The Guardian recommends quiet beach holiday destinations such as Assos, Akyaka, Šibenik, Santa Maria di Castellabate and La Flotte en Ré.

The small town of Assos in Kefalonia, Greece, offers small beaches and the possibility to rent a motorboat to discover the small bays. Akyaka, Turkey, is one of Turkey's 'cittaslows' with a focus on nature and sustainability, and is also the Turkish kite-surfing center. Šibenik, Croatia, has elegant Venetian architecture and Banj beach, while Santa Maria di Castellabate, Italy, is located on the Cilento coast, offering unspoiled beaches and nearby archaeological sites. La Flotte en Ré, France, is an important sea fishing port with a beach suitable for relaxing.