Plage Notre-Dame, Porquerolles, France
The best beach in Europe A laid-back weekend
There’s something decidedly glorious about bumping along a eucalyptus-lined dusty red dirt trail on a rented bicycle, knowing that certain things about Porquerolles—an island roughly nine kilometers long and two kilometers wide, off the coast of Hyères–never change, beginning with the pristine beaches. Plage Notre-Dame remains my favorite swimming spot after 30 years of visits. The sound of cicadas is a perfect accompaniment to the high-tech experience. The ritual is to lock your bicycle on an old post shaded by umbrella pines and admire the perfect panoramic curved sand strip before scrambling to the rickety stairs to find somewhere to unfold your towel. While wading in the shallows of the crystalline waters, it is hard to believe you are only a 15 minute ferry ride or water taxi ride away from the overdeveloped French Riviera. You’re all alone, except for the day-trippers who flock to the area in high season.
Porquerolles, a government-protected National Park, prohibits cars and smoking (except in the tiny village square, lined with cafés, where old-timers play pétanque). Take plenty of snacks and water. There are no lifeguards or sunbeds. The beach is also very shady. Another option, once you’ve dried off, is to visit the nearby Villa Carmignac, a cutting-edge contemporary art museum, then lunch at their superb outdoor restaurant serving Provençal specialties and chilled island-grown rosé. Then, come back at sunset to take a swim when the palms are black against a sky strewn with orange and fuchsia.
What to do: If you are looking for a romantic holiday, then book Le Mas du Langoustier Choose a family-friendly hotel. Hotel les Medes. —Lanie Goodman
Diamond Beach, Iceland
The best beach in Europe Black sands and stunning beauty
Just a short hop from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon there lies an unusual beach. The beach is not lined with golden sands, bars blasting out cheery music or rows of deckchairs striped in humbugs. It’s unlikely that you will wear a bikini. The most memorable experience of my life was a quick visit here. This small strip of charcoal-colored sand is due to the highly volcanic soil. It’s as if a photo has been enhanced with contrast. Along the shore, bright, glimmering glacier chunks from the nearby laguna have washed ashore. I will never forget the sight of hundreds shining globes reflecting a kaleidoscope colors on inky black sand when the sun dipped beneath the sea. Keep your beach bag at home, and bring along three jumpers with your thermals. As with many places in Iceland the beauty of this spot will stay in your memory for a long time.
What to do: Hotel Jökulsarlon has smart modern interiors and beautiful views over the mountains from most rooms, while being a stone’s throw from the beach. A nearby supermarket is also available. Fosshotel The one near Rekjavik, where I stayed was absolutely lovely. —Charley Ward
