Archive for the ‘A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches)’ Category

Australian Beach Holiday: 5 Must-Visit Beaches for an Enjoyable Vacation

Posted by Jody on March 26, 2013

Today’s Featured Guest Post Writer is Ella Rich.

Australian Beach Holiday: 5 Must-Visit Beaches for an Enjoyable Vacation

Bounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia is one of the best places to enjoy a perfect beach vacation. Whether you are visiting the East, South and West coasts of the country or looking forward to a great surfing vacation, Australia is one place that will make your beach vacation unique and memorable. Check out some of the best and must-visit beaches in this amazing country.

Bells Beach (Photo by Chensiyuan/Wikimedia Commons)

Bells Beach – Hot Spot for an Enjoyable Surfing Vacation

If you thoroughly enjoy surfing and are looking for such a hotspot in Australia, then you must head to the Bells Beach. Your beach vacation will remain incomplete without visiting this beach. Nestled on the coast of Victoria, you will get a chance to witness the world’s longest running surfing competition – Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival when you are here.

Byron Bay (Used with permission: Shot at Byron/Wikimedia Commons)

Byron Bay – Must-Visit for an Ultimate Beach Holiday

Being among the most renowned seaside hotspots, Byron Bay guarantees its visitors the ultimate beach holiday experience. Over the past few years, this sandy beach has been attracting people looking to take pleasure in fun-filled activities like deep sea diving and kayaking in the company of dolphins. Byron Bay boasts of pristine sandy beaches dotted with lush green surroundings. The cool coastal winds and mesmerizing beauty of the entire area near Byron Bay is one of the major reasons you must come here to spend your beach vacation.

: Whitehaven Beach (Photo by Isderion/Wikimedia Commons)

Have a Rejuvenating Vacation at Whitehaven Beach

Nestled on the Whitsunday Island, this pristine beach possesses the purest form of white silica sand in the world. Immerse your feet into the sand and make your way slowly into the warm waves that gently lap the shore. You will wonder why people from all over the world never miss out visiting this amazing beach.

If you want to have a day trip to Whitehaven Beach you can hire ferries, yachts and power boats from Airlie Beach. Besides, luxury cruising yachts are also available to make your beach vacation memorable.

: Cable Beach Before Sunset (Photo by Zoharby/Wikimedia Commons)

Wade Through the Pristine Waters of Cable Beach

Popular for its crystal clear waters, the Cable Beach in Western Australia is one of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Being cleaned up by tides that gently lap the shore; Cable Beach offers the perfect environment, allowing you to wade through the pristine waters, making your beach vacation relaxing. Enjoy the innumerable water sports activities available here and the sunset.

: Cottesloe Beach (Photo by Michael Spencer/Wikimedia Commons)

Snorkel at Perth’s Stunning Cottesloe Beach

If you want to indulge in sports activities like swimming, surfing and snorkeling, then the Cottesloe Beach in Perth is just an ideal spot for your beach vacation. Apart from these adventure activities, you can also enjoy a glass of wine or some refreshing beer as the sun begins to set. This spot is also ideal for a relaxed dinner.

The alluring beauty of this beach makes it stand out from other beaches in the city. Shady pines, smooth terraced lawns and pristine sands make this beach an ideal destination to spend a lethargic afternoon with family. Pristine waters make Cottesloe Beach a regular must-visit spot for swimmers and surfers. Snorkelers too enjoy hitting the water because of the presence of rocks and reefs. You can explore the city better with the help of guided walking tours of Perth.

Make your beach holiday experience unique and unforgettable by visiting these beaches in Australia.

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About the Author: Ella Rich is a travel blogger and trip organizer by profession. She has great experience in indigenous tours. She loves traveling to new places and discovering exotic cultures and cuisines. Sharing her travel experience through blogging is her real hobby.

