‘Our honeymoon island had just two hotels, a carpet factory… and the sea’

When we asked you about favourite Mediterranean spots that are off the beaten track, you took us at our word

We hadn’t expected to end the day on such a beautiful Israeli beach, lapped by the warm Mediterranean Sea. After exploring Acre’s Crusader citadel, we went in search of some R&R, discovering Argaman beach (known locally as Akko beach) just a short walk south.

With the old city and the Al-Jazzar Mosque as a backdrop, it was the perfect place to relax. Palm trees gave the beach a tropical feel and wooden huts provided shade, making it possible to walk barefoot on the hot, white sand.

We lingered until late, watching the wonderful sunset. As dusk fell, lights from the shore reflected on the gentle waves. Reluctantly we left to start our return journey to Jerusalem.

Celia Harris, Hampshire

SOME LIKE IT HOT

It was 1972 and I was 20 when my school friend and I went to Hammamet, Tunisia, for two weeks of bellydancing, snake charmers, beach volleyball and exotic food. Our hotel was on a dusty dirt track, miles from anywhere. We travelled around on farmers’ wagons, surrounded by fruit and vegetables, and in nearby Nabeul a man tried to trade me for 20 camels!

There were long, hot days out to Tunis, Monastir, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said, not to mention wonderful weather, friendly people and the experience of Ramadan. My favourite Tunisian delicacy was brik – an egg wrapped in wafer-thin filo pastry and deep-fried – which was delicious. Janice Goodwin, Derby

THE ART OF GENEROSITY

Our Mediterranean cruise took us to Carthage, in Tunisia. We knew we were in Africa as soon as we stepped ashore – the sights, sounds and smells of the kasbah are so distinctive.

We took a Land Rover trip into the desert to the old, fortified town of Zaghouan, which appeared through the heat haze like a mirage. My wife had her artist’s bag full of pencils, crayons and paper, hoping to capture the moment. But as soon as we arrived, the local schoolchildren rushed out to us and we learnt that they had no art materials. Very soon, neither had my wife as all were given away to these grateful children. Maybe one of them became an artist – we will never know. Peter Harrold, Lincolnshire

A SURREAL EXPERIENCE

It is hardly a Mediterranean secret now, but Cadaqués – on Spain’s Costa Brava – was unheard of when I first visited. My initial impression was of a sleepy fishing village but it proved to be a place of many layers, best approached by sea.

Loved by Salvador Dali, who had a home there, Cadaqués has moved with the times without losing any of its medieval charm. As I left the small harbour and began to explore, I felt like an extra from The Talented Mr Ripley.

First I took in the views – encouraged by the placing of seats all along the bay, with cafés and restaurants to hand. I’m glad I didn’t sit for too long, as the streets behind the seafront are a warren of delights. I revisited several times during lockdown – but only in my dreams. Stella Noble, Hertfordshire

LONELY ROAD TO LUNCH

In 1973 I was walking along the unspoilt coast of Crete from the Samaria Gorge to Phaistos. It was a pretty lonely route in those days and the old fort of Frangokastello was completely deserted when I rested for the night. Next day, I followed the coast road, which was more like a rough track, and ended up at a beautiful empty beach which my map and legs agreed should be Rhodakinon.

The village was about a mile inland and uphill. I arrived at noon, a curious sight – 16 years old, with white legs and a heavy rucksack, wearing a bush hat. My opening word – “English” – was generously received with a lemonade and the question: “Manchester?” Close enough, I replied, and was invited inside to see a huge photograph of Bobby Charlton and the team.

My lunch of grilled fish-and-chip omelette with salad was excellent. James Ball, Cambridgeshire

ADONIS, APHRODITE… AND ME

From nesting loggerhead turtles to deserted beaches, the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus is a glorious stretch of unspoilt wilderness in the Med. It is secluded and romantic in equal measure, especially the area known as Lara Bay. Here you are reminded of the power of the sea, the beauty of wild nature and the importance of taking a moment simply to breathe. It is no surprise that, in Greek myth, Aphrodite came here to meet her lover, Adonis.

Crystal clear waters reach around a rugged coastline pitted with small rock pools and caves. An abundance of flowers and herbs, some only found in this area, survive on what appears to be a solid bed of rock with little or no water.

This coast, where silence is treasured, nature displays her colours and the sun sends healing rays, must be the closest thing we have to paradise.