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The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
WIN! A couples beach holiday at a relaxing, adults-only resort in the Costa Dorada
Need an escape from the noise and stress of everyday life? Want to soak in the tranquil sea views, picture-perfect beach and relaxing amenities at the four-star Golden Costa Salou resort in Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) instead? We've partnered with Jet2holidays, who are giving one lucky couple the chance to win a seven-night break at this stunning hotel, which is part of their Adults Only range. Expect peaceful sunbathing and swimming at the choice of two outdoor pools, or uninterrupted lounging at the indoor pool. You can also enjoy even more R&R at the resort's spa, making the most of unwinding in the sauna and steam room ahead of your massage or treatment. Delight in daily entertainment or chill out, cocktail in hand, at one of Golden Costa Salou's bars. If you want to add a touch of adventure to the calm, the hotel isn't far from the almost 4km stretch of Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja beach, perfect for romantic strolls, and visiting an array of restaurants, cafés and bars – catering for every taste. Costa Dorada has 50 miles of beaches (including 26 Blue Flag beaches) with golden sands and calm waters, as well as great watersports from kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling and scuba diving on offer. When you've had your fill of action, head back to recuperate in your stylish Premium Room. For your chance to win a seven-night stay at Golden Costa Salou, for two adults on a bed and breakfast board basis, fill in your details in the form below. Terms and conditions*: Competition closes 23.59pm BST 7 July. A seven-night holiday for up to two adults in a premium room on a bed and breakfast basis at the 4* Golden Costa Salou in La Pineda, Costa Dorada. This prize includes return flights for up to two people from any UK Airport from which flies to Reus (Barcelona South) Airport (REU) and allows for the duration of the holiday advertised, transfers to and from the overseas airport and the hotel and one free item of checked baggage of up to 22kg per person. This prize must be booked by 20 July 2025 and must be completed between one of the following bands subject to availability (including all return travel): 28/07/2025 - 04/08/2025 03/09/2025 - 16/10/2025 20/04/2026 - 21/05/2026 01/06/2026 - 17/07/2026 27/07/2026 - 03/08/2026 01/09/2026 - 22/10/2026 Find out more about Jet2holidays packages – including 22kg baggage per person and return transfers** and your choice of two to five-star hotels – online at Jet2holidays. Right now, myJet2 members can also save £100 per person† in The Big Jet2 Sale too (correct at original publish date). *T&Cs apply, see for more details **Unless otherwise stated †£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see for details. If you can't see the form, please click here
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Telegraph
Spain's 13 greatest Costas, ranked and rated
Everyone thinks they know the Spanish Costas – with fond memories based on childhood holidays with family and fun-filled breaks with friends. But it's time to think again. With around 3,000 miles of mainland coastline, skirting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, there is a huge variety of costas to choose from when planning a holiday – and quite a few more secretly sandwiched between the main 13 considered in this list. In recent years, visitors have witnessed the most well-established destinations shift into the 21 st century, with hotel revamps that have replaced the pine and patterns of old with a soothing neutral vibe, adding juice and coffee bars, food trucks and yoga decks. With peak summer temperatures deterring some, it's never been easier to visit earlier or later in the year, too. An increasing number of hotels in resorts are extending their seasons – with some opening all year round to cater for people who want to cycle, hike or go birdwatching rather than spend most of their time on a beach. Or consider the northern coast, which has long been popular with Spanish holidaymakers who go for the more pleasant summer temperatures, the wilder beaches and the superb food. There's always another chunk of Spain 's coastline to explore. Here's my honest review of the major playas on the Spanish mainline. Costa de Almería Best for back-to-nature beaches Stretching for 135 miles in the east of Andalucía, bordering the Tabernas desert, this is the driest and hottest coast in Spain. Resorts include Almerimar, Roquetas de Mar and the more characterful Mojácar. For a more natural environment, stay in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar coastal nature reserve, where the landscape has been formed by a series of volcanic eruptions over the centuries. Mónsul, Los Genoveses, El Playazo and Los Muertos are the highlights of around 30 terrific beaches with crystalline water. There are small hotels in and around San José, Las Negras and Agua Amarga. Insider tip Take a guided jeep tour to see and learn about the volcanic landscape and mesmerising geology of Cabo de Gata. Where to stay The romantic Cortijo Boutique Siete Calas (00 34 674 029231) close to Playazo beach, has double rooms from £174, including breakfast. You can fly from London and regional airports to Almería with airlines including easyJet and Ryanair from £60 return. Costa Tropical Best for secret coves Avocados and mangos grow on the hillsides