Vagia Beach, Serifos, Greece
Vagia, on the on the west coast of Serifos, packs a serious aesthetic punch. Descend the winding mountain road and be greeted by a deep stretch of golden sand and glistening waters. The sea is calm with a gentle ripple: perfect for swimming out and getting your lengths in without losing sight of the beach.
If a few hours on Vagia aren’t enough, stay at the Coco Mat Eco Residences; a complex of 13 tastefully renovated miners’ houses, and enjoy the spectacular views from dawn until dusk. Lunch on octopus at the terrace restaurant and chase it down with a frappe or an ouzo from the unassuming Vagia snack bar.
Cala Santandria, Menorca, Spain
Cala Blanca’s lesser-known (but arguably more charming) cousin, Santandria is a sheltered cove with shallow turquoise waters perfect for children or those after a more leisurely beach experience. Peruse the extensive lunch menu at Hotel Platja Santandria or sip a cerveza with your toes dipped in the water at the Santandria Beach Club.
İnceboğaz Çınar Beach, Kaş, Turkey
The fishing village of Kaş on the south west coast is Turkey’s hidden gem when it comes to beaches. İnceboğaz Çınar on the Kaş peninsula is just a short walk from the centre of the town and offers welcome respite from the buzz of the harbour. A handful of loungers are dotted over the beach with some perched on the rocks, giving the impression of floating on the water.
Cala Benirrás, Ibiza, Spain
Benirrás, on Ibiza’s north west coast, is a wide sweep of smooth pebbly sand and fringed parasols. Famed for its Sunday drumming circles, Benirrás has long been a hippy paradise but its spectacular sunsets have universal appeal. Beach restaurant options are plentiful; fine dine on fresh fish or nibble on a tray of chips whilst watching the sun go down.
