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Cagliari city break: Sardinia’s hidden gem you need to visit, with ‘best beach in the Med’

If you’re searching for a Sardinian city break with a difference, Cagliari has stunning Mediterranean beaches, flamingos and ancient history – and it’s just a short flight from the UK

If you’re contemplating a weekend escape this year, you’ve likely thought about one of Italy’s major destinations – timeless Rome or the enchanting cathedrals of Florence. Architecture, history, sunshine and some of the finest cuisine on the planet – Italian city breaks are difficult to surpass.

But here’s our suggestion – venture beyond the conventional and uncover something away from the masses, with even more on offer.

Roughly 220 miles from Rome sits Sardinia, and at the southern extremity the city of Cagliari is, according to my travel guide, “older than Rome”. It’s a city that combines multiple dimensions: ancient and contemporary, urban and natural, monumental and everyday.

Like Barcelona, it achieves the ideal balance between city and beach getaway. The beach, the largest stretch of sand I’ve witnessed in Europe, is merely 10 minutes drive from the centre, so you can transition from sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar in the Castello district, to barefoot walks along the shoreline.

And if you’re seeking a taste of nature, the salt flats – home to Cagliari’s flock of flamingoes – is a brief bus journey from the old town, reports OK!.

The historic core of the city is the Castello district, positioned on a limestone hill and surrounded by imposing walls. I had the privilege of exploring its delightful, narrow streets, and became captivated by the shaded piazzas and panoramic vantage points overlooking the Gulf of Angels.

While tourist favourites such as the Amalfi Coast and Rome continue to hog the limelight, Cagliari is steadily carving out a reputation as a must-visit destination — perfect for those seeking a hidden gem well away from the crowds. Here’s my ultimate itinerary.

Stay by the sea in Cagliari

You could always opt for the old town, but to truly soak up this coastal city, The MGallery Palazzo Tirso is a five-star boutique hotel tucked away in La Marina, one of Cagliari’s four historic quarters. From its rooftop terrace, you’ll be treated to stunning sea views alongside the magnificent sights of Castello.

For a holiday packed with rest and relaxation, Palazzo Tirso has everything you need, boasting a sauna, steam room, spa pool and a selection of L’Occitane-fuelled treatments. The 25-minute massage left me feeling as though I’d ascended into heaven.

The hotel also houses two restaurants: rooftop venue Cielo, offering all-day dining and aperitifs with DJs, and Terra, a genuinely gourmet spot showcasing prestigious recipes crafted by Palazzo Tirso‘s chefs.

My standout meal was at Sa Schironada, a charming little restaurant just a six-minute stroll from the Palazzo Tirso hotel. We shared a plate of traditional Sardinian bread and olive oil — which you simply can’t get enough of in Italy — and for my main, I tucked into a generous platter of mouth-wateringly delicious mussels in garlic and white wine sauce, accompanied by more Sardinian bread.

It was, needless to say, a glorious overload of carbs and seafood that left me fit to burst, but every single mouthful was absolutely worth it.

Spend a day flamingo spotting

Cagliari is extraordinary for its natural surroundings, so it’s essential you explore the Molentargius Salt Flats, where colonies of pink flamingos make their home. They’re situated within a protected park – a rare example of a lagoon ecosystem nestled inside an urban environment.

Alongside flamingos, you could also catch sight of the great white pelican, a cattle egret colony or, if you’re fortunate, the purple swamphen, with its metallic blue plumage and scarlet beak.

To enter the park, you can rent a bike for approximately €15 per day, or take a guided mini bus tour through the park, where they’ll provide a tour guide and a pair of binoculars.

Exploring the beach

Poetto Beach extends for several kilometres, and it’s among the defining features of local life. Far more than simply a beach, it’s a social hub: bustling throughout the year, where sports, relaxation, and community spirit converge.

The sheer scale of Poetto left me stunned. I’m accustomed to town beaches that are compact and pebbly, but this beach’s scenic expanse is magnificent.

From it, you also enjoy a stunning view of the Devil’s Saddle, the promontory at the precise centre of the Gulf of Angels and – according to legend – the location of the battle between good and evil. Good must have triumphed because the place is paradise.

Cocktails with a Michelin-starred chef

In an immersive cocktail experience courtesy of the Palazzo Tirso hotel, you can savour cocktail pairings crafted by Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, aka Chef Pam – who received The World’s Best Female Chef status in 2024.

