Latest news with #beaches
CTV News
4 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Two Orillia beaches experiencing high bacteria levels
Barrie Watch Two Orillia beaches are under swimming advisories due to the high bacteria levels in the water.
Condé Nast Traveler
4 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Airbnbs in Bermuda for a Dreamy Beach Getaway
One of my greatest travel memories is the first time I dug my feet into the blush-colored sand of Bermuda's Horseshoe Bay Beach. Decades later, I'm still just as awestruck by the pink-hued coastlines of this archipelago some 650 miles east of North Carolina. But I've learned over the years that the island nation has far more to offer than just its prized beaches. It also has excellent places to stay (good news, considering you're probably here looking for an Airbnb in Bermuda), and a treasure trove of natural wonders, including the historic ruins of Southlands National Park, a birdwatching sanctuary at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, and the intricate Crystal & Fantasy Caves. The African Diaspora Heritage Trail celebrates the nation's Black history, while Carnival festivities every June fill the streets with high-energy parties and live bands. And then there's the simple charm of the island, best enjoyed at sunset, when rows of pastel-colored homes are aglow, rum swizzle cocktails are served at watering holes, and docks are filled with swimmers ready to take their last dives of the day. There are plenty of vacation rentals around the island that capitalize on the island's beauty, plentiful activities, and upbeat spirit, many featuring the hallmarks of Bermudian architecture: white limestone roofs, interiors of blue and pale pink, large windows to maximize natural light, and spacious verandas. So whether you're looking for a place to stay along the boutique-lined streets of Hamilton or Southampton's treasured beaches, there's something for you on this list of the best Airbnbs to consider in Bermuda. While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
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Travel + Leisure
13 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach Was Named Most Underrated in the U.S.–and It's in America's 'Hidden Beach Capital'
The summer sun is in full effect and you may be thinking about hitting the beach, but honestly so is everyone else. Luckily there are still plenty of beaches that fly under the radar, and thanks to a new report from boat tour company BoatBooker, we know exactly where they are. South Carolina's Vereen Memorial Park was named the top hidden gem by the boating site, which analyzed Google Maps data for key terms like "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches," and "quiet beaches," zeroing in on locations with fewer than 100 reviews. Each beach was then ranked using a combined score based on its average rating and number of reviews. "America's coast offers unparalleled diversity beyond the tourist beach resorts," Vukan Simic, the founder of BoatBooker, shared. "America's off-the-beaten-path coastline offers the authentic American beach experience, the one that travelers are seeking—unspoiled waters, stunning scenery, and the freedom to truly get close to the natural wonders of our country." When it comes to Vereen Memorial Park, which sits just north of Myrtle Beach, the 115-acre park "offers a serene escape into nature and a journey through history" and is "ideal for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, tranquility, or both," according to Visit Myrtle Beach. The park also comes with the bonus of no admission fee. Beyond Vereen Memorial Park, South Carolina emerged as "America's hidden beach capital," according to BoatBooker, with five locations in the top 10 located in the Palmetto State. That includes Driftwood Beach at No. 2, Morris Island at No. 4, Station 22 at No. 9, and Edisto Beach State Park Campground at No. 10. California also earned high praise with nine spots on the list, including its highest-ranking beach, Torrey Pines City Beach in San Diego, at No. 5. Other top spots in California included Dana Strands Beach at No. 7 and Pirates Cove Beach at No. 8 to round out the top 10. The site also noted state and national parks dominated the rankings, with protected areas offering the most "pristine and uncrowded beach experiences across America." Check out the complete top 20 list from BoatBooker below. Vereen Memorial Park: South Carolina Driftwood Beach: South Carolina Gunnison Beach: New Jersey Morris Island: South Carolina Torrey Pines City Beach: California Caswell Beach: North Carolina Dana Strands Beach: California Pirates Cove Beach: California Station 22 - Public Beach Access: South Carolina Edisto Beach State Park Campground: South Carolina Ocean Isle Beach: North Carolina Salt Creek Beach: California Gulf Shores Beach: Alabama Beach Access #4 - Beach Circle: Texas Cape Hatteras National Seashore: North Carolina Kirby Beach: California Funston Beach: California Carolina Beach: North Carolina Santa Ana River County Beach River Jetties: California Coquina Beach: North Carolina Little Corona Beach: California Crissy Field South Beach: California
