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A small harbour directly south from Heraklion, about two hours drive, about 30km east of Matala.
Quiet and peaceful, plenty of good quality accomodation, fantastic restaurants.
Lentas sits in its own micro climate at the foot of a mountain, there is only one road in and out, a long beach to the west, and several beautiful bays to the east with a fishing port newly built, accessed by a precipitous road from Lenas.
All in, its a place of peace and tranquility, hardly known but easy to reach.
Almosy directly south from Heraklion, head for Matala, but stay east across the plain. Its not easy to find the road over the mountain, but local people will guide you.
Google map: bit.ly/10moNjk
Just 6km north of the beautiful, sleepy fishing harbour of Gytheio on the Mani peninsular is a stunning shipwreck standing defiantly on a perfect beach. It was an incredible sunrise. With the help of a rental car, out of peak-season camping is so easy on beaches of the Peloponnese - remote and tranquil.
Hotels, tavernas and cafes are also available in Gytheio, and to the south are more unspoilt beaches, extending down the rugged but accessible 'Mani'.
Valtaki, Lakonia, Peloponnese
Google map: bit.ly/18718Yj
First tip for travelling in Greece is to go in late September/early October! The crowds are gone, the beaches are empty and the weather is still hot and accommodation/tours are about half the price of the August peak.
Milos is a lovely, lesser-known island close to Santorini but I think the people are friendlier and the island more romantic than Santorini (if that's possible.) In Milos, rent a car (Giorgio's in particular, good prices, Giorgio himself seems dependable and he actually gives receipts) and drive to all the beaches - Sarakiniko looks like the surface of the moon and looks simply surreal. Another beach Tsigrado is stunning and isolated and well worth the death-defying cliff descent. Take a day trip as well by boat to see Kleftiko, where the pirates used to hide - unmissable! Tours in October are about 35 euros (down from 70 euros in August!)
Tour boats are available all along the main pier. Milos is easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus.
Google map: bit.ly/13KnF6d
It's a lovely village on the northern coast of Kos. Only 15 minutes from the airport and decades away from the tourist resorts in other parts of Kos. The beach is long and gets a constant breeze - good for watersports but equally good to keep cool. Water doesn't get deep quickly so ideal swimming for all. Village is full of fantastic real Greek restaurants serving great value very fresh meals. Sunsets here can rival anywhere in the world. Ferry from the village goes over to Kalymnos if you fancy a change of scene and also easy to get around the area on bike or by car. Tourist operators don't go here (thank goodness) but plenty of independent great value accommodation right on the beach.
www.mastihari-uncovered.com
Google map: bit.ly/12tKrQl
We are just back from two weeks “island hopping” in the Sporades. The price of flights being so high, we bought a two week package including flight, transfer and accommodation on Skiathos for little more than the cost of a flight, but absconded from the package tour accommodation and backpacked for part of the two weeks to Alonissos and Skopolos. Alonissos is an unspoilt island: one road, one bus (no service in school term time), and three taxis!! Village rooms on both Alonissos and Skopelos were easy to find, and we stayed at Maria’s house on Alonissos: situated in a quiet side road (they all are!), 50m back from the port in the only town Patitiri. We had breakfast every morning on our terrace in Maria’s lovely garden under the lemon trees. We paid 30 Euros a night for a spotless en-suite room. There is superb walking and swimming on Alonissos: but to get the best you will need to buy the guide “Alonissos Through the Souls of Your Feet” by Chris Browne available at www.travelleur.com. Although there’s only one main road, car hire is available which will get you to the start of walks and also secluded beaches at 25 Euros a day from Albedo Travel (abbedotravel.com) who also organise sea kayak trips.
Pension Gioula: e-mail pensiongioula@gmail.com +30 24240 65301
Stayed at Guludo with my husband for a week earlier this year. It's barefoot and eco and simply gorgeous. If you're looking for something a bit different and you love culture, snorkelling and responsible travel, then Guludo's perfect. It doesn't have all the mod cons of a flashy resort but it does have heart and soul and we fell in love with the place.
