Holidays on the beach

This is an important distinction that significantly affects your daily holiday comfort.

• Beachfront hotel: direct access to the beach from the hotel grounds, no road crossing needed
• Hotel with beach access: beach nearby, but requires a short walk or transfer to reach it
• Always check the distance in metres, not just "close to the beach" — descriptions can be misleading
• Beachfront hotels are usually more expensive but save time and eliminate the need to reserve sun loungers
• For families with young children, direct beach access is a major convenience and safety advantage

The best beach depends on your preferences — sand or pebbles, lively or quiet, sea or ocean.

• Greece: Mykonos, Zakynthos (Navagio Beach), and Crete — crystal-clear water and white sand
• Turkey: Ölüdeniz, Bodrum, and Antalya — long sandy beaches and turquoise sea
• Spain: Canary Islands, Ibiza, and Costa del Sol — diverse beaches for every taste
• Egypt: Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh — warm sea year-round and rich coral reefs
• Exotic: Maldives, Thailand (Phuket, Krabi), and Zanzibar — white sand beaches and palm trees

A few key details can make a significant difference to your beach holiday experience.

• Beach type: sandy or pebbly — especially important for children and older travellers
• Sun loungers and parasols: included in the price or charged separately (up to €20–30 per day at popular resorts)
• Public or private beach — a private hotel beach guarantees more space and tranquillity
• Facilities: showers, changing rooms, beach bar, and lifeguards on duty
• Check recent reviews for cleanliness and sea conditions — strong waves can be an issue

The board type matters a lot, especially during an active day at the beach.

• All inclusive: meals, drinks, and snacks included — no need to search for restaurants
• Bed and breakfast (BB): more freedom to explore local restaurants and cafés
• Half board (HB): breakfast and dinner included — a good balance between convenience and local dining
• For families with young children, all inclusive is usually the most practical option
• In popular resorts, beach restaurant prices are high — all inclusive often works out better value

A few simple rules help avoid the most common problems during a beach holiday.

• Always check beach flags: green — safe, yellow — caution, red — no swimming
• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days — sun reflection off water intensifies UV
• Avoid swimming after a heavy meal or in areas without a lifeguard on duty
• Keep documents and electronics in the hotel safe rather than leaving them on the beach
• Drink plenty of water — dehydration at the beach happens faster than most people expect

Timing is crucial for water temperature, weather conditions, and prices.

• June and September: warm, sea well-heated, fewer crowds and lower prices than July–August
• July–August: peak season, warmest water, but the busiest and most expensive time to travel
• Egypt and Canary Islands: available year-round — perfect for a beach getaway in winter
• Greece and Turkey: beach season runs from May through to October
• Booking 4–6 months in advance secures the best beachfront hotels at the most competitive rates