Vacations Blog

In summertime the holidaymaker’s fancy turns to beaches. White sand, blue ocean and revelling with your fellow beach combers; what is more relaxing after all? Only taking that siesta afterwards. Beach breaks in summer are the surest thing to chase away the dreaded office blahs. This summer, the two most glamorous beach break destinations are the isle of Menorca (or Minorca) off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean and the Greek island of Crete, farther south in the Mediterranean. Crete and Menorca hotels are wonderful here, as are the refreshing showers available to wash off the sand afterwards.

Menorca Beaches 

With more than 50 beaches in Menorca even the most langourous sun worshipper to the most adventourous hiker will find something to keep them happy. It doesn’t matter how long you intend to stay for, whether it be a day or a week – Menorca hotels are priced to fit every budget, are clean and comfortable and the accommodations are never a problem.

• Cala Galdana: A bar of golden sand curving the length of a picture-postcard-beautiful bay, Cala Galdana beach is adjacent to a very popular resort with Menorca hotels, restaurants, cafes and a lively nightlife. Water sports like jet skiing, snorkelling and windsurfing are popular. 

• Son Bou – San Jaime: In reality, Son Bou, just south of Alaior, is three separate beaches connected by a quaint wooden boardwalk. The beach faces west which makes for perfect sunset gazing. Water sports are popular. Caution: the surf has strong currents, so only swim when there’s a lifeguard present.

Crete Beaches

Though nude sunbathing is not officially allowed in Greece, a number of Crete beaches have developed reputations as naturist sanctuaries so plan accordingly. While Crete’s beaches – as dramatic and varied as the island’s own landscapes — are not developed, you will still find Crete hotels and other facilities as good as anything you’ll find in mainland Greece. 

• Preveli: The most photographed beach in all of Crete, due to it’s sandy cove in a dramatic setting at the foot of a steep river gorge, is Preveli. You will have to climb the ancient stone steps past the now-abandoned monastery of Saint John the Theologian to reach the beach, but the trek is worth it for the view alone.

• Erimoupoli: close to the itanos archaelogical site, overlooking the Carpathian Sea is a white sand beach called Erimoupoli. It is completely undeveloped and can get quite windy at times. Nevertheless it is one of the most fascinating of all Crete’s beaches because as the tide goes out, you can catch glimpses of an ancient sunken city, just beyond the water line.