Blue sky thinking: six sun-drenched seaside getaways in southern Europe

Loutro, Crete , Greece

Loutro is a misleading place with a mix of unexpected aspects - either forcefully unwelcoming or a remarkable seaside gem. Sheltered by Crete's imposing White Mountains, this diminutive port - a semicircle of pale-washed houses and ocean-hued facades, bordered by the Libyan Sea - is only accessible by boat or on foot. Accessing the area requires determination. Once you acclimatise to its enchanting atmosphere, parting with it becomes surprisingly difficult.

Here, life is reduced to a span of around 400 metres, the distance from the first taverna to the last.

(From around £47), just metres from the water's edge – most of Loutro's guesthouses are located here. With my windows wide open, I stretched out and listened: soft chants from the church, the hypnotic rush of the sea. I was taken in by the family Androulakakis, who were my hosts; the old man sat out in the shade on a chair while his wife prepared creamy tzatziki, Sfakian cheese pie and fish stew in the kitchen; their sons served the dishes, plus carafes of drinkable rosé and, as you'd expect, raki – the potent finishing touch to every meal, which was free and flowed freely.

It took less than two minutes to walk from my room to a small coastal patch with pebble and sand for a refreshing swim. However, for a truly spectacular bathing experience, it's worth walking 45 minutes east to Glyka Nera, also known as Sweetwater Beach, a breathtaking beach nestled in a bay surrounded by towering cliffs. At the bay's edge is a floating cafe, along with a few shaded areas - it's all very refined.

The naturist section was at the other end. I'd never gone skinny-dipping before, but here I just couldn't help myself. Perhaps it was the radiant blue colour of the sea – a mix of azure, cerulean, turquoise and emerald, topped off with a hint of teal. Perhaps it was the rakı in my system. Or maybe it was the sense of only being with people who'd made the same journey. Whatever it was, I undressed and plunged into the refreshing water.

Sarah Baxter

Stromboli, Italy

I'm utterly enthralled with small, isolated islands - the farther off the beaten path, the better. I crave a sense of seclusion, as if I'm actually miles away from the rest of the world, surrounded by untamed nature that seems almost mythical. The kind of place that makes you think of dragons and fairytales, where the ordinary rules don't apply.

Departing from the Sicilian port of Milazzo.

Strabo, the ancient Greek geographer, supposedly indicated that this was the spot where people believed the god of the winds, Aelous, resided. I was here whilst pursuing my endeavour to chart the islands that are said to have inspired The Odyssey, and as soon as I disembarked, I shared that feeling. There is something fundamental, almost mystical, to the atmosphere present here.

Although there aren't any dragons, there is one of the world's most volcano-prone regions. Stromboli, both the island and the volcano, constantly emits fire lances into the air, earning the nickname "the lighthouse of the Mediterranean". It's possible to see the eruptions from a boat tour in the sea or, if you're feeling more adventurous, to climb the volcano on your own or with the help of a guided tour.

I set off in the late afternoon (it takes approximately four to five hours to complete; don't forget to bring a torch and layers as it can get chilly on the mountain once night falls). As I ascended, the sunset illuminated the water, casting a vibrant pink, orange and golden glow across the horizon, which dissolved into the distance. The fragrance of night-blooming jasmine wafted through the air, and I was acutely aware of the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks far below. By the time I arrived at the viewing platform, the night was deepening. I gazed upwards at one of the most luminescent and inky black night skies I've had the privilege to witness. The volcano emitted a column of flames and smoke into the atmosphere, and the experience was deeply immersive, quietly awe-inspiring, all this majesty and potency, the volcano and the stars, and the constant flow of the sea.

(doubles from €60).

There is a 30-minute walk nearby that offers lovely views of the volcano. The island's beaches have black sand, with Piscità being the most pleasant. If you want to venture deeper, the village of Ginostra on the other side of the volcano is accessible by boat and mule.

Menton, France

Perched on the south-eastern tip of France, nestled between the Italian border and the principality of Monaco, lies the charming town of Menton, basking in the pleasant warmth of its rugged cliffs and sparkling Mediterranean coastline. For my taste, nowhere is more ideal to escape to when seeking an early morning sun. The town is renowned for its unique variety of sweet lemon, which is joyfully celebrated each February with a grand festival, but its mild climate is perfectly suited to cultivating an assortment of citrus fruits.

As I was there recently, I explored the grounds that wandered around the rust-coloured 19th-century villa at the centre and came across trees laden with pomelo, clementines and Buddha's hand - its long yellow fingers blending in with the foliage. Elsewhere, massive cacti, spiky palm trees and banana trees with long fronds created a far-flung atmosphere. Next to the garden, I walked into the town's own olive grove, the Pian Departmental Park, where retirees were playing pétanque in the dappled shade. It's not far from there to one of the numerous beaches in the town, the Sablettes Beach, where you can crunch on the sand under the watch of the belltower of the old town's Saint-Michel Archange de Menton Basilica.

The Marché des Halles in Menton is a good place to visit, not only for its shiny vegetables, sweet pastries and strong cheeses on display, but also to sample the local specialties such as a slice of socca, a well-known street food dish made from chickpea pancake. While holding a paper bag to warm my hands, I navigated the narrow, brightly painted streets of the old town, which was just a short distance away.

Above me was a row of freshly hung washing flapping in the wind and, from behind the green shutters of the windows, I could hear the clinking of cutlery and glasses, a giveaway that lunchtime was fast approaching. I found a spot to eat on the steps of the Basilique and bit into the crunchy, golden socca as I took in the view of the harbour.