Her signature creations include Caviar-Crowned Tartare, Sun-Kissed Crab, and Squid’s Midnight Dip. Bite-sized masterpieces bursting with character, these are far from ordinary bar snacks.

Every piece is carefully designed to complement the drink alongside it, transforming an evening tipple into a truly curated occasion.

For wine enthusiasts, just 35 minutes north, tucked away amongst the rolling hills of Donori, lies Tenute Maestrale, a contemporary winery surrounded by undisturbed vineyards producing superb white, rosé and red wines, with tastings of three wines and traditional snacks starting from just £28.

When to visit Sardinia’s capital

Cagliari is stunning throughout the year, particularly during summer when the beaches and bustling streets truly come alive. For a genuine festival atmosphere, The Feast of Saint Efisio takes place annually from 1st-4th May.

It’s an 80km pilgrimage from Cagliari to Nora, retracing the route of Saint Efisio’s martyrdom. Thousands of participants, adorned in traditional costumes, accompany the saint’s statue on elaborately decorated ox-drawn carts.

It ranks amongst the longest and most ancient pilgrimages in the world, with the city traversed by a procession of 2800 people in traditional dress from across Sardinia, followed by 270 horsemen of Campidano, the Militiamen and the Guardiania.

How to book your Cagliari getaway

Rooms at MGallery Palazzo Tirso begin at £240 for bed and breakfast. You can reserve directly via the hotel’s website, or via Booking.com or Expedia.

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‘I’m a family travel expert – Club Med, Bodrum, in Turkey, is an undiscovered gem’

As a mum to a six year old and a two year old, I love an all inclusive hotel. There’s plenty of food options, and I don’t groan every time one of my children tips their drink into the sand. But they’re often pretty big, and pretty expensive. So when I checked into Club Med in Bodrum, I was quickly won over.

While it’s quite large, with 242 rooms on the pretty hillside site, it still manages to feel boutique and exclusive. A high return rate, plenty of the guests we met were on their second or third visits. One, an elderly Belgian man on holiday with his wife, was on his seventh. “It’s just perfect,” he told me. Why would we go anywhere else? And I have to say I agree. Here’s why…

The rooms

There are three different room types at Club Med, Bodrum: superior, family deluxe and suites. As a family of four, we were given a deluxe, which was split over two floors. There were two single beds downstairs and a king upstairs, in a large living space that doubled as a living room.

There were two bathrooms and a spacious balcony with chairs for lounging that looked out over the archery courts below. As far as decor goes, it was simple – white walls, minimal accessories. Functional for a family who would be spending most of their time on the beach. Beds were comfy, and a cot was provided. The whole thing was immaculately clean and the thread count was high. It was an ideal base to set up camp for the week.

The food

While in Bodrum, we ate a lot of our meals out, but the ones we enjoyed at the hotel were very good indeed. The hotel’s main buffet restaurant, La Terrasse, is at the top of the site, with stunning breezy terraces overlooking the sea, all draped in purple flowers. The view, it has to be said, is breathtaking. The scenery served up is almost as good as the eggs.

Breakfast is varied, with omelettes made to order, a bakery, cereals and salads. A juice bar serves up brightly coloured drinks, and there’s a fruit station with enough bananas to keep my kids happy all day. Coffee is best sourced at the bar, which does a great flat white with fresh beans. Throughout the day, delicious picky snacks like olives and flatbread are served at the beach bar, and to the delight of the little ones, fresh watermelon was delivered to them on the sand.

La Terrasse opens once more for lunch and dinner, with a banquet of options for all tastes and palates, from grilled prawns to pizza. There were even snails one night – a nod to Club Med’s French brand heritage. A gentle theme runs each night, say Mexican, Chinese, and so on. And there’s plenty of Turkish treats to delight too. Once a week, a white party takes over the pool area and guests are all given light-up crowns to wear as they dine. My six year old absolutely loved this – as did I. Down the mountainside, the a la carte Halikarnas restaurant provides a more intimate, upmarket setting, with incredible seafood and meat options.

The activities

While Club Med isn’t specifically a family hotel, and in fact most of the guests we met during our stay were friends or couples, it really does welcome children with open arms. Staff remember names and drinks orders, and a fuss is made of young guests wherever they go. The pool area is large and luxurious, with plenty of sunloungers, many of which are set under the shade of surrounding trees, and there’s a little baby pool for paddlers too.