You can find Ella’s latest work at MyBusinessCentral.com.

~~~

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Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of Australia and New Zealand, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, Featured Writer, Perth Western Australia beach, Queensland Australia beach, Victoria Australia beach | 8 Comments »

Best Beaches of Batangas, Philippines

Posted by alainaflute on January 22, 2013

A popular destination near Metro Manila, Batangas is a province known for its gorgeous beaches. According to PhilippinesBoard.com, these are the top 5 beaches close to Manila-Philippines (all found in Batangas):

Map of the Philippines showing the location of Batangas (© Eugene Alvin Villar, 2003)

Matabungkay Beach

Located in Lian, Batangas, Matabungkay Beach is popular among locals and tourists alike. The sea breeze is refreshing, and the waves are gentle, thanks to a small coral reef about 50 meters off shore from the low tide mark. Matabungkay is known for its bamboo raft rentals for swimming, snorkeling, or even picnicking on the water!

Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas, Philippines (Hyougushi /Hideyuki KAMON /Wikimedia Commons)

Calatagan Beaches

A popular destination of the elite, Calatagan is home to several beach resorts, some of which “have swimming pools adjoining the sea to give guests the choice of enjoying the pool, the sea, or both…Colorful fishing boats also dominate the seascape and some are made available to tourists who wish to roam the shorelines for a fee.”

Map of Batangas showing the location of Calatagan (Mike Gonzalez/Wikimedia Commons)

Bauan Beaches

The town of Bauan, Batangas touts several great beaches that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Notably, the Portulano Dive Resort “has an ideal beach front and coastline conducive for good and satisfying dives.” Also, you’ll be able to find lovely places to enjoy “the cool and gentle waves of the azure South China Sea and ample grounds of fine sandy beaches for sun bathing, leisurely walking, frolicking, and picnicking.”

San Juan Beaches offer stretches of fine sand with great views of the “cerulean” sea (I had to look that up – it’s another word for azure). San Juan is also known for its beach resorts. You’ll have absolutely no trouble shedding your cares on these relaxing beaches!

Virgin Beach, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines (Urville86/Wikimedia Commons)

Kabayan Beach

If you’re looking for affordable quality, Kabayan Beach is your destination for “clear water, gentle waves, fine and clean sand, comfortable amenities for sun bathing, some water sports, picnicking, and cooking…”

I don’t know about you, but I’m putting Batangas on my beachy vacation to-do list! Sun, fun, sand, surf, and a reason to use the word cerulean! Who could ask for more?

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Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of Asia, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: Batangas Philippines, beach, Beaches of the Philippines, Best beaches in Batangas | 18 Comments »

Happy New Year!

Posted by Jody on December 31, 2012

OK, maybe it doesn’t come close to the Sydney New Year’s US$6.9 million fireworks extravaganza from the steel arch Habour Bridge, and it has nothing near the glitz of the First Night celebration with the well known Zambelli Fireworks spectacular over Boston Harbor, but it is a room with a great view and a fireworks show!

So, Happy New Year with all the glitter and glow from Waikiki Beach’s man made Hilton Lagoon (aka: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon)! The ocean beach next to the lagoon, Duke Kahanamoku Beach, has been named the #2 beach in America for 2012 by the well-respected “Dr. Beach.” This is where world famous Waikiki Beach begins.

The Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon is the setting of a free fireworks display, hosted by the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, which takes place every Friday evening. It’s one fine show!

A Room with a View, Honolulu, Hawaii

Hilton Lagoon, Waikiki Beach

View of the Hilton Lagoon Fireworks, Waikiki

View of the Hilton Lagoon Fireworks, Waikiki Beach

The Hilton Lagoon has always been one of our favorite sandy spots on Waikiki. This family friendly, kid pleasing swimming and recreation center boasts five full acres of splashable fun that is open to Hilton Hawaiian Village guests and the general public, alike. It’s also the spot where you can catch a parade of brides and grooms posing for dazzling and dramatic wedding photos, with sun-drenched Waikiki Beach and iconic Diamond Head as their backdrop. This is the perfect place to catch those amazing Hawaiian sunrises, too!

By the way, do you recognize this unique building? It’s the Ilikai, where Detective Lieutenant Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), the head of a special state police task force, is standing in the opening credits for the original Hawaii 5-O. “Book ‘em, Danno.”

Here are a couple helpful links: Beachcombing on Waikiki Beach (includes family friendly freebies near Waikiki Beach)

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, aka: The Hilton Lagoon

Aloha and Beat Wishes for 2013!

