City Go

The baths of queen Giovanna are a waterhole, located about 2km from Sorrento, protected from the sea by towering limestone cliffs. A natural arch connects the pool to the sea. The baths have been attracting bathers for centuries, and nearby are the 2000 years old remains of a Roman villa. The baths namesake is queen Giovanna d'Anjou, sovereign of Naples between the late 14th century and the early 15th century, who is said to have used the pool as a backdrop for her loving encounters. How to go: Take the orange bus ( line A) from Corso Italia in Sorrento. There's also a less frequent bus leaving from the train station. After leaving the bus at the baths there is still a 500m walk, not accessible by car. 

Ribeira Beach is located in the centre of Cascais, close to the main square. It is named after Ribeira de Vinhais (a stream) which flows into the ocean in this beach. It is mainly used for fishing activities and there are a small dock and pier. It is thus also known as "Fishermen's beach". Although it isn't destined for bathing, the water quality is good and monitored regularly and the beach is supervised by a lifeguard during the bathing season. It is located about five minutes from the train station and can be crowded during the high season, particularly on weekends.

Can Pastilla is a relatively recent resort, which developed from a single hotel built in 1918 but only truly developed in the 1960s when it was "discovered" by British tourists. It is the closest resort to the capital city of the island of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, to which it is connected by a long promenade. It's both a family-friendly resort and popular with youths, which can make it a bit noisy close to bars and nightclubs. Can Pastilla has one of the largest beaches on the island and a few children friendly attractions, like waterparks. Palma is close enough for a cultural day (or half day) out. How to go: Bus 15 from Palma de Mallorca. Takes about 30 minutes. Back to Mallorca Bus to Can Pastilla

The river beach of Mondim da Beira is located along the Varosa river, in Northern Portugal. It is dominated by a Romanesque bridge built in the 13th century and along the riverbank there are a few water mills.  The beach has a bar and a small strip of sand. There's also a baby pool. How to go: Public transport is scarce in this region so the best option is to go by car.

The Beach of Kitroplatia is located in the small village of Agios Nikolaos. It has umbrellas, showers and a lifeguard. Nearby there are cafes and tavernas. It's named "Citron Square" after the citron trade, which flourished in Agios Nikolaos during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Agia Roumelli is a small seaside village, best known for being the place where the walk through the Samaria Gorge ends (or begins). It can only be reached by foot or boat, so it's relatively isolated. It offers magnificent hiking trails through unspoilt and protected nature and a beach of fine pebbles with crystalline waters, more or less deserted before noon and in the late afternoon when the last ferry leaves. There are cafes, tavernas and a number of places where you can stay overnight. How to go: Reach Agia Roumeli either by crossing the Samaria Gorge by foot (take the early KTEL bus from Chania to Omalos) or by ferry . Back to Chania

The main beach of Elounda, in Crete, is next to the harbour. It is a well-organised beach with umbrellas, sun lounges and lifeguard. All around there are restaurants and cafeterias. How to go: From Heraklion, you need to take a bus to Agios Nikolaos (about 90m) and then from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda, total cost, one way, €9 (2017 prices); you can find the timetables here .

Potamos beach is located east of the city centre of Malia, close to Archaeological Site of the Palace of Malia. It is known as Potamos (river) because a small stream flows to the beach, forming an important wetland. The beach is well organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets and a lifeguard. On the beach or close by there are small beach bars and tavernas. It's a quiet beach, ideal for those who want to escape the crowds of the main beach of Malia. How to go: From Heraklion or Malia, take the  KTEL bus and get off at the last stop, close to the Archaeological Site. From Heraklion, it takes about one hour and the ticket is €4.10 (2017 prices).