Holiday-makers seeking sun, sand and sea can revel in a getaway at one of Europe's longest beaches, boasting golden fine pebbles and refreshingly sparse crowds. Monolithi Beach in Preveza, Greece, is so expansive that it's virtually impossible to see where it ends.

Stretching an impressive 13.6 miles, its shoreline is lapped by the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. The picturesque beach is flanked by dramatic rocky formations that add to its character, alongside trees providing welcome shade during the hottest part of the day. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with average highs of 25C in May soaring to a sweltering 32C in August, reports Daily Star.

The beach's soft pebble shores, warm climate and vast open waters make it a perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming and a whole host of water sports. Visitors can enjoy a family picnic or dive into activities such as snorkelling, paddleboarding and even banana boat rides.

Kayaking is another fantastic option, allowing visitors to paddle towards secluded coves, while the area's consistent breeze makes it a premier location for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Thrill-seekers can also hire jet skis for a more exhilarating experience.

One of the finest aspects of this magnificent Greek beach is that, owing to its sheer size, it rarely feels overcrowded, unlike many other popular hotspots. The sunsets here are equally celebrated, with breathtaking hues of orange, pink and purple sweeping across the sky, creating a stunning romantic backdrop for evening strolls or drinks at the nearby bars.

Dotted along the shoreline, you'll frequently discover delightful tavernas and cafés serving up traditional Greek cuisine, from freshly caught local fish and octopus to grilled meats and classic Greek salad. The beach bars exude a relaxed atmosphere, offering an array of cocktails, light bites, live music and DJ sets.

The waterfront tavernas dish up mouth-watering home-cooked Greek favourites such as moussaka, souvlaki and spanakopita, while local bakeries tempt visitors with sweet treats and coffee. Although the beach may not be as densely packed with bars and restaurants as some other popular holiday destinations, it remains a wonderful spot to while away the hours at any time of day.

On TripAdvisor, one visitor commented: "The water was clean, warm, there were free showers across the street and also the chairs on the beach were for free." While another tourist noted that the beach "conquered" him with its "warm water, beach bars with good music, pillows and soft mattresses on the beach".

A further visitor added: "This stretch of golden sand is one of the longest and largest in Europe. Clean waters in a comfortable temperature (refreshing but not cold), with a variety of spots to choose from.

"You can find beach bars, secluded spots, places to camp, impromptu nudist areas and excellent fish tavernas. It's also great place for water sports like surfing, kites. Overall its an excellent choice for vacations as it combines the magnificent Ionian sea with the picturesque Epirus mountains".

The ideal base for visiting Monolithi beach is the city of Preveza, a mere 15 minutes away by car. With its charming streets lined with cafés, restaurants, shops and historic landmarks such as the Venetian Castle of Preveza, the city is well worth exploring in its own right.

History enthusiasts will also benefit from convenient access to the archaeological sites of Nikopolis and ancient Kassopi.

The most convenient airport is Preveza, with Skyscanner listing return flights from London as little as £45.