used to being hunted so they're usually shy fish, yet here they are practically tame."

Information: Bonifacio tourist office (00 33 495 731 188; www.visit-corsica.com); French Travel Centre (0906-824 4123; www.franceguide.com).

2

PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE

Unusually for Lanzarote, Playa Blanca has calm, shallow water. "This is the best spot on the island for smaller children," says Siobhan. "The water is generally calm, and there are good cafes, restaurants and supermarkets to hand, plus loungers and parasols available for hire." This European Blue Flag beach, centered around the old fishing village of Playa Blanca and the neighbouring beaches of Papagayo, remains surprisingly undeveloped. It also offers fantastic views of the islands of Lobos and Fuerteventura on the horizon.

Information: Lanzarote Tourist Office (00 34 928 813 792); Spanish Tourist Office (020-7486 8077; www.tourspain.co.uk).

3

MUNDAKA, SPAIN

This small beach, surrounded by a traditional Basque harbour at the mouth of a huge river estuary, boasts some of the longest waves in Europe. "The lie of the vast sandbanks here create the longest left-hand wave in Europe, breaking close to the beach," says Gabe. "For serious surfers, the best time to visit is in winter, when the village comes alive with locals and tourists, who line the beach to watch the pros."

Information: Spanish Tourist Office (020-7486 8077; www.tourspain.co.uk; www.euskadi.net).

4

HOSSEGOR, FRANCE

La Cote d'Argent, a thin strip of "silver" sand stretching 230km along France's south-west Atlantic coast, is backed by Europe's largest pine forest. The fierce Atlantic rollers that pummel the beaches from Piran (in the south west) north to Giron (near Bordeaux) represent some of the best surfing in the world, overlooked by dunes that can tower up to 100 metres. "This gets my vote as the No 1 beach in Europe," says Gabe. "In fact, I've just bought a house there."

Information: Hossegor tourist office (00 33 558 417 900; www.tourisme.fr/hossegor); the French Travel Centre (0906-824 4123; www.franceguide.com).

5

ST MAWES, CORNWALL

"Since the opening of the Tresanton Hotel five years ago, St Mawes is no longer just for family bucket-and- spade holidays," says Sarah, of this pretty, walled seafront town in south Cornwall. "Either book for a stylish weekend, or drive there to have lunch on the terrace, with its view of the glorious headland and the St Mawes lighthouse." Excellent for coastal walks, where you can admire the abundant tropical gardens that back onto the smart seafront villas.

Information: Hotel Tresanton (01326 270055; www.tresanton.com); St Mawes tourist information from the Roseland Visitor Centre (01326 270440; www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk).

6

BISEVO ISLAND, CROATIA

Of Croatia's thousand-plus islands, the tiny island of Bisevo gets Sarah's vote, "because of its extraordinary beaches and underground caves". Most notable is "Medvidina Spilja" or "Bear Cave", a sparkling, turquoise-blue natural pool chiselled deep into the steep coastline. This small island in the western Dalmatian archipelago is also the best spot to try a glass of Plavac or Vugava, Croatia's most exclusive wine, produced on the neighbouring island of Vis, 5km offshore.

Information: Vis Tourist Office (00 385 2171 7017; www.tz- vis.hr); Croatian National Tourist Office (020-8563 7979; www.croatia.hr).

7

PALOMBAGGIA, CORSICA

With 600 miles of deserted coastline, secluded shores and quiet coves, Corsica offers plenty of choice when it comes to top-notch family beaches. Palombaggia, 10km from the south island hub, Porto- Vecchio, is one of the island's best-loved beaches. "Invariably buzzing with water sports activity, Palombaggia is great for kids who get bored easily," recommends Siobhan. "A seemingly endless stretch of white sand, set off by beautiful pine trees, arrive either early morning or late afternoon to ensure a good family pitch."

Information: Porto-Vecchio tourist office (00 33 495 700 958; www.visit- corsica.com); the French Travel Centre (0906-824 4123; www.franceguide.com).