Beach holidays

This year’s up-and-coming beach destination? Albania. Go by train past towns and bays along the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Ionian coastlines.

Journey overland to enjoy Croatia’s world-famous Dalmatian coast and islands, with nights in Split, Korčula, Dubrovnik and Mljet.

During the summer months, uncover the UNESCO Heritage town of Corfu on Greece’s verdant Ionian Island by way of Switzerland and Italy.

Go for the best Basque pintxos and world-class galleries, including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Bilbao Art District, a thriving public-private project.

Enjoy a direct sailing to Spain’s green coast, home to idyllic sand beaches, verdant mountain landscapes, and in Santander, elegant Belle Époque architecture.

Reliable warmth awaits on the Catalonian coastline. Based in Barcelona, but with easy access to surrounding quieter spots when the mood takes you.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the nearby North French coast, and an ideal base for exploring the Côte d'Opale.

Belgium may not be considered a classic beach destination, but that only increases its charm. Dive into the city’s Maritime history in the Mercator Ship Museum before hitting the beach.

City, beach, canals, Altstadt and sleek cityscapes: The Hague showcases the diversity of the Netherlands like no other.

On the agenda: produce hunting in the port market, hiking across the emerald Calanques, lapping up the Corniche Propeller sunset over a glass of pastis.

For a hit of coastal French glamour with fewer crowds than the south, try La Rochelle for miles of sand and a slew of oyster bars.

The classic glamour of the Côte d'Azur is just a train away from Paris. Go for palm-tree-lined promenades and coastal bars, best paired with oversized sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat.

Climb aboard for a rail adventure through Puglia, exploring the vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes of Bari, Lecce, Monopoli and Trani.

Opt for off-season for a dose of the Algarve’s authentic side. The beaches are peaceful and the Ria Formosa teem with rare waterfowl and flamingoes.

Sprawling beaches, failsafe surf and one of the best coastal food scenes around. Sit back on a cross-border journey around Biscay from France to Spain.

It’s not for the fainthearted, but brave the chill of Poland's Baltic Coast and you'll experience the quiet of snow-covered beaches and vast white skies.

Get a taste of laid-back Danish life in medieval Odense on the island of Funen. Go in summer for blooming hollyhocks, sandy beaches and alfresco Smørrebrøds in the afternoon sun.

Away from Tuscany's beaten path, Grosseto is a commune in the heart of the Maremma on Tuscany's west Coast, and the starting point for exploration of the Monti dell'Uccellina and sandy coastlines.

Lap up the golden-hour pinks and oranges of grapefruit granita, honey-hued architecture and some of Europe’s most vibrant sunsets.

Travel to Barcelona via the Roman city of Nîmes, then sleep tight on the sleeper ferry to Mallorca to explore beaches, mountains and old stone villages.

Soak up the sea on this adventure by overnight ferry to Corsica. Explore the island’s beaches, ancient towns and mountains by train and bus.

Sit back and relax on an adventure to Cornwall's coast to eat ice cream and build sandcastles on St Ives' golden beaches, then follow in the footsteps of pirates in the seaside town of Penzance.

Scotland’s east coast is where wild Highland landscapes collide with rugged coastlines, dotted with reminders of bygone fishing communities.

Ride the heritage Bittern line through the Broads to reach the North Norfolk coast for a dose of sea air: cold water dips, crabbing and sunsets from the pier.

Guernsey has become a coveted spot for swimmers, hikers and twitchers. Don't miss hopping across the smaller islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou.

Soak up Highland landscapes, culture, arts and otherworldly scenery on this adventure through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye, and onto vibrant cities of the east coast.

After crossing the Menai Strait, get familiar with the Welsh island on the Coastal Path that passes South Stack Lighthouse, Aberffraw dunes and ruins steeped in Celtic folklore.