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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Where can you safely (as much as possible anyway) swim in the sea?

66 replies

Xrays · 05/08/2023 20:05

We went on holiday to Ibiza in June and the one thing Ds aged 11 absolutely loved more than anything was being able to swim in the shallow areas of the beaches we visited (I am talking about very close to the shore / they had areas sectioned off specifically for swimming watched by lifeguards, where his feet could still touch the bottom). We would like to find somewhere similar to go next year, I’m half tempted to just book the same place but would like to go somewhere different. But I’m actually not sure where to consider? I was looking at some areas of the Canary Islands and even Cape Verde but reading reviews it seems like the sea can be very windy and choppy and unsafe. Looking for experiences and recommendations of hotels even if anyone has any suggestions?!

OP posts:
cherryassam · 05/08/2023 20:08

The Canary Islands and Cape Verde are both Atlantic and therefore the sea can be rougher than the Med.

There are beaches with swimming areas on many of the Canary Islands (I don’t know very much about Cape Verde), but if safe sea swimming is really important you’re better sticking to the Med in my opinion.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 05/08/2023 20:10

The sea in Turkey, near Side was lovely when we were there last October . Really warm and calm.

in contrast we’ve been to Portugal at the save time of year and it’s been too rough to swim (and it’s always cold!)

QueSyrahSyrah · 05/08/2023 20:10

Alcudia in Majorca has a long sandy beach that is shallow for quite a long way out. The eastern coast has lots of little coves that are calm and shallow too.

Canaries / Algarve / South of Spain is all Atlantic Ocean so much rougher.

PensionPuzzle · 05/08/2023 20:11

I can remember a childhood holiday somewhere in Cyprus where the sea was like a pond most days. I forget where but it was east or southeast sort of area. Sorry not a huge amount of help but maybe a starting point for you 🙂

Screamingabdabz · 05/08/2023 20:11

I’m not a good swimmer so that’s why I like Greece. Beaches in Zante had calm clear water where you can swim very safely.

Original poster
Xrays · 05/08/2023 20:13

Wow quick replies! Thank you so much, some places to google!

OP posts:
Gymmum82 · 05/08/2023 20:13

Turkey. Warm. Shallow. Flat. Was like a bath

LookingForFreeDoughnuts · 05/08/2023 20:13

Was going to say Alcudia also - very family friendly, waves are "fun" if they are there at all, so quite calm. Shallow for several metres out. And gorgeous!

FirstDayOfHoliyays · 05/08/2023 20:14

I love the canaries and Cape Verde. But over my dead body would my kids go in the sea in Cape Verde. Canaries yes but it's not like the med

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 05/08/2023 20:16

Not abroad but Weymouth beach! Stays shallow for such a long way out and pretty safe. Obviously not that warm though.

BarbaraV · 05/08/2023 20:16

Menorca and Cyprus are great. Calm warm sea. Definitely not cape Verde. Sea is rough AF and usually chilly too.

LoisPrice · 05/08/2023 20:17

Cape Verde is very much a no go for sea swimming. A friend was there when a German ignored the rules this year and sadly didn't make it home.

Ethelswith · 05/08/2023 20:18

Coral Bay in Cyprus

Very gentle shelf to the beach (so you can go out miles and still be within your depth) very calm sea and warm

Original poster
Xrays · 05/08/2023 20:20

LoisPrice · 05/08/2023 20:17

Cape Verde is very much a no go for sea swimming. A friend was there when a German ignored the rules this year and sadly didn't make it home.

How awful.

Yes I’ve not heard good things about the beaches there! Such a shame as they look so stunning. Definitely won’t be looking there then….!

Really appreciate all the replies. Thank you.

OP posts:
VikingVolva · 05/08/2023 20:20

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 05/08/2023 20:16

Not abroad but Weymouth beach! Stays shallow for such a long way out and pretty safe. Obviously not that warm though.

Check carefully for anywhere in UK

The amount of sewage we are dumping is an absolute disgrace, and it's really not what you want to be swimming (or even paddling) in

LiloP · 05/08/2023 20:22

Cefalu in Sicily
sandy beach for miles, shallow and calm. DD (7) stayed in sea for hours.

MouseKeys · 05/08/2023 20:30

Sardinia has some lovely beaches for swimming, we especially enjoyed Cala Liberotto (sandy flat beaches) and Cala Gonone (sandy beaches and coves you can only reach by boat) although I think you can swim pretty much anywhere on the island!

Coffeeandchoc · 05/08/2023 20:32

Menorca Arenal d'en Castell

The beach is beautiful. It's in a cove so the sea is shallow and very calm and so clear and beautiful

Hoppinggreen · 05/08/2023 20:32

FirstDayOfHoliyays · 05/08/2023 20:14

I love the canaries and Cape Verde. But over my dead body would my kids go in the sea in Cape Verde. Canaries yes but it's not like the med

The hotel that we stayed at in Cape Verde had created a sort of cove to safely swim in but in general I agree it’s not the safest place to swim

Orangello · 05/08/2023 20:32

Beaches in Southern Corsica are amazing - shallow, calm, pure white sand. Check around Porto Vecchio.

1AnotherOne · 05/08/2023 20:35

The sea in turkey is beautiful

Delatron · 05/08/2023 21:29

Menorca is the safest place we have ever swam. Lots of little coves with no waves.

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 05/08/2023 21:29

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 05/08/2023 20:16

Not abroad but Weymouth beach! Stays shallow for such a long way out and pretty safe. Obviously not that warm though.

🤣🤣 I was going to say Weymouth!! Just about the shallowest safest beach out there!!

st George’s south in Corfu has a big sandy beach with safe shallow water and one of those inflatable assault courses in the sea. Tbh most places I’ve been in the med have been safe to swim, but some do get fairly deep fairly quickly so I guess it depends how confident they are in the water.

MoonlightMuse · 05/08/2023 21:30

Menorca

MissAmbrosia · 05/08/2023 21:31

Sardinia definitely. The beaches are Caribbean like. I also love Juan Les Pins which has a gorgeous gently shelving beach - but more for sun lounger rental and cocktails.

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