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Spain is still the most popular destination for sun-loving Brits. But there are still some sandy stretches where you can make a decided swap: the UK, for authentic Spain.

San Sebastian in the Basque Country has the curvaceous and sculpture-studded Bahía de La Concha. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful city beaches in the world and neighbouring Zurriola and Playa de Gros is a popular surfing beach. With so many fabulous traditional Basque pinxtos tapas taverns in the charming pedestrianized Parte Vieja (Old Town), you get the best of both worlds: beach break and city break in one. With 7km of Atlantic surf and an impressive massif, Caleta De Famara on Lanzarote has plenty of drama. As a small fishing village just a handful of restaurants deliver wonderfully fresh seafood. Located on the north-west coast of the island, it is a million miles away from your vision of Lanzagrotty. There are still some relatively wild beaches within the Cabo de Gata national park near in Almeria that you could have to yourself even in high season...

An additional 2.5 million people will be arriving for the London 2012 Olympics. If you find your usual quiet spots in the city occupied, here are five places to out run the crowds in the capital...

Eel Pie Island: They might have Hampton Court Palace on their tourist to-do list, and they might even bother with Richmond. But an island on the Tideway of the river Thames. Nah. Accessible by a small footbridge and ten minutes from Twickenham station, expect just a few artists, about 120 residents and perhaps a few The Who fans (Pete Townshend owned a recording studio there once).

East End Thrift Store: Great-value vintage store which might require a bit of rummaging, but certainly no elbowing. (Unit 1A Watermans Building, Assembly Passage, E1)

Scooterworks Café: Tucked away down Lower Marsh behind Waterloo station, I’ll eat my hat if Olympic tourist traffic sniffs out this accidental bar-come-café-come-Vespa accessory shop. You will feel particularly pleased with yourself sitting in the little yard at the back on balmy nights.

Lots of us want to get back in touch with nature, but does that mean we should sacrifice our spines, stumble blindly in the dark for the loo, and suffer damp dew? Certainly not. Rough it, with a few creature comforts with some luxury camping.

1. Mill Farm, Wiltshire
Set on an organic farm, the 6-bed canvas lodges have flushing toilets, hot showers, Wi Fi and charming traditional cooking stoves. Guests can collect fresh eggs from the chickens each morning and country pubs are within a pretty walk’s reach.

2. Soul Camping, North Cornwall
The stylish bell tents each have their own campfire, eating area and help-yourself salad pots. Lanterns and candles make the site impossibly romantic and couples should nab the Polbrock tent complete with 2.5 metre bed.