Our favourite beach destinations this summer

Stephanie Magraw

( 8 min read )

It’s without a shadow of a doubt that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing our summer holiday with so many incredible and picturesque European destinations right on our doorstep, so how do we choose? 

We have four top favourite beach hotspots; Sardinia, Crete, Cyprus and Mallorca. All traditional destinations with their own unique characteristics and plenty for you to discover. You will definitely not be disappointed! 

SARDINIA

One of the biggest attractions to the island of Sardinia is the miles upon miles of white sandy beaches. Even some of the stretches of beaches could be mistaken for the idyllic island of the Seychelles with their granite boulders and turquoise glistening waters. Plus, there are several isolated and secluded little beaches and coves if you prefer having space and time to yourself, even during the peak summer season.  

A trip to Italy would not be complete with sampling their most popular cuisine – pizza of course! The buzzing city of Cagliari in particular is worth a visit in its own right. The cities famously known for a specific type of pizza, Pizzetta Sfoglia, a round snack combining a flaky pastry crust with a savoury filled, often the classic but tasty tomato sauce and cheese! 

Away from the summer months, Sardinia is home to a number of festivals to enjoy, particularly late February and the spring where you will still feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face. Local villages in fact host the festivals filled with elaborate décor, traditional costumes and horse racing. Before you can even blink, you will begin to feel like a true Sardinian yourself! 

YOUR SARDINIA HOLIDAY

With plenty of boutique hotels and charming resorts to choose from in, Sardinia is also home to a classic collection, including the stunning family run Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel and Suites. What to find out more? Give us a call and we will be delighted to help in any way we can.  

CYPRUS

As Cyprus is the third largest island on the Mediterranean, there is plenty to see and do with beaches being its main attraction. Ranging from secluded hidden gems to large beaches featuring ample bars and restaurants, you will be guaranteed to find it here. What’s more, the stunning beaches and meticulously clean with clear waters, what more could you want? 

Seeking local culture and exploring sights is something many of us look for in a summer holiday and Cyprus definitely isn’t short of either of those! With a staggering 10,000-year history, if you're into history then you will be in the right place with museums and ruins keeping you busy for days upon days.  

A real visit to Cyprus wouldn’t be complete without sampling their delicious cuisine, especially in Northern Cyprus. Yes, it's even better over there than here in the UK with an abundance of places to eat from international restaurants to the more traditional North Cypriot dishes cooked using the freshest of ingredients. Don’t forget to try one of their most traditional dishes, lamb Kleftiko as you definitely won’t be disappointed. Hospitality in Northern Cyprus is almost guaranteed to impress you to with each and every restaurant providing the very best service to keep you enticed and coming back again and again.  

Also, did we mention that Cyprus has the perfect climate for 365 days of the year? Unlike other destinations on the Mediterranean, Cyprus has mild winters and scorching hot summers. Whenever you decide to visit, you will be guaranteed that much needed vitamin D. Just be sure to pick the right time of year that is best for you! 

MALLORCA

As the largest of the three Balearic Islands, Mallorca has plenty of sun, sea and sand, so believe us when we say you will never get bored! Catering for just about anyone, Mallorca is ideal for families, couples, friends. You name it, you will find it but why Mallorca? Besides the many beaches on the island with glistening blue waters, there are also hidden gems waiting to be explored.  

Unknown to many, Mallorca is in fact a diver's paradise! With a variety of marine life here and a rocky nature of the seabed, this is why Mallorca is so unique in comparison to other nearby destinations. The southwest of Mallorca is particularly good, home to caves, tunnels and shipwrecks, all surrounding the stunning coastline. With plenty of scuba diving centres offering both courses and excursions for all levels, whether you a newbie, somewhere in between or a pro, make sure to check them out.  

If you are more of an exploring type, why not take a day trip to the medieval Alcudia Old Town for a dose of history. This town genuinely looks like something from a fairy tale, with mazes of tiny streets to wander through and ancient walls to gaze at, the town was in actual fact built to protect the island against pirates! The sheer beauty of Alcudia will keep you gripped for hours on end, so do make a stop off at a local bar or restaurant and watch the world go by.  

For something seriously spectacular, take a visit to Cap de Formentor. In our eyes, it’s a definite must see with visitors raving about it more than anywhere else on the entire island. Located on the most northernly point on the island and also the highest point, Cap de Formentor sits around 384m above sea level. With its limestone peaks and sharp cliff edges, its commonly described as looking “otherworldly”.  

YOUR MALLORCA HOLIDAY

We have an incredible range of Mallorca getaways available – and we can certainly help you in choosing the perfect one. So, do get in touch, as we’ll be happy to help! 

CRETE

Crete, the largest of the many Greek islands, has a wide selection of resorts, picturesque scenery and a whole lot of history to get stuck into. 

Crete’s diverse scenery in particular, is what makes Crete stand out from the crowd alongside plenty of beautiful beaches, all with their own character and charm. If you venture a little further inland, the scenery will seriously continue to wow you. With gorgeous gorges, wild nature and a mountainous landscape, the “White Mountains” in fact dominate western Crete and offers simply spectacular views. You will also find plenty of opportunities to hike through the gorges too. Did you know that Europe’s longest gorge is in fact in Crete? The hike is a long one (16km to be precise), but well worth it, especially if you are an explorer.   

With all the main benefits of an island, Crete features pristine beaches, a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle and all the amenities that comes with it, although the island is big enough to easily get off the beaten track where you can truly explore your surroundings. For anyone looking for adventure and escapism, it’s the place to be! Another great way to explore the island is on a boat trip, enabling you to soak up the scenery as well as towns and villages that you might not have been able to appreciate.  

The vibrant and colourful Cretans themselves are what brings the island to life, well known for their strong spirits and honour and pride in their culture. Whether you are sipping a drink or soaking up the warm sunshine and bustling atmosphere, they will be enthusiastic to share with you.  

LET US HELP YOU DECIDE

If you are still unsure where to go to next, we have plenty of great value offers that could help make your decision a little easier. Give us a call and we will share our latest offers with you

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