Times
a day ago
- Times
The beachy, breezy no-fly French city that's a quick ferry hop away
The massive stone walls of St Malo rise out of the English Channel, standing proudly against a vast seascape studded with rocky islets and one of the highest tidal ranges in Europe. This city on Brittany's beautiful north coast, almost surrounded by water, rose to fame in the 17th and 18th centuries as a corsair's lair, its pirates had a royal mandate to attack enemy shipping. Its diamond-shaped old town comprises a maze of narrow streets just as likely to lead you to a square lined with busy cafés asit is to send you through a gate in the walls to a sandy beach. Beyond the walled old town on one side stretches the breathtaking Grand Plage du Sillon — just one of the city's many beaches — while on the other, beyond the port, lies the quiet suburb of St Servan. And the food is fantastic, from fresh local shellfish to buckwheat galettes, delicious Breton butter and crisp cider. I first visited St Malo 40 years ago — and it has never lost its charm. Whether you're after culture, food or beaches, St Malo makes for an unforgettable and easily accessible city break or family getaway (it's between six to eight hours by ferry from the UK), and is a perfect springboard for exploring the surrounding coastline as well as visiting the Unesco-listed Mont St Michel in neighbouring Normandy. • Morning Explore the old town• Eat at Crêperie La Duchesse Anne• Afternoon Beach time• Drink at Bar de l'Univers• Evening St Servan• Eat at L'Armateur • Morning Mont St Michel• Eat at Le Logis Sainte-Catherine• Afternoon Rothéneuf• Drink at Cave & Bar à vins Le Brise Lames • Evening The villas of Paramé• Eat at Annadata • St Malo's walled old town is every bit as impressive and steeped in atmosphere as you might hope — rambling cobbled streets and squares alive with the buzz of cafés and restaurants. There is no right or wrong way to explore: simply enter at any gate and wander its labyrinthine streets. Not to be missed are the ramparts, which you can follow almost in their entirety, and La Demeure de Corsaire, a former privateer's mansion which paints a vivid portrait of the city's rich maritime past (£7; • Having been surrounded by the sea since you arrived, now is the time to hit the beach. Go through the gate at Port St Pierre and you'll find yourself on Plage de Bon-Secours, with its seawater pool; at low tide you can walk out to the rocky tidal islet of Le Grand Bé. Around the corner of the old town is Grande Plage du Sillon, a huge expanse of sand with views stretching to the horizon. Keep an eye on the tide as the water comes in fast and right up to the walls (check for tide times).• The hilltop Cité d'Alet in St Servan, west of the ferry port, was the original Gallo-Roman settlement of what became St Malo. Its broad footpaths meander above the sea in the shade of lush trees — the views from up here are particularly good — while the neighbourhood is also home to some excellent restaurants. Don't miss the Tour Solidor, a medieval keep guarding the mouth of the Rance estuary. The most fun way to explore the area is on a Segway tour (from £26; It's halfway round Mont St Michel Bay and technically in Normandy, but who's quibbling? You simply cannot come to St Malo without paying a visit to Unesco-listed Mont St Michel, which stands tall amid racing tidal waters like some medieval wedding cake. The abbey, built from the 12th century onwards, with layers of construction standing one on top of the other, seems at times to defy gravity — and the views from the upper terrace are sublime (from £11; There are two reasons to visit the area around Rothéneuf, less than 15 minutes' drive northeast of St Malo. The first is the wild, windswept and beautifully rugged headland of Pointe de la Varde, with its gorgeous sandy beach in a sheltered bay. The second is the excellent Musée Jacques Cartier, in the former home of this 