We opted for the road transfer from Pemba (about three hours), mainly because it was cheaper than the air option, which was fine. A day trip to Ibo Island is a must - a fascinating place, steeped in history. We almost stayed here before Guludo but quite pleased we didn't as there isn't a decent beach and it only takes a couple of hours to walk around.
www.guludo.com
Posto do Mucujo, Quirimbas National Park,, Macomia, Pemba, Mozambique
+442071274727
Google map: bit.ly/12SDusR
South Pelion has everything to offer at all seasons. Walk on ancient stone paths under plane and olive trees with glorious views of the Pagasitikos gulf or the Aegean. Swim at deserted pebbled coves or beaches with swathes of fine sand. Select from a range of reasonably priced places to stay and enjoy food in fish restaurants, small tavernas that offer regional cuisine, or more international eateries such as Casablanca in Horton. Visit traditional hill top villages with quiet, plane tree shaded cobbled squares, little fishing harbours, historical sites, tiny fresoed churches or the market in Argalasti for local produce including home brewed local spirit tsipouro. In addition you can take a trip to nearby Skiathos on board the Africana from Platania for a day or two of partying. You will certainly be glad to return to the peace and beauty of South Pelion.
www.southpelion.com/ www.friendsofthekalderimi.org/
Campsites include Louisa at Platanias (www.camplouisa.gr/en/draseis.html), hotels include Kima and Des Roses in Platanias and accommodation includes Katerina in Pelion and Valtoudi in Milina.
San Pedro is a tiny ancient village with Arab ruins which has been turned into a little enclave of hippie travellers using two clean springs and several solar panels and wind turbines to operate the little cafe, shops and one restaurant. A naturist's choice with a dream of a beach and no pressure to go naturist. Visitors are asked to take their litter and it seems to have worked between 1992 and 2010, the two times I visited.
Go to Las Negras, park the car and walk for 12km west along a rather rocky terrain. Not even an SUV would make it there in one piece, which gives it that special attraction. Decent shoes, hat, shades and sun block are a must.
Google map: bit.ly/11QZMjc
Cheaper flights to Corfu now make organising your own bespoke holiday easy on an island that still has miles of unspoilt coastline. And with rooms and apartments to rent from £300 a week it’s a great way to enjoy the Greek experience on a budget. Just 15 miles south of Corfu airport is the village of Messonghi. A picture hanging in a local taverna shows a large group of the villagers socialising on the beach and is titled “1974 BT – before tourism”. Eating in local tavernas is part of what make this type of holiday special. Great affordable food and an authentic Greek experience. There is a small coast road that follows the contours of the many bays going south in the direction of Boukari, Petriti and Notos. It’s only 10 miles long and with hardly any traffic it is a beautiful walk or bike ride. Bikes can be hired for just five euro a day in Messonghi. With a taverna roughly every mile you can stop to refresh yourself and sample the delicious seafood before wallowing in the clear warm water. Spiros Taverna in Boukari is renowned for the fish it serves. Petriti has a small fishing fleet and is a stop-over for flotilla holidaymakers. Stamatis Taverna right on the beach is straight out of Zorba the Greek and little has changed since the film was made. Ask for the local wine, its wonderful. If you want to sample the real Greece and not just sit around a pool, then this could be the holiday for you.
Accommodation in Messonghi:
www.seaside-apartments.net
Google map: bit.ly/11QZMjc
Spiros Taverna Boukari
www.boukaribeach.gr/restaurant.htm
Stamatis Taverna
www.corfu-kerkyra.eu/html/corfu/ristoranti/stamatis/english.htm
Less well known (and cheaper) than the neighbouring Côte-d'Azur, the Côte Vermeille offers spectacular mountain vistas and a dramatic coastline, along with the highest sunshine record in France. Base yourself in Port Vendres, a more affordable option than nearby Collioure (and without the crowds). Make the most of the plentiful local produce on offer and self cater in the most well-equipped, spotless accommodation we've ever stayed in - 1A Grenache, Rue de la Liberte. Utilise the excellent local bus service (any journey 1 euro) and explore the delights of the local region.
www.homeaway.co.uk/p411669
1A 'Grenache' rue de la Liberte
The restaurant has the finest clams near Lisbon and a view of one of Europe's most beautiful beaches. The journey there has captivating views of Serra da Sintra and the coastline. Spend a day at the beach then slide into the restaurant for a late lunch of ameijoas de bulhao pato (clams in garlic sauce) and camaroes (prawns) washed down with vinho verde (Quinta da Aveleda). On your way home stop off for dinner on the coast road between Guincho and Cascais at either Porto da Santa Maria (where presidents and football managers dine) or the Faroleiro
Take the train from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon to Cascais, jump in a cab towards Guincho beach, a 2km sweep of fine white sand. Drive along the coast road, passing Sintra range on your right and the coastline on your left. Drive past Cabo da Roca and Pe da Serra towards Almocageme. This beautiful village will lead you towards Adraga road. Follow it to the end.
