and a short ferry ride from here is the stunning Ilha da Culatra. Both of these beaches offer clear water and clean sandy beaches – ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water here is some of the warmest in the Algarve, with temperatures reaching a bath like 22 degrees. Visit algarve-info.com/travel/beaches.htm for more details.

Now is the time to make the most of Europe’s empty beaches and escape before the school holiday rush. Book now for travel in May and June and enjoy great fares.

bmibaby has selected some great beaches to discover over the coming weeks:

Alicante
Visit Alicante for an abundance of beaches, all on the doorstep of the city. Playa del Postiguet boasts 900 metres of golden sand and is consistently awarded the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness. For a more cultural beach experience visit Playa de la Albufereta. The beach was once home to the harbour that served the Roman Village of Lucentum, the origin of Alicante.

For beach loving golf enthusiasts, Playa de San Juan offers an 18 hole golf course, the perfect opportunity to practice whilst catching some rays. Playa de San Juan is 90 metres wide and seven kilometres long and is considered one of the finest beaches in Spain. Visit alicante-spotlight.com/beaches.htm for more details. bmibaby fly frequently from Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Cardiff Airport to Alicante.

Majorca

With over twenty beaches to choose from, Majorca has a beach to suit everyone, from action packed to secluded and from big open stretches of sand to tiny rocky coves. The resort of Alcudia offers miles of sandy beaches and shallow waves, often with sun beds and parasols to hire. Alcudia is a bustling resort, with plenty of traditional restaurants and bars for a break away from the beaches. For a small tranquil cove try the beach of Cala D’or or take a boat ride to the nearby island of Formentera, where the beaches are a great place for celebrity spotting.

Visit majorcanvillas.com/majorcainfo-beaches.asp for more details. bmibaby fly frequently from Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Cardiff Airport to Majorca.

Malaga

For bustling beaches with plenty to do, take a trip to Malaga. With fabulous seafood restaurants, impromptu flamenco demonstrations and fantastic shopping, there is more to do than just bask on the beach. For the more active visitor, Malaga is a hotspot for water sport fans. The promenade runs along the length of the main beach offering a picturesque view of the seemingly endless coastline of the Costa del Sol. The beaches in Malaga offer more than a place to relax during the day. By night the beachside bars and restaurants come alive with activity.

Visit indigoguide.com/spain/malaga-beaches.htm for more details. bmibaby fly frequently from Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Cardiff Airport to Malaga.

Menorca

For a true taste of Mediterranean paradise, head to Menorca. For beaches that are off the beaten track, head to Cala Mitjana, a small sandy cove, surrounded by wooded cliffs. Or try the idyllic Cala Galdana, a beach surrounded by pine trees, with every amenity needed to enjoy a perfect day at the beach, with bars, restaurants and water sports. Or for total seclusion, try one of Menorca’s hidden gems, Cala Turqueta.