The winding streets and pathways of the old town lead to the summit of the hill, where a grand cemetery boasts ornate mausoleums and headstones bearing the names of Britons and Russians who sought relief from tuberculosis on the French Riviera, only to find the humid climate exacerbated their condition. In a poignant twist, as these individuals rest in their final place of rest, they are treated to a breathtaking panorama: to the west, the Roquebrune-Cap-Martin peninsula stretches into the Mediterranean, while to the east, grand villas cling to rocky outcrops on the Italian border. The vibrant hues of the scene rival those of a painter's palette, providing a stark contrast to the gloom and drizzle of their homeland's climate.

To be double-priced from £65, the rooms are adorned with vibrant floral designs. It's a brisk 15-minute walk from the historic old town and waterfront market - an ideal location for exploring.

Carolyn Boyd

Baca Juga

San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria, Spain

With the snow on the Picos de Europa National Park melting away, the village of San Vicente is a delightful sight in spring, featuring lush green grass underfoot, sparkling rivers, and the sun shining out to sea. This charming medieval fishing village in Cantabria, situated halfway along Spain's northern coastline, can be reached by crossing low bridges over the Escudo estuary. The sea lies behind the headland, where surfers flock to popular beaches at Merón and Oyambre, with their soft white sand. Sheltered within the estuary, the picturesque Playa Maza beach offers stunning views of colourful fishing boats and easy access to local seafood restaurants.

Visible upstream in Bustio, it's tempting to pop in for a lunch of razor clams or the fresh catch of the day, but do check opening times as they can change.

There are kayaks and bicycles available for hire, along with surf lessons, in San Vicente. If the weather turns a bit drizzly, visitors can still enjoy a trip to a traditional, bucket-and-spade castle or head to Comillas to explore the unique villa known as El Capricho by Antoni Gaudí, or visit the fascinating crystalline caves of Soplao, one of Spain's most impressive cave systems, which is just 30 minutes to the south by car.

the typical local speciality – a mainstay of every menu

on a sunny evening.

(A B&B) is only a short walk away, priced at no more than £45. It offers a warm welcome and represents excellent value, boasting a picturesque setting amidst rolling countryside, overlooking a secluded bay.

Sorrel Downer

Pomer Bay, Istria, Croatia

Perhaps it was the fragrance of lavender, rosemary, and helichrysum carried on the warm air. Alternatively, maybe it was the hammock in front of my safari-style tent, which seemed to command complete and utter relaxation from its user (I have always found it hard to resist a hammock). Or it could have been the tranquil sight of the pebbles on the beach just a stone's throw away. More probably, it was the combination of these things that left me feeling so calm and drowsy, almost to the point of being completely catatonic.

It's the epitome of glamping – safari tents and lodges positioned under umbrella pines, with complimentary bicycles available for all guests (accommodation from around £90 per night). It's situated on one of the numerous irregular headlands that hang from the southern Istrian coast, largely surrounded by a pebbly beach.

A path took me up the slope under the pine trees to an outside wellness area – five hot tubs and a number of sun loungers were scattered about in front of tipi treatment tents, a yoga platform, and a wooden A-frame sauna with a clear glass wall offering views into the forest. Just taking in the scent of pine that had been warmed by the sun was enough to help me relax, not to mention a good soak in the hot tub.

There's a range of attractions on the main Veliki Brijun island. You'll find ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins. The island was also once a luxury resort developed by the 19th-century Austrian industrialist, Paul Kupelwieser. He transformed it into a lavish retreat. Additionally, you can visit the former summer residence of the late Tito. The island is also home to a wildlife park. If you're feeling flush, you could even hire Tito's vintage 1950s Cadillac for 700 euros. Alternatively, you can simply relax on a hammock and enjoy the picturesque sunset over Pomer Bay.

Mary Novakovich

Porto Covo, Alentejo, Portugal

The western coast's South West Alentejo Natural Park surrounds the seaside resort of Porto Covo, which possesses a certain Portuguese charm and identity that can be overshadowed in more boisterous coastal towns. With its modest, unpretentious architecture, Porto Covo is a collection of just a handful of calm, whitewashed streets adorned with blue doorways, gently converging towards the dramatic coastline of the Alentejo region. This is an unassuming and leisurely representation of Alentejo, Portugal's largest yet most sparsely populated area.

Stroll in either direction and a cluster of secluded bays surrounded by turquoise waves awakens. Sheltered by slate grey cliffs, this is amongst the country's most stunning shoreline. My recommendation is Praia da Samoqueira with its pale white shores, dotted with small, smooth shell-filled tidal pools.

(double rooms with an ocean view from £145, which includes breakfast) just in time to unwind with a relaxing sauna.

Roughly translated as the "harbour of fishing nets", Porto Covo's main claim to fame has long been its seafood. Typically, solitary fishermen can be seen pensively gazing out to sea from the clifftops, gazing out at the assertive Atlantic Ocean. Just offshore, Pessegueiro Island boasts remnants of former fishing periods, on the site of a 16th-century fort and a Roman garum (fermented fish) production facility.

A refreshing glass of Vicentino rosé, grown in the warmer climate of sandy soils further south, is the perfect match for a hot summer's day. Enter the stylish Abranda wine bar on Pombal Square, Lisbon-designed central hub of Porto Covo.

Summer brings a burst of energy to the square as a steady flow of holidaymakers from Lisbon makes their way there (it's a two-hour bus ride from the capital), culminating in the late August Festas de Porto Covo festivities, during which the streets are filled with couples dancing to lively folk music on accordions. Sitting on a bench, surrounded by happy faces, twirling couples and the invigorating sea air, you're reminded that the essence of Portugal still thrives in the Alentejo region.

Daniel James Clarke