along the coast in the province of Granada, which is protected by the Sierra Nevada. Coves backed by cliffs have excellent conditions for diving and kayaking, particularly El Cañuelo on the Cerro Gordo stretch – don't be put off by the greyish sand. Stay in Almuñécar, which was an important town in Phoenician and Roman times, the hilltop town of Salobreña or La Herradura. Insider tip Drive up to the Alpujarras for superb hiking and views across to Morocco. Where to stay Hotel Boutique La Caleta Bay (0034 958 511393) is right by the beach in La Herradura and has doubles from £72, room only. You can fly from most UK airports to Malaga with airlines including British Airways and Vueling from £50 return. Costa del Azahar Best for a Spanish vibe Citrus orchards border the sprawling sands along the Costa del Azahar – the orange blossom coast – in the province of Castellónin the north of the Valencia region. Laidback resorts include Vinarós, Benicarló, Oropesa del Mar and Benicàssim, where one of Spain's best music festivals, FIB, is held every summer (July 17 to 19, 2025). Peñíscola is an attractive seaside town with a castle you may recognise from Game of Thrones. Insider tip Take a boat trip to the Islas Columbretes for superb snorkelling and diving conditions. Where to stay The Hotel & Spa Castillo de Peñíscola (0034 964 480914) is right by the beach and has double rooms from £108, including breakfast. You can fly from London Stansted to Castellón-Costa Azahar airport with Ryanair from £40 return. Costa Cálida Best for shoulder season sun Parts of the 'warm coast' in the Murcia region are remarkably unspoilt, with idyllic beaches such as Calblanque, Calnegre and the Cuatro Calas (four coves), a beautiful area in the south near Águilas. The Mar Menor is a huge lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, a 15-mile spit of land that is lined with holiday accommodation. For a bit of culture, the cities of Cartagena and Murcia are both rich in history. Insider tip In San Pedro de Pinatar at the top end of the Mar Menor, you can slather yourself with mineral-rich mud for a natural spa treatment. Where to stay The Colina del Emperador boutique hotel (0034 711 042823) on La Manga has double rooms from £117, including breakfast. You can fly from London Luton and Stansted and several regional airports to Murcia International airport with Ryanair from £40 return. Costa Verde de Asturias Best for a coastal and countryside combo Green hills rise up just behind the coast in Asturias, with apple orchards and emerald meadows in between. Crescents of white sand are backed by cliffs along the 200 miles of coastline on the Bay of Biscay, with dainty seaside towns and villages, such as Cudillero and Llanes, along the way. You can hike through spectacular scenery in the morning and flop on an idyllic beach in the afternoon. Children love finding the traces of dinosaurs on the stretch known as the Jurassic coast around the fishing village of Lastres. Insider tip Gorge on Asturian artisan cheeses, particularly the pungent blue Cabrales. Where to stay The CoolRooms Palacio de Luces hotel (00 34 985 850080), a palatial residence just outside Lastres with an excellent restaurant, has double rooms from £159, room only. You can fly from London Gatwick to Asturias with Vueling from £48 return. Costa de Cantabria Best for surfing on unspoilt beaches On the north coast, tucked between Asturias and the Basque Country, Cantabria manages to pack more than 90 beaches into its 140 miles of coastline, including a string of gorgeous bays in the elegant city Santander, the regional capital. The Oyambre Nature Reserve is popular with birdwatchers and has pristine sands. The Dunas de Liencres National Park and the Costa Quebrada Geological Park form a protected area with sculptural rock formations and beaches that are good for surfing. Insider tip Just south of Santander, an old mine is now an animal park where Cantabrian brown bears, elephants and tigers roam around a landscape of eerie limestone pinnacles. Where to stay El Castillo de los Locos (0034 942 810374) overlooking the beach in Suances near Santander has double rooms from £92, including breakfast. You can fly from London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Santander with Ryanair from £30 return. Brittany Ferries sails from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander. Costa de Galicia Best for cooler temperatures The coast of Galicia wiggles around the northwestern corner of Spain for 930 miles, the longest of any region in Spain. Oysters and mussels are cultivated in deep inlets known as rías and the long white-sand beaches are reminiscent of both Cornwall and the Caribbean. Temperatures don't get as sweltering in the south, but the region does get more rain. Albariño wine fans might want to stay in the Rías Baixas, while surfers will prefer the wild shores of the Costa da Morte. The coastal cities of A Coruña and Vigo have fabulous beaches if you aren't keen on resorts. Insider tip The Ortiguiera Celtic music festival takes place from July 9 to 13, 2025. Where to stay The glamorous Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja (0034 986 730025) has a restorative spa with double rooms from £156, including breakfast. You can fly from London Gatwick to A Coruña with Vueling from £50 return; from London Stansted to Vigo with Ryanair from £44 return, and from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela with Vueling from £68. Costa Daurada Best for family fun The 'golden coast' – dorada in Spanish and daurada in Catalan – flanks