5 Favorite Things to Do in Menorca

by Laura Bianchini

Menorca’s laid-back feel and slow pace make it an ideal place for an unforgettable summer escape. Much smaller than Mallorca and less busy than Ibiza, it has a relaxed vibe and a more authentic Spanish feeling. Menorca is not a busy package holiday destination, it’s still quite unspoiled and thankfully tourism has not tainted it – there are so many beautiful places to see and things to do. Which is why we think it’s the perfect destination for a luxury yoga retreat in Spain, with plenty of time in between yoga classes to discover the island or just relax on a gorgeous beach.

Menorca has a striking coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, from large stretches of fine white sand in the south to small swimming coves in the north. It’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, boat trips and sailing. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding paths along the coast, as well as several cycling lanes. You can splurge on spa treatments, take day trips to charming towns, shop along pedestrian streets and browse open-air markets. Menorca also has a strong cultural side, with large cathedrals and palaces, as well as archaeological sites spread across the island.

4 Beautiful Beaches on Crete, Greece

by Laura Bianchini

Greece is famous for its gorgeous beaches – swimming in crystal clear waters surrounded by the beautiful colors of the Aegean will make anyone feel new again. And Crete in particular has some of the most stunning beaches in all of Greece – from small coves to long stretches of fine white sand, lagoons and inlets with shallow water leading to deserted islands and soft pink sand.

We’ve explored many of Crete’s beaches and have chosen four of our favorite ones in western Crete to share with you. We often take day trips to visit these during our yoga holidays and one afternoon during the yoga week we practice a sunset yoga class on one of these stunning beaches – heavenly!

But whether you’re in Crete for a yoga retreat or just for a visit, these beaches are definitely worth a day trip.

Top 5 Beaches in Mykonos

by Laura Bianchini

Mykonos in Greece has over 20 gorgeous beaches and to highlight the best is a real challenge! Yoga Escapes has been hosting yoga retreats in Mykonos for years now and have had the pleasure to visit most of the beaches on the Greek Island of Mykonos. They’ll be happy to take you around and show you the best ones to fit your mood. There’s one for everyone – it just depends what you’re looking for. Many of them are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants and water sports, and many of those are found on the southern coast. But if you venture a little further away, you’ll find the less touristy beaches, each one unique and beautiful in its own way.

Here are the Top 5 Beautiful Beaches in Mykonos, Greece, each with their own style and vibe, catering to a specific crowd:

Top 4 Things to See in Crete

by Laura Bianchini

Crete is bathed with sunshine and warm weather for many months of the year, making it the perfect place to visit especially in May and October, when it’s not too crowded and it still feels like summer. The temperature at that time is warm enough to go swimming and have dinner in the lovely outdoor squares, but not too hot to be unbearable – and the perfect time to enjoy a luxury yoga retreat. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is full of beautiful beaches, amazing historic sites, breathtaking gorges and charming fishing villages.

Here are the 4 Must-See Places in Crete recommended by people who know the island well and love going back every year: