{"id":20102,"date":"2026-01-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/2026\/01\/16\/golden-sand-melts-into-clear-turquoise-waters-our-readers-favorite-european-beaches-travel\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T07:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T07:00:00","slug":"golden-sand-melts-into-clear-turquoise-waters-our-readers-favorite-european-beaches-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/2026\/01\/16\/golden-sand-melts-into-clear-turquoise-waters-our-readers-favorite-european-beaches-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Golden sand melts into clear turquoise waters&#8217;: Our readers&#8217; favorite European beaches | travel"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<h2 id=\"a-half-moon-of-golden-sand-in-sicily\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">golden sand half moon in sicily<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The magnificent Sicilian resort town of Cefal\u00f9, 40 miles east of Palermo, juts out beneath dramatic cliffs. The town has a perfect half-moon beach with golden sand mixed with beautiful clear turquoise waters. Diamond-patterned medieval stone streets lead to lively squares serving excellent Italian food. In front of it is a beautiful Norman cathedral with twin towers and Byzantine mosaics inside.<br \/><strong>David Innes-Wilkin<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-calm-lagoon-in-portugal\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Tranquil lagoon in Portugal<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"75ad4601-61bf-4f8c-8d4e-d15bdce8bdbf\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">\u2018A place that is accessible but extremely remote\u2019\u2026 Fuseta in Ria Formosa Natural Park, Portugal.<\/span> Photo: Tamas Gabor\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">East of Faro&#8217;s more touristy destinations lies the charming fishing village of Fuseta, between Olh\u00e3o and Tavira. This entire coast is a natural park protected by sandy spits and islands, creating calm lagoon waters that stretch for miles. You can take a water taxi to a variety of completely off-the-beaten-path locations and be picked up at a pre-arranged time or call when you&#8217;re ready to head back to civilization. It&#8217;s highly accessible, yet happily remote. <br \/><strong>Julia<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"d56e38d6-6cc6-416a-b946-df4f4708cf35\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ProfileAtomBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"ProfileAtomWrapper\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{\"id\":\"9a19fac5-8dff-4125-9ba7-ba08f2c09fa7\",\"title\":\"readers' tips: send a tip for chance to win \u00a3200 voucher coolstays break\",\"html\":\"\n\n<p><strong>    Tips from Guardian Travel readers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Each week we ask our readers for travel recommendations. Various tips may appear online or in print. To enter the latest contests, visit the Reader Tips homepage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&quot;,&#8221;Credit&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}&#8221;><\/p>\n<div data-atom-id=\"9a19fac5-8dff-4125-9ba7-ba08f2c09fa7\" data-atom-type=\"profile\" class=\"dcr-13gln72\">\n<details data-atom-id=\"9a19fac5-8dff-4125-9ba7-ba08f2c09fa7\" data-snippet-type=\"profile\" class=\"dcr-g1vsnw\">\n<summary><span class=\"dcr-1ypwo6h\">contour<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"dcr-1fa5dcn\">Reader tip: Send us a tip and you could win a \u00a3200 Coolstays holiday voucher.<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-55zfp0\"><span class=\"dcr-3j53am\"><span class=\"dcr-41evle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m10.8 13.2.425 9.8h1.525l.45-9.8 9.8-.45v-1.525l-9.8-.425-.45-9.8h-1.525l-.425 9.8-9.8.425v1.525z\"\/><\/svg><\/span>show<\/span><\/span><\/summary>\n<div>\n<div class=\"dcr-17vpao5\">\n<p><strong>    Tips from Guardian Travel readers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Each week we ask our readers for travel recommendations. Various tips may appear online or in print. To enter the latest contests, visit the Reader Tips homepage.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"dcr-jkwt9a\">\n<p>Thank you for your feedback.<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"atlantic-rollers-on-algarve-shores\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Atlantic rollers on the Algarve coast<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"9b54d63e-dbc9-4b56-9f0f-c39fe8b0e842\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-5h0uf4\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-9ktzqp\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Porto de Mos beach near Lagos, Portugal.