Elsewhere, there’s a small playground set down a shady path and activities like archery and beach fit to keep everyone occupied when on a break from the beach. A complimentary twice-daily boat trip, which leaves from the hotel pier at 10am and 3pm each day to tour the beautiful coastline, lets the little ones on with lifejackets.

The beach

At the foot of the hill lies the jewel in Club Med’s crown – its pristine, private, beach. Set in a long bay, ensuring calm, safe water, it can be accessed via stairs or a lift, with a regular supply of buggies taking guests up and down the hill to reach it. Once at the shore, turning left takes you to a section of Bali beds set over the waves on the rocky cliffs, with some more to be found on a wooden pier.

We, however, turned right – to the main stretch of beach. With more than enough sunbeds, each with a generous umbrella for shade, there’s no jostling required. The beach is cleaned daily and the water is crystal clear. It’s paradisical. Little fish came to say hello as we built sandcastles by the water’s edge. The perfect place to wile away the day.

The surrounding area

If you can bear to leave Club Med Bodrum, there is plenty to explore nearby. A trip to Bodrum castle is a must to wander through the historic fortress. Built by the Knights of St John, it now houses one of the world’s most important collections of ancient shipwrecks and relics. There are a flock of friendly peacocks in residence too, which I have to say were the highlight for both my girls.

Elsewhere, Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu (Bodrum Antique Theatre) is a remarkably preserved 4th-century BC Greco-Roman amphitheatre carved into the slopes of Mount Göktepe. Overlooking the city and the Aegean Sea, it stands as one of Anatolia’s oldest surviving theatres. Later, a walk up to the 18th-century windmills between Bodrum and Gümbet then provided sweeping views, and we headed down to the glamorous Bodrum marina to dine by the water at Liman Koftescisi, a renowned Turkish restaurant. The meatballs with aubergine were divine.

For those who love wine, Bodrum is abundant. Karnas Vineyards is a family-owned, boutique winery and agricultural estate located in the Karaova region of the Bodrum peninsula. Spanning over 20 hectares, it is famous for being the first vineyard to plant the Zinfandel grape variety in Turkey, producing award-winning wines using sustainable and traditional techniques. Featured in the Michelin Guide, the vineyard features a terrace restaurant serving local, farm-to-fork meals made from ingredients grown on-site or by local farmers.

And just down the road, Mehmet Vuran is the owner and winemaker at Garova in the Karaova Valley of Bodrum. A visit to his estate is as much of a delight for children as it is for the grown ups thanks to a menagerie of animals, with cows, chickens and baby chickens running around. As the golden sun dipped behind the horizon, as our visit to Bodrum drew to a close, we toasted to our return.

*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye

Getting there

Without Flights: Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Bodrum, Palmiye, Turkey from £2,490 (based on a family of four). Price based on departure date 06.06.26. Book now at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/bodrum/y or call 03453 676767

London Flights: Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Bodrum, Palmiye, Turkey from £4,014 (based on a family of four). Price based on departure date 06.06.26. Book now at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/bodrum/y or call 03453 676767

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Gorgeous Spanish ‘hidden gem’ near Malaga with stunning views and fewer crowds

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, but if you want to avoid the crowds, one holidaymaker has shared a ‘hidden gem’ with stunning views and rich history

When it comes to summer getaways, Spain consistently ranks as one of the most beloved destinations for British holidaymakers, and it’s not hard to see why. Nestled in Southern Europe, it enjoys pleasant weather all year round, with summer temperatures frequently soaring to 30 degrees on a daily basis.

Even during quieter months, visitors can expect comfortable temperatures of around 20 to 25 degrees. With the mainland just a short two-hour flight from the UK – although the Canary Islands can take up to four hours to reach – many Brits consider it the ideal distance for a break.

That said, Spanish authorities have previously voiced frustration with the sheer volume of tourists flocking to the country, leaving hotspots such as Mallorca and Palma absolutely packed to the rafters during the summer months.

Now, however, one traveller named Andrew McDonnell claims to have uncovered one of Spain’s best-kept secrets – a destination that delivers scorching summers and stunning scenery, without the overwhelming crowds. He took to TikTok, where he has amassed more than 12,100 followers, to share highlights from his trip to the historic southern Spanish city.