Google map: bit.ly/10fjL7j
Found down the end of a very bumpy lane and past a small clutch of gorgeous waterfront houses, Roundwood Quay is a little visited spot on the edge of the Carrick Roads. It's perfectly tranquil and the perfect spot to watch boats pass up and down the river, whilst there’s a pebbly, muddy beach for swimming and birdwatching, as well as a formal pathway that trails around the edges of the water and forms part of the Trelissick/Roundwood loop walk.
* Sian is our Been there local for Cornwall. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/been-there-local-cornwall.jsp and her own blog about Cornish living: www.adventureswiththeblackdog.co.uk/
Located on the north coast between Perranporth and Newquay it couldn’t be farther away in spirit from all the tourist trappings of it’s neighbours, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit close to home.
The common is starkly beautiful, with a rolling landscape that falls away into a valley that runs down to the beach. There’s a second car park at the bottom of the common after which a sandy lane runs side by side with a stream studded with irises and willow trees that are just starting to show signs of life. And as the valley opens up the stream runs straight onto the beach, which at high tide is hugged by cliffs and on low tide opens up to a large sweep of sand.
There are no life guards, cafes or toilets and because of this it’s pretty quiet and dog friendly all year.
* Sian is our Been there local for Cornwall. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/been-there-local-cornwall.jsp and her own blog about Cornish living: www.adventureswiththeblackdog.co.uk/
Portinho is a tiny village hugging a white sandy beach. There is a calm sheltered bay with turquoise waters- great for snorkelling. Behind Portinho rise steep limestone mountains, all part of the Arrábida nature reserve. Unspoilt, undeveloped and natural, the park is a wonderful area to explore- by car or on foot. Reminiscent of the scenery in Monaco, there are curving mountain roads, Mediterranean forest and views from on high over the bay. There are monasteries to visit as well as the village of Azeitão, with its vineyards and renowned wineries: José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa. Great as a day trip from Lisbon, it takes about 45 minutes to get here, by car over the iconic 25 de Abril bridge. Otherwise, you could easily spend a week's holiday in Arrábida.
A couple of charming little B&Bs on the seafront in Portinho, great as a base for the area, and very reasonable, can be found here: www.hideawayportugal.com/modules/property/city-200.htm
Google map: bit.ly/ZURuD4
Just a short train ride from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodre station is Cascais where sun lovers can enjoy the beach but for those seeking something more energetic pick up one of the free bikes for hire at the BiCas scheme located close to the station. You will need to show ID card or passport before heading off on the dedicated 16k cycle path out of town and down the coast. Perhaps purchase a picnic first, store it in the handy bike basket and stop off at Guincho beach, beloved of surfers. On the way back make a short and worthwhile detour to Museum Casa Historias das Paula Rego, Avenida de Republica 300, where entry is free. Here you will dazzled by the largest collection of paintings, drawings and etchings from the vivid imagination of Paula Rego, Portugal’s finest living artist.
www.casadashistoriaspaularego.com/pt/
Avenida da República, 300, 2750-475 Cascais
+351 214 826 970
Google map: bit.ly/ZyF3wY
Marari beach lies between the Alleppey backwaters and the cultural hub of Cochin in Kerala. It is just 1 ½ hours drive from Cochin Airport and within a few hours’ drive of all major tourist destinations in central Kerala. BUT it is totally deserted and incredibly remarkable with the string of tranquil fishing villages dotted along the coast each having a unique character. Only the local fishermen, their traditional colourful wooden boats and the abundant wildlife share the beach, so you are virtually alone to enjoy the endless white sand, the vibrant green coconut palms, the cool sea breeze and the azure ocean.
There are only a few accommodation options and my husband, 1.5 year old daughter and myself stayed in the Palm Villa - one of the villas at Marari Villas resort. The villa is right on the beach which is very rare, it is beautifully decorated with traditional Indian furniture and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We were surrounded with 24-hour care and immediate response to all our "needs and wants". Privately cooked and serviced food on the open terrace was delicious and it was so relaxing to soak up the sun on the loungers in the sandy garden and cool off with a swim in the warm sea.
