It is the holiday destination chosen by millions of Britons every year and the Mediterranean coast boasts some truly spectacular beaches. But if you want to get away from it all, where should you be setting down your towel to enjoy the most jaw-dropping stretches of sand? The Ionian Islands offer some of the most staggeringly beautiful sandy coves imaginable, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. No matter what your budget, there’s a beach holiday for you. Here, MailOnline Travel reveals the top relaxing picks… without the annoying crowds.
Egremni – Lefkada Island
The stunning turquoise water is really just this impossibly blue. Located on the south-western coast of the island of Lefkada in Greece, Egremni has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, despite its remote location. The only way to access these stunning sandy shores is by scaling the 150m high cliff via 347 steep steps, but it’s worth it. Stretching two and a half kilometres, it’s one of the longest beaches on the island and rarely gets crowded. Also keep in mind that though it has a bar and sunbeds for rent, there’s no place to stay overnight, meaning its really best for day trips only.
Navagio Beach – Zakynthos Island
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, this exposed cove on the coast of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands is accessible only by boat. Sometimes referred to as ‘Smugglers Cove,’ the sandy strip, which is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs, got its nicknames back in 1983, when the Panagiotis ship was wrecked on the beach while transporting cigarettes. While many are content to simply lie on the gorgeous white sand beach, the area is also a renowned BASE jumping destination to visiting adrenaline junkies.
Elafonissi Beach – Crete Island
Elafonissi is perhaps best known as being a tiny island of white sand separated from the shore by a lagoon that is no more than a metre deep. But its mainland beach is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful in all of Crete thanks to its white sand, shallow water and all of the shells that give the ocean just the subtlest hint of silver. Best of all? You can quite literally walk to ‘Deer Island’ on a nice day, all the while admiring the views of the nearby Chrissoskalitissa Monastery, which is perched on a large rock.
