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Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK beach is 'one of the most secluded in the world' with beautiful blue waters
Nanjizal Beach in Cornwall's far west was ranked the second most secluded beach in the world by Sunsail, with the team analysing factors including accessibility and online searches Cornwall's Nanjizal Beach, nestled just south of Land's End, has been named the second most secluded beach in the world by Sunsail. The team at Sunsail analysed factors such as accessibility, online searches, connectivity, noise and amenities to determine which beaches were the most secluded. Beaches with fewer social media searches are considered less exposed, with experts concluding that "the less people likely to know about them". Similarly, beaches with poor phone service also scored highly in the ranking - offering visitors a chance to truly "switch off". "Each beach has been ranked against these factors and given a score out of 17," the report explained. "The lower the score, the more secluded and remote the beach is." Due to its remote and largely inaccessible location, Nanjizal Beach remains one of the UK's most untouched beaches, reports the Express. However, with the rise of Instagram, it's slowly gaining popularity among those keen to capture a unique photo. Most of the time, the beach is usually only frequented by walkers on the coastal path. One of the intriguing features of this beach, however, is the colour of its water. Cornwall Beaches describes the ever-changing nature of a local beach: "Situated at the end of a short, shallow valley, the beach changes from year to year. "Sometimes the beach is a pretty boulder-strewn cove, whilst at others there is plenty of golden sand stretching right across the bay. One thing is constant though - the unusually clear blue water." The beach draws attention not just for its shifting sands but also for its intriguing caves, with the most famous being "Song of the Sea". This cave is a natural wonder, bathed in light and home to an emerald lagoon. Visitors can gaze out at the Atlantic from the far end of the cave, while also admiring the striking rock formation known as the Diamond Horse. For those keen on visiting Nanjazil Beach, it's crucial to prioritise safety. It's advised to check tidal schedules and aim for low tide, as the beach significantly shrinks when high tide comes in. To get to the beach, you can follow the coastal path from Land's End, with Nanjazil lying about a mile to the south. Alternatively, park your car at Porthgwarra and enjoy a one-mile walk to this coastal gem.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Greek hidden gems include 'floating village' and 'some of the best beaches in the world'
Google searches for 'Greek island hidden gems' have risen by 100% in the past three months, with people looking to avoid the crowds at more well-known destinations As the summer season inches closer, folks across the nation are busy pencilling in their holiday itineraries for this year or even mapping out plans for the next. It seems that Greece is enjoying quite the buzz, with searches for 'Greek island hidden gems' on Google surging by 100% over the past three months. Claire Shields, Base Manager at Sunsail, is unveiling her top picks for Greek islands that she reckons are brimming with untouched splendour and serene vibes. Her selections include Kastos, described as a "floating village" where "time slows down," Atokos, which stands uninhabited with wild pigs freely wandering, and Paxos, deemed one of the Ionian Sea's least commercialised spots, offering picturesque vistas that turn it into an "artist's paradise." Six 'hidden gem' Greek islands Lefkas Claire highlights Lefkas as "one of Greece's best hidden gems", pointing to its spellbinding natural wonders, genuine Greek atmosphere, and spectacular beaches minus the throngs found on more popular islands. Conveniently reached with Preveza airport just a hop away and solid links to the mainland, Lefkas is a prime choice. Aside from its striking beauty, Claire asserts Lefkas is host to "some of the best beaches in the world," advising visitors to make tracks to Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma. Don't miss out on Sivota's quaint harbour, nestled among olive grove-clad hills and dotted with isolated villas, reports the Express. Meganisi "Meganisi is a small island near Lefkas with hidden coves and sea caves, great for sailing, seafood and snorkelling," the expert reveals. "It is one of the few Ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism, which is why it's such an underrated hidden gem." This island boasts an authentic Greek atmosphere, complete with fishing villages, quaint family-owned tavernas, and subterranean caves ready to be discovered. The island's most notable cave, Papanikolis Cave, served as a submarine hideout during World War 2 and is accessible only by the