Archaravi, Corfu

The longest sandy beach on the island isn't just popular with sunbathers, it's also ground zero for Corfu's few kiters and windsurfers when the wind blows too northerly for the south-west coast. There are waves too as the Maestro blows onshore in the 8km long bay, creating a beach-break up to 1.5m high. This family-friendly resort is well set up for tourism, yet still doesn't look ugly and over-developed. Conditions are similar along the coast at Sidari, although with even more sunbathers there's not usually enough room to launch.