First the positives: it's a long, beautiful, sandy beach. The weather is always warm and otherwise nice most of the time and so are the swimming conditions. There are all kinds of shops and restaurants nearby.

However, the toilets are in a bad state. The soap dispensers are either not being refilled regularly, sometimes for weeks, or topped up with water instead of soap. Toilet paper is hardly ever available and if it is, the toilets clog leaving a disgusting mess.

There are signs saying that ball playing, the playing of music and smoking are prohibited but nobody cares about enforcing this.

There are loads of people walking the beaches, illegally trying to sell their rubbish, massages and drinks to the people who try to enjoy the beach, asking every couple of minutes if you'd like to buy their stuff and many don't take no for an answer. Don't get fooled into thinking that they will stop if you buy something as they will target you again asking if you want more.

All the police do is infrequently place themselves at the promenade which prompts the sellers to cease their activities until they resume to normal afterwards.

These activities aren't limited to the beaches but can be found in every corner of the resort including some pubs and bars. Be careful.

The local population and authorities don't seem too bothered by these illegal activities although taxes are being avoided and the tax-paying businesses are missing out on revenue through persons who will most likely cost the tax payer additional money. I haven't heard about any protests or significant actions to tackle this after all.

However, if you're 'lucky', you will be able to witness protests which sometimes take place right on this beach. These protests demand tourists, who bring millions of euros to this island each year, disappear.

In order to have a pleasant holiday, I recommend to either:

• Ignore all this, or
• Stay at the hotel for your entire holiday, or
• Choose a different destination with more pleasant conditions.

Whatever you do: have an amazing holiday.