~~~~~~~~

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of The Hawaiian Islands, Monday Miscellaneous, Sand and Shoreline | Tagged: beach, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, Happy New Year, Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon, Hilton Lagoon, Oahu beach, Waikiki Beach Hawaii | 14 Comments »

Best Beaches Near Brisbane

Posted by Jody on November 13, 2012

Reblogged from Brisbane & Beyond:

Now that the temperatures are rising in Brisbane, we'll all be thinking about a visit to the beach to cool down. We're a bit lucky in Brisbane because we have the Gold Coast beaches stretching to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, plus the islands of Moreton Bay. With so many beautiful beaches within an hour or two's drive, it can be difficult to decide where to go.

The Ghost of Kate Morgan

Posted by Jody on October 26, 2012

The Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, California

Reports of paranormal activity related to the 1892 death of the beautiful, young Kate Morgan at the beach-side Hotel Del Coronado are well known to the locals and the visitors of this sprawling, Victorian seaside resort. According to “The Del’s” public relations department:

“Hotel guests, employees, and even paranormal researchers have attested to some supernatural occurrences at The Del. Witnesses report flickering lights, televisions that turn on and off by themselves, dramatic shifts in room temperatures, odd scents, unexplained voices, the sound of strange footsteps, mysterious breezes which cause curtains to billow when windows are closed, and objects which move of their own accord; still others claim to have seen the ghost of Kate Morgan herself.”

Years ago, our family spent Christmas week at The Del. Not one of us encountered Kate Morgan’s spirit or experienced any spooky happenings. In fact, all five of us even scuttled past Kate’s room (#3327) on several occasions! No luck. Maybe we were just looking too hard.

Wide, sandy beach at The Hotel Del Coronado

The wide beach on which The Hotel Del sits is super clean. It stretches along 1 ½ miles of stunning San Diego County coastline. With its glistening sand, gentle waves and the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, it’s the ideal Southern California destination. It is no wonder that, in 2012, the well-respected “Dr. Beach” crowned Coronado Beach “America’s Best Beach” with the release of his 22nd annual Top 10 Beach List.

The Sand Castle Man at work on the beach at the Hotel Del Coronado.

If you’re heading to Coronado, be sure to look for The Sand Castle Man (aka: Billy Pav) who likes to work (play?) on the beach near The Hotel Del. He’s a friendly, award winning sand sculptor who loves to chat with passers-by about his rather unique craft. I forgot to ask him if he’s met Kate Morgan!

Top 5 Beaches in the Eastern Cape (South Africa)

Posted by Jody on October 2, 2012

Today’s Featured Writer is Roseanna McBain

Surfer at Sunrise (ReeSaunders/Flickr)

Top 5 Beaches in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

The long, lush coastline of the Eastern Cape has plenty of wild floras around, opportunity for bird watching, wonderful cuisine, and more than a few activities to keep you occupied when you’re not working on your tan.

Jeffrey’s Bay – it would be remiss not to place this surfing nirvana first on the list. The Billabong Pro Surfing competition is held here annually, and almost year-round you can expect to find surfing gurus dotted about the water. The long stretch of pristine beach means families and couples gather here often during the warmer months. Make sure you book accommodation in this area well ahead of your arrival, as the majority of Jeffrey’s Bay accommodations are booked several months in advance.

A sunrise at J-Bay (Photo: ReeSaunders/Flickr)

Eastern Beach – situated in central East London, this beach is opposite Marina Glen and the main attraction here is the large collection of black rocks which make for some stunning photographs –if you have children they’ll have an absolute blast scrambling over these boulders! There are several changing rooms, restaurants and takeaway options, so if you don’t feel like packing a picnic make sure to stop off at one of the popular places along the way. A word of warning: don’t visit this beach over the New Year period, especially on New Year’s Day, as it’s one of the most popular local spots
around and can become tightly packed.

