The beachionary blog

Bay of fires - Flickr user sufw

We live in an amazing beachside location in Australia. When we travel we can be a bit snobbish about coastlines as we make comparisons but Bay of Fires on the island of Tasmania, stopped us in our tracks.

Bay of Fires is a palette of natural colour - pure white sand, grey green heathlands bright with wild flower, rocks splashed with orange lichen and the most amazing shades of blue water I have ever seen. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy long walks on the beach with so many secluded bays separated by striking rock formations with nothing but forest as the backdrop.

This is truly an exquisite slice of paradise. In 2009 Lonely Planet’s Blue List rated this as the best beach in the world and the reason becomes obvious once you arrive!

Cockle Creek - photo by Sofia na Australia

Although it has achieved recognition, you will still be able to visit this 30km stretch of coastline with little crowds. Oh, yeah, bring your tent- this spot is for nature lovers. Don’t worry about your budget, the camping is free and nearby there is fresh water and hot showers. Please don’t tell too many people though…

The D’Entrecasteaux channel, like Bay of Fires is not one beach but rather many beaches. It has similarity to this amazing bay in that the beaches are not well clearly distinguished from each other but for a couple of houses that appear along the coastline. When we drove along this protected channel I had to stop many times to walk along a deserted beach that was just postcard perfect, savoring the moment! The turquoise water and white sand give it the tick but the backdrop of forest makes it really stand out. A really cool thing to do is make your way to the bottom of Tasmania, to Cockle Creek. This is a great spot to stare and wonder at the sublime Recherche Bay and consider how the French seem to discover such amazing beaches all around the world…

Recherce Bay - Flickr user mikecogh

Hobart is a fantastic spot to spend some time. The city is very cosmopolitan and has some excellent shops and bakeries that make walking in the inner city a dream come true. Hobart also has some great spots nearby for a swim and catch some sun during summer thanks to the large Derwent River. Sandy Bay is really close to the centre of Hobart and is well worth a stop when you are done with the shopping and eating… It is quiet by European and Australian city standards and offers clear, unpolluted water!

Bruny island - photo by Sofia na Australia

I am in love with Bruny Island. You have to see this place if you make the trip to Tassie. It is getting busy here because it is so amazing so hurry! The drive from the ferry terminal will have any beach enthusiast salivating. A narrow neck just wide enough for a road joins the north and south islands and gives you an amazing view left and right at nothing but blue water. If the weather is cool (there is a good chance this may happen) go for a walk from Adventure Bay to Fluted Cape. The view from the cliffs over the Southern Ocean and small coves are breathtaking. The combination of colours from the sand, dolomite rock and kelp is the perfect mix. It sums up Tassie so perfectly- fresh, pure and isolated.

There is a great camping spot at the South Island of Bruny called Cloudy Bay. Don’t let the name turn you off. Driving along the sand to get here, you end up at a perfect spot to walk along the beach, look for fresh seafood along the rocky outcrops, or drop a line and fish for dinner from the shore. This is one of Tasmania’s more consistent spots for surfing and offers a point break when big and a beach break when the swell is smaller. There are only a couple of houses near this beach but there are usually some keen local surfers in the water who are very friendly and helpful to the respectful traveller.

Sofia writes a travel blog, Sofia na Australia, after moving there with only her backpack in 2009. As an avid traveller she has found many excuses to explore this side of the world, sharing the fantastic photos and experiences of her travels with her friends and readers.

Zakynthos, or Zante, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and for many people one of the best summer destinations in the world combining some of the finest beaches, the wonderful Mediterranean food, the world renowned Greek hospitality and some of the most breath-taking sceneries in the world. The Beachionary Team visited Zakynthos this summer and got to explore some of the most beautiful corners of the island, focusing of course on the beaches!

Beaches

Tsilivi Beach
Tsilivi is a nice sandy beach approximately 5 minutes northern of the city of Zakynthos. It is a family beach with many amenities and many restaurants and coffee places. It is ideal also for a quick swim in the sea if you arrive late at the island.

Agios Nikolaos Beach
Agios Nikolaos (means Saint Nicolas) Beach is one of the best organised beaches on the island. It is a golden-sanded beach with umbrellas and sunbeds to rent; you can enjoy several water sports and even play beach volley in one of the courts available. Mostly popular amongst young people for the beach bars nearby.