the province of Tarragona in the south of Catalonia. The largest resort, Salou, is handy for the PortAventura theme park, but also makes a great base for trips to the underrated city of Tarragona and the vineyards and villages of the Priorat area. Cambrils, with its gently-shelving beach and lively gastronomic scene, is a favourite for families with young children. Insider tip Head to the Ebro Delta to visit the mussel and oyster farms in the bay. Where to stay Jet2 Holidays (0333 0140236) offers seven nights at the Medplaya Calypso in Salou in June from £561pp, with unlimited access to the Aquopolis waterpark, including half board and flights from Manchester (other airports available). Costa Vasca Best for gourmet breaks Travelling along the coast of the Basque Country, you come upon fishing villages such as Santurtzi, Bermeo, Lekeitio and Getaria, and discover fabulous urban and wild beaches too. It's difficult to eat badly, whether you fancy sardines on the beach, pintxos in a gastrobar or a feast in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants. Elegant San Sebastián is the gastronomic hub, while vibey Zarautz has the longest beach. Insider tip In the bars, check out the freshly-cooked specials on the blackboards rather than just the tempting pintxos on the counter. Where to stay The Palacio Arriuluce (0034 946 181156) is a sumptuously remodelled grand residence in the waterside Getxo area of Bilbao and has double rooms from £269, room only. You can fly from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Bilbao with Vueling from £50 return, and from Bristol and Manchester with easyJet from £90 return. You can also fly from London City to San Sebastián with British Airways from £220 return. Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao. Costa del Sol Best for guaranteed feel-good factor Any time of year is good for a break on the Costa del Sol. This 100-mile coastline in Malaga province, from Manilva to Nerja, is great for everything from glamorous poolside cocktails to golf holidays. You may fancy a weekend in Malaga city, focusing on food and art, or spending a few days recharging with yoga on the beach and running along the promenade. The coastal limits are sliding into Cádiz province too, with a cluster of luxury hotels in and around Sotogrande. Insider tip Have a change of scene with a day's riding, cycling or walking in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park north of Marbella. Where to stay British Airways Holidays (0344 493 0787) offers three nights at the newly-revamped Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella from £702pp in June, including breakfast and flights from London Gatwick. Costa Blanca Best for keeping all generations happy In the southeast of Spain in Alicante province, the Costa Blanca – 'white coast' – has been delivering family holidays for more than 50 years, but is always upping its game. As well as Benidorm, resorts include Denia, Calpe, Altea and El Campello, all with boutique as well major hotels. The mountains behind the coast keep it warm for most of the year, as well as providing fantastic cycling and hiking routes. If you like your holiday to have more of an urban vibe, stay in Alicante to alternate sunbathing with tapas bars. Insider tip The red prawns from the historical city of Denia are expensive but super succulent. Where to stay Hays Travel (0800 4084048) offers seven nights in July from £865pp at the Solymar Gran Hotel in Calpe, including breakfast and flights from London Luton (other airports available) to Alicante. Costa Brava Best for dining and Dalí With emerald pine forests on hillsides around little coves with clear sapphire water, the Costa Brava meets all your Mediterranean idyll fantasies. In the northeast corner of Spain in Girona province, from the border with France down to the resort of Blanes north of Barcelona, the 'wild coast' offers everything from full-on resorts such as Lloret de Mar to chic seaside spots including Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell and Cadaqués, where you can visit Salvador Dalí's mind-boggling home. The legendary El Bulli may be just a memory, but its influence is discernible in restaurants all along the coast. Insider tip The Camí de Ronda is a 27-mile hiking trail along the coast from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Begur, with attractive places to eat and stay along the route. Where to stay Tui (0203 451 2688) offers seven nights from £607pp at the Zel Costa Brava, including breakfast and flights from London and regional airports. The chic hotel overlooks a gorgeous cove near Tossa de Mar. Costa de la Luz Best for seafood and sherry The Costa de la Luz faces the Atlantic, with never-ending beaches stretching from the Portuguese border down to the Bay of Algeciras, taking in the Doñana National Park and the ancient city of Cádiz. With culture and natural beauty in spades, it is a great choice for both all-inclusive hotels with plenty of facilities and low-key breaks in seaside towns such as Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Chipiona and Conil de la Frontera. For a Boho hipster vibe, Tarifa is a magnet for kiteboarders and windsurfers. The sheer variety makes it a faultless destination, in my opinion. Insider tip The inland hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera is a gastronomic hotspot. Where to stay Jet2 Holidays (0333 0140236) offers seven night in June at the Barceló Costa Ballena Golf & Spa from £808pp, including breakfast and flights from Manchester (other airports available).
