logo
Dreamy Mediterranean escapes for your next holiday

Dreamy Mediterranean escapes for your next holiday

Telegraph23-05-2025
The summer season is almost upon us and, naturally, the Mediterranean beckons. With long, hot days on the horizon and the Med at its most glorious, we've handpicked some dreamy destinations to inspire and delight.
Let every family moment shine on Turkey's turquoise coast
Whether your little ones crave water slides or your teens thrive on creative workshops, Barut Hotels knows how to design a holiday that works for everyone. These family-friendly resorts in Side, Antalya and Didim blend warm hospitality with smart, stress-free touches. Children are kept joyfully busy with professional entertainment programmes and skill-building activities, while adults unwind with spa rituals or barefoot beachside strolls.
Expect generous swimming pools, safe playgrounds and mouthwatering meals drawn from world cuisines – all made with fresh, local ingredients. Accommodation is cosy and contemporary, designed with comfort in mind. From sun-soaked breakfasts to evenings filled with good wine and great company, this is a place where family memories are made to last. To book your Barut experience, visit baruthotels.com
Savour grown-up refinement on Crete
Recently reborn with a sleek new look, Atlantica Kalliston Resort stretches out along the golden crescent of Agioi Apostoloi beach like an ode to the Mediterranean lifestyle. This adults-only haven blends cool coastal minimalism with just the right measure of grown-up indulgence, brilliantly backdropped by the exquisite blue of the Cretan Sea. Days here tend to drift between poolside lounging, soul-soothing spa rituals and long, languid lunches that segue into unforgettable sundowners.
If you can tear yourself away, the postcard-perfect harbour of Chania is just up the coast, with its irresistible maze of Venetian laneways, candlelit tavernas and chatty wine bars. Romantic, refined and just made for you and that special someone. Make it a date at atlanticahotels.com
Step into island splendour at Corfu Imperial
Set on its own private peninsula, Corfu Imperial is the crown jewel of Grecotel's luxury portfolio. Families can stretch out in elegant bungalows, new penthouse suites or the Il Boschetto Family oasis, while larger groups will love the Medusa Estate, a sprawling hilltop property. Meander from beach to exquisite pool to indulgent spa, with Grecoland Kids' Club offering the little ones mythical fun and games.
Adults can sample seafood at Yali, dine above the lapping waves at Aristos or toast another perfect sunset at the Odysseus cocktail terrace. Watersports, tennis and diving will keep everybody active. You can even explore a replica Corfiot village. With dreamy views, no fewer than four Blue Flag beaches and authentic top-tier hospitality, this is luxury island living at its most refined. Discover more or book your escape at grecotel.com/corfuimperial
Live like a Minoan at this lavish Cretan escape
A modern-day water palace framed by golden beaches and palm-lined lagoons, Amirandes is Grecotel's ode to Crete's legendary past and its more luxurious present. Recently refreshed, this five-star resort blends striking architecture with opulent details, from beachfront villas with private pools to revamped family bungalows and gym suites. Start the day with yoga or a dip in the Olympic-sized seafront pool and end with cocktails at the Lagoon Bar or sweet treats from the Knossos Patisserie.
Food is a real highlight here: from experiential fine dining at Minotaur with its original Picasso ceramics to Cretan classics at Xasteria and fresh seafood at Petrino. Unwind in the Elixir Alchemy Spa or explore nearby gorges and archaeological marvels. Discover your authentic Cretan escape at amirandes.com
Blend a classic Greek escape with a city-centre stay
Cape Sounio offers a rare mixture of myth, nature and elegance on the Athenian Riviera. Combining cosmopolitan elegance with Athenian Riviera glamour and just 40 minutes from the capital, this Grecotel resort sits within a pine forest reserve, facing the Temple of Poseidon. Terracotta bungalows are arranged like an amphitheatre, suites and villas feel like they've been carved from the landscape, bathed in lush light and softened by natural tones.
Swim in private pools or relax on sandy shores before dining with views of ancient ruins. Guests can pair their stay with a second base in Grecotel's city jewels: The Dolli, a boutique haven near the Acropolis, or The Roc Club in chic Vouliagmeni. Whether snorkelling over ancient reefs or dining under stars, this is no ordinary Greek holiday. Explore more at capesounio.com
Discover game-changing footwear for modern rule-breakers
Rokhz isn't just footwear, it's a mindset. Designed for women who break rules, blaze trails and embrace connection, adventure and balance and don't have time for shoes that can't keep up. Meticulously handcrafted in Spain, each pair fuses copper elements, artisan-set crystals and unapologetic boho glamour.
Precision-built for movement with cloud-like comfort, Rokhz sandals are your passport to conscious living, changing how you experience every step. Rokhz are light to pack, chic to wear and crafted for women who know that when you feel truly connected within yourself, you radiate confidence. This summer, don't just count your steps — make every one of them your own.
Shop now and get 20 per cent off your first purchase with code ROKHZSS20 at rokhz.com – offer valid until 30 May 2025.
Enjoy sun, sea and sublime suppers on Turkey's breathtaking coastline
