| This week: Towel? Check. Swimsuit? Check. Our best beaches lists? Check! |  | Cala Macarelleta, Menorca Islands, Spain | | | | I think I’m coming down with a case of must-go-to-the-beach-itis. I heard it’s going around, so you may be feeling symptoms, too. There’s only one cure: stretching yourself out on a sunny stretch of sand. Fortunately, we’ll be churning out beachy guides all spring to prepare you for summertime shorelines – though I’m thinking about a trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast in May to dodge the army of summertime beachgoers and just a smidge-too-extreme heat that July inevitably brings. But when it comes to beaches, I don’t play favorites. I’ve spent plenty of sunsets cycling on Hilton Head’s sands and gazing at crashing waves on Martha’s Vineyard. And then there’s the West Coast – California alone merits its own category. And those are just US shorelines. Next stop: Europe! | | | | | Mediterranean bliss in Sardinia | Sardinia is the beach belle of the Med. Not only are the island’s beaches some of the cleanest in Europe, but there’s plenty of coastline to enjoy beyond the celebrity hot spots (cough, Consorzio Costa Smeralda). | | | | | Australia’s best beach towns | I’ve only dreamt of experiencing Australia’s gorgeous coastline, but something I’ve never thought about is the towns behind the beaches. Local travel writer Ivy Carruth has captured their vibes perfectly. | | | | | Summer in seaside Spain, anyone? | The playa (beach) has near-holy status in Spain, from the tiniest pine-clasped rocky cove to glitzy Mediterranean harbors. Oh, and then there are the Canary Islands – we have a separate list of those isles. | | | | | It’s not hard to track down a beach in Mexico, but it can often be challenging to find a spot for your towel on its nearly 6000 miles of coastline. Swap the crowds for solitude at these lesser-visited stretches. | | | | | Hiker on a path in the Atlas Mountains, Jebel Toubkal, Morocco | | From the medinas of ancient cities like Marrakesh and Fez to the mountains of the High Atlas, Morocco is a dazzling display of diverse landscapes – not to mention the year-round sunshine. If you're planning a trip to Morocco, don't stress about using your mobile device. Check out the eSIM service, Saily, to get a reliable, affordable and secure internet connection when traveling. | Your favorite stories this week | | | Reader question: I’ve heard a lot about overtourism in popular destinations in Italy, but I would still really like to visit. Where should I go instead? LP recommendation: First of all, love this mindset! Here are some great alternatives for where to stay near Italy’s hotspots.
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