In between came Camus's two best-known works, "The Stranger" (1942), in which the collaborating sun, sea and sand play a deadly role, and "The Plague" (1947), a loose allegory of occupation (by rats) set in Oran, Algeria's second city.

WSJ: Book Review: Algerian Chronicles

It forms a perfect medley of sand, sun and sea and is an ideal spot to slip away from reality.

BBC: Swimming with sharks in the Philippines