Dreamy Mediterranean escapes for your next holiday

Telegraph

23-05-2025

The summer season is almost upon us and, naturally, the Mediterranean beckons. With long, hot days on the horizon and the Med at its most glorious, we've handpicked some dreamy destinations to inspire and delight.
Let every family moment shine on Turkey's turquoise coast
Whether your little ones crave water slides or your teens thrive on creative workshops, Barut Hotels knows how to design a holiday that works for everyone. These family-friendly resorts in Side, Antalya and Didim blend warm hospitality with smart, stress-free touches. Children are kept joyfully busy with professional entertainment programmes and skill-building activities, while adults unwind with spa rituals or barefoot beachside strolls.
Expect generous swimming pools, safe playgrounds and mouthwatering meals drawn from world cuisines – all made with fresh, local ingredients. Accommodation is cosy and contemporary, designed with comfort in mind. From sun-soaked breakfasts to evenings filled with good wine and great company, this is a place where family memories are made to last. To book your Barut experience, visit baruthotels.com
Savour grown-up refinement on Crete
Recently reborn with a sleek new look, Atlantica Kalliston Resort stretches out along the golden crescent of Agioi Apostoloi beach like an ode to the Mediterranean lifestyle. This adults-only haven blends cool coastal minimalism with just the right measure of grown-up indulgence, brilliantly backdropped by the exquisite blue of the Cretan Sea. Days here tend to drift between poolside lounging, soul-soothing spa rituals and long, languid lunches that segue into unforgettable sundowners.
If you can tear yourself away, the postcard-perfect harbour of Chania is just up the coast, with its irresistible maze of Venetian laneways, candlelit tavernas and chatty wine bars. Romantic, refined and just made for you and that special someone. Make it a date at atlanticahotels.com
Step into island splendour at Corfu Imperial
Set on its own private peninsula, Corfu Imperial is the crown jewel of Grecotel's luxury portfolio. Families can stretch out in elegant bungalows, new penthouse suites or the Il Boschetto Family oasis, while larger groups will love the Medusa Estate, a sprawling hilltop property. Meander from beach to exquisite pool to indulgent spa, with Grecoland Kids' Club offering the little ones mythical fun and games.
Adults can sample seafood at Yali, dine above the lapping waves at Aristos or toast another perfect sunset at the Odysseus cocktail terrace. Watersports, tennis and diving will keep everybody active. You can even explore a replica Corfiot village. With dreamy views, no fewer than four Blue Flag beaches and authentic top-tier hospitality, this is luxury island living at its most refined. Discover more or book your escape at grecotel.com/corfuimperial
Live like a Minoan at this lavish Cretan escape
A modern-day water palace framed by golden beaches and palm-lined lagoons, Amirandes is Grecotel's ode to Crete's legendary past and its more luxurious present. Recently refreshed, this five-star resort blends striking architecture with opulent details, from beachfront villas with private pools to revamped family bungalows and gym suites. Start the day with yoga or a dip in the Olympic-sized seafront pool and end with cocktails at the Lagoon Bar or sweet treats from the Knossos Patisserie.
Food is a real highlight here: from experiential fine dining at Minotaur with its original Picasso ceramics to Cretan classics at Xasteria and fresh seafood at Petrino. Unwind in the Elixir Alchemy Spa or explore nearby gorges and archaeological marvels. Discover your authentic Cretan escape at amirandes.com
Blend a classic Greek escape with a city-centre stay
Cape Sounio offers a rare mixture of myth, nature and elegance on the Athenian Riviera. Combining cosmopolitan elegance with Athenian Riviera glamour and just 40 minutes from the capital, this Grecotel resort sits within a pine forest reserve, facing the Temple of Poseidon. Terracotta bungalows are arranged like an amphitheatre, suites and villas feel like they've been carved from the landscape, bathed in lush light and softened by natural tones.
Swim in private pools or relax on sandy shores before dining with views of ancient ruins. Guests can pair their stay with a second base in Grecotel's city jewels: The Dolli, a boutique haven near the Acropolis, or The Roc Club in chic Vouliagmeni. Whether snorkelling over ancient reefs or dining under stars, this is no ordinary Greek holiday. Explore more at capesounio.com
Discover game-changing footwear for modern rule-breakers
Rokhz isn't just footwear, it's a mindset. Designed for women who break rules, blaze trails and embrace connection, adventure and balance and don't have time for shoes that can't keep up. Meticulously handcrafted in Spain, each pair fuses copper elements, artisan-set crystals and unapologetic boho glamour.
Precision-built for movement with cloud-like comfort, Rokhz sandals are your passport to conscious living, changing how you experience every step. Rokhz are light to pack, chic to wear and crafted for women who know that when you feel truly connected within yourself, you radiate confidence. This summer, don't just count your steps — make every one of them your own.
Shop now and get 20 per cent off your first purchase with code ROKHZSS20 at rokhz.com – offer valid until 30 May 2025.
