Spain
If you go to Cadaques, probably the most unspoilt coastal village in Spain, there are two main pleasures: food and sea. Food: skip the tourist restaurants, and walk round the Punta de Sa Costa on the eastern side of the town centre – you’ll find much more authentic beach restaurants frequented mostly by local people and pungent with the smell of delicious frying fish. Sea: kill three birds with one stone by taking your swimming gear and a picnic and setting off in the morning for the thirty minute walk towards the Cala Nans lighthouse. You get vigorous exercise, beautiful national park scenery, and a magic little cove (Sa Sabolla) where you can spend the day, snorkelling in limpid waters with almost no one else around.
www.visitcadaques.org/?lang=uk&sec=
Google map: bit.ly/NCT5D8
For me, nothing comes close to Cadaques on the Costa Brava in Spain. Cadaques was a favourite haunt of Salvador Dali - once you have seen the light there you'll understand why. Crystal clear waters, fresh air, long walks, even longer lunches!
www.cadaques.co.uk
North-East Spain just south of the French border