secret beaches

OUR PICK OF EUROPE’S UNDER-THE-RADAR COASTAL HIDEAWAYS

- PATRICK HAMILTON

Lantic Bay, Cornwall

Nowhere in Cornwall is really a secret any more, so for peace and quiet you have to put sheer rock between you and the throbbing summer crowds. Lantic Bay is one of the prettiest, most hidden beaches, surrounded by grass-covered sloping cliffs and grazing meadows. There’s a bit of a climb down, but you’ll be rewarded with gentle paddling, rock pools and a picture-perfect picnic spot.

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Where to stay? Check into nearby Talland Bay Hotel, a classically designed sanctuary with gorgeous ocean views.

Where to eat? Travel to the cute harbour town of Fowey and visit Fitzroy, a fine dining spot from the people behind London’s Westerns Laundry and Jolene restaurants.

How to get there? There’s a car park at the cliffs above the bay, from which you’ll have to scamper down to the beach. The area is also fantastic for walkers, who may prefer to navigate the coastal path rather than tackle the 20-minute hike down.

Insider’s tip? The keen angler in your life will love the many rocky perches, perfect from which to fish for bass and mackerel.

Calanques, Provence, France

If you thought the south of France was all Louis Vuitton and 12-euro Diet Cokes, then try heading south-east of Marseille to the Massif des Calanques. This rugged stretch of cliff-edge terrain sweeps across 19km of coastline finishing near the charming town of Cassis. The area is defined by sandy bays flanked by soaring sea cliffs – terrain that is hard to reach but well worth the exertion.

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