Île de Porquerolles

A fine sandy beach, glowing azure, crystal-clear sea, and a gentle reef-break beyond standing-depth bays. No, it’s not the Caribbean, but Île de Porquerolles. 'Le Langustier' on the western point or 'Plage d'Argent', 'La Courtade' and 'Notre Dame' on the north coast – first you'll have to get here to start your voyage of discovery. Either take the ferry across in 10 minutes or put in a 3km beam reach, both from 'La Tour Fondue’. It’s only worth it out of season though, as the bays are full of yachts and speedboats in summer.