Where pine forests meet the Mediterranean and the scent of orange blossom hangs in the warm air, Mirage Park Resort is a restorative escape on the Göynük coastline in Kemer. Framed by the Taurus Mountains, this expansive retreat strikes a thoughtful balance between nature and indulgence. A quarter-mile-long beach blends soft sand with smooth pebbles, while 628 elegant rooms invite you to unwind in comfort.
Dining is a standout here; indeed the resort is home to Turkey's first certified gluten-free kitchen, where 100 per cent gluten-free dishes are prepared in a dedicated space and served buffet-style. Add in sea views, fragrant breezes and that famously golden Turkish sunshine and you have a holiday that's equal parts effortless and exceptional. Plan your escape today at mirageparkresort.com
Step into the world of your favourite characters at a hotel in Turkey
At The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, the worlds of your favourite animated characters come to life in the most playful and exciting way. With 238 themed rooms and suites inspired by characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, Dora and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, every detail is designed for fun.
Themed pools and interactive play zones keep kids entertained, while Nickelodeon Land offers thrilling attractions from Bikini Bottom, Paw Patrol: Adventure Bay to Star Trek Wild Galaxy. Parents can unwind at the spa, Turkish hammam or fitness centre, then enjoy vibrant meals with views over the park. This family-friendly resort ensures lasting memories for everyone. Learn more at thelandoflegends.com
Experience a new kind of all-inclusive on Egypt's Red Sea coast
On the shores of Sharm el-Sheikh, Rixos Radamis represents a bold new era of family-friendly luxury. This gorgeous resort offers a rare blend of world-class design and imaginative experiences, from a private beach and luxury cabanas to tranquil gondola rides down a 2,300ft valley river. Rixy Kids Town is a standout and a firm family favourite, with over a dozen creative workshops designed exclusively to delight and inspire younger guests.
Grown-ups can explore 14 à la carte restaurants, unwind at the Anjana Spa or simply relax as live shows light up the evenings. This summer, global megastars Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias will be taking the Rixos stage. With three international buffets and entertainment that runs from sunrise to starlight, Rixos Radamis reimagines what an all-inclusive holiday can be. Plan your adventure in the sunshine at rixos.com
Escape to where the forest meets the sea in northern Greece
On the sun-kissed coast of Halkidiki, Cora Hotel & Spa, managed by Swot Hospitality, offers a retreat of rare balance and beauty. Perched on a pine-covered hillside above the Aegean, this refined resort invites guests aged 12 and over to relax, reset and reconnect. Start your day with a swim in the infinity pool or savour a moment of stillness in the sublime sea-facing spa.
Dine across three restaurants, offering everything from Mediterranean classics to sushi beneath the stars, or sip on something ice-cold at one of four bars. With yacht excursions, hikes, DJ-led beach parties and a dedicated teens' club, there's as much or as little to do as you please. Book now and join the members' club for up to 40 per cent off today at coraresort.com
Live like a local in a hip Athens neighbourhood
Fancy a Greek city break with a difference? The Omnia Collection offers a taste of sophisticated apartment-style living in the cultural heart of Pangrati. A short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square, this boutique stay lets you savour the rhythm and pace of real life in the Greek capital. Each modern apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen, washing machine and private balcony, giving you the freedom to feel as if you're truly at home.
Whether you're a young family needing space, a couple on your way out to the islands or simply in search of a longer, more immersive holiday in one of Europe's most fascinating cities, The Omnia Collection provides comfort, value and a genuine sense of place. Save 10 per cent with code TOC10 at omnia-pagrati.com (offer ends 30 June 2025).
Find seaside serenity with a dash of adventure on Crete
By the sweeping curve of Maleme Beach, Atlantica Ocean Beach Resort offers a charming balance of both tranquil beauty and upbeat, joyful energy. Days here begin with barefoot walks along the shoreline and end with golden-hour skies melting into the Cretan Sea. In between, amble at your own pace through the lushly scented gardens or make a splash with some exhilarating waterpark silliness. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and privacy, the resort also offers exclusive swim-up room options – perfect for a refreshing dip straight from your terrace.
Families will love the space to roam and play, while couples and friends can unwind in peace in the quieter nooks or get stuck into the nearby villages of Platanias and Chania, where timeless tavernas and abundant local character await. This is a setting where memories are made – sun-drenched, salt-kissed and a joy you'll cherish forever. See for yourself at atlanticahotels.com
Please check the latest travel guidance from the Foreign Office and regional authorities before booking any trip.
This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.
An advertiser provides this content and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Turkey's Islamist-leaning government risks putting off Western tourists
Turkey's Islamist-leaning government risks putting off Western tourists

