DESTINATIONS BEACHES | GREECE & CYPRUS BEST OF THE REST 7


E Porto Katsiki, Lefkada: Set among lush, emerald hills and white cliffs, this Blue Flag beach is reached by a series of steps, with swimming, sailing and surfing among the rewards at the bottom. “It’s truly mesmerising and especially popular for adults looking to sunbathe with an incredible view,” says Elena Ahmadian, marketing executive for Cyplon Holidays.


E Lara Bay, Cyprus: Best known as a nesting site for green and loggerhead turtles, this oft-deserted spot on the Akamas Peninsula is a dream for nature enthusiasts, with a peaceful stretch of sand and a turtle conservation centre.


kalami beach, crete


For a hidden-away spot that still feels like something of a secret, try the tiny hamlet of Kalami, says Louise Killner, sales and operations manager for Pure Crete. “The bay here is popular with local fisherman and it’s relatively unknown to tourists, with an access road that isn’t signposted,” she says. “There’s a cantina selling freshly squeezed juice from the surrounding orange groves, and some days there’s also souvlaki grilling on the barbecue.” The beach itself is pebbled with a handful of tamarisk trees and parasols dotting its shore, while close by sits a harbour where small, sleepy yachts bob gently on the ripples. Book it: Pure Crete offers seven nights at Katerina’s Penthouse, which is half a mile from Kalami, from £1,293 on an accommodation-only basis, based on a July 1 departure. purecrete.com


E Agios Ioannis Porto, Tinos: Islands of Greece recommends this beach just outside Tinos town for silky-soft sand and crystal- clear water backed by chilled-out beach bars and tavernas. “The picturesque chapel that stands on the left side of the beach is also worth a visit,” says Zoe Cornwall, sales and marketing manager at Visions Holiday Group.


8 nissi beach, cyprus


It’s not only about lying around on sunloungers, of course. For clients after a livelier vibe, few places beat Ayia Napa’s Nissi Beach, where daytime parties featuring DJs and dance contests bring the crowds flocking. For the more active, there’s everything from parasailing to flyboarding, while quieter sections further up the beach will appeal to those wanting something a little calmer. Book it: Cyplon Holidays offers a week’s B&B at the five-star NissiBlu Beach Resort from £979 per person, based on two sharing a Superior Room Side Sea View, including private transfers and flights on September 27. cyplon.co.uk


travelweekly.co.uk


26 MARCH 2020


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PICTURES: Heinz Troll; Shutterstock


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