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Europe's cheapest destination for a beach holiday revealed
The cheapest destination for a bargain beach holiday has been revealed and it's great news for tourists who like their sun with a side of culture. According to Skyscanner, it's Malaga on Spain 's Costa del Sol that this year's best-value beach destination. Skyscanner explains: 'Malaga offers a fantastic, bargain beach holiday that's just a short flight from the UK. 'This artsy coastal city, the birthplace of Picasso, offers the perfect mix of sun, culture, and seaside relaxation. 'With average summer temperatures between 23 and 26 degrees, it's ideal for relaxing on the beach and enjoying delicious alfresco lunches. 'Stroll around the glitzy harbour, browse traditional sombreros at Ricardo del Cid Fernandez milliners or use Malaga as a base to discover the Costa del Sol and Andalucia.' Brits can fly to Malaga in under three hours and reach the city centre within 10 minutes. The Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress overlooking the city, is Malaga's top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Its Cathedral is another must-see landmark. Built in the Renaissance style, the Cathedral is often affectionally known as 'La Manquita' - or the 'One-armed lady'. This is because it's still unfinished with the south tower remaining incomplete to this day. Of course, tourists will also have easy access to some of the region's most spectacular beaches. But they don't need to leave the city at all to hit the sand. Playa la Malagueta is the city's urban beach and has an impressive 4.4 stars out of 5 rating on Google Reviews. A visitor wrote on the platform: 'Playa la Malagueta is the perfect beach to unwind while visiting Malaga. 'This sandy stretch offers gorgeous views of the Mediterranean and plenty of space to relax.' El Palo beach is a little further along the coast and a popular spot for locals looking to unwind. The area is known for its 'chiringuito' beach bars which serve seafood dishes and beach cocktails. Not feeling Malaga? Ibiza is officially the next cheapest destination for a beach break in 2025, according to Skyscanner. Next on the list is Portugal's coastal Algarve region which is recognised as 'one of the best places to play golf in the world'. Skyscanner also recommends Nice in France, Pula in Croatia, Antalya in Turkey, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, Bali in Indonesia, Orlando in the USA and Da Nang in Vietnam.