Telegraph

timean hour ago

  • Telegraph

Turkey's Islamist-leaning government risks putting off Western tourists

A recent crackdown on booze-fuelled nightlife in the popular Turkish resort of Marmaris, and sensationalist reports that it has subsequently turned into a 'ghost town', have led to speculation that the country's conservative, Islamist-leaning government is reducing Turkey's appeal to Western tourists. This is a worry not only for the tourists concerned, many of whom return to this beautiful country time and again (not least Britons, 4.43 million of whom came in 2024), but for everyone in Turkey employed by tourism. Any significant drop in visitor numbers would be a major headache for the government too, with the industry accounting for 12 per cent of the country's GDP. But before looking at the likelihood of Turkey turning into another Dubai, where drinking is strictly regulated for visitors and forbidden for Muslims, it's worth looking at what happened in Marmaris at the beginning of the summer. Far from a curfew or slew of new, stricter rules on the closing times of bars and clubs, the local authorities simply started enforcing regulations which had been in existence over a decade. This means most bars must close at midnight, with a half-hour grace period. And the many premises on one 'zoned' street, Barlar Sokak (Street of the Bars), are permitted to stay open until 4am. A primary motivation for the local municipality, led by mayor Acar Unlü, to clamp down on bars in the town is that many were flouting existing regulations. At least 28 establishments were temporarily closed for breaking the rules, though one premise that persisted in staying open beyond the statuary time has been permanently shut. To find a raft of bars closed, and an increased police presence, when you're looking for a late-night beer in Marmaris, must have been annoying. But it's hardly evidence of a government plot to introduce ever-stricter rules around alcohol. Especially when you consider that both the municipality and the province of which it is a part are both strongholds of the staunchly secularist opposition CHP (Republican People's Party). Another much-touted reason for the clampdown is public ire about the number of bars where shirtless male waiters danced on the tables. Turkey may be a polarised country, with a sometimes-unbridgeable chasm between the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) and the CHP, but Turks of nearly every stripe are united in their relative conservatism. Fire-safety concerns also played their part in the 'crackdown', as part of the tabletop revelry often included sparklers and other fireworks as part of the impromptu 'show'. Both activities are now banned. I talked to long-term residents involved in the tourism trade in the pretty resort of Kaş, Turkey's outdoor adventure capital, and the resort city of Antalya, both in Antalya province. They told me that, as in Marmaris, bars in Kaş close at midnight, clubs at 1am. In Antalya, many bars remain open until 2am, though live music is required to cease at 1am. There have been no recent clampdowns or curfews in either of these major tourist centres. So what happened in Marmaris appears to have been an isolated event caused by specific circumstances. But there is little doubt that the current government, in power since 2002, have made Turkey harder for drinkers. Laws introduced in 2013 forbade alcohol to be sold within 100 metres of a mosque or school, and off licences and markets could only sell alcohol between 6am and 10pm. Alcohol advertising on TV became unlawful in the same year, with authorities even enforcing the blurring of alcoholic beverages on TV and cinema screens. Massive increases in the price of alcoholic beverages have crept in during the current government's reign too – up to 70 per cent of the retail price of many alcoholic drinks is now tax. Once considerably cheaper than the UK, a pint of beer in a cheap bar in Marmaris, Kaş or Antalya will now cost you around £4, but it's way more in more upmarket establishments. Hotel prices can be extremely high: £10 for a 33cl beer and £12 for a glass of wine are now common. The number of Turkish tourists holidaying in long-time rival Greece rather than their own country made the news in 2024. This trend shows no sign of abating – Aegean Airlines opened a new, twice-weekly route between Istanbul and Santorini at the end of May. One motivating factor for this exodus to Turkey's Aegean neighbour is that Greece is cheaper than Turkey for many things – including alcoholic drinks. A glass of wine in a modest Greek taverna is around £2.60; it's hard to find one for less than £5.50 in Turkey. But despite government-led moves to restrict opening hours, 'zone' drinking establishments and increase the price of alcoholic drinks well beyond the rate of inflation, Turkey is highly unlikely to become another Dubai. Although the number of Turks who admit to drinking is only 17 per cent, the true figures are probably much higher, and the government cannot afford to completely alienate too many of its own citizens. And tourism is far too valuable to the economy to risk putting off foreign visitors by introducing Dubai-style rules. Yet it remains impossible to gauge how much tourism in Turkey will be affected long-term by the spiralling costs of alcoholic drinks, or concerns that Turkey is becoming a less liberal destination. A friend who runs a travel agency in Antalya told me that, after a decent spring, numbers had dropped in June, and that Antalya's walled old quarter of Kaleiçi was quiet. She attributed the fall to the unrest in the wider Middle East, however. Official figures also show signs of falling demand – in late June, Hürriyet Daily News published figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showing a 1.8 per cent year-on-year drop in foreign visitors for May 2025 over the preceding year, and a more modest 1 per cent overall drop in the first five months of 2025. Yet in the same five-month period, the number of Britons coming to Turkey actually rose by 1.3 per cent. In recent decades, Turkey has weathered coups and wars, terrorist atrocities, hyper-inflation and many other setbacks. Yet tourism has grown exponentially. In 2003, 16.5 million tourists came to Turkey, by 2011 that had risen to 30 million, and 57 million tourists visited in 2024, making Turkey the fourth most visited country globally. The Turks are far too resilient and resourceful to let slip the appeal of the country of which they are so proud to foreign visitors, especially when it is so vital to the economy.