16th-century French seafarer and explorer who 'discovered' Canada (£6; Join a tour of Paramé, the suburb alongside Plage de la Hoguette, with its succession of grand 19th-century villas built by wealthy Parisians. Afterwards take a last stroll back along Grande Plage du Sillon towards the old town, and catch the sunset from the mighty medieval walls. This is the best place in the old town to indulge in delicious Breton crêpes. Try La Duchesse de Touraine, a buckwheat galette with St Maure goat's cheese, local honey, salad and walnuts; or the signature La Duchesse Anne, a wheat crêpe with Breton biscuit ice cream, salted butter caramel and whipped cream (mains from £12; There are fancier places in town for a drink, but this is a St Malo institution, on Place Chateaubriand, and heaving with locals enjoying coffee, beer and cider. It opened in the 1920s as a yacht club, and the interior has plenty of atmosphere and old wood panelling, although during the day the terrace out front is the place to be (drinks from £3.50; One of the very best restaurants in the old town, L'Armateur is friendly and cosy, with a focus on all things fresh and local. Seasonal dishes might include hake with linguine, beurre blanc and wild garlic; on my visit, I had the best risotto with morels and ceps I've ever tasted. Vegetarians should call ahead: it will prepare something off-menu (mains from £18; If you do a day trip to Mont st Michel, this is hands down the best place to eat. Removed some distance from the busy main street, it has fabulous food, and a fine terrace with wonderful views across the bay. Enjoy dishes such as gratinated clams with wild garlic, artichoke barigoule, and Chausey Islands lobster (mains from £32; Back in St Malo, alongside Grande Plage du Sillon, try this wine shop and bar, it has an excellent selection of wines from across France, the majority from small vineyards, as well as cheese and charcuterie platters if you're feeling peckish (drinks from £3.50; This old town vegetarian and vegan restaurant — very rare in Brittany — is phenomenal. The short daily-changing blackboard menu highlights the very best of local, organic and seasonal produce, dishes are beautifully presented — plusselection of organic wines, local beers and excellent cocktails rounds things off. Expect heritage beets with feta and herbs; buckwheat, nori and dill pavé; and strawberry cake with fennel confit. How it doesn't have a Michelin Green star is beyond me (set menu £37; This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Great stay in the old townStaying in St Malo's vibrant Intra-Muros comes with stacks of atmosphere but some inevitable street noise. At the small and recently refurbished Hotel Cartier, opt for a Chambre Privilège — these are larger, with plenty of windows and a view of the streets below (room-only doubles from £88; Best for ocean views and luxuryThe ultimate place to stay in St Malo, the Oceania is not, as you might expect, within the old town, but facing the huge stretch of golden sand that is Grande Plage du Sillon. Luxurious and modern, the Oceania is decorated in natural, earthy tones, and comes with impeccable service and a particularly swish pool and spa area. It's definitely worth splashing out for a room with an ocean view and a terrace — the Evasion rooms are the ones to go for: spacious, stylish, with mesmerising sea views (room-only doubles from £127; Boutique beach vibesFurther out along Grande Plage du Sillon, this lovely little boutique hotel has great views of the beach. Rooms have plenty of light, with driftwood colours, and there's a very pleasant breakfast room and bar facing the sea (room-only doubles from £130; Brittany Ferries operate overnight and daytime sailings between Portsmouth and St Malo, with comfortable sea-facing cabins from £84. Waking up with a view of the Breton coast through the porthole makes for a seriously impressive arrival. It's a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the old town. St Malo is 2 hours 30 minutes from Paris by train; Rennes airport is 50 miles to the south. The largely pedestrianised old town is easily explored on foot. Local buses run to Rothéneuf and Cancale and there's a direct service to Mont St Michel ( Bike hire is available via Les Vélos Bleus ( There's no such thing as too much time in Brittany. Head to the little seaside town of Cancale for fresh oysters, or beaches such as Plage de l'Anse du Guesclin for sand and surf (both 20 minutes by car). The best way to explore is by bike — Brittany has enough cycle routes to keep you busy half a lifetime. Rudolf Abraham was a guest of St Malo Tourisme ( Brittany Tourism ( and Brittany Ferries (