“One of Spain’s hidden gems left me truly speechless,” read the caption accompanying his post.

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Ronda is a stunning mountaintop city situated in the Málaga province of Andalusia in Southern Spain. It is renowned for its dramatic position perched atop the sweeping El Tajo gorge, which divides the city’s 15th-century new town from its ancient old town, which dates back to the era of Moorish rule.

The iconic Puente Nuevo, a striking stone bridge that spans the dramatic gorge, features a viewpoint offering breathtaking views. The new town’s Plaza de Toros, a legendary 18th-century bullring, remains one of the city’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Ronda is also widely regarded as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, with a bullring dating back to 1784. Although the bullring remains open to visitors, actual bullfights are an increasingly rare sight, with just one symbolic event staged there annually during the Corrida Goyesca, as part of the Feria de Pedro Romero, which traditionally takes place in the last week of August.

Beyond its rich and fascinating history, the city also possesses a romantic charm that has captivated poets and writers for centuries, bolstered further by its spectacular mountaintop setting, widely considered one of the most stunning locations in the entire country.

Being a compact town, everything is easily reachable on foot. And while it stands as one of the most celebrated of Andalusia’s ‘pueblos blancos’ (white villages), it has managed to avoid the mass tourism that has overwhelmed its coastal neighbours, such as Malaga.

Andrew went on to say: “Ronda is one of those places that simply doesn’t need any words to be described, because being there and seeing it for yourself is enough. The content really doesn’t do this place any justice for how spectacular it is.”

And situated in Southern Spain, you can anticipate the typical Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Thanks to its elevated position (roughly 739 metres), it does see chillier winters and occasionally hotter summers than neighbouring coastal resorts.

As it’s just 100km from Malaga, roughly an hour and a half’s drive away, Ronda serves as an ideal day trip during your holiday, or a peaceful and relaxing base for your next Spanish getaway.

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Fairytale European city with ‘untouched’ Old Town and Oxford-style punting named 2026 hidden gem destination

A BEAUTIFUL city in Germany has been named one of the best hidden gems in Europe.

European Best Destinations has announced its list of ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe 2026’, naming any that have ‘rare beauty, timeless charm and extraordinary places still preserved from mass tourism’.

Tübingen has been named one of the ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe’ Credit: Alamy
On Neckar River, locals and tourists can go on punting tours Credit: Alamy

At the very top of its list is Tübingen in Germany.

The publication called the city an “amazing treasure destination in Europe.

It added that it’s “a traditional university town; about one in three people living there is a student.

From its historical sites to its beautiful green spaces, there are so many unique things to do in Tübingen.

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The city in southwest Germany has a very pretty Old Town, translated to Altstadt.

Tübingen is considered ‘untouched’ as unlike other German cities as it avoided being bombed in World War Two.

So it still has it’s pastel-coloured 15th-century half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads filled with independent and boutique shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

One visitor said: “We went there in the middle of summer and the view was really beautiful. Between the alleys, typically German, colorful houses and flower railings.”

Tübingen has pretty colourful houses by the waterfront Credit: Alamy

Another said the Old Town is “definitely the most beautiful place in the city. The square is plenty of restaurants and terrasses. It’s a good place to drink something and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in summer.”

One of the most famous sites in the city is the Hölderlin Tower, the former home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin.

The tower was built in the late 18th century and sits on the Neckar River.

It’s now a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to Friedrich Hölderlin during the time that he lived in the tower.

Another popular activity is getting on Neckar River for Oxford-style punting.

Public punting along the Neckar River runs seasonally from May to September.

Hölderlin Tower is the former residence of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin Credit: Alamy

One of the tour operators offers sessions from €70 (£60.54) per hour – this price is for a whole boat seating up to 16 people.

There are different tours available, some along the riverfront, others head to Neckar Island and sunset tours during the evening.

There are some food specialities to enjoy while visiting Tübingen including Maultaschen – pasta filled with minced meat, spinach, bread crumbs and onions.

There’s also Käsespätzle which are cheese noodles, the region is also known for its wines like Trollinger and Lemberger.

For Brits, the easiest way to get to Tübingen is to fly to Stuttgart, and then drive 40-minutes south of the airport.



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Seaside village with hidden gem beach cafe and afternoon tea by the sea

Nestled on the Norfolk coast, this village boasts a stunning dog-friendly beach, famous striped cliffs and the Old Town Beach Cafe serving afternoon tea by the sea

If a peaceful coastal retreat is on your wish list, this charming village delivers seaside serenity in spades, along with plenty of spots to grab a decent cuppa.

