Santa Eulalia from €219pp

Algarve, Portugal

Praia de Santa Eulalia is located a little over 4 km to the east of Albufeira. It is something of an upmarket resort boasting meticulously landscaped gardens to the rear of the beach. Rows of palm trees interspersed with aloes and other exotic plants add to the sunshine vibe.

The beach itself is a good-sized stretch of golden sand flanked by low, pine-covered ochre cliffs at either end. The water is the typical clear azure you would expect on this coast making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

As a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities along with safe bathing. During the summer season there is a lifeguard service although the sea is generally fairly calm here. All the usual beach equipment is available for hire here; loungers, parasols and pedalos. There is also a range of fairly upmarket beach bars, cafes and restaurants on or close to the beach all with 360-degree panoramic views.