Marari beach and Marari Villas became my personal stunning discovery. Next time I come to India I will only go to this place.
www.mararivillas.com
+91 (0)99479 48707
+91 (0)99479 48868
Pollethai PO, Alleppey, Kerala – 688567
Google map: bit.ly/11w6cys
As I've written before, Pennard is a beautiful, calm and year-round treasure for this little part of Wales. Situated not far from Gower Golf Course, the stroll from the castle to Three Cliffs Bay is perfect for couples, families, dog-walkers and ramblers. During the day it's a hot surf spot and in the evenings in BBQ heaven. Known to the Sandy Lane locals as 'Tub', Three Cliffs Bay is a popular landmark on Gower for geologists and geographers alike, with it's twisting headland and arches set to inspire the children that visit. I know it inspired me to pursue my career in geography. I cant wait to go back this spring when my exams are over so I can pick wild raspberries and explore this gorgeous little part of the world.
www.threecliffsbay.com/
North Hill Farm North Hill Lane, Swansea SA3 2HB
+44(0)1792 371218
Google map: bit.ly/YKGYOE
Famous for it's surfing credentials, but also a great family beach, with brilliant walks via the South West Coast Path. Smallish and pebbly on high tide, but huge and two miles wide on low tide. Blue bar is great for food and drink deep into the night, or take a stroll up the sand (keep an eye on the tides) for a clotted cream infused snack at the National Trust caff on Chapel Porth. there's a great little guide here
www.blue-bar.co.uk/
Beach Rd, Eastcliff, Porthtowan TR4 8AW
+44(0)1209 890329
Google map: bit.ly/11RcDNo
A small entrance fee gives you access to the extensive Lycian archaeological site complete with large amphitheatre. Work is still in progress and we found the guys working there really friendly and anxious to explain it all to us. When you have finished looking round the historical site, you can drive a little way further on to the beach- 18 km of beautiful sand. There is a small cafe and a few recliners with umbrellas. Paradise!
Google map: bit.ly/XjH5wu
Caños de Meca is one of several golden beaches spread along Spain’s Costa de le Luz, like a trail of forgotten breadcrumbs. We came across this beach when driving from our base 12km away, in the Moorish hill-top town of Vejer de la Fronterra, to the popular fishing town of Barbate. Wowed by the crescent-shaped stretch of sand laid out beneath us, we parked up our hire car (for free) in the nearby pine forest, La Brena, and wandered through the sleepy coastal town. We never made it to Barbate.
At Canos, the thick pines merge seamlessly into a backdrop of imposing cliffs, with alarmingly clear seas gushing below, begging to be explored. Previously popular on the hippy trail, and with quiet chilled out music playing from most nearby bars and restaurants, you might expect the beach to be drenched in dreadlock-donning travellers. But we only came across a handle of tourists during our time, mostly Spaniards fleeing the sweltering heat of nearby city, Cadiz.
In fact, in stark contrast to neighbouring Costa del Sol, this stretch of unyielding coastline has largely escaped the mass tourism scene so often associated with Spain. For bedraggled water babies with a penchant for adventure, Canos de Meca has surf; for the bucket and spade parade, it’s a safe haven of everything you’d expect from a picture-postcard shoreline. For those wanting a bit of history, you can also walk around the coast to Cape Trafalgar, the starting point for Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. And for those wanting a little relaxation, you’ll be joined by just the occasional sprinkle of bathers, not an army of sun-worshippers. Besides, with a constantly-strong salty wind whistling over the beach, it’s impossible to hear much else, apart from your own silence and the falcons soaring overhead.
During our one-week holiday, we spent hours being flipped in the waves, bobbing with the blue swell of the Atlantic. Sometimes, we played in the nearby rock pool, a magical spot constantly doused in gentle sunshine. And at the end of our day, we’d usually retire to La Jaima, one of a handful of Boho-style beach bars flanking the cliff-top, which entices beachgoers with the sizzling waft of its daily barbecue. Here, we sipped on cold beers and complimentary peanuts saltier than the seawater coating our skin, watching as a group of Spanish students played football beneath.
I recommend it because, although it's only in Spain, it feel as though it's a million miles away. A true, tropical-style, paradise.
Canos de Meca, Andalucia.
Turn off the main N40 road at Vejer de la Frontera and follow the narrow roads to the coast. You can also reach it by taking the minor road through the pine forest from Barbate.
www.playasdetrafalgar.com/
Google map: bit.ly/YkuZ9L
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