sea. Atokos Atokos, a privately owned, uninhabited isle nestled between Lefkada and Ithaca, welcomes travellers. Its pristine beauty offers a tranquil retreat and makes for a picturesque visit. On its eastern side lies One House Bay, famous for its resident wild pigs, presenting a quirky and unique attraction amidst the Greek archipelago. Kalamos and Kastos Close to the coast of Lefkada stand the petite islands Kalamos and Kastos. Forested with pines, Kalamos exudes tranquillity, whereas Kastos boasts just a single village. Sailing around Kalamos reveals secluded beaches, hidden sea caves, and flawless spots for swimming in solitude. For those seeking a 'slow living' experience during their getaway, Kalamos is the perfect destination. Free from bustling beach bars and large resorts, you'll meander along local tavernas serving up freshly caught fish, house-made wine and locally grown vegetables. Claire describes Kastos, with its mere 100 permanent residents, as nearly a "floating village." She adds: "With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here. You'll also find unspoilt beaches with clear turquoise water only reachable by boat or by foot." Paxos Paxos is seen as the least commercial of the Ionian Islands, which Claire dubs an "artist's paradise." She divulges: "It's a perfect place to wind down; nothing is done quickly here. "Sit and drink an iced coffee in one of the seafront cafes, watch a local fisherman bring his catch in to sell or queue in the local bakery for your fresh bread baked in a wood oven. This is the beauty of Paxos." Agia Efimia, a stunning fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia, offers another chance for visitors to embrace some slow living. Here, people can unwind while watching beautiful boats navigating the marina and sampling local treats from waterside cafes and bars. Concluding her insights, Claire remarks: "Want to channel your inner adventurer? There's still plenty to be explored here as there are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken to by a boatman. "Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits, and the caves are linked to the Melisani Lake further inland by underwater passages."
Metro
04-05-2025
- Metro
The lesser-known Greek 'floating village' with return flights for just £100
Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini: all stunning Greek islands we've heard of time and time again. But if you're in search of an island less travelled, then look no further than Kastos. Boasting unspoiled nature and tranquillity in abundance, it's a brilliant alternative to the likes of popular destinations like Corfu. Home to less than 100 residents, Kastos feels like a 'floating village' according to travel expert Claire Shields of Sunsail, a yacht charter company. 'With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here,' she says. If you're a sucker for a beach and turquoise water, you'll be right at home on this small island. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. When surrounded by glistening ocean there's one must do, and that's water sports. From swimming to snorkelling and scuba diving to sailing, take the opportunity to do it all. Paralia Vali beach is just a short walk from the port and is the most popular beach, while Limni beach is a particularly good one for swimming. Babakia and Vrisidia are both on the east coast of the island while Aberlaki is on the south coast – all are accessible by foot or by car. Agios Emilianos is also a must visit because it's where Fokotrypa (Seal Hole) can be found – a small cave with a beach inside it. It's full of history too, with archaeological findings from as far back as the Roman and Early Byzantine years. Kastos was also a refuge for fighters and civilians during the Greek Revolution, when Greeks revolted against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. There's even a little Marine Museum – 'Home of the Fin Whale' – which holds the skeleton of a young fin whale which washed up on the shore of the island in the 70s. The quaint little sea port of Kastos offers stunning sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, which has panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Mylos Bar is another spot with a 'spectacular' and 'phenomenal' view of the Ionian sea, according to Tripadvisor users. El.a Cafe Bar also came highly recommended by many users too. User iskrapari wrote: 'Beautiful island Kastos, but it is upgraded by this particular bar. It is not only the magnificent view from the balcony but… warm and friendly… excellent drinks and especially the rock, jazz, blues dance that make up its uniqueness.' A mini-market behind the main harbour has the essentials you'll need like fruit and veg but don't expect to find any cash points, or chemists. Card payments aren't typically accepted here, so make sure to take out plenty of cash before you go. While you're staying on Kastos, you should take the opportunity to visit its neighbour Kalamos, via ferry or boat. Covered in pine forests, it's a chance to really switch off and connect with nature. Travel and yachting expert Claire says: 'Sailing around Kalamos means discovering quiet beaches, sea caves, and perfect little swim with no one else around. 