logo
Beautiful UK beach with crystal clear waters is 'perfect dupe' for Greek island

Beautiful UK beach with crystal clear waters is 'perfect dupe' for Greek island

Daily Mirror7 days ago
Not too far from the UK's capital, there's a coastal gem that bears a striking resemblance to the gorgeous and dreamy Mediterranean Greek island - but it's cheaper
Escaping the city for a couple of days and going to a paradise with poor phone signals and ocean views is something many of us dream about. Now, with the cost of living cutting short our annual trips, who said there's a need to fly out of the country? Walking sandal experts FitFlop found the UK's best lookalike locations to dreamy destinations like Italy, Greece, India, Iceland and even the Caribbean.
A five-hour drive from London to Cornwall will take you to a magical place with gorgeous coastline and crystal clear waters. Called Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall, it has positioned itself as one of the must-visit places this summer.
Nestled among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas in Cornwall lies one of the most beautiful beaches. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Big 7 Travel named Pedn Vounder Beach as one of the must-visit beach destinations in 2023, competing against well-known holiday spots like South Africa and Iceland.
Cornwall's hidden gem
The site wrote: "Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near the famous Logan Rock, Pedn Vounder is a tidal beach that looks more Mediterranean than British. Its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sands are reminiscent of Greek islands like Zakynthos or Sardinia's Costa Smeralda."
"At low tide, a sandy causeway connects it to neighbouring Porthcurno Beach, adding to the magical, untouched feel. With more than 40,000 monthly Google searches for 'Greece holiday', this Cornish gem is a hidden hack for a faux Grecian staycation."
The famous Logan Rock, a 80-ton rock stone located on the east headland of the beach, is known for its turquoise waters and picturesque views. It's a good area for those who love outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking.
However, if you're looking for a quiet holiday, you might want to reconsider visiting during the summer months. Pedn Vounder Beach is extra busy during the holidays, and, of course, when the temperatures go above 20 degrees Celsius.
With a 4.4 rating out of five stars on TripAdvisor, visitors seem to have been left impressed. Many were happy to enjoy swimming, tanning and participating in water activities.
One holidaymaker said: 'The beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn't believe it's in the UK!' A second one added: 'Beautiful, unspoiled beach, much quieter than other beaches because it is not easy to get to.'
Pedn Vounder Beach is not easy to get to
Although it's one of the most remote spots in Cornwall, it's always been one of the most popular to visit. However, those who wish to dip in the beautiful waters and lie down in the white sand have to be careful, as it can be dangerous to get there.
The majority of comments recommended that future visitors wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as it might be tricky. The review continued: 'The last bit requires you to climb, literally, holding on with both faces, face to the rock and being very careful not to slip or you risk falling 5 or 6 meters onto hard rock. Proper shoes are a must, plus a rucksack with your stuff, you don't want anything in your hands.'
So, if you're heading to Cornwall this summer, don't drive past Pedn Vounder Beach. It might be challenging, but it's so worth it.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to make piri piri chicken – recipe
How to make piri piri chicken – recipe

The Guardian

time40 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

How to make piri piri chicken – recipe

A Portuguese dish with its roots firmly in the former colonies of Angola and Mozambique, this fiery, tangy marinade was popularised in Britain by a South African chain and has quickly gone native. These days, you can get piri piri salad dressing, piri piri crisps and even piri piri fish and chips, but you can't beat the original, fresh from the grill. Prep 10 min Marinate 1 hr+Cook 1 hr Serves 4 4 skin-on, bone-in whole chicken legs (ie, thigh and drumstick)Lemon wedges, to serve For the marinade4 garlic cloves 2 tsp flaky salt Juice of ½ lemon For the piri piri sauce2-4 red African or Thai bird's eye chillies, to taste 2 plump garlic cloves 1½ tsp flaky salt Juice of 1 lemon 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika 50ml olive oil, or neutral oil 1 tbsp port, or 1 tsp brown sugar (optional) Traditionally, this would be made with a whole spatchcocked chicken, but I found it hard to source birds small enough to cook through without burning (you could use a guinea fowl instead, if you prefer). Also, because breasts dry out quickly over a high heat, I generally stick with just chicken legs, so swap in breasts or wings if you like. Alternatively, use the same marinade on whole fish (sardines, sea bream, mackerel, etc) or meaty fish fillets (chef Nuno Mendes pairs it with halibut), large prawns, lamb or pork chops, or firm tofu. I'd suggest lightly brushing vegetables with oil and salt before cooking, rather than with the marinade, and serving with the latter as a sauce. If using the chicken legs, buy them bone in for ease of cooking; leave the skin on, too, to insulate them against the heat. If you'd prefer them broken down into drumsticks and thighs, by all means do so, or buy them separately. Either way, put the chicken in a tub or roasting tin just large enough to hold it all in a single layer. Peel the garlic and puree with a garlic crusher, pestle and mortar or the flat of a knife. Mix in the salt and lemon juice, then pour over the meat, turning to ensure it's well coated. Cover and leave at room temperature (unless it's a very hot day) for an hour, or chill for up to four hours. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Fresh piri piri chillies are hard to come by in the UK, though they're sometimes available online, but any fiery ripe (red) variety will do, and I think fresh work better than dried. Exercising caution, or wearing gloves, roughly chop the flesh seeds and all, discarding the stalks. Peel and roughly chop the garlic, then use a pestle and mortar, the back of a heavy knife or a mini chopper to mash together with the chillies and salt. Stir in the lemon juice, then whisk in the paprika and oil. Taste gingerly and add the port, if using, or sugar if you'd like it to be sweeter. Prepare the barbecue, if using. Once it's at cooking temperature (if using a coal barbecue, wait until the coals turn grey), arrange the chicken on a lightly greased grill and cover. Cook for 35 minutes, turning once, then check. Once it's almost done, brush with the piri piri sauce and grill, lid off, for about another 10 minutes, until cooked through. Alternatively, heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6 and bake the chicken in a roasting tin or tray for about 35 minutes, until cooked through, basting with its juices occasionally. Heat a griddle pan to medium hot, brush the chicken with the piri piri and grill for a few minutes on each side, until just starting to char. Serve the chicken with chips, rice or bread and tomato salad, with extra lemon wedges and any remaining sauce on the side. Note that it's worth making double the sauce, because in Portugal it's served with all sorts and not just chicken – you can also buy good ready-made versions in Portuguese or some African specialists.