<\/span> Photo: Olena Buyskykh\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The mile-long Porto de M\u00f3s beach near Lagos in the western Algarve is a true paradise. Watching the Atlantic Rollers hitting the beach is awesome and fascinating. After swimming or surfing, you can definitely grab a drink or two at Campimar beach huts. It&#8217;s also a great restaurant where you can enjoy local seafood and wine in the evening while enjoying views of the rolling clouds and hypnotic waves.<br \/><strong>philip webster<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"greeces-fourni-islands-are-unsung-bliss\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Fourni Island in Greece is an unknown happiness<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"e7b92942-ae9e-4e9b-a8c8-bff6cd392851\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Petrokopio Beach in Fourni is home to ancient marble quarries.<\/span> Photo: Hackenberg-Photo-Cologne\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The island of Fourni in the northern Aegean Sea has been a favorite vacation spot for Athenians for a long time. It has many coves and beaches and appears to be popular with wilderness campers. Petrokopio beach was one of our favorite beaches. This was an ancient marble quarry and home to stunning white stones. Kampi is one of the most popular beaches and has tamarisk trees on its back. Here, visitors can relax at a Fellini-like table. If you&#8217;re looking for some solitude, take a fishing boat trip to Timena Island and visit the Paral\u00eda Kerameidio\u00fa bay, which has quiet, relaxing restaurants. Fourni is still relatively cheap to visit and has plenty of places to stay. You can reach Samos by ferry from Piraeus.<br \/><strong>Jake Blake<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.NewsletterSignupBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"EmailSignUpWrapper\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{\"index\":12,\"listid\":6022,\"identityname\":\"guardian-traveller\",\"description\":\"get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well the latest deals from guardian holidays\",\"name\":\"the traveller\",\"frequency\":\"twice a week\",\"successdescription\":\"we'll send you traveller twice week\",\"theme\":\"lifestyle\",\"idapiurl\":\"https:><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"rigas-perfect-ribbon-of-sand\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Riga&#8217;s perfect sand ribbon<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"9cb35b24-5d53-4a5a-9f6b-c3f2059a3008\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">J\u016brmala on the Baltic Sea coast of Latvia.<\/span> Photo: Peter Schickert\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The beaches from J\u016brmala to Bigau\u0146ciems, a few miles west of the Latvian capital Riga, are a perfect strip of sand that runs along the Baltic coast. Kemeri National Park&#8217;s pine forests extend down to sandy beaches and offer an extensive network of walking trails. We walked for hours listening to cuckoos and chirping. Visit in early and late summer for long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures.<br \/><strong>Dylan Miller<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"winning-tip-cider-by-the-sea-in-northern-spain\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Winning Tip: Cider by the Sea in Northern Spain<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"9271208a-2f73-4698-8d05-fee3e46ea8c4\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-5h0uf4\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-9ktzqp\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">San Lorenzo Beach in Gij\u00f3n, Spain, is popular with surfers and walkers.<\/span> Photo: Blanca Saenz de Castillo\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Instead of hot southern Spain, head to Gij\u00f3n in Asturias. San Lorenzo Beach has beautiful promenades to stroll and a lively surfing scene, while Playa de Poniente has calm waters and rock pools where you can find crabs. While on the beach in Poniente, have lunch at Tierra Astur, which serves typical Asturian cuisine and offers expensive local ciders. Don&#8217;t miss the nearby aquarium. Visit in late July to see the amazing air show above San Lorenzo. Remember your earplugs!<br \/><strong>Oksana Memedova<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"e7e53813-914a-4690-9ed9-02efd8d34f6f\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"\/><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>golden sand half moon in sicily The magnificent Sicilian resort town of Cefal\u00f9, 40 miles east of Palermo, juts out beneath dramatic cliffs. The town has a perfect half-moon beach with golden sand mixed with beautiful clear turquoise waters. Diamond-patterned medieval stone streets lead to lively squares serving excellent Italian food. In front of it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[16204,16289],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-top-10s","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20102\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/en_us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}