WINNING TIP: La Pagoda, Marzamemi, Sicily

On the waterfront, overlooking the harbour in this Sicilian fishing village is the bar La Pagoda. This is a beach cafe at the basic end of the scale. It's just a few gazebos attached to a large wooden hut, but somehow it's got everything you're looking for. in this south-east corner of the island where, at this time of the year, the temperature around midnight is about the same as England at noon on a hot summer's day. So everyone's out in the purple darkness, teenagers on scooters, the kids on the trampolines, having ice-cream and – our favourite – fig-flavoured granitas, while the water laps and night hums with conversation.
Bar La Pagoda
John Francis

Safari Bar, Cape Kamenjak, Croatia

At the tip of the Istrian peninsula is the nature reserve of Cape Kamenjak. It is protected not just for its landscape but for the incredible sealife in the surrounding waters. After a day's snorkelling – like being in an aquarium – the place to watch the sun go down is the Safari Bar. The calamari sandwiches and cevapcici (sausages) are fantastic, its grass floor and rooms formed of living bamboo give a laidback surfer atmosphere, and the homemade children's toys mean smiling faces all round. The perfect end to a perfect summer's day.
kaaandbibi

Shells Cafe, Strandhill, County Sligo, Ireland

Shells Cafe is a beachside cafe and bakery in the little surf village of Strandhill. Owners Jane and Myles set up Shells to create a cafe they would like to go to themselves. It's full of divine casual eats, and they now have a shop with beautiful bits and bobs. They run supper clubs and are the total heart of the Sligo surfing community.
shellscafe.com
Aoife Porter

Bay View Inn, Widemouth, Cornwall

I discovered the Bay View Inn, overlooking Widemouth bay on the rugged north Cornwall coast and serving impressive ales and burgers, a fair few years ago, by accident, on a walking holiday. I've been back a few times, taking the detour from as far as South Devon to enjoy the views, and the enjoyable drive down the Atlantic highway. Good food, views of surfers riding the waves and fine beer. It's a distinctly British experience and all the better for it.
bayviewinn.co.uk
Lilstevey

Chiringuito di Cala Saona, near Playa Migjorn, Formentera, Spain

The word sundowner was invented for this place (probably). Cala Saona is a gorgeous bay, with red cliffs, gin-clear water and white sand. The chiringuito (beach bar) is basic – a few stools, a bit of shade, a simple bar and an amazing view towards Vedra, the mini volcano island just off Ibiza. As the sun starts to dip the tribes gather – tattooed young couples, middle-aged women with tiny dogs, linen-clad types. There's a sigh as the sun burns red into the sea – then it's time for another mojito.
Algo10

Taverna at Marmara beach, Crete

At the exit of the Aradena Gorge, about a 45-minute scramble west of Loutro in southern Crete, atop a low cliff over tiny, pebbly Marmara beach, is a charming little taverna. It's a great place for mezedes, souvlaki or fresh fish, washed down, naturally, with a glass or several of retsina or raki. If you're too stocious to negotiate the path back to Loutro, just wait until evening for the taxi boat back to Loutro. I'm not sure the taverna even has a name, but that hardly matters as it's the only one on the beach.
Julian Beach

Bar do Guincho, Guincho beach, Portugal

An ice-cold beer and a prego – a Portuguese steak sandwich – never taste better than after a dry, rocky single-track mountain bike descent to Bar do Guincho, at the far end of Guincho beach, near Cascais. For those more inclined to surfing, wind sports or just beach lounging, the terrace is open all year and well worth a detour.
bardoguincho.pt
Admin Cttc

Africafe, Platanitsi beach, Halkidiki, Greece

Africafe is the epitome of cool. Located on the north-eastern side of the Sithonia peninsula, in Halkidiki, it is part of a camping site, which tends to get pretty busy during the peak season yet loses none of its charms. The beach is amazing, with thick sand, clear blue waters, and a stunning view over Mount Athos. You can take an early-morning swim and watch the sun rise over the peak. Bar and campsite are surrounded by lush pine and plane forest. It's a great place for meeting people, dancing and enjoying the Mediterranean sea and sun with a summer drink.
africafe.gr
Gkdissenter

Rock Food Cafe, Hossegor, France

Little did Napoleon know but by diverting the Adour river south of Hossegor (leaving an offshore canyon on the seabed), he created one of the best waves in Europe. La Gravière is a heavy beach break of world-class proportions and Rock Food Cafe provides the perfect lookout point to sit in awe as surfers get stuck into the huge barrelling waves. Stay until the evening and you'll be given another spectacular show as the sun sets over the Atlantic and Rock Food turns into the party hub of Hossegor.
rockfoodhossegor.com
Matt Lee

Strandpaviljoen De Kust, Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands

After a windy walk the beach cafe De KUSt has a cosy and reviving atmosphere. Although the wood burner wasn't lit when we were there, it made clear that the venue is filled with much heart from its owners all year round. Wijk aan Zee is situated next to IJmuiden whose port offers a ferry connection to Newcastle. While you are visiting Amsterdam, it is well worth a day trip. The town is quite small compared to others like Zandvoort, only a short walk takes you to the beach. When you reach the water, miss out on the first cafe and enjoy your stroll towards the north. It is only a short distance to De Kust.
strandpaviljoendekust.nl
annetteR

• This article was amended on 6 August 2013 to make clear that one of the featured cafes is La Pagoda in Marzamemi, Sicily. An earlier version conflated it with the nearby Caffè al Ciclope. They are separate establishments.