Fancy an extra dose of vitamin D? Head to Eastern Europe for a heady hit of breathtaking scenery, unspoilt beaches and gorgeous resorts in Montenegro, Croatia, Bulgaria or Turkey.
Bečići, Montenegro
Located on Montenegro’s west coast, Bečići boasts a beach that’s 1950m long and one of the most beautiful in the Southern Adriatic, and hosts thousands of holiday-makers each year. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed here on their trip to Montenegro, at Hotel Splendid, and most hotels own their own section of the beach, so you can enjoy the sun without other tourists encroaching on your turf.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to beautiful landscapes, family friendly beaches and cultural activities that’ll keep the most restless sunbather busy.
By day, there is plenty to do and see. Walk the old city walls or take the cable car for stunning views of the 15th-century Old Town and the surrounding bays, bathe in the warm Adriatic Sea off the famous Banje beach or visit the numerous churches and museums located in the Old Town. By night, there are good wine bars and even a club or two if you’re not quite ready for bed.
Vàrna, Bulgaria
Vàrna, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, is a buzzy hub of activity in the summer. With a rich cultural history and soaring summer temperatures (the record in July is 41C); this is a place to soak up the sun and the sights.
You can stay down the road at Saints Constantine and Helena if you wish and still be able to walk to Vàrna or get there by bus. Stock up on a bikini in a different print each day from the gorgeous selection of swimwear at Very.co.uk for some serious style kudos by the shore.
Fethiye, Turkey
The Gulf of Fethiye is well off the beaten track, and feels quintessentially Turkish.There are a few luxury resorts but you can also rent properties and sunbathe in the comfort of your own apartment. Poke about the vibrant markets for treeasures or just stay on Calis Beach all day long and watch the famous sunsets.
