Soft-as-sugar golden bays, glittering sapphire waters, stunning landscapes and star-sprinkled skies characterise much of Europe’s coastland. Croatia’s glimmering necklace of Adriatic islands boasts a string of delightful beaches. The Split region

of the Douro River. The city of Oporto is also a World Heritage Centre blessed with warm weather and a hillside location that provides stunning vistas. It’s also close to gorgeous white sand beaches that are packed with activities for children.For another

to stay at La Becca. ■ Book a European holiday between July 1 and August 18 with Canvas Holidays and receive a second half price. This means a family of four could enjoy a ten-night break from August 5 to the golden sands of Brittany in France, then seven

The fact that Hotel Cala di Volpe overlooks Sardinia’s stunning Costa Smeralda should be reason enough to visit, but there are plenty more. As well as being able to walk the private white sand beach whilst looking out onto the beautiful turquoise

is better suited to over-fives who can best enjoy the beach (and its kitesurfing, horse riding, kayaking and sand-yachting opportunities). Société Nautique de la Trinité-sur-Mer (www.snt-voile.org) in the port can organise sailing classes and boat hire

on the beach with its golden sand, and rocks perfect for exploring. We dined on fabada, a local bean stew with chorizo, overlooking the sands. My phone had bleeped its last message, but my love affair wasn’t quite at an end. We watched the last two stages

, Portugal is a very special place indeed. Located in an unspoilt, idyllic area in the western Algarve, just steps from the beach and a protected national park, it is perfect for a relaxing family holiday. Martinhal aims to become Europe’s finest family

of adobe – a mix of sand, earth, straw and water.Kevan is the European Associate of Earthship Biotecture, the brainchild of American Mike Reynolds, which saw the first Earthships land like alien life forms in the desert of Taos, New Mexico back

of sand and relatively few crowds. But the whole coast is lined with luxury hotels, which have immaculate grounds with spas and swimming pools as well as perfectly-groomed strips of sand. The five-star Kempinski Hotel Bahia, close to buzzing town

children play in the sand is still a very happy reality. Royalty and celebrities have followed Durrell’s lead in their pursuit of a tranquil life on Corfu’s northeastern coastline, and CV Travel has now made this corner of the Greek islands its own with all