48 Hours of Bliss in These Mediterranean Destinations

More of us are choosing to spend our holidays on weekend breaks; it's hard to
resist the temptation to book a quick weekend getaway and explore some of the
incredible sights, cuisine and culture on offer just a short flight away. Here we've
selected some of our favourite relaxing greek beach breaks from across Europe.

Corfu, Greece

Marked by a blend of civilisations that consecutively dominated the island, Corfu is a

fun, cosmopolitan destination for a beach holiday. Combining a rich past with
breathtaking nature, the Emerald Isle has many wonders to offer visitors.Want to
take a refreshing dip in shallow, blue waters? Ipsos Beach is just the right place for
that. Characterised by a long sandy stretch of coastline, the beach is
fully organised and even features a diving centre and water sports infrastructures.
If you want to have a go at kitesurfing, Issos Beach is an ideal location to try it out.
Blessed with an endless shoreline and unique sand dunes, Issos boasts beautiful,
clear waters. Because of the strong winds in the area, it is a favourite spot for not
only kitesurfing but also windsurfing. And if you need some shade from the sun,
take a break from the beach and explore the nearby Korrision Lagoon.
Athens, Greece
The capital of the country, Athens boasts a vibrant cosmopolitan vibe, a plethora of
historic monuments, plenty of museums plus a long coastline of beautiful
beaches bordered by turquoise waters. Combine days on the coast with dining on
delectable Greek cuisine, and you will return home completely refreshed.
For a full seaside experience without the hassle, head to Asteras Beach Complex.
This seaside resort lies in Glyfada, in the southern suburbs of Athens, and includes
several venues, including Balux Cafe: The House Project. A vast beach house
where you can relax on lounge beds and eat delicious food, this venue also has a
study room and a playground. Located next door, the Balux Seaside Escape
features a pool where you can sample Polynesian-inspired dishes and exotic
cocktails.If you prefer a more laid-back beach, head to Schinias, near Marathon.
Stretching over three kilometres (1.9 miles), Schinias Beach, approximatively 45
kilometres (28 miles) north of Athens, is a long sandy coastline, shielded by a pine
forest. In this area, you will also find other free beaches open to anyone as well as a
few private ones with an entry fee.
Thessaloniki, Greece

Greeces second largest city may be under the radar, but it offers the perfect city trip
experience paired with a relaxed vibe. Thessaloniki is, indeed, a vibrant city where
you can sample excellent fusion cuisine, world-class culture and even beaches.For
a refreshing plunge into the sea, head straight to Epanomi Beach in the suburb of
the same name. The sandy shore, located 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) away from
Thessaloniki, easily connects to the city by bus, which explains why its crowded in
the summer. With plenty of accommodation and food options, Epanomi is your
gateway to Halkidiki, one of the most popular destinations in northern Greece.
Speaking of Halkidiki, why not explore it? Kalyves, located 45 minutes away from
the airport, is a quiet settlement that boasts one of the longest sandy waterfronts in
the country. An overlooked destination for a long time, it is starting to gain some
recognition, but you will still be able to find that secluded nook you were seeking.

Chania, Crete

The second largest city of Crete, Chania is a charming little port town on the
north-west coast of the island. A place where Venetian, Turkish and Greek
civilisations collide, it boasts a shielded waterfront bordered by many cafs and
restaurants offering local fare and international cuisine.After touching down, make
your way to Stavros, a lovely village on the Akrotiri Peninsula. The beach, located
east of the village, is on a circular bay fully protected from the winds. With white
sand and blue-green waters, Stavros Beach is definitely a place for relaxation and
well-being.While you may not want to spend a lot of time in the car to get to a
beach, you wont regret it with this next one. Located 55 kilometres (34.2 miles)
away from Chania, Balos Beach is a little paradise near the Cape of Gramvoussa.
With white sand and shallow, crystal clear waters, you will feel like you are lying on
the sandy shores in the Maldives or the Seychelles, minus the jet lag.

Skiathos, Greece

The most cosmopolitan island of the Northern Sporades cluster, opposite the Pelion
Peninsula, Skiathos is a charming little verdant island blessed with hidden coves,
secluded beaches, lush pine forests, small villages and a plethora of exciting water
sports. At night, the main town and many beach clubs welcome a host of young
people, all ready to party. But dont worry; Skiathos is far from being the new
Mykonos.Once you have your rental car keys in hand, make your way westward, all
the way to Mandraki. Protected by a thick pine forest, this sandy coastline is
accessible via small trails that wind through the forested area. It is home to two
beaches: Xerxi Beach, a pretty unspoilt area, and Elias Beach, where you will find a
small cantina and several sunbeds.There is something about being on a boat and
setting sail to an unknown place. Dont you agree? Take advantage of it and jump
on a boat in Skiathos and head to Lalaria. This spectacular, dreamlike beach is only
accessible by boat on days when there is minimal wind, and once you arrive,
prepare for something you wont soon forget white imposing cliffs rising out of
turquoise waters and a sandy shoreline. You may have to head back soon, but for
now, you should just enjoy your time on its gorgeous white coastline.
Zakynthos, Greece

