Cheap flights to empty beaches

Cheap flights? Empty beaches? That sounds like a damn good combination to us. So damn good a combination, in fact, that

Kilmurvey, Aran Islands, Galway

There are no deck chairs, no beach umbrellas or young things in fashionable beach wear. Bars there are aplenty, but they don't encroach on the fine white sand of this beautiful bay. Excitement is provided by the sound of the odd pony and trap.

Take a short walk to the southern coast of Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, and sit at the top of the cliffs by the old stone fort of Dun Aengus. Ryanair (0541 569569; www.ryanair.com) flies daily to Knock. Singles from £12.99. From Knock, it's a short drive to Connemara Regional Airport - frequent flights to Aran Islands from e37 return. Flight time is six minutes.

Travemunde, northern Germany

This year Travemunde celebrates 200 years as a health and bathing resort. Four-andahalf kilometres of golden sands make this the longest and widest beach on the German Baltic coast. For a day in the dunes, take the short ferry ride to the Priwall peninsula. Ryanair flies daily to Hamburg-Lubeck. Singles from £14.99.

Sanlucar de Barrameda, Costa de la Luz, southern Spain

Andalucia has its fair share of great beaches - some of the best stretch along the coast south-west of here and all are within an easy drive of Jerez. The famous Blue Flag, which signifies excellent quality of beach and services, flies frequently along this coast.

At Bajo de Guia, where the seafood is sublime, you can dip your toes into the Atlantic or catch the ferry to the protected Parque National de Donana. Buzz (0870 240 7070; www.buzzaway.com) flies twice every Saturday to Jerez de la Frontera. Singles from £51.65.

Collioure, south-west France

Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans have all sheltered in this quiet little town on the mouth of the Douay river. Artists came later, attracted by the colour and light. Matisse first tried the waters in 1905, followed by Picasso and Dalì. Had Matisse turned away, he'd have left Collioure to its other famous visitors - anchovies.

In Collioure, the anchovy is king. After a day on the St Vincent beach (just behind the church), all blue flags, pedalos and Jacques Tati (or was it M Hulot?), it's two steps to the seafood restaurant. Ryanair flies daily to Perpignan, a short drive from Collioure. Singles from £35.99.

Alghero, Sardinia

Sardinia often plays second fiddle to Corsica but you'll see why it holds its own as you approach the little airport in Alghero. Below you is the huge Bay of Porto Conte. This medieval port has narrow streets and cafes made for short walks and long drinks.

Seclusion is in short supply, but if you're happy with a sunbed and a party-on-the-beach atmosphere, then the golden sand and clear water will help.

Capo Caccia is a spur of rock rising 500ft above the sea. From the coast you can access the Neptune caves via the 650 stairs of the Escala del Cabirol, or cheat and take a boat from Alghero.

Ryanair flies daily. Singles from £29.99.