Platja de Treumal

If you're looking for a typical Costa Brava beach, then this is one of the most accessible. But we're not just mentioning it in case of emergency, but because Treumal is a true marvel that extends 400 metres along the foot of a protected area, Pinya de Rosa, where there's a surprising botanical garden full of cacti. In the summer, the beach has a newspaper stand, secure car parking and sunbed hire; for the rest of the year it's a peaceful spot where you can hear the birds who inhabit the botanical garden, and yoga meetings take place. And all without being on the other side of the world: it's just five minutes in car from the centre of Blanes and although there are houses nearby, they're luxury builds and the majority are quite pleasant to look at.