Latest news with #Cycladic


Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
Beach Clubs Offering First-Class Service, Food and Views
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The world's finest beach clubs blend sun and sea views with exceptional cuisine, top-tier beverages and first-class service. There are thousands of them across the globe, but a few stand out as truly noteworthy. Casa Jondal Ibiza, Spain Casa Jondal on the southern coast of Ibiza offers respite from the club-thumping vibes that are common throughout the island. It's nearly always busy during the season thanks to its fabulous sandy lounge space that blends into a shaded dining area, where you're able to order a deep-fried whole fish, acorn-fed Iberian ham and caviar. Gitano Tulum Beach, Mexico This beach club offers a level of privacy that can be hard to find in popular Tulum. It's on 120 meters of private, white-sand beach next to the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. The club features a restaurant and lounge area right on the water, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Casa Jondal Casa Jondal Daniel Balda Scorpios Mykonos, Greece Ocean, sky, sand and relaxing vibes converge on the Cycladic coastline. Scorpios' restaurant welcomes diners for long meals, alfresco. Relaxation is the name of the game during the day, but at night artists and DJs take over the manicured terrace. Yazz Collective Fethiye, Turkey Accessible only by boat, this remote hideaway focuses on connecting art, nature and personal experiences. The eco-conscious oasis offers services for unwinding but guests can also enjoy the serenity of the sea while lounging on a sunbed at the shore. For access, a two-night minimum stay at the hotel is required. Tulum Beach Tulum Beach Connect Images/Kate Ballis/Getty Carpe Diem Beach Hvar, Croatia This Pakleni Islands hangout allows for activities and relaxation in a space spanning two beaches, and is reachable only by boat. Luxury sunbeds, freshly caught seafood, diving, transparent kayaking, natural shade and a pool are among the daytime highlights. At 5 p.m., the Terranza After Beach Program kicks off. Tresanton Beach Club Tresanton Beach Club Nathan Rollinson/Courtesy of Hotel Tresanton Tresanton Beach Club St. Mawes, England This terraced shoreside locale provides a touch of Mediterranean elegance in the U.K. Sitting across the street from the Tresanton Hotel, the club allows sunbathers to enjoy the surrounds while nibbling and sipping selections from the menu. The hotel's 1930s Italian racing yacht, Pinuccia, can be tendered out. Scorpios Scorpios Ana Santl/Courtesy of Scorpios Nammos Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tucked into a nook on the Persian Gulf, the vibes of Greek beach culture mix with the opulence of Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. The lavish luxury experience is seaside splendor that blends mixology with gastronomy, all with the city skyline as a backdrop. Potato Head Seminyak, Bali Relax and catch rays on the edge of the Indian Ocean, where swimming during the day can lead to dancing the night away. An extensive drinks menu and several restaurants to choose from make the club a quintessential escape from reality. Drinks served at Potato Head Drinks served at Potato Head Denny Novikar/Courtesy of Potato Head If you're looking for a seaside party, there are beach clubs for that too. Whitney Haldeman, luxury travel advisor at Embark Beyond, recommends these three clubs: La Guérite Cannes, France Only accessible by boat, this legendary spot is part lunch, part day party, and entirely scene-y in the best way. Arrive chic, leave barefoot. Loulou Ramatuelle Saint-Tropez, France If Saint-Tropez slipped into vintage Celine and spun French disco all afternoon, this would be it. It's chic but breezy—perfect for a long lunch that casually turns into cocktails and a little barefoot dancing. Phi Beach Phi Beach Courtesy of Phi Beach Phi Beach Sardinia, Italy This spot has major drama—in the best way. Carved into the cliffs, it's mellow during the day and turns into a full-blown (but still tasteful) party spot at night. The kind of place where you dance with strangers and drink good wine under the stars.


Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to ditch Santorini and Mykonos for beautiful crowd-free island
The absence of mass tourism means you can connect with Greek island life and enjoy the company of likeable locals without the hustle and bustle of the country's holiday hotspots British holidaymakers often default to Santorini or Mykonos when planning a Greek island getaway, drawn by the stunning beaches, whitewashed villages, iconic sunsets and buzzing nightlife. But while these islands have become victims of their own popularity — crawling with tourists, commercialised and increasingly expensive — the lesser-known isle of Hydra offers a crowd- and car-free alternative promising a more authentic, tranquil and enriching escape. This Saronic gem, renowned for its calming atmosphere and absence of automobiles — the sole exception to the vehicle ban is bin collection trucks — is located just an hour and a quarter from Athens. Without honking horns and revving engines, the tiny island exudes a rare peacefulness that encourages visitors to mellow out and truly unwind. On Hydra, goods and luggage are transported by donkeys and mules — it houses the largest herd of working equines in the world. Cat lovers are also in for a treat, as Hydra's streets are full of friendly felines. Much of Hydra's charm lies in its preservation of traditional Greek island life. The absence of mass tourism means you can wander whitewashed lanes, marvel at the and Neoclassical mansions, discover hidden courtyards and enjoy the company of likeable locals without the hustle and bustle. Even in peak season, Hydra remains blissfully uncrowded compared to its Cycladic cousins. Hydra has long been a haven for artists, writers and musicians. The legendary Leonard Cohen famously lived there for several years, drawing inspiration for this song Bird on the Wire (1969) from the island. Today, the island continues to attract creative souls, with contemporary art galleries nestled alongside historic heritage sites. The Deste Foundation Project Space, perched above the sea, hosts edgy exhibitions, while the Historical Archive Museum offers a deep dive into Hydra's pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence. The rugged landscape is ideal for exploration, with over 300 chapels and monasteries scattered across Hydra. Hiking enthusiasts can wander scenic trails through the isle's olive groves and along dramatic cliffs. The coastline is dotted with hidden coves and pebbly beaches, many of which are only accessible by boat — perfect for those seeking solitude and unspoiled swimming spots. Adventurous visitors can also try diving among ancient shipwrecks or join local fishermen for a traditional line-fishing experience. Unlike Santorini and Mykonos, which often require long ferry rides or chaotic airport transfers, Hydra is a straightforward 75-minute catamaran journey from Athens' port of Piraeus. As soon as you arrive, you'll be immersed in a world that feels both ancient and alive. So while Santorini is famed for its volcanic caldera views and stunning sunsets, and Mykonos its buzzing beach clubs, Hydra invites you to slow down, decompress and connect with the simple joys of Greek island life.


Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warning to Greek holidaymakers after Crete earthquake
This is the second earthquake to rock Crete in the last week. Following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Greece earlier this morning, holidaymakers are being warned to stay alert incase of any further disasters. Tsunami fears were sparked after the huge tremor rocked Crete on Thursday, May 22. Tourists and locals were told to "move away from the coast and reach a higher place" following the alarming quake that has sparked panic amongst many. The epicentre of the quake was just north of Crete. No significant damage has been reported however authorities are fearful of more movement. The tremor was so powerful, effects have been felt as far as Turkey, Egypt and Israel today. The mayor of Agios Nikolaos, Manolis Menegakis, told Mega TV station: "We are vigilant." This is the second tsunami alert in Crete just over a week. Last week, a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck in Greece, with the epicentre again near the coast of Crete, the most populous of the Greek islands. Schools and public buildings were left with visible cracks, and residents were forced to sleep outdoors amid fears of further shocks. The epicentre was located 56km (34 miles) northeast of Neapolis in the Lassithi region of Crete, with the quake striking at a depth of around 60km (37 miles) beneath the surface. In a warning to tourists, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said Greece 'can experience extreme natural phenomena' and advised tourists to familiarise themselves with safety procedures ahead of their travels. Their alert reads: " Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods." It adds: " The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025. This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual." According to Foreign Office advice, you should: familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake follow advice given by the local authorities call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit (map with text in Greek). To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service (in English): for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the 'Emergency Alerts' option at the bottom for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the 'Emergency Alerts' option


Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Wales Online
Foreign Office warning for holidaymakers after earthquake in Greece
Foreign Office warning for holidaymakers after earthquake in Greece The epicentre of the quake was just north of Crete The famous palm forest and beach at Vai, on Eastern Crete, Greece A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook southern Greek islands early on Thursday. The epicentre was in the sea 36 miles north-northeast of Elounda, which is on the northern coast of Crete. It was 43 miles deep, according to the US Geological Survey. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that 'there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage' following initial assessments of the affected areas. The shock was felt extensively across islands throughout the Aegean Sea. Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation director Efthymios Lekkas noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage. Greece sits on major fault lines and experiences frequent seismic activity. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns tourists to stay alert to natural disasters in Greece. Their alert reads: "Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods." Article continues below It adds: "The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025. This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual." Sccording to Foreign Offioce advice, you should: familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake follow advice given by the local authorities call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger Article continues below For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit (map with text in Greek). To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service) (in English):


Time Out
14-05-2025
- Time Out
Is it safe to travel to Greece? Latest advice following 5.9 earthquake
Greece is one of Europe's most popular summer holiday destinations, but its position on the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means it is prone to seismic activity. After Santorini experienced a flurry of tremors over several weeks back in February, another notable earthquake has just been recorded, this time from a different point in the Aegean Sea. No injuries have been reported yet, but it's worrying news if you have a trip booked to Greece. So, here is everything you need to know about travelling there right now. Is it safe to travel to Greece? In the early hours of this morning, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coasts of the Greek islands Crete, Kasos and Karpathos, but was felt as far away as Egypt. Thankfully, no casualties nor severe property damage have been reported so far, but a temporary tsunami warning was put in place by authorities, who have since urged people to regularly monitor local news and remain vigilant, particularly those travelling to the east coast of Crete, Kasos or Karpathos. Where was the earthquake? The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported the epicentre of the earthquake was near the islands of Kasos and Karpathos, around 48 km southeast of the former, with a depth of around 35 km, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. Has a tsunami warning been issued? Yes, according to the Independent, Greek authorities issued a temporary tsunami warning in a statement on X, which read: 'A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km SE of Kasos. Risk of possible Tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.' Have flights to Greece been affected? There are no reports of flights to and from Greece being affected, but if you have a flight booked in the next few days, check its status directly with your travel provider. What is the UK Foreign Office saying? The Foreign Office is yet to update its advice as a result of this tremor, but the safety and security page for travelling to Greece reads: 'The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025. This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual. There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should: familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake follow advice given by the local authorities call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit (map with text in Greek).' When was the last earthquake in the region? Back in February, the Santorini-Amorgos zone experienced days where over 12,000 earthquakes were recorded. You can read our coverage on that here. Crete is known as one of the continent's most common spots for experiencing tremors, and the most recent significant earthquake here was in October 2021, when a 6.3 magnitude quake struck the island.