Enjoy sun, sea and sublime suppers on Turkey's breathtaking coastline
Where pine forests meet the Mediterranean and the scent of orange blossom hangs in the warm air, Mirage Park Resort is a restorative escape on the Göynük coastline in Kemer. Framed by the Taurus Mountains, this expansive retreat strikes a thoughtful balance between nature and indulgence. A quarter-mile-long beach blends soft sand with smooth pebbles, while 628 elegant rooms invite you to unwind in comfort.
Dining is a standout here; indeed the resort is home to Turkey's first certified gluten-free kitchen, where 100 per cent gluten-free dishes are prepared in a dedicated space and served buffet-style. Add in sea views, fragrant breezes and that famously golden Turkish sunshine and you have a holiday that's equal parts effortless and exceptional. Plan your escape today at mirageparkresort.com
Step into the world of your favourite characters at a hotel in Turkey
At The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, the worlds of your favourite animated characters come to life in the most playful and exciting way. With 238 themed rooms and suites inspired by characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, Dora and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, every detail is designed for fun.
Themed pools and interactive play zones keep kids entertained, while Nickelodeon Land offers thrilling attractions from Bikini Bottom, Paw Patrol: Adventure Bay to Star Trek Wild Galaxy. Parents can unwind at the spa, Turkish hammam or fitness centre, then enjoy vibrant meals with views over the park. This family-friendly resort ensures lasting memories for everyone. Learn more at thelandoflegends.com
Experience a new kind of all-inclusive on Egypt's Red Sea coast
On the shores of Sharm el-Sheikh, Rixos Radamis represents a bold new era of family-friendly luxury. This gorgeous resort offers a rare blend of world-class design and imaginative experiences, from a private beach and luxury cabanas to tranquil gondola rides down a 2,300ft valley river. Rixy Kids Town is a standout and a firm family favourite, with over a dozen creative workshops designed exclusively to delight and inspire younger guests.
Grown-ups can explore 14 à la carte restaurants, unwind at the Anjana Spa or simply relax as live shows light up the evenings. This summer, global megastars Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias will be taking the Rixos stage. With three international buffets and entertainment that runs from sunrise to starlight, Rixos Radamis reimagines what an all-inclusive holiday can be. Plan your adventure in the sunshine at rixos.com
Escape to where the forest meets the sea in northern Greece
On the sun-kissed coast of Halkidiki, Cora Hotel & Spa, managed by Swot Hospitality, offers a retreat of rare balance and beauty. Perched on a pine-covered hillside above the Aegean, this refined resort invites guests aged 12 and over to relax, reset and reconnect. Start your day with a swim in the infinity pool or savour a moment of stillness in the sublime sea-facing spa.
Dine across three restaurants, offering everything from Mediterranean classics to sushi beneath the stars, or sip on something ice-cold at one of four bars. With yacht excursions, hikes, DJ-led beach parties and a dedicated teens' club, there's as much or as little to do as you please. Book now and join the members' club for up to 40 per cent off today at coraresort.com
Live like a local in a hip Athens neighbourhood
Fancy a Greek city break with a difference? The Omnia Collection offers a taste of sophisticated apartment-style living in the cultural heart of Pangrati. A short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square, this boutique stay lets you savour the rhythm and pace of real life in the Greek capital. Each modern apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen, washing machine and private balcony, giving you the freedom to feel as if you're truly at home.
Whether you're a young family needing space, a couple on your way out to the islands or simply in search of a longer, more immersive holiday in one of Europe's most fascinating cities, The Omnia Collection provides comfort, value and a genuine sense of place. Save 10 per cent with code TOC10 at omnia-pagrati.com (offer ends 30 June 2025).
Find seaside serenity with a dash of adventure on Crete
By the sweeping curve of Maleme Beach, Atlantica Ocean Beach Resort offers a charming balance of both tranquil beauty and upbeat, joyful energy. Days here begin with barefoot walks along the shoreline and end with golden-hour skies melting into the Cretan Sea. In between, amble at your own pace through the lushly scented gardens or make a splash with some exhilarating waterpark silliness. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and privacy, the resort also offers exclusive swim-up room options – perfect for a refreshing dip straight from your terrace.
Families will love the space to roam and play, while couples and friends can unwind in peace in the quieter nooks or get stuck into the nearby villages of Platanias and Chania, where timeless tavernas and abundant local character await. This is a setting where memories are made – sun-drenched, salt-kissed and a joy you'll cherish forever. See for yourself at atlanticahotels.com
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