Relaxing in Style (Photo: FlickreviewR/Wikimedia Commons)

Coffee Bay – this stunning area has a very unique rock formation dubbed “Hole in the Wall” – it is attached to a cliff which juts into the sea. The Xhosa call it “iziKhaleni” – meaning place of thunder– as the water rushing through the hole can be heard from quite far away. A romantic Xhosa myth about how the hole was formed goes as follows: There was once a fair maiden who visited this shoreline, and a sea man saw her and fell in love. He begged her father to let her come away with him, but the father refused. The merman enlisted the help of a giant fish, who battered down a portion of the cliff (the hole) through which the sea man and his friends swept through and took the fair maiden away. The warm waters, soft sand, and picturesque scenery make this a must-see destination.

Humewood – this was the first blue flag beach in South Africa, and it is still very popular with locals and tourists alike. There is plenty of shade for when the sun becomes a bit too warm. There is a very family friendly vibe here, due in part to the beach being adjacent to Happy Valley, which offers some fun children’s entertainment. There are lifeguards on duty for six months of the year (November to April), and there are great opportunities for water sports, including fishing, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and water skiing.

The lovely beach stretch of Port St. Johns (Photo: garethphoto/Flickr)

Port St Johns, Wild Coast – referred to locally as the Jewel of the Wild Coast, Port St. Johns beach seems to have it all: soft sand, warm waters, and long sun-drenched days. Take your camera with and get a picture of Thesiger and Sullivan, the twin mountains on either side of the river mouth leading to the ocean. A laid back community inhabits the town, and backpackers are frequent visitors to this area.

Author Bio: Roseanna McBain works for the Eastern Cape accommodation and booking website, TravelGround. She enjoys exploring the world around her, finding new eclectic shops, watching science fiction series, and herbal teas.

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of Africa, Surfing Beach, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, Eastern Cape beach, Eastern Cape South Africa, Top 5 beaches in the Eastern Cape | 5 Comments »

Coastal Living’s “Top 10 Shelling Beaches”

Posted by alainaflute on September 13, 2012

If your favorite activity is combing the sand, beaches rarely disappoint. With a little creativity, there is always something to pick up, whether it’s a sea bean, seashell, polished glass, or piece of drift wood. However, if you are looking to really score some fabulous finds, with a little research, you can find the best shelling beaches before you travel.

Steve Millburg (Coastal Living’s website, March 2007) gives us the skinny on the best places to shell:

Sunset on Sanibel Island, Florida

1. Sanibel Island, Florida
This one probably comes as no surprise. Having been there several times with my family, most of my jars and salt shakers of beach finds comes from Sanibel Island. The fabulous variety of colors, shapes, and sizes are sure to please anyone who combs its shores. According to Millburg, “Seashells cover the beaches, tinkling like wind chimes as they tumble over one another in the waves. Low-key development, abundant wildlife, and great restaurants make the island a wonderful all-around getaway.”

2. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Notably, “Stephen ‘Dr. Beach’ Leatherman ranked Ocracoke third on his 2006 ‘top beaches’ list.” Who are we to argue with “Dr. Beach?” Located in the Outer Banks, you won’t likely be competing with other tourists for the best beach finds. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to pick up a Scotch bonnet, the state shell of North Carolina.

3. Bandon, Oregon
The West Coast might not be home to the absolute best seashell finds “because the mighty Pacific Ocean waves tend to chew up most specimens.” Here, the best finds are in more protected areas, such as the mouth of the Coquille River. “As consolation prizes, winter storms also toss up Japanese glass fishing floats and such semiprecious stones as agate and jasper,” according to Millburg. You may even find more than you bargained for, considering the residual effects of Japan’s earthquake.

The ever-popular Seawall Beach at Galveston Island, Texas

4. Galveston, Texas
Although I’ve never been, I’ve only heard good things about the beaches of Galveston, Texas. This Gulf of Mexico beach offers up some great shelling finds. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, “Gulf beaches are considered the best shelling beaches in North America.”

5. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
You can’t go wrong in Hawaii. Even if the waves have smashed your shells to a pulp, they’ve turned them into something new and beautiful. Kauai is known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” and you can find nice shells “especially in the area around Haena, near the end of the road that doesn’t quite circle Kauai…Legend has it that the puka shell-necklace craze began here in the 1960s.” This makes me want to put on my old cassette (really old) of Coconut Willie and throw on a lei.

6. Flag Ponds Nature Park, Lusby, Maryland
Interestingly, “most of the shells here, along the Chesapeake Bay south of Annapolis, are fossils dating back millions of years. They’ve come from the Calvert Cliffs, a 30-mile stretch of what was the sea bottom during the Miocene Epoch. Today’s bay determinedly chews into the cliffs, freeing the shells, shark teeth, and other fossils within.” There is an entrance fee to the park. To the south, Calvert Cliffs State Park is also worth a trip.

7. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
A solitary shelling spot, travel to this barrier island is restricted by ferry access under the control of the National Park Service. Comb miles of Atlantic beach, picking up sand dollars and shark teeth, without seeing another soul.

8. Eleuthera Island, The Bahamas
Although hurricanes make the news for all the wrong reasons, here is the up side. Waves toss up piles of shells onto these beaches. One of The Bahamas’ “Out Islands”, Eleuthera is a short trip by air from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida.

9. Great Peconic Bay, Long Island, New York
Here you can pick up New York’s official state shell, the Atlantic Bay Scallop (or Bay Scallop)!

Sand and sea at Stinson Beach, California

10. Stinson Beach, California
This lovely beach, just north of San Francisco, doesn’t have the same quality of shelling as its Gulf Coast counterparts, but you may be able to pick up some limpet shells and sand dollars. Otherwise, you can enjoy the surf, nearby restaurants, and the “rugged natural beauty, and endearing small-town quirkiness.”

What do you think? Are these beaches on the top of your list, or is there some place else you would rather shell? I, for one, have never been to a beach that was devoid of treasure. Happy Shelling!

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Seashells | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, best beaches for beachcombing, top 10 beaches for beachcombing, Top Ten Shelling Beaches | 7 Comments »

Jamaica’s Top 5 Beaches

Posted by alainaflute on July 17, 2012

When I think of Jamaica, a few things come to mind: Rastafarianism, Reggae music, bobsledding, and beaches – beaches being the best part of them all. Although I’ve never been to this island of the Greater Antilles, the idea of dipping into the beautiful waters of the Caribbean tickles my travel-lust fancy.

Jamaica (Vardion/Wikimedia Commons)

With several beaches to choose from, we’ve turned to Island Buzz Jamaica (the Official Blog for Destination Jamaica by the Jamaica Tourist Board) to discover 5 of Jamaica’s best beaches.

Doctor’s Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Mattes/Wikimedia Commons)

Vacationers are enticed by the white sands and clear waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay (on Jamaica’s north coast). According to Island Buzz Jamaica, this beach, “is nestled between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip. The translucent water is known for its mineral content and its golden sands and turquoise water provide the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil warmth of the Caribbean Sea.” With a feel that is simultaneously tropical and metropolitan, beach-goers can enjoy this lively beach not too far off the beaten path. Take a dip and then head off to dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Ezhiki/Wikimedia Commons)

The next beach to hit is Frenchman’s Cove, located on Jamaica’s eastern coast near Port Antonio. This secluded beach is “one of the most beautiful beaches in The Caribbean, let alone Jamaica.“With its ”white-sanded shore, set against a magnificent backdrop of exotic tropical gardens and crystal-clear mountain streams,“this beach is “so idyllic; it’s no wonder it was featured in the major motion pictures Club Paradise and Treasure Island.” There is a small entrance fee, but once you pass through the lush gardens into the beautiful secluded beach cove, you’ll find that it was well worth it. A fresh water river flows right into the beach, and there is a jerk hut with food made to order (and clean restrooms).

