Le migliori spiagge nascoste in Europa

This tiny archipelago nation enjoys more than 300 sunshine-filled days a year, so surely it’s a good candidate for your Vitamin D fix? From surfers to sunbathers, Malta has a beach for everyone – many of them worth seeking for their seclusion.

The boutique Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux – the only hotel within the walls of the fortified city of Mdina – is quite a place to stay. Located in a 17th-century palazzo, it has seventeen individually-designed rooms, one of the island’s finest restaurants, and a rooftop terrace where you can drink in the views of the Maltese skyline.

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A short drive northwest from Xara Palace is Fomm ir-Rih. The path down is steep (it’ll take 20 minutes), but you’ll be rewarded with a pretty, pebbly beach and crystal-clear water. The other end of the island, in the south, is the Delimara Peninsula, which is awash with secret coves. Find the small path down to St Peter’s Pool, a natural lagoon where you can spend the day luxuriating on the sun-drenched rocks. Hop over to Gozo for San Blas Bay, tough to reach and therefore virtually deserted, and Wied il-Ghasri – a stunning inlet with superlative snorkelling.

Like all of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote emerged from the sea as a result of volcanic activity, but only very few of its 100 beaches have black lava rock pebbles. The rest are crescents of soft white sand and, if you know where to look, you can have them all to yourself.

Designed by revolutionary architect César Manrique, the colonial-style resort of Seaside Los Jameos Playa is built around its aquamarine pool and subtropical gardens. The 530 rooms are sunny and bright, many offering views of Los Pocillos beach. There’s also an impressive spa, a pretty terrace restaurant and no less than three bars.

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Escape the hustle and bustle and head to the sandy coves of Papagayo, hidden away in Los Ajaches nature reserve on the south of the island (there are no shops or bars, so bring a cool box of drinks and snacks). Towards the northeast, just off the coast road between Arrieta and Orzola, are foot trails leading to sheltered inlets with tiny beaches and clear sapphire water. While on the northwest coast, Famara, with its long curving bay and excellent waves, is every surfer’s secret.

At Papagayo, the laidback Casa Angelina (no booking) serves up paella and locally-caught seafood, while El Risco in Famara is the place for tapas. The fishing village of Orzola is home (unsurprisingly) to fish restaurants galore. Sit on the shady terrace at Restaurante El Norte, order grilled fish of the day and watch the boats bobbing in the harbour. If you’re looking for top-end Canarian cuisine, head inland to La Tegala in Macher where the slow food menu changes monthly.

If you do one thing, go for drinks at Lagomar in Teguise. This museum-restaurant-bar – previously owned by Omar Sharif, who allegedly lost the property in a card game – was naturally created by the molten lava that once flowed down from the volcano above. The result is a quirky building full of curves, caves, secret stairways and courtyards.

All over the island you’ll see the influence of visionary artist, architect and environmentalist César Manrique, whose Cubist whitewashed architecture defines Lanzarote. The César Manrique Foundation at Taro de Tahiche is a must. Set in Manrique’s former home, this modern art museum not only showcases works by the artist, but also Picasso and Miro.

The largest island in the Balearics has no fewer than 200 beaches. Some are teeming with sun-seekers, but venture off the beaten track and you’re guaranteed to stumble across a hidden sandy cove or cobalt blue bay. One thing you won’t see, is people...