'It's also great for slow living. You will not find big beach bars or resorts, just local tavernas with fresh fish, homemade wine and homegrown vegetables.' If you're a keen walker, the Kalamos mountain range will give you some breathtaking views, while some creeks are great to explore via kayak or small boat. You can also explore the two villages Kalamos on the east coats, and Episkopi on the northwest coast. Kalamos is your best bet for restaurants, cafes and shops, with a small promenade and some limited hotels. Episkopi has a harbour, a single restaurant and a small cluster of houses, although its near to the ruins of a Venetian castle which is great to explore. Getting to this little hidden gem isn't as simple its more popular counterparts but it's not ridiculously pricey either. More Trending You'll want to fly from London Gatwick to Preveza airport, also known as Aktion National Airport in Greece. It'll cost you £108 per person for a return flight with easyJet, and your journey will take around three-and-a-half hours. This will land you just 6.7 kilometres from Preveza and 20km from the nearby island of Lefkada. Once your out of the airport, you'll need to get a transfer to Mytikas, either by taxi or bus. By taxi will set you back around £15 but you'll get to the port in just 11 minutes, while a bus is more expensive and will take hours because of the long-winded route. Once you catch the ferry (which only operates once daily) it'll take 40 minutes before you finally reach your destination. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I thought bird-watching was for pensioners until I flew 8,000 miles from home MORE: The 'jaw-dropping' Greek beach that's just four hours from UK named world's best MORE: I trekked Earth's second-largest rainforest to meet one of our closest ancestors
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Daily Mail
I'm a Greece expert and these underrated destinations are the country's best kept secrets
Greece is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations with more than 35 million travellers holidaying there in 2024. This means that its more popular spots, such as Santorini and Mykonos, tend to get a little overcrowded. But with over 6,000 islands in Greece, the country has more than enough destinations where you can escape the crowds. And if you're looking for inspiration, Greece expert and base manager at Sunsail, Claire Shields, has shared her six favourite hidden gems. Lefkas Claire describes the island of Lefkas as one of Greece's 'best hidden gems' with 'stunning natural beauty' and 'incredible beaches'. She reveals: 'Lefkas island has some of the best beaches in the world, like Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. The small villages in the mountain also offer breathtaking sunset views.' Lefkas is connected to the Greek mainland which means it's only around an hour's drive from Preveza Airport. Claire adds: 'For those wanting to explore further afield, Lefkas is a great location as there are many small islands within a short distance that you can visit.' Meganisi A small island with 'hidden coves and sea caves', Claire reveals that Meganisi is a great destination for sailing, seafood and snorkelling. She explains: 'It is one of the few Ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism which is why it's such an underrated hidden gem. 'It has a laidback, authentic Greek vibe with fishing villages, traditional family-run tavernas and underground caves to explore.' The travel expert recommends visiting Papanikolis Cave, which is only accessible by boat. Atokos This 'small uninhabited island' is a must-visit destination, according to Claire. She adds: 'Untouched nature and limestone cliffs make it a stunning place to visit and ideal for relaxation. 'To the east of the island is One House Bay, where you will find wild pigs roaming around.' According to Claire, Atokos is an 'ideal' destination if you 'want to feel closer to nature.' Kalamos and Kastos These two 'tiny' and tranquil islands are some of Greece's best hidden gems, according to Claire. She says: 'Kalamos has a few perfect natural harbours which are calm and protected. Sailing around Kalamos means discovering quiet beaches, sea caves and swimming with no one else around.' Meanwhile on Kastos, tourists can expect to find 'unspoiled beaches with clear turquoise water'. Claire explains: 'Home to less than 100 permanent residents, Kastos feels like a floating village. With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here.' Paxos Claire says: 'One of the least commercial Greek islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful with scenery that makes it an artist's paradise. 