Yoga Basics poses come naturally on the serene coasts of Santorini

As a meditative form of exercise, yoga basics poses are a great source of stress relief and a great way to stay in shape. The poses are most effective when the practitioner is calm and breathing steadily – two factors that can be greatly benefitted by a beachside excursion. While there are many beaches that are perfect venues for yoga exercises, the travel advocates at Travel + Leisure magazine have listed Santorini, Greece, as the best island destination on the globe. The ranking, which is based on the average score of thousands of user reviews, reflects the peaceful and serene nature of this island paradise, as well as the wealth of attractions found along its shores.

Santorini is a volcanic island that is found among the Cyclades group in the southern Aegean Sea. It is the remnant of a volcanic caldera, which places most of the island's towns in a hillside environment. This feature means that no matter where a guest finds themselves on the island, there is always a stunning view of the sea.

Hotspots on the island include the beautiful cities of Fira, which boasts classic Greek architecture and a lively dining and nightlife, and La, a similarly gorgeous city whose position on the West Coast of the island affords it some of the most wondrous sunset views in the world.

Of more interest for those hoping to practice their yoga basics poses will be Santorini's exquisite beaches, like Perissa and Kamari. Thanks to its volcanic history, many of the island's beaches boast unique colors including black pebbles and red sand, and the constant ebb and flow of the Aegean sea will help practitioners meter their breath as they move through their asanas.

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