With Covid travel restrictions continuing to ease many of us are dreaming of lying on a sun lounger with a good book, relaxing to the sound of the sea gently lapping the shore.
If you are looking for inspiration about destinations, travel website TripAdvisor recently revealed the winners of their annual Travellers’ Choice awards, including Europe’s finest beaches.
The awards use both the quality and quantity of ratings to determine which spots come out on top.
While the beaches of the Mediterranean predictably figure highly, there are also a couple of beaches Scots won’t even have to stop on a place to experience.
Here are the coastal getaways recommended.
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. Beaches
Four of the best beaches in Europe, according to TripAdvisor. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

. Spiaggia dei Conigli
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach in English), on the Italian island of Sicily, rated highest of all the beaches in Europe. One reviewer said: "One of the marvels of the world. White sand beach, turquoise water, cooling sea breeze. Prepare for a 20-minute walk to get to the beach, but once you are there you feel like you're not on Earth.” Photo: Canva/Getty Images

5. Balos Lagoon
Set in the Kissamos are of the Greek Island of Crete, Balos Lagoon made the top five. According to one reviewer it's "like another planet - a breathtaking place with a lagoon on one side and a beach on the other.” Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. Kleftiko Beach
Only accessible by boat, Kleftiko Beach offers "amazing scenery on an amazing island" on the Greek isle of Milos Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. Luskentyre Beach
Scotland's only entry in the top 10 is Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris. Its silver sands and turquoise waters wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Bamburgh Beach
England's only entry in the list, Bamburgh Beach is on the Northumbria coast, less than a two hour drive from Edinburgh. A delighted but honest reviewer commented: "I cannot think of a better beach - but I have been to some where there is more sunshine." Photo: Canva/Getty Images