You simply can’t beat a beach holiday in the Mediterranean as they have something for everyone. Ranging from beaches, villas, the opportunity to explore their local culture, indulge in delicious local cuisine and getting active with a whole array of water sports. Most would assume that Greece, Portugal and Spain are the destinations to book for Mediterranean sunshine, however, it's certainly worth venturing further afield with Turkey making a welcoming return and Croatia growing in popularity every year.  

Turkey makes a welcome return

In 2018 Mark Warner returned to Turkey with the new Phokaia Beach Resort, situated 60 miles north of Izmir airport in the northern part of the Aegean region, near to the quaint local town of Foca. 

Foca’s harbour and narrow cobbled streets boast lovely old restores stone buildings and enticing restaurants. In total, there are six small islands facing Foca. Amongst these are Orak and Incir, also known as the Siren’s Rocks, mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. 

Two must see historical sites include the iconic Pergamon and Ephesus, around 60 miles south and 90 miles north from Foca, both of which are listed on Mark Warner’s excursion programme.  

Fronted by a beach curving around a secluded bay, Phokaia is the ideal spot, sheltered by an offshore island. The nearby offshore breeze is perfect for water sports from windsurfing and sailing to wakeboarding and water skiing. Other popular activities include a cycling programme with both mountain and road bikes, tennis, kayaking, paddle-boarding, a full programme of classes from yoga to the lighthearted Zumba Bollywood and exciting events such as social tennis and beach volleyball, played whilst holiday a beer! 

For those looking for more of a relaxation experience, unwind and pamper yourself in the wellness area where you will find a sauna, sky gym, Turkish hammam, indoor heated pool and a spa with five separate treatment rooms. Please note, any massages and treatments are not included in the packages and will be at a separate cost.  

Childcare is a pillar of the Mark Warner brand, backed by qualified British nannies and families will certainly be well looked after. Ranging from four months old to 17 years of age, everyone is catered for. Childcare is complimentary for those aged between 2 and 17 and chargeable for babies aged four months to two years. Ranging from Baby Club and Toddler Club to Indy Club for the older ones, activity-focused day clubs provide free evening care and entertainment for the older ones and a supervised evening listening service for the younger ones.  

With two restaurants and adjacent bars, dining options here are good or you could even head into nearby Foca for those wishing to indulge in delicious traditional cuisine. The reflection of the presence of ethnic communities in Izmir is reflected in the superb seafood they have to offer, with mezes of prawns, scallops, crab and squid, accompanied with the most significant condiments such as garlic and olive oil. One of Izmir’s charming features is the tradition of a flower for every season; artichoke for spring, zucchini blossoms for summer and figs for the autumn, all incorporated into their seasonal dishes.  

Why not take a look at the Phokaia beach resort to find out more? 

Or how about Croatia

For almost a decade, Croatia was all but forgotten following the war in the 90s, that saw the break-up of Yugoslavia, but today, it is now firmly back on the summer destination map. With its gorgeous coastline and unspoilt nature, Croatia is home to eight national parks and beautifully preserved centuries-old harbour towns, offering a less commercial take on a sun, sea and sand holiday, one that would expect that in Greece or Spain. So where exactly should you head to? 

Croatia’s main attraction has to be its stunning coastline, measuring 3,600 miles in total, if you also count the gorgeous islands, which are said to be more than a thousand. Unlike many other seaside destinations, Croatia has very little sand. With that said, its greyish-white rocks and pebbles means that the waters are exceptionally clear and great visibility for snorkelling.  

With its warm Mediterranean climate, the coastal region also benefits from an ever-changing selection of fresh seasonal produce, particularly an abundance of flavoursome tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes throughout the summer. Truffles are in fact the local delicacy in inland Istria with truffle hunting taking place during the autumn. Famed for their fresh Adriatic seafood, Istria and Dalmatia is where you will find a host of dishes based on shellfish as well as barbecued fresh fish, traditionally gilthead bream or sea bass.  

Some of Croatia’s best-preserved and most valuable architectural monuments and urban complexes are actually UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Dubrovnik Old Town featuring magnificent medieval walls, Split Old Town, focusing on Diocletian’s Palace built by the retired Roman Emperor, Trogir Old Town filled with medieval houses and a Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica with spectacular Byzantine mosaics in Porec and the 15th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral in Sibenik.  

For those wanting something a bit more active and adventurous, some of Croatia’s most striking mountain ranges have been designated as a National Park, including Risnjak, Paklenica National Park and North Velebit, of which are all criss-crossed by a network of hiking paths. Other added attractions include mountain biking, rock climbing and caving as well as rafting and canyoning notable down the River Cetina and River Zrmanja, both located in Dalmatia.  

With Prestige Holidays you can stay nearby Trogir, an old town that is a completely pedestrianised historical walled city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautiful, cobbled streets suddenly leading onto glorious piazzas and squares, of which you hadn’t noticed before. The original stone gates are still standing alongside many Venetian palaces and the renowned cathedral and bell tower.  

Across the bridge on Ciovo island, there are also some lovely pebbly beaches. Split is also just a short 30-minute journey by bus or a relaxing hour by boat, both offering a regular and reliable service.  

As always if you are inspired to take a trip to either Turkey or Croatia or even anywhere else for that matter, please do get in touch.