Navagio (Shipwreck Cove)
No introduction needed for this amazing beach! Voted repeatedly as one of the best beaches in the world, this is one of the miracles of nature! Its turquoise water and the tiny white pebbles make this a must-visit place on the island. The beach takes its name from the wreck of a smugglers ship that lies there since 1982. The beach can only be accessed by boat but there are several boat services leaving from the capital of the city all day long. Don’t forget to bring food and water with you.

Limni Keriou
Limni Keriou (which means Candle Lake) is not a beach of extraordinary beauty like the ones mentioned above. However, it offers visitors a unique chance to rent a small boat and enjoy a full day of sea activities. By renting one of these small boats, for the day or for a couple of hours, you can explore the beautiful Laganas Cove, the adventurous Keri peninsula with its numerous little isolated beaches, visit the tiny Marathonisi island with its two beautiful beaches or, if you are lucky enough, see a Caretta Caretta sea turtle, a protected species that breeds in the Laganas Cove.

Blue Caves
The imposing Blue Caves are at the northern tip of the island and are only accessible by boat. The white rocks along with the sun create a marvellous colour pallette in the water that varies from deep blue to light blue and turquoise. The area is ideal for those into diving or snorkelling.

After spending five wonderful days in Zakynthos, the Beachionary Team can assure you that the Greek sea and hospitality are NOT in crisis!

This article was also hosted at blog.visitgreece.gr, the official blog of the Greek Tourism Organization

Photo by worldislandparadise.com 
Bling on my finger. Check. Wedding dress diet guilt. Check. Five proposals, four countries, seven engagement parties, two years, one wedding date. Check. Location? Location?! Location! Gulp.

I’m proud to announce I have no Big White Wedding early conditioning baggage (i.e. dreams). Alright! Alright. Stop twisting my arm Beachionary. Fine. No weddings wishes except for one…

When studying evolutionary biology in the Galapagos islands with my experimental middle school I distinctly remember thinking paradise deserves a return visit. Perhaps for a big event? Perhaps… a wedding. My wedding? Brand spanking new thoughts glowed against tropical beach backdrops.

Playa las Bachas  - Photo by Flickr user lightmatter

First time considering such a thing. For me. Perhaps a bit premature. I’d only just had my first kiss the night before. A local boy. On the beach. To the sound of sea lions’ calls and under Hailey’s comet.

Sigh. Ahem! Oh yeah, the beaches were perfection too. All things for all kinds: black sand on some, bleached white on others; penguins in the waves over here, flamingos fawning over the puddles over there; large manta rays and long sun rays.

Perhaps my dreams peaked too early. The farther I moved from the Americas the more I had to re-calibrate the coordinates of that wedding-on-a-beach dream. Hawaii! The next best idea. 

Growing up in Alaska, Hawaii was not so far way. Honestly! There was a lot of whale watching, boogie boarding, banyan embracing and jumping from beachside pool to bathwater beach. Miles and miles and miles of temperate waters, iconic surf and idyllic sunsets.

Hanauma Bay Beach   - Photo by Flickr user jdnx

When my news editor partner and I first got together I’d sing a little song occasionally (ok, repeatedly) as we complained about the London weather. “I’m gonna beach beach beach, beach beach beach, until I get to MAUI.” (Spot the pun.)

He ignored me. Cold shoulders spoke clearly: there are too few international news desks on volcanic archipelagos. It was my fault I fell in love with a hairy bear bound to the European continent, anyway. So flash-forward five years, he gets down on one knee and we start planning for our Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Not wanting to frighten off my new fiancé I start planning every detail. Here’s my reasoning: If a tri-heritage girl meets a bi-heritage boy where do they get married? The warmth. The blues. The sands. Right, (sleeves rolling up now), he’s got more family than me. All based in Greece. Convenience calls to tie the knot nearest the majority of guests. Bonus: they’ve got beautiful beaches.

So, where exactly? The Greeks can boast over 2,000 islands that all smell nice and rarely rain. Now, let’s break it down: If I’m marrying a Greekity Greek man who looks all Spartan warrior-like (in good light) then I don’t want any of that architecture-influenced-by-Italians stuff going on in the Ionians over there. If I’ve got friends flying from all over the globe then I don’t want your transport-unlinked can’t-access-under-a-week far-flung kinda place. And don’t you dare think you’ll be getting us dancing to novelty tunes amongst the bachelor parties of the mega resorts. If I’ve got a beach wedding dream to live, dammit, then I’m going to tavern it up in a non-mainstream place just utterly dripping with grape-vines and integrity. Or so I hope.

