Beaches in August that Aren't Heaving?

[sniffydog]

I've left our 'big' summer holiday planning a bit late this year and am in need of some input! We can only go mid-late August and really wanted somewhere that has lovely (sandy) beaches but you don't have to fight for a patch of sand on.

Wish List:

• short haul
• sandy beaches but some rocky coves etc good too
• options for things to do nearby - boat trips etc
• not Atlantic coast (water to cold for DW)
• probably rent a villa

In the past we've done Mallorca, Menorca, Corsica, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. All nice but all pretty busy in peak time. Any advice on spots that might suit?

Guernsey? Gorgeous beaches. Though you may already have left it late to find accommodation there

Thanks but Guernsey is that chilly Atlantic water DW is not a fan of.

Formentera? A Greek island via ferry?

Montenegro

Denmark. Not boiling hot but you can swim and definitely not crowded

Unfortunately the only place I've found it agreeable to swim is the Indian Ocean . I'm a wimp when it comes to swimming, though Ibiza was just about passable in September.

How about Croatia? Sardinia? Sicily?

With the latter if you go to the west or south, it's a drive from the airport so quieter

I’d have a look at Corsica. It’s an island with plenty of beaches and sand. Sea was warm. Maybe ask on a TripAdvisor forum for the more local’s type beach.

Otherwise you’ll need either a massive beach so there’s room for everyone ( back to Spain ) or you’ll need a car I think. There are nice beaches/coves in the south of France between Toulon and St Tropez. Further east and they are packed in August ( the French like their sun as much as the tourists do).

If you can forego sand I’d highly recommend the north east corner of Corfu. There are some gorgeous villas in eg Kalami, Koulouri and Aghios Stefanos NE. We went in August and had small shingle beaches to ourselves. Snorkeling amazing and water really warm. Here is a pic

If you are set on sand, try Skiathos. It’s very busy with Italians in August. Side trips to Skopelos and Alonnissos fun.

Pic

ReveredInArgentina - How hot was it in Corfu in August? Would love to go sounds amazing but worried about the heat being too much.. thanks

Tavira in Portugal may fit the bill?

East coast of Denmark (north or south of Copenhagen) or one of the southern islands, or Bornholm. Northern German Baltic coast - e.g. around Lübeck or Travemünde

I know that "Baltic" is northern/Scottish slang for "very cold" - but the weather in the summer really isn't cold at all, and these places are definitely not crowded.

Alternatively, the lakes in central Europe and the Alps also have "beaches" - from the huge lakes like Lake Garda or Bodensee (Lake Constance) to the smaller ones with lakeside towns such as Zell am See.

Where in Corfu is this beach. It looks like heaven.

Chouchoulio nr Kalami

chocbuttons is correct, we went to cabanas near tavira and if you dont mind walking for literally about 3 mins the beach is very uncrowded. you catch a tiny boat across the harbour for a few cents. kids were playing football. a lot of the beaches along that coast had loads of room.

other option might be brittany, though depends on the beach.

Tavira is Atlantic ocean! My one complaint, because otherwise it would be perfect.

sorry didnt see the atlantic ocean bit. it wasnt cold or rough in cabanas though.

It was fairly hot - maybe 30? Certainly not unbearable

Thank you for all the responses so far! Sorry, I should have clarified that we want somewhere properly hot so Nordics, channel are def out. I like the idea of the Algarve but The Boss is saying water probably too cold. How cold would you say compared to the med?

Very hard to find suitable accom on Formentera (we need 4-5 bedrooms as teens bringing friends). Corfu does look nice if we can find somewhere off the beaten track. Also considering Port de Pollensa in North of Mallorca but worried it will be just as busy as anywhere else. And maybe Menorca. We went there when kids were very small but were surprised that there weren't that many beach options.

Ideally we'd want something that has a few options for beaches - some big sandy, some little coves with rocks to jump off. We'd have a car (van!) so don't mind driving about to find good spots.

For me (maybe a wuss!) the Atlantic was good for a brisk dip, but I couldn't swim for a prolonged time in it. This was the Algarve in August. It was absolutely amazing though and the beach was superb.

Sea in Corfu, felt warmer than the hotels pools, would recommend IKOS Resorts.

The best quieter beaches in the Med you can’t get to in a van, you’ll need a moped or a boat!

I would consider Puerto Pollensa.. it's a lovely resort. The beach is 1.5 km long so plenty of room. Then you can drive and find smaller coves.😊

I'd recommend Arenal d'en Castel in Menorca. It's a reasonably small resort on a big sweeping bay, the less visited northern side of the island. It will be busyish in August but not packed; we've been twice at that time of year. Safe warm ish bay for swimming.

Another one for Tavira, it’s amazing! We swam in May and it was fine! Otherwise how about west coast of France- great waves for boarding/ surfing, beaches quiet and we found water fine. La Rochelle and down into the Gironde are fab.
we went to Mallorca in Aug once and it was heaving but may have been unlucky!