Frenchman’s Cove Beach, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica (Chaoleonard/Wikimedia Commons)

If you are looking for a “tiny slice of heaven,” then Reggae Beach is the beach for you. This famous Jamaican landmark (surprisingly) doesn’t get crowded, even though it really has it all: beautiful scenery, lounge chairs, kayaking, snorkeling (clownfish, rays, and fan coral), seaside massage, and the “Village Beach Bar.”

Reggae Beach, Jamaica (Chad Richardson/Wikimedia Commons)

Winnifred Beach, located between Blue Lagoon and Boston Bay, is “one of the most appealing beaches in all of Jamaica.“Located “in the Fairy Hill community in Portland on the island’s lesser traveled east coast, this beach is home to a delightful reef just offshore that’s not only perfect for snorkeling, but for its clear, calm, bright-blue water justly popular with locals.” With several vendors nearby, you won’t go thirsty or hungry! If you go on a weekend, you can take a horseback riding tour or a boat trip to Monkey Island.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica (Chaoleonard/Wikimedia Commons)

With its laid-back pace and natural beauty, Negril is a “favorite escape for locals and visitors alike.” Come as you are and “outrun your cares on seven miles of white sand beach on the island’s western-most point. Stake out a blanket-sized spot of paradise or meander along soft white sand.” Relaxing by day and exciting by night, Seven Mile Beach is famous for its “dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit.” Soak in the sun, hit the waves (snorkeling, jet skiing, and windsurfing are all available), or take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat.

If you’re looking for fun in the tropical sand, sun, and surf, Jamaica just might be the Caribbean island of your dreams. The laid-back island atmosphere is sure to be contagious. On which Jamaican beach will we be finding you?

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of the Caribbean, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, best beachesof Jamaica, Doctor's Cave Beach Jamaica, Frenchman's Cove beach Jamaica, Montego Bay beach Jamaica, Reggae Beach Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach Beach Jamaica, Winnifred Beach Jamaica | 1 Comment »

Galway’s Best 5 Beaches

Posted by alainaflute on July 3, 2012

Beautiful Galway City is located in County Galway on the western coast of Ireland. According to the Galway Tourism website, “Galway City is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city…Along with being a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and long winding promenade, it also has a buzzing cosmopolitan city centre.“

County Galway, Ireland (Asarlaí/Wikimedia Commons)

Today’s “Tuesday Tally” is Galway’s best 5 beaches, as presented by Galway Ireland Tourism.

Dog’s Bay and Gorteen Bay from Errisbeg. Looking south. Dog’s Bay is on the western side. (Dr. Charles Nelson/Geograph Project Collection/Wikimedia Commons)

Back to back beaches, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay are “two of the most beautiful beaches in County Galway and probably in the West of Ireland.” Only a couple of miles outside of Roundstone in Connemara, County Galway, these bays make a fine stretch of coast, with amazing views and white sandy beaches (made from seashell fragments). Both beaches are considered safe for swimming and water sports. They also make fabulous walking destinations.

Silver Strand, Barna. Silver Strand is one of Galway’s most popular Blue Flag beaches. In the distance are the hills of the Burren. (Trish Steel/Geograph Project Collection/Wikimedia Commons)

Silver Strand Beach in Barna, Galway “has a safe, shallow, sandy beach of approximately 0.25km bounded on one side by a cliff and the other by rocks. It is particularly popular with and suitable for young families.” Facing straight into Galway Bay, this beach offers fantastic views. Low tide is the best time for swimming, and there is a lifeguard on duty during summer months.

Coral Beach (Trá an Dóilín), Carraroe, County Galway, Ireland (Emkaer/Wikimedia Commons)

Coral Beach in Carraroe (aka Trá an Dóilin) is “an area of great natural beauty.” Known for its fine coral, this area has tidepools to explore and good snorkeling, too.