Times
11-05-2025
- Times
13 of the best beach holidays in Italy
Everything grinds to a halt in Italy during August, when everyone heads to the beach. This is no surprise given that you are rarely more than a two-hour drive from the coast, of which Italy has some 4,900 miles. If you want to immerse yourself in authentic Italian life, that's the time to go, but clever tourists head to Italian beaches in June and September, when the weather is just as good and you don't have to queue to park the car. Be aware that you have to pay to enjoy many beaches, which are often run by clubs where you hire loungers and umbrellas by the hour or day. However, there is usually an excellent spiaggia libera ('free beach') nearby. With picks ranging from the high-end glamour of the Amalfi coast to cheaper, family-friendly options on the broad white sands of the Adriatic, here are some of the best beach holiday destinations in Italy. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue This untapped region on Italy's east coast is a favourite with those seeking tourist-free sandy beaches. Of its 80 miles of coastline, the more beautiful southern half is known as 'the Trabocchi coast', named after the distinctive fishing structures on stilts. Take a direct flight from Stansted to Pescara and within a half-hour drive you will reach Ortona, from where you can ride along one of the longest cycle lanes in Europe (26 miles), on a disused railway line linking dozens of unspoilt beaches down to Vasto. The spiaggia di Punta Penna is particularly wild and sandy, and forms part of the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve. It's also one of the few beaches in Italy where you can see the sunrise and sunset, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Baia Delphis resort is a cluster of low, white buildings nestled among olive trees right on the water between the port and town of Vasto. It's a short walk from the small, pebbled cove of Vignola, and also has its own swimming pool and abundant terraced gardens overlooking the sea for days when the wind is up. • Read our full guide to Italy Yes, the Sicilian capital of Palermo is undeniably rich in culture, but sometimes all you want is a day by the sea. If so, a taxi costing about €30 (around £25) — or the bus for a couple of Euros — will whisk you 25 minutes to Mondello beach, a perfect bay north of the city which in peak summer is crammed with locals. Don't be put off: the water is blue-green like the Caribbean, the sand soft and shallow underfoot. You can also enjoy street-food vendors selling delicious hot sweetcorn and ice-cold drinks and ice cream for just a few coins. One of the best hotels in Palermo is the Villa Igiea, a grande dame overlooking the water just next to the marina. It retains an old-world charm, especially in the bar and terrace, where you can watch glamorous Sicilians arrive by speedboat. Getting to the Aeolian islands requires dedication, but persevere: you will be rewarded with the authentic dolce vita in the slow lane. Of the seven main islands, Salina is not only the greenest and most beautiful, but also has plenty to see and do. The best beach is at Punta di Scario, below Malfa, and is a large, pebbled cove where you can rent two lilos and a parasol for a small fee, and devour a cheap lunch of anchovies and white wine before cooling off in the sea. The family-run Principe di Salina in Malfa has become something of an institution since it opened in 2017, with many clients returning for the warm hospitality. The addition of two new suites on the roof brings the total room count to 14. Each has a shady terrace with stirring views and use of the large infinity pool. Mr & Mrs Smith offer stays here — and throw in a bottle of complimentary prosecco. A white-sand beach doesn't spring to mind when you think of Tuscany, yet its coastal Maremma region has some of the best. Russians fly into Pisa for the glamour of Forte dei Marmi to the north, while Roman politicos and celebrities zoom along the Via Aurelia to l'ultima spiaggia ('the last resort' before Lazio) down south. The Antinori family's private beach in Bolgheri is a deserted paradise, while Ansedonia is cheap and convenient for families and has Ristorante La Strega: come here to guzzle spaghetti alle vongole while gazing out to sea. Check into Hotel Il Pellicano near Porto Ercole, as glamorous now as when it opened in 1965, complete with sunkissed pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant. • Best hotels in Tuscany 'See Naples and die,' said Goethe, but the Amalfi coast is arguably more sublime, with its cliff-hugging road and soul-stirring views. From the secret but striking towns of Nerano and Praiano to the buzzing glamour of show-stealing Positano and Amalfi, this 30-mile stretch of coast is best enjoyed from the water. Book Ristorante Da Adolfo and pile your plate with fried mozzarella wrapped in lemon leaves before sinking back in a deckchair on its small, sandy beach. Book in advance and they'll pick you up and drop you off from Positano on their own boat for free. Le Sirenuse in Positano is impossibly sleek with an inviting pool, as well as being within walking distance of the beach. • Best hotels on the Amalfi coast Many of Italy's best beaches are on its islands — the only drawback being that they are hard to reach. Giglio is an exception, being just an hour on the ferry from the Tuscan mainland, but with a charming, otherworldly vibe. Visits here were paused after the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster, but a building in the port that was used by rescue