'Its clear aquamarine sea and pebble beaches must be seen to be believed.' The travel expert explains that Paxos is the 'perfect place to wind down' as 'nothing is done quickly here'. She suggests grabbing an iced coffee at one of the island's seafront cafes and watching a local fisherman bring in his catch. Agia Efimia This 'gorgeous fishing village' on the east of Kefalonia is the perfect holiday destination if you want a 'slower pace of life', says Claire. She suggests tourists spend the day 'watching beautiful boats entering and leaving the marina'. Claire adds: 'There are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken in by a boatman. 'Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits.' And if you're looking for more breathtaking holiday destinations in Greece, why not check out the gorgeous spot that's been described as the 'Maldives of Europe'. Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete is world-famous because of its pink sand and crystal-clear water. Its pastel-pink sand gets its colour from Foraminifera, tiny marine creatures which create red-pigmented shells. Over time, the shells break down and mix with the sand giving it its attractive pink colour.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
How to spend a week sailing around Greece's Ioanian islands
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). 'Ready to tack?' a voice shouts. Before I can ask what that means, the sails flicker and the entire boat suddenly tilts sideways. Dishes and bowls of fruit crash against each other inside the cabin. I grab hold of the railing and laugh nervously, but the smiles on my crewmates' faces reassure me that this is a good manoeuvre. Moments later, we catch the wind and we're off. Apostolis Tsiokos, our tanned,silver-haired skipper, is humming along to We Are Sailing by Rod Stewart. The 52ft monohull yacht, Neifinn, can accommodate up to 11 crew members but, this week, there's only three of us on board: me, Apostolis and Loïc, a passenger from France. We're just one boat of the 11-strong flotilla — a convoy of nine other monohulls and a catamaran, with sailors from around the UK, Germany and the US, as well as a lead boat helmed by Sunsail's local team. We all met yesterday on the island of Lefkada (sometimes known as Lefkas), which sits in the Ionian Sea just off the west coast of Greece. It has deep connections to Homer's epic poem The Odyssey — German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld believed modern Lefkada was Odysseus's ancient Ithaca. Today, the island draws visitors to its many interesting historical sites, and to its golden bays for windsurfing and other watersports. (These are the top 25 islands to visit by boat in 2025.) 'The Ionian Sea is a paradise,' says Apostolis in a slow, baritone voice. 'It has a lot of islands, beautiful beaches, welcoming ports, quiet places… I like this job and meeting different people from all over the world.' The 60-year-old Lefkada native spent most of his adult years teaching PE and worked as a skipper during the school holidays. When he retired from teaching he continued skippering, and now has clients that book with him time and time again. Sailing south from Lefkada towards the smaller island of Meganisi, the gentle wind blows us and we glide effortlessly along the calm, silky surface of the water. En route, we pass the small, private island of Skorpios, which is notable for being the spot where Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Transformed from barren to verdant by the Greek shipping tycoon, it's still known as 'Onassis Island' nearly 50 years after his death. Meganisi, positioned southeast of Lefkada, is renowned for its sea caves, including Papanikolis Cave, a rumoured hiding place of the eponymous submarine during the Second World War. Eager to experience this history for ourselves, we anchor Neifinn near the grotto and climb into the tender boat (dinghy). As we row closer towards the shadowed cave, the temperature plummets and the cool stillness envelopes us. The sound of the waves lapping against rocks echoes through the enormous cavern. White-washed crags, stained with red algae, peak out just above the surface of the water. We sit quietly for a few minutes to absorb the calm before heading back to the yacht. As we sail away to our stop for the night, Meganisi's Vathi Harbour, the jagged, grey cliffs and the intensely blue water swiftly conceal their secret hiding place once again. Before following our flotilla from Vathi to the island of Kastos the next morning, the lead boat announces over the radio that we're going to have a regatta — but the lack of wind makes for a relatively slow race. We bob around a little and that dreaded seasick feeling washes over me. I pause to remember what I'd spoken about with Dee Caffari — an MBE and record-breaker for sailing around the world nonstop three times — who's part of our flotilla. Before we set off on our voyage, she advised me: 'Actively engaging in the activity really helps. If you have something to focus on, like driving or looking at the horizon or the sails, you don't have time to think about feeling sick.' Apostolis ushers me to the helm to pilot the boat. He instructs me to keep my eye on a specific part of the jagged mountain top in the distance and guide the boat towards it. He smiles and nods approvingly as I drive. The seasickness fades away and I take pride in my new entry-level sailing skills. As we approach Kastos, a stone windmill-turned-taverna stands alone on the hill to the left of the bay. On arrival, I find mountain goats and cats to be the main inhabitants, bar a small number of permanent residents who run the shops and tavernas. A family of goats trot nonchalantly through the town square as I walk by. When I make my way up the hill towards to the restaurant, another goat watches me weave around the tiny, prickly cactuses dotted on the pebble path. We sit for dinner by the water at Taverna Belos, joined by other crew members from the flotilla, and admire the boats swaying softly in the tiny harbour. I devour a plate of saganaki (pan-seared cheese) and a huge portion of fried calamari. The rest of the menu is full of Greek favourites such as pork souvlaki, kolokythokeftedes (fried courgette balls), lamb chops and aubergine salad. A few hours of relaxed sailing from Kastos brings us to the town of Kioni on the island of Ithaca — just off the northeast coast of Kefalonia. 'The three most important sailing tips are: drink water, drink coffee and smoke cigarettes,' Apostolis chuckles, as he releases a cloud of pungent vape. 'After the first coffee, my mind starts to work, but before this… nothing.' I nod in agreement as I sip my freddo cappuccino. Loïc and I decide to hike into the quiet hills to search for Kioni's prominent lighthouses. The punishing afternoon heat gets to us before we find them, so we begin the trek back to the boat. En route, an elderly lady observes us from her porch and her face lights up when we greet her. Smiling, she offers us a coffee. We thank her but persevere with our journey — we're being treated to a hearty, slow-roasted lamb kleftiko dinner at Calypso restaurant later. The next day, anchored just off the beach of Mikros Gialos in southeastern Lefkada, I dangle my feet in the cool water as I sit on the back of the boat. Apostolis breezes towards me — clutching slightly stale bread in one hand, his e-cigarette in the other. I break up the offering and drop a piece in the water. This must be the favourite meal of wrasses — a breed of shiny, bright blue fish often found in these waters. The entire school darts to each piece I toss, their stripes glinting in the sun. (Why you should go beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece.) Later, we dock in the busy port of Sivota, a village on the southern coast of Lefkada. It's dotted with boutique shops, cafes with fridges full of gelato and tavernas touting cold beers. Tonight, we're expecting a full moon and Apostolis knows the perfect place to watch it. As in every port, he's greeted almost like a celebrity, shaking hands with all who cross our path — he seems to know everyone, and everyone knows him. We head to Stavros Taverna, overlooking the harbour where we're welcomed warmly by the elderly owner Stavros, who keeps a watchful eye on his guests and their needs. I sample a range of delicious starters recommended by Apostolis, followed by some squid ink risotto and a moussaka. 'People think a sailing holiday is all sailing, 12 hours a day, but actually, it's more like moving your hotel room to a different location' Dee explains at dinner. 'You can snorkel, swim, bike, discover the village, eat great food. You explore more of the destination in an enjoyable way and go to places that other travellers may not get to go to.' Her words echo in my mind as we stop at a secret beach before beginning our journey back towards Lefkada. There's not another soul in sight. The turquoise water glistens in the sun as it gently rolls onto the shore. We have the whole white sand beach to ourselves. 'Sailors are smart, quiet people,' says Apostolis. 'We might look lazy, but we're always watching: the wind, the sails, what's on the horizon,' he trails off, raising the sails for our final day of sailing. 'Slowly, slowly,' he directs an eager Loïc. 'We have time. We're never in a hurry.' I'd raised the anchor earlier, feeling fulfilled, like I was slowly getting the hang of sailing. I can feel the wind pick up and I know what's coming next. I'm prepared this time — like the maids in Mary Poppins taking hold of all the valuables before the admiral fires his cannon. I grab hold of the loose items within arm's reach and stand poised, ready to tack. Published in the Cruise guide, available with the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