One eye on the prize, narrowed it down to the Cyclades. Aptly, islands named after the Cyclops. Good transport links. Scrumptious food. A bouzouki player or two. Fine sandy beaches… Focused in on one island and LIKE A FOOL shared my dream with his parents. Without giving me time to explain how much I love their beaches, they start with the open door wedding concept. If father-of-the groom invites more people then mother-of-the-groom wants to invite more people… I smile, ‘Have we invited the cat?’

Golden Beach   - Photo by user www.thassosisland.gr

One parent likes the idea of the island we fancy. The other demands the island literally a stone’s throw from the first. Ugh. Battle of the egos for them. And for me? One word of thanks? One word? Any ‘Hey, future daughter-in-law, thanks for embracing our country and culture, reading our books, knowing our myths verbatim, being on a first name basis with our philosophers, learning our language and preparing to celebrate your big day at our convenience.’ No. None of that.

My mother has one rule only: she is not riding a donkey to get to the venue. Fair enough. Neither up a beach nor down a beach. Ok ok. I got it. My man retorts ‘Right, I’ll book one goat.’ She narrows her eyes. I source a wedding planner.

The summer is now earmarked to explore the sunny Cyclades with the fiancé, aiming to select a venue. My family will fly to meet his family and we shall discuss. All set? Flip-flops at the ready? This sun worshipper is getting hitched.

-T- 

 COMING SOON: Wedding on a Beach- Part II: The Doing Stage

Posted from: FL, USA

For this post we asked Mrs. O to select five of her most favourite beaches across the globe. She kindly accepted our challenge and shared with us some of the world’s greatest summer getaways:

Hollywood Beach - Photo by Flickr user mattjiggins

Hollywood Beach - Florida | USA

No one will believe it, but it is! Year on year we return to what became one our favourite places in the world. I love Miami Beach, but hate the pool/beach scene – my idea of heaven is lying down on a sun lounger with a copy of Vanity Fair. Sleep, read, sunbathe and dip into the stunning sea. It’s nice, it’s warm, not too crowded and has one of my favourite hotels just on it. And of course the shops are just around the corner!

Praia do Vidigal - Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Don’t mean to disappoint anyone, but the idea of me and my closest 2,000,000 friends isn’t my idea of a nice holiday. Rio is one of my favourite destinations but if you do not want to get lost in the crowd, you can find a semi-private beach a little over 1km from Ipanema Beach.

Located between uber-trendy Leblon and São Conrado, this beach is shared by the Sheraton Rio guests and the inhabitants of the Vidigal slum. No safety issues, we are all people – and you can’t beat the view!

Motu Tape - Photo by user Mrsoaroundtheworld

Motu Tape - Bora Bora | French Polynesia

One of the settings of my incredible honeymoon, French Polynesia certainly did not disappoint. A breathtaking scenery and very few people around. Of course having my own direct access to it helped a lot. I promised I would go back on my 5^th wedding anniversary – and counting the days!

Quinta do Lago - Algarve | Portugal

The grass is always greener on the other side, they say… I had to go to many sandless beaches (the worse thing you can do to me!) to value what I had back home. For me, there’s nothing better than arriving at this spectacular beach – the experience starts on the wooden bridge you need to walk through to access this beach, also known as Gigi Beach on the Ria Formosa. My advice? Book a table at the beach restaurant (Gigi) before you get down to the beach and enjoy the fresh fish and white white sangria.

Cala Galdana - Photo by user Mrsoaroundtheworld

Cala Galdana - Menorca, Balearics | Spain

A hidden gem – or at least it used to be! Majorca’s younger sister, an example of no overdevelopment, Menorca is one of my favourite places in the world – and the closest thing to the Caribbean turquoise sea in Europe.

Excited by all good things in life, Mrs O spends a significant part of her life travelling around the world and having a bit of fun. Based in Henley-on-Thames, in England, Mrs O is originally from Lisbon, Portugal and clocks up over 200,000 airmiles per year.