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Spaniards struggle to enjoy their own beaches in tourist deluge
Bathers cool off in the water while others sunbathe on a Barcelona beach, Spain, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti,File) MADRID - International holidaymakers are keeping Spaniards off their own sun-kissed beaches due to ever-rising hotel and rental prices during an unprecedented tourism boom. Spain's top 25 Mediterranean and Atlantic coast destinations saw local tourism drop by 800,000 people last year whereas foreign visitors rose 1.94 million, according to previously unreported official data reviewed by analysis firm inAtlas. The trend looks sure to continue as the world's second-most visited country - after France - anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors this year. 'Prices have risen outrageously. The whole Spanish coast is very expensive,' said Wendy Davila, 26. She canceled an 'exorbitant' trip with her boyfriend in Cadiz on the south coast for a cheaper visit to the inland city of Burgos, famed for its Gothic cathedral and the tomb of 11th century commander El Cid. 'Now you don't go on holiday wherever you want, but wherever you can,' added Davila, who is nostalgic for childhood beach holidays in Alicante on the Mediterranean. With a population of 48 million - half the number of foreign visitors each year - Spain relies heavily on tourism, which contributes more than 13% of GDP. But protests are growing over housing shortages exacerbated by mass tourism - and could be exacerbated by the indignity for Spaniards being priced out of their favorite holidays. Hotel prices have risen 23% in the past three years to an average of 136 euros (US$159) a night, according to data company Mabrian. Beachfront rentals have also climbed 20.3% since mid-2023, according to price monitoring firm Tecnitasa, with most of them booked out for the summer by the first quarter. 'It is becoming increasingly difficult for Spanish holidaymakers to afford beachfront tourism rentals,' said Tecnitasa Group President Jose Maria Basanez. Foreign tourists stayed an average of eight nights at top Spanish beaches last year, with locals only affording half that time and spending a quarter of the money, inAtlas said. In fact resort hotels are modifying down their forecasts for this summer, even despite the foreign boom, partly because places where residents tend to take their holidays expect slower sales. Spaniards also made near 400,000 fewer trips to the country's major cities in 2024 compared to the previous year, while foreign tourist visits there increased by almost 3 million. Going inland Aware of the brewing discontent and disparities, Spain's socialist government is encouraging international tourists to explore inland attractions to address overcrowding and diversify. 'If we want to continue to be leaders in international tourism, we have to decentralize our destinations,' Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said at the launch of a first campaign to highlight Spain's lesser-known charms in June. 'We want Europeans and those from other continents to rethink their idea of the Spain they love and visit so much.' Spaniards have a strong tradition of escaping for family holidays in the hot summer months, but they are turning more to Airbnb rentals than hotels, and swapping Catalonia or the Balearic Islands for lesser-known destinations in Andalucia or Castille and Leon where prices are lower and mass tourism is yet to hit. Last year, 1.7 million more Spaniards holidayed in generally more affordable inland areas, according to inAtlas. In the mountain town of El Bosque for example, 100 km from the beaches of Cadiz on the Atlantic, the number of Spanish tourists increased by 22% last year. 'There may be a certain displacement effect,' said Juan Pedro Aznar, professor and researcher at the Madrid-based Esade business school, noting Spaniards' lower purchasing power compared to British and German tourists. For some Spaniards, it is best to avoid the summer crowds altogether. Nurse Maria de la Jara will stay in Madrid this summer, only going south to visit family in Cadiz once the busy season is over. 'I used to go to my family's house, but there are more and more foreign tourists in Cadiz and when a cruise ship arrives, the population doubles,' said the 51-year-old. (Reporting by Corina Pons, additional reporting by Ana Cantero; editing by Aislinn Laing and Andrew Cawthorne)