You can spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts – just 3 hours from the UK
You can spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts – just 3 hours from the UK

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

You can spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts – just 3 hours from the UK

Plus, the Maldives hotel named one of the best in the world DIVE IN You can spend the day in Maldives-style overwater huts – just 3 hours from the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IMAGINE soaking up the sun whilst suspended over the sea - you'd think you were in the Maldives, right? Well you can actually enjoy Maldives-style sea beds, just over three hours from the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The Lost Seaside beach club is located in Sarandë, Albania Credit: Google 7 At the club there are a number of facilities including a pool, restaurant and bar Credit: Google 7 Guests can also hire a sunbed, with different kinds to choose from Credit: Google Located in Albania is the picturesque, Mykonos-looking town of Sarandë. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and rolling hills littered with olive groves, the resort town boasts a great alternative destination to the Maldives. The Lost Seaside beach club features a pool, beach, restaurant and lounge. And it has multiple different sunbeds to choose from, including nets suspended above the sea. The beach club strikes a balance between chilled vibes and luxury with breathtaking views and refreshing cocktails. In addition, there is also a restaurant where you can grab eats, including fresh salads, feta dishes and squid. Prices for sunbeds vary depending on what type you want and when you visit. But prices for August are £106.95 for a net cabana in the beach area, which hangs over the water, for three people - so around £35 per person. Alternatively you can grab a normal cabana for £62.39 for two people or two sunbeds for £35.65. By the pool there are also a couple of options included cabanas for £62.39 for three people and two sunbeds for £35.65. Beach Club that's like being on the Med Guests can grab a beer for around £4.46, an Aperol spritz for £5.35 or a cocktail from £8.91. Hundreds of keen travellers who have headed to the resort have posted videos of the spot on social media. One visitor said: "The music and food were top tier, loved the views as well." Another visitor mentioned how they went to the resort in June and found it to be less crowded than other popular spots. There are a couple of different ways to get to the resort. One way is to fly to Corfu Airport in Greece and then jump onboard a ferry. 7 Some sunbeds cost as little as £17 per person Credit: Google 7 Or you can upgrade to Maldive-style beds hanging over the ocean for around £35 each Credit: Google 7 Drinks are reasonably priced at the club too, with an Aperol spritz costing less than £6 Credit: Google Return flights to Corfu can cost as low as £85 from Birmingham or £110 from London Gatwick in August - which is a peak month. And whilst the ferry prices rise and fall depending on the day you travel and the time, return tickets can be found as low as £23 per adult. In total, it could cost you just over £100 per person to get to the town. Alternatively, you could fly to Tirana, the capital of Albania, which tends to be cheaper most of the year except July and August. In Sarandë itself, there is a selection of restaurants and bars worth exploring as well. And also nearby is the popular spot of The Blue Eye - a natural spring in the village of Muzinë with crystal clear waters that are about 12C. Another great location is Gjirokastër, known for its Ottoman architecture and UNESCO-listed old town with stone houses to venture around. Maldives hotel named one of the best in the world SIYAM World, a Maldives hotel, has earned global recognition from Tripadvisor. This vast resort offers unique experiences for all guests, set within the stunning Maldivian landscape. It boasts four kilometres of beaches and six kilometres of reef. Accommodations range from villas to residences, with many water villas featuring private pools and ocean slides. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy the floating waterpark, sporty jet cars, and even a semi-submersible Seabreacher. On land, the resort features a horse ranch, jungle go-karting, and an international football field, offering diverse activities. Families are catered to with "Kidz World," while adults can relax at the onsite spa. The resort operates on an all-inclusive basis, with extensive dining and drink options. To reach this paradise from the UK, fly directly from London Heathrow to Velana International Airport, followed by a quick seaplane or domestic flight and speedboat transfer. There is also a Maldives-like overwater bungalow resort in the UK that has a new outdoor pool and slide complex. Plus, the beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store