The seaside diving board off the promenade in Salthill, Co Galway. (Terence wiki/Wikimedia Commons)

Salthill Beach (in Galway City overlooking Galway Bay) is actually several small beaches that are separated by outcrops. This very popular blue flag beach has lifeguards on duty from mid-May through the end of September.

Another blue flag beach, Kilmurvey Beach (Inis Mor, Aran Islands, County Galway) sports beautiful sand and safe swimming, and “when the tide is right, you can jump off the old pier into the clear water.” There are facilities near the roads, and some great spots on the dunes to picnic.

Hit any of these five beaches for great views and beautiful water. This is the perfect time of year to hit the beach in Galway, Ireland! Féach leat níos déanaí (see you later)!

Sunset – Galway Bay View from Tawin Island (Allan Harty/Geograph Project Collection/Wikimedia Commons)

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of Great Britain and Ireland, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, best beaches Galway Ireland, County Galway beach, Galway Ireland beaches, Ireland beaches | 4 Comments »

Top 5 Beaches of Kefalonia, Cephalonia, Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia

Posted by alainaflute on June 26, 2012

However you choose to spell this island’s name, you’re still in the same place in western Greece, and hopefully, you’re already hitting the beach.

Map of the Ionian Islands (Wikimedia Commons/PD-USGov)

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia has beaches to suit every taste. According to the guest post “Top 5 Beaches of Kefalonia” by Kefalonia Tours on http://www.VisitGreece.gr “The Blog”, these are the ones you’ve got to hit.

Myrtos Beach - The view from above will take your breath away. This beach is one of Kefalonia’s claims to fame, having received a number of international awards as one of the best Mediterranean beaches. It has also been awarded the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s “blue flag” year after year (I have no idea what that means, but it sounds fancy). Take a dip in the turquoise waters and stick around to watch the sun go down.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia (Rob Bendall/Wikimedia Commons)

Made famous by the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Antisamos is a another “blue flag” beach that captures the imagination. Only a few miles away from the port of Sami, this beach’s “landscape combines all shades of blue and green, where the vegetation grows almost into the sea.”

The next beach on the list, Petani Beach “consists of fine white pebbles and crystal clear turquoise waters. The path to the beach is just as unique as the beauty of the whole of the landscape which literally leaves the visitor speechless.” This beach is comes fully equipped with sun beds and nearby restaurants.

Petani Beach, Kefalonia, Greece (Matt Sims/Wikimedia Commons)

Just when I was starting to think that all Kefalonian beaches looked the same, Xi Beach is a bit different. Sans steep cliffs and deep waters, this beach is easy to access and is very family friendly. What makes this beach special is the red clay sand, giving visitors a“natural and free spa session, as it is said to have cleaning and tightening effects to the skin.” It’s easy to park here, and this beach also offers a variety of water sports.

Xi Beach, Paliki, Kefalonia, Greece (Splendid entry/Wikimedia Commons)

Last but not least, Skala Beach is known for its length (over 3 kilometers long), clear water, and plentiful vegetation. According to the blog post, “Apart from the village and the beach of Skala it is worth visiting other beautiful beaches and picturesque villages situated in the southeastern part of Kefalonia.”

The Beach in Skala, Kefalonia, Greece (Matti/Wikimedia Commons)

In a land where everything is all Greek, hitting the beach is a language we all can understand.

Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of Europe, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, best beaches of Greece, best beaches of Kefalonia, Greek beaches, Top 5 Beaches of Kefalonia | 5 Comments »

« Previous Entries

Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches

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Archive for the ‘A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches)’ Category

Australian Beach Holiday: 5 Must-Visit Beaches for an Enjoyable Vacation

Best Beaches of Batangas, Philippines

Happy New Year!

Best Beaches Near Brisbane

The Ghost of Kate Morgan

Top 5 Beaches in the Eastern Cape (South Africa)

Coastal Living’s “Top 10 Shelling Beaches”

Jamaica’s Top 5 Beaches

Galway’s Best 5 Beaches

Top 5 Beaches of Kefalonia, Cephalonia, Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia

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One Shell of a Find!

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