Nestled along the Norfolk coastline, this quiet gem boasts a breathtaking beach and dramatic clifftops, offering sweeping vistas and a welcome escape from the daily grind.

Old Hunstanton sits shoulder-to-shoulder with its bigger neighbour, the more well-known resort of Hunstanton – also called New Hunstanton – but it would be a mistake to overlook it. Its unhurried charm appeals to those who’d rather skip the hustle and bustle of a busy seaside town, with leisurely strolls and striking striped cliffs to admire.

The undisputed highlight of the village is Old Hunstanton Beach, a gorgeous sandy stretch that warmly welcomes families and four-legged friends alike, perfect for a paddle when the sun deigns to make an appearance.

Indeed, its dog-friendly reputation is a major draw for keen walkers and visitors eager to give their pooches a proper run around. One tripadvisor reviewer said: “Old Hunstanton Beach is a top pick for dog owners. Dogs are welcome year-round with no leash required on the spacious sands, offering true freedom.”

“This likely reflects the beach’s size and a culture of responsible dog ownership. Enjoy the beautiful cliffs and calm waters with your happy dog by your side!”

Forming part of this stunning landscape are the cliffs, famously banded with three distinct colour layers – red, brown and white. Their striking natural stripes make the beach particularly eye-catching and are believed to represent a geological site of special interest dating back to the Cretaceous Period.

Another notable feature of the area is the historic Old Hunstanton Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1844, perched atop the renowned cliffs. This provides a delightful walk on a pleasant day and delivers breathtaking views across the region.

Café on the beach

Located on picturesque Old Hunstanton Beach, directly opposite the RNLI, is Old Town Beach Cafe, which offers a diverse menu championing locally sourced produce. For those seeking a more traditional pit stop, they also happen to dish up a lovely afternoon tea.

An afternoon tea right beside the sea sounds idyllic, yet it’s entirely achievable, with diners choosing lunch and breakfast options too. You can settle outside in the sand and gaze out at the blue shades of the rolling waves while you sip away.

One diner commented on Tripadvisor: “I visited the old boathouse café twice this week, once for breakfast and again another day for afternoon tea. It’s in a great location just on Old Hunstanton Beach, and the food and service is excellent. A really great place to call into after a walk on the beach.”

Another hailed the venue as an “outstanding little café Hunstanton” while someone else highlighted the spotlessness of the establishment.

One customer gushed: “Spotlessly clean throughout, lovely friendly staff, excellent quality, cater for gluten-free, freshly cooked, served piping hot, mega breakfast excellent as were homemade sweet potato patties gluten-free. Would definitely recommend.”

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‘Most important spa town in Europe’ is a ‘hidden gem’ which ‘most people skip’

Situated in the south west of Germany, on the border of the iconic Black Forest mountain range, the city has jointly been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe, but want something a bit off the beaten track, one “hidden gem” with historic spas, Roman ruins, and incredible museums could be just the ticket. Situated in the south west of Germany, on the border of the iconic Black Forest mountain range, the city has, along with Bath in Somerset and nine other locations, jointly been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of ‘The Great Spa Towns of Europe’.

Travel influencer Katherine McQueen, who has 685,000 followers on Instagram, where she is known as vineyardsandvoyages, posted a look into everything the city has to offer. She said: “This is one of Europe’s most elegant hidden gems… and most people skip it.”

Describing the city as “polished, romantic, and completely different from the bigger stops most travellers add to their itineraries”, she hailed its “pastel streets, grand architecture, thermal baths, elegant cafés, beautiful gardens, and old-world glamour around every corner”. But it was the history which she hailed as its most important element.

“People have been coming here for the thermal waters since Roman times, and wellness is still one of the biggest reasons to visit today,” she said. “You can soak in mineral-rich baths, wander through historic spa buildings, and experience a side of Germany that feels slow, refined, and deeply relaxing.”

Katherine also praised the city’s glittering casino, food – including, of course, the iconic Black Forest gateau – and location, calling it “one of the most unexpectedly charming places I’ve visited in Germany”.

The city in question is Baden-Baden, located around 15 miles east of the French border, and 42 miles west of Stuttgart.

