16th Beach Volleyball Tournament, L'Estartit

Play kicks off around nine in the morning on the Platja Gran, the long stretch of sand that runs along the Passeig Marítim, and rolls on across the weekend of 15 and 16 August. By then the town is already in festival mode, so the courts pull a relaxed crowd of locals and holidaymakers who drift over from their towels to watch a few rallies in the sun.

You don't need a ticket to sit and watch, which is rather the point. Spread out a towel within earshot of the action and you've got dives in the sand, the thud of the ball and the odd argued line call, all framed by the Medes Islands out at sea. Bring water and shade, as the morning heat builds quickly. When you've had enough volleyball, the seafront cafes and the beach itself are right there.