Follow Mrs O on Twitter (@mrsoaroundworld) or visit http://mrsoaroundtheworld.com

[Kata Beach - Photo by Flickr user The Bode] 

The sky’s the limit when it comes to looking for exotic sunny locales in the Pacific. Of the different hotspots dotted along its turquoise seas, some of the most phenomenal include Hawaii and Phuket, Thailand. The Pacific region lends itself to a natural grandeur that many other holiday spots do not present to travellers. Whether you are looking for a place to sun and be lazy, sight-see or find entertainment, both Hawaii and Phuket are ideal, even for the seasoned traveller.

 Reasonably priced flights to Phuket Island make Thailand a most attractive choice for any holiday venture. If you are looking for a place to quietly relax, Kata Beach is a great spot. It is close to everything that you might want to see while on your trip to this particular locale. Visit its south part, or Kata Noi, for more seclusion. Patong Beach makes nightlife available for the ‘young at heart,’ and yet it is easy to find a quiet place to retreat if you really do not enjoy the party scene. There are a lot of facilities near the beach and plenty of choices to try water sports such as water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing etc. Nai Yang is a lovely beach on the west cost of the island. Apart from its turquoise waters, people visit Nai Yang for picnics under the tree shade or for tasting freshly baked seafood that locals sell at the beach.

[Nai Yang Beach - Photo by Flickr user  Andy_Mitchell_UK] 

Shopping in Thailand is a unique experience, with all the different styles, bold colours and cheap prices. Small shops in Phuket Town are popular with all of their Thai produced goods. Offers can be made for the things that interest you as bargaining and even haggling are a way of life for the Thai people. If you prefer, there are many air-conditioned malls available, but you will likely pay more for some of the same goods. Hotels and restaurants are plentiful and more reasonably priced on the eastern side of the island as opposed to the western locations. There are restaurants that offer fine dining and then there are restaurants that you can locate off the main streets that serve mostly to locals. These are the places where you will get to know the true local culture in all its authenticity. It’s also where you’ll pay pocket change and eat like royalty!

Despite the distance, plenty of good deals on flights to Hawaii are available given the high demand from holidaymakers heading to the Islands. The four primary isles are Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai and they’re overflowing with sunny beaches where visitors can tan, swim, ‘catch a wave,’ or just explore. Lumahai Beach on the north shore of Kaua’i Island is where ‘South Pacific’ was filmed. The waves are high and swimming is difficult, but this area offers some wonderful history, a scenic view and a look at the local culture. Waikoloa Beach on the northern shore of Big Island is a safe choice for swimming, sunbathing and body surfing. You can walk a winding, palm-lined path from the Marriott Resort to the beach. It is good to stay on the beach until sunset for a most awesome view of the water, waves, beach and skies. For those visiting Oahu island, Lanikai Beach is a must. Its crystalline turquoise waters are ideal for children as the off-shore reefs protect it from the waves. 

[Lanikai Beach - Photo by Flickr user  MattSims] 

Undoubtedly, Hawaii is one of the Earth’s paradise islands, comprising numerous outstanding landscapes and a wide range of recreational and sightseeing activities, and attractions. All the Hawaiian Islands have something to offer. From horseback riding to exploring the countryside, scuba diving to see Hawaii’s rich sea life with myriads of tropical fish and breath-taking underwater lava formations. For those who don’t relish being fully submerged under the sea, snorkelling is a good alternative to scuba and ranks among the destination’s many unforgettable adventures. Hawaii also offers visitors a great opportunity for surfing. Not only does it boast great stunning beaches, but it serves up majestically large waves along its picturesque shores. You don’t have to be an expert to surf as it is possible to book surfing lessons while there. Sports lovers might also enjoy kayaking while they explore Hawaii’s shores. There are plenty of things to do and see in Hawaii to make it an unforgettable holiday.

Booking in advance can give you the chance to find the cheapest flights available. So, start planning your sunny holiday either in Phuket or Hawaii.

This is a guest post by Sebastian Chirino, travel blogger for a flight comparison website.

[Coral Bay - Photo by Flickr user Mrs Logic]

After our last post on Miami Beach we flew over the Atlantic Ocean and landed on Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.  A Greek myth names Cyprus as the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite. Nowadays, this beautiful island is one of the most popular summer destinations. Wonder why? Let’s have a closer look at some of the most beautiful beaches on the island!

1. Coral Bay - Paphos
A blue flag beach with soft white sand and a background of steep limestone cliffs. It is located in Peyia and it’s very popular amongst locals. Ideal for snorkeling in the sea caves. Plenty of choices for food at the nearby restaurants.