Win a luxury Mediterranean cruise worth over £5,000 with Blue Bay Travel
Win a luxury Mediterranean cruise worth over £5,000 with Blue Bay Travel

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

Win a luxury Mediterranean cruise worth over £5,000 with Blue Bay Travel

Picture yourself sailing the sun-drenched Mediterranean this September in effortless style - waking up to panoramic sea views from your private Balcony Stateroom aboard the brand-new Celebrity Ascent. In partnership with The Independent, Blue Bay Travel is giving you the chance to win an unforgettable 11-night cruise for two, sailing from Rome through the sparkling waters of Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Worth over £5,000, this luxurious escape includes your cruise fare and port fees all taken care of, so you can focus on the joy of slow travel, new destinations, and total relaxation. The prize includes: Please note: Flights, transfers, gratuities, drinks package, and Wi-Fi are not included. Award-winning travel experts Blue Bay Travel is a leading UK travel specialist, known for curating luxury holidays and cruises at unbeatable value. From short-haul escapes to long-haul adventures, their handpicked packages are backed by expert advice, exceptional service, and exclusive extras you won't find anywhere else. Blue Bay Travel make planning your dream getaway simple, exciting, and stress-free. Terms and Conditions 18+. UK and residents only. Promotion closes at 23:59 BST on the 15 August 2025. Winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Standard Comps & Offers rules apply, see here. . You can request to unsubscribe at any time.

Stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night – including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park
Stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night – including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park

The Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Sun

Stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night – including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park

One has resident alpacas and others are in the grounds of cosy pubs CAMP OUT Stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night – including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park CAMPING is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to embrace the great outdoors during the summer holidays. Campsite specialist Pitchup has revealed its cheapest sites with stays from just £10per night this summer - with options across the UK, some are run by pubs, others have microbreweries and neighbouring alpaca farms. Advertisement 7 These campsites are some of the best and all cost from £10 per night Credit: Pitchup 7 The Farm Camping is very near the beWIlDerwood play area Credit: BeWILDerwood On the private Worstead Estate in Norfolk is a pop-up summer campsite called The Farm Camping. Until September 1, 2025, campers can pitch up on the estate that is also a working farm and there's lots to do. The estate has an on-site microbrewery called the Wildcraft Taproom. On sunny days, campers can enjoy an alfresco pint on the picnic tables outside. For anyone heading over there with children, the adventure park BeWILDerwood is close by. Advertisement The park has BeWILDerboats - a boat ride into a 'swamp', as well as the Tricky Tunnels and a Muddles Maze. As for facilities, the campsite has toilets, showers, a washing-up area. There is Wi-Fi and visitors can bring a barbecue for cooking up alfresco meals. Prices for a non-electric grass tent pitch starts at £15 per night. Advertisement In Derbyshire is the Greystones Nawab campsite - a great base for anyone exploring the sprawling Peak District National Park. It's also perfect for animal lovers as peacocks and rare-breed chickens roam the site, plus there's a donkey sanctuary next door. Top Of The Woods Campsite in Pembrokeshire 7 7 The Farm Camping is found on the sprawling Worstead estate Credit: Google Maps Advertisement Nearby attractions include Go Ape Buxton which is a 15 minute drive away, and you can get to Alton Towers theme park within 40 minutes. On-site facilities include showers, toilets, washing-up area and charging points. One visitor to the site commented: "Camp owner seemed friendly as were our fellow campers. The donkeys are a welcome sight in the morning too." Non-electric grass tent pitches start at £10 or opt for an electric grass touring caravan pitch at £15. Advertisement Further north is Pepper Hall Campsite in Yorkshire which is for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The surrounding fields are full of grazing by Swaledale sheep and cattle. This campsite is a little unique because you can only get there by foot - so no caravans are allowed. To get to the campsite, you have to cross a shallow ford and small stream on the stepping stones. Advertisement For some hearty meals, head to the local pub in Langthwaite village. Non-electric grass tent pitches here start from £18. 7 One pub run campsite has an alpaca paddock and you can book a walking experience Credit: Pitchup The Crown Inn and Campsite is a family-run north Wales pub site by the river Alwen. Advertisement It's a bargain stay with non-electric grass/earth tent pitch starting from £12.50. For anyone who doesn't want to opt for a tent, you can stay in caravans, cabins or a bed-in-a-shed from £42.50 per night. And you'll not go hungry with lots of options at the on-site pub - where they serve ribs, sausage and mash, chilli and fish and chips. This pub sits in a pretty village which you can explore, there's easy access to forest trails and fishing on the riverbank is popular too. Advertisement There's even a private alpaca paddock on site, and campers can book a walking experience with the woolly animals. One visitor said: "Quiet, clean and friendly site. I have stayed a few times now, with my kids and for a break away with my wife. "The kids love playing in the stream and digging holes up in the woods. The pub has great food and drinks selections and is well-priced." 7 The Green Dragon Inn has an option to stay in little shepherd huts Credit: Pitchup Advertisement The Green Dragon Inn is another pub campsite found in Buttington, Wales. Camp out at a country pub to make the most of a stay on the Welsh borders. The Green Dragon Inn is a short distance from Offa's Dyke, the Shropshire Hills and Snowdonia National Park. The cosy pub serves home-cooked food seven days per week, including a Sunday roast. There are ales on tap and a large pub garden, so drink them in. Advertisement Campers can choose from mixed hardstanding and grass pitches, and have access to a washing-up area, baby changing facilities and a well-maintained bathroom block. Non-electric grass pitch tent-only pitches start at £15 or choose an electric-optional hardstanding for a tent, motorhome or touring caravan starting from £20. Or for those who want to camp but would rather sleep in a bed, there are two camping pods on site. There isn't much inside, but there is a double bed, sofa and small tea-making station. Advertisement These cost from £60 per night for two adults. For fans of camping and going abroad, check out this Ibiza 'paradise' with private pool and glamping huts has stays under £95. Plus, the UK's best campsites revealed with flawless 10/10 reviews, honesty shops & even resident deer. Advertisement

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