workers has now been transformed into a light and airy hotel, opening up Giglio to tourists once again. A string of impressive restaurants line the port, while the white sands of Cannelle and Caldane are just 20 or 40 minutes away by foot. Many rooms at La Guardia have a sea view — and you'll find a family-friendly beach sitting right on its doorstep. Italy's second-largest island has two personalities: one is the high-octane glamour of the Costa Smeralda in the northeast, popular with glitzy superyachts in summer. The other is a quieter, more low-key way of life, which sees Sardinians often live to 100. Wherever you go, you will find turquoise waters and jaunty resorts, such as Porto Cervo and Chia. The choices are plentiful and depend on what you prefer — from rocky coves in the east to surfing in the west and soft white dunes in the south. Su Giudeu beach, lying on a spit between a lagoon and the sea, is the one you'll remember most. The Hotel Cala di Volpe looks more like a village than a hotel, and is spread out along its own bay on the Costa Smeralda. British Airways offers packages with either breakfast or half-board options, including flights. • Best places to visit in Italy Italy's heel has become so stylish that many refer to it as the new Tuscany. Famed for its ancient olive groves and first-class gastronomy, the region also offers hill-top towns — don't miss the baroque, honey-tinted masterpiece of Lecce. But of all Puglia's attractions, none trumps the miles of sandy beaches, which stretch all the way round from the Adriatic coast to the bay of Taranto. Hire a boat off the southern tip of Santa Maria di Leuca to explore the rocky grottoes and plunge into dazzling green waters. The magnificent Castello di Ugento is the ancestral home of the Principe d'Amore (Prince of Love), which has been converted into a hotel with nine coveted suites. • Most beautiful places in Italy It's perhaps an exaggeration to say the entire east coast of Italy is one long beach, but it's also not too far from the truth. If it's cheap and cheerful you're after, try the characterful beach resorts of Cervia and Milano Marittima. Take your pick from several large art nouveau hotels overlooking the town's immaculately maintained sandy beaches and, when you want something more secluded, you'll find pine forests and wild bird sanctuaries a short cycle ride away. The Grand Hotel Gallia is comfortable, spacious, and in the middle of Milano Marittima. It scores extra points for its large pool and excellent service. Ever since Matt Damon ran into Jude Law in The Talented Mr Ripley, we've all longed to find that Italian beach. Now you can: the location was Ischia, a large island off the bay of Naples, and the beach is Bagno Antonio. The reality is as picture-perfect as the movie, with views towards the Castello Aragonese and a beach club serving outrageously good fried pizza. The island's many seaside towns and buzzing beaches are best explored by scooter — just as Tom Ripley would have done. The owners of Hotel Il Pellicano (see Tuscany) opened an elegant sister hotel in 2019, Il Mezzatorre, a former Aragonese watchtower on a rocky bay on the north coast. • What to do in Italy This bustling city overlooking the Bay of Naples is a year-round winner — unlike many Italian resorts, it stays open all winter. It also has a small but chic year-round public beach, where hardy locals brave the water well into January. After a dip looking out to Vesuvius, head to the family-run trattoria Da Emilia in the old port for lunch by the water, feasting on homemade gnocchi, fried sardines and figs with crushed pistachios. The best address in town is the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, a clifftop grande dame in five acres of private grounds complete with lemon grove, just off the main square. The Fiorentino family have been running it since 1834 and service is impeccable. The crescent-shaped stretch of coast linking France to Tuscany is known as the Italian Riviera and is fawned over for its dramatic coastal path linking the Cinque Terre ('five lands'). Celebrities and duchesses descend on Portofino but, for a more authentic Italian beach holiday, head for Santa Margherita and explore the dinky coves and fishing villages between the two, each with little beaches or rocks from which to throw yourself into the sparkling sea. Families are drawn to the town's safe atmosphere, while teenagers amuse themselves in bars and cafés along the seafront. Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, is an institution worth experiencing at least once (or often, if you can afford to live like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor), with a glamorous pool, lush gardens, and Dior spa. Even the most Instagram-wary find themselves searching for their smartphone when faced with this vast body of water framed by snow-capped Alps. Such is the allure of the Italian lakes, which offer a welcome alternative to the usual bucket and spade beach holidays, and are conveniently located within reach of Milan or Verona. Lake Garda has particularly intoxicating views, and the water is slightly warmer than Como's. Sirmione, a long spit running into the lake, has one of the best beaches with the clearest waters, and the town and castle as a backdrop. One of the top hotels on Garda is the Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli, a pink and yellow neo-gothic villa with only 20 rooms and suites. Bellini Travel organises bespoke holidays throughout Italy and recommends Villa Feltrinelli when taking in the • Luxurious villas in Italy