[Konnos Bay - Photo by  user Elina!] 

2. Konnos Bay - Famagusta
This blue flag bay is one of our favourite spots on the island and a great place if you want to avoid the crowds of Agia Napa. This secluded bay, located on the Protaras road close to the coastline of Cape Greco, can be reached by travelling through a maze of pine trees down a steep decline to the beach itself. Fine golden sand and shallow light blue waters complete the beautiful scenery. If you haven’t tried water skiing before, this is a great place to give it a go!

3. Cavo Greco (Cape Greco) - Famagusta
The cape is a headland between Protaras and Ayia Napa and was recently designated as a national park. There are two ways to access the beach; you can either follow the path from the small church of ‘Ayioi Anargiroi’ at the top of the cliff or you can attempt to jump off! The spectacular sea caves underneath the cliff top at Cape Greco are a result of coastal erosion as waves are constantly pounding the cliffs. There is a platform above the caves which gives an amazing view. People either jump off the cliffs or climb down at the east end of the cliff. 

[Petra tou Romiou - Photo by  user Elina!] 

4. Petra tou Romiou - Paphos
Located on the southwest coast, it is one of the most famous spots in Cyprus and one of the most photographed rocks in the world. Also known as the Aphrodite’s rock, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite according to a greek mythology. The beach is visible from the street level and is truly magnificent. You can park your car at the viewpoint and follow the path down to the beach. Beware of the strong ocean currents if you decide to go for a swim.

[Blue Lagoon - Photo by  user Elina!]

Miami Beach in a nutshell

• Endless stretch of white sanded beaches
• Glamour and celebrity spotting
  
• First-class hotels and beach resorts
• Multicultural and diverse identity
• Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
• Nightlife from dusk-til-dawn
  
• Beautiful art deco buildings on Ocean Drive

Miami Beach with a closer look

1. Beaches
In essence, Miami Beach is a 10 km single stretch of sand along the barrier island and surely is a magnificent spectacle from above. This beach is enormous and therefore it can never be too crowded. You will find that the waters there are shallow and surprisingly warm, unlike chilly sea waters in other places.   

Miami South Beach
South Beach is the southern part of the beach between 1^st and 23^rd Street. The beach is next to Lummus Park, which spans between 1^st and 14^th Street and is an impressive park with palm trees and other tropical vegetation. Beach safety flags and signs alert to water conditions and lifeguards are also patrolling the beach. Sunbed rentals don’t come cheap here. You can buy food and refreshments from beach shacks all around South Beach. 

[Photo by Flickr user Phillip Pessar] 

Miami North Beach
North Beach spans between 63^rd and 87^th street at the north part of the barrier island. The beach is shallow and sandy just as the other parts and people can find all short of amenities in close proximity. It is far more residential than the other two and is much less crowded than South Beach and Mid Beach and therefore more appropriate for those looking for more laid-back vacations. 

[Photo by Flickr user Jimi Photog]

Miami Mid Beach
It is practically a stretch of sand that connects South Beach with North Beach. It is less touristic than the cosmopolitan South Beach but there is definitely more “action” than in North Beach. It offers a great alternative for those wanting to keep some distance from lively South Beach.

2. Nightlife
USA Today has ranked Miami Beach as the best beach for nightlife and Miami lives up to its reputation. South Beach is the center of the city’s night scene. Miami Beach is also known as the Latin Riviera and this is evident in the city’s vibe. Most of the bars and beach clubs are located on Ocean Drive with great views of Lummus Park and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many live music bars, lounges and restaurants with live entertainment and of course, Miami’s hippest nightclubs. If dancing till sunrise is your idea of having a great time, then this is the place for you.

3. Food
Miami is home to more than 150 ethnicities and this is evident in its cuisine; an exquisite blend of Latin, Caribbean and American flavors.  From traditional Mexican Tacos, to Italian Pizza or Pasta, Chinese noodles and of course American burgers, in Miami you will find whatever you might be craving for. 

4. Weather
Miami’s climate is tropical which implies that summers are very hot and humid. It is also one of the few places in the United States that has never snowed! The water temperature at this beach is surprisingly high. In August, it can reach as high as 30 °C (86 °F)! Miami weather can become very hot, so even if your plan is to soak up the sun, be aware of how long you are exposed and don’t ever forget your sunblock lotion.