In the post Katherine explained more about what the city has to offer. “Some of the bathhouses here feel more like palaces than spas, with mineral pools, grand domes, and centuries of wellness history,” she said. “But it’s not just a spa town. It’s also filled with elegant architecture, gardens, colonnades, and beautiful places to wander.”

She added: “The whole city has this refined, romantic atmosphere. Long covered walkways, grand buildings, art, gardens, and peaceful corners everywhere.”

Concluding, she said: “It has that rare mix of history, wellness, food, architecture, and nature, all in one very walkable little city. Everywhere you look, there are details that make it feel grand without feeling overwhelming. This town rewards slow wandering. Hidden side streets, stairways, dreamy corners, and beautiful views around every turn.”

The city’s official tourism website says: “Baden-Baden was founded 2,000 years ago to do people good. Thermal water at temperatures of up to 68 degrees gushes out of the earth from 12 thermal springs in Baden-Baden. Even today, our spa town at the foot of the Black Forest is the perfect place to enjoy spa tradition – whether in the Caracalla Spa or in the historic Friedrichsbad Spa.”

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How can I get to Baden-Baden?

By air: Direct flights to Baden-Baden are available from London Stansted Airport. Indirect flights are also available from most other UK airports.

By train: You can take the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels, with various connecting routes available.

By car: You can drive by taking the Eurostar and then heading south east through France, or east into Belgium before crossing, into Germany. Once arriving in France, the route is between 400 and 450 miles, taking between six and seven hours.

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Hidden gem beach named a ‘wonder’ with unspoilt bay and dramatic cliff views

Nestled along the British coastline is a paradise for rock poolers and fossil hunters — and Conde Nast Travel has named it one of the seven wonders of Wales

While Rhossili Bay typically steals the limelight with its three-mile stretch of sand in the Gower National Landscape, this cherished bay is what many locals regard as Wales‘ true hidden gem.

Conde Nast Travel recently unveiled what they deem the seven wonders of Wales, compiled by a Welsh-born traveller, and Dunraven Bay secured its place as one of the nation’s essential destinations.

According to the publication, this is where residents head when seeking a peaceful coastal escape. And, with scenery comprising dramatic cliffs, limestone formations and weathered rock faces, it’s easy to understand why.

Tucked away in Southerndown within the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, the stunning bay is frequently called Southerndown Beach, adopting the name from its neighbouring village.

It boasts some of the finest rock pools along the Welsh coast and is consequently a favourite location for crabbing and fossil hunting. Young children delight in exploring the shallow pools and discovering treasures, as families flock to the bay for a day on the sand.

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One previous visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “We visited Dunraven Bay last Saturday; it was an amazing trip to a beautiful beach. The rock pools are super; we found some very interesting items, including an intact Gryphaea, one of the genera known as ‘devil’s toenails’.

“The beach is very clean, and the sand leading up to the sea is soft. There is a beachside shop that sells hot and cold drinks and ice cream, along with a picnic area for those with their own food.”

Visitors to the beach will find a generously sized, conveniently situated pay-and-display car park, along with toilet facilities. The bay also boasts a charming café and restaurant, perfect for a leisurely lunch or light bite, and rounding off the quintessential seaside experience, there’s an ice-cream kiosk.

A further visitor shared: “Absolutely beautiful. Especially if you’re a tourist hoping to get good photos of a beach. I went alone, and for the most part, I felt completely safe. There are pockets of people and people alone just hoping to enjoy the sun during low tide.”

History and folklore

The bay was once thought to have been an ancient Iron Age hillfort, which subsequently became Dunraven Castle, a structure that has long since disappeared. In its place lie the crumbling ruins of the castle and its former walled garden, tucked away from the shoreline.

The bay is steeped in mysterious legend, notably that of the ‘wreckers of Dunraven’, who were said to have cunningly fastened lanterns to sheep in order to lure passing vessels. They would draw the ships towards Tuskar Rock before swooping in to plunder their cargo.

The most notorious ‘wrecker’ was one Walter Vaughan, who, following tremendous personal loss and financial devastation, turned to ‘wrecking’ out of sheer desperation.

To evade detection, legend suggests that no sailors or boat crew survived the wrecking, as they would routinely kill those onboard once they reached the shore.

Some claim that on the anniversary of his son’s death, Vaughan’s ghost returns to the beach, and those passing by can hear his chilling wails.

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