One of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos, also known as Zante,
is famous for its aquamarine waters, green inland and laid-back atmosphere.
Zakynthos also boasts a great food scene and is also known as a major nesting
spot for the Caretta Caretta turtle.Make your friends jealous with snaps from Gerakas
Beach, considered one of the most beautiful on the island. With golden sand,
shallow waters and stunning scenery, this picture-perfect locale is a protected area
of the Zakynthos Marine Park, where you can even spot turtle nests; just make sure
not to disturb them.Since you are here for a weekend, change up your beach game
and make your way north to Makris Gialos. This sandy stretch of land with deep
waters is perfect for snorkelling, so dont forget your gear. Because the beach is
unorganised, it hardly gets crowded and makes for a relaxing day before heading
home. Of course, if time allows it, make sure to visit Navagio Beach, only accessible
by boat.
Rhodes, Greece

The capital of the Dodecanese islands combines cultural visits with beach holidays.
With a stunning Old Town, ancient sites and scenic landscapes and sandy shores,
the island of the Knights is a great destination where you can escape from your busy
routine.Away from the crowds, Tsambika is a little gem. Located 25 kilometres (15.5
miles) south of Rhodes town, this long sandy beach with shallow, crystal clear
waters is great for a sun-soaking session. But if you want to do more than just lie
down in the sun, there are plenty of water sports facilities nearby.Approximatively
65 kilometres (40.4 miles) away from the airport lies Kalathos Beach. If all you need
and want is seclusion and tranquillity, then Kalathos is just what the doctor ordered.
With emerald waters, long stretches of sand, a few sunbeds and bamboo umbrellas
here and there, your oasis of peace in Rhodes awaits you.

Kos, Greece
Second to Rhodes in terms of popularity, Hippocrates homeland has a rich history
still visible in its architecture, mostly in Kos town. With a blend of Ottoman and
Venetian architecture, ancient sites and magnificent beaches, Kos has it all.Treat
yourself and spend the day at Therma, an idyllic, black pebbly shoreline enclosed
by steep cliffs and famous for its hot springs. Located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from
Kos town, this seaside locale has a sea pool where hot spring water mixes with the
salt water to create a natural warm pool. Ideal for relaxing the body and soul, this
little piece of heaven is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.For dramatic
scenery, Agios Theologos, near Kefalos, is sure to seduce you. The entire bay is
simply breathtaking and features small coves and little beaches. Agios Theologos is
also a windsurfing hot spot and perfect for carefree fun in the sun.

Heraklion, Crete

The largest city in Crete, Heraklion, with its natural beauty and dynamic nightlife,
attracts countless visitors every year. With numerous museums, age-old
monuments, local churches and rich history, this city offers the ideal, relaxing
weekend getaway.Koudoumas Beach may not be easy to reach, but it is definitely
worth the journey. Located 74 kilometres (46 miles) south of Heraklion, the beach
lies at the foot of the monastery of Koudoumas. After reaching the village of
Sternes, you will have to drive on a dirt road for over 20 kilometres (12.4 miles),
descending from over 1,000 metres (3,280.8 feet) to sea level, allowing you to enjoy
stunning views. But once you reach your destination, you will find an eerily quiet
and secluded beach of small pebbles. If its isolation and relaxation you are looking
for, then this is an ideal place as it has a network of caves where you can find
refuge during the peak hours of sunlight.If you want to see the north coast of Crete,
then the beach of Agia Pelagia, a popular destination close to Heraklion, is a great
spot. Offering everything you need to spend a relaxing day on the coast, Agia
Pelagia is a long stretch of golden sand lapped by cerulean waters. You can even
break your sunbathing session with a little bit of scuba diving or some water sports
fun. In Agia Pelagia, the skys the limit.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea, is an ideal destination for beach fun.
Even if the island welcomes thousands of visitors from Greece and beyond, its
sandy coasts are rarely overflowing with people thanks to the size of it. But beyond
its spectacular beaches, Kefalonia boasts picturesque villages, beautiful
monasteries and scenic nature.
Probably the most famous beach on the island is Myrtos, located on the northern
coast. It has been in countless magazines and rewarded for its cleanliness and
stunning beauty. Surrounded by impressive cliffs, the semi-circular white sand
beach features lines of sunbeds and umbrellas, although a small part of it is left
untouched, which makes it ideal for those seeking isolation.But you dont have to go
that far to find warm sand in Kefalonia; Ammes, just 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from
Argostoli, has clear waters and fine, golden sand. Prepare to stay there for hours as
the sunset on Ammes Beach is particularly spectacular; the waters take on a deep
red colour as the sun disappears into the horizon.