A beach holiday is the perfect excuse to escape the daily grind. And whether you’re in the mood for a stroll on a windswept beach leading up to an ancient castle, relaxing on a white sandy slice of paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean or taking a breather after catching a few early morning waves, there are beaches for just about everyone.
If you’re not sure where you want to head, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful beaches in the world for a bit of inspiration.
Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Railay Beach is located on the coast the Railay peninsula, situated south of the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang. The beach features dramatic limestone formations that make this the ultimate destination for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Boracay White Beach, Philippines
White Beach is perfect for those who love swimming, thanks to its flat, calm waters. This 3 mile-long stretch is considered to be one of the most popular beaches in Boracay and offers everything from beach activities and restaurants to nightlife and hotels. Accommodation is broken up into three sections along the beach, Stations 1, 2 and 3, and range from luxury, mid-level and budget respectively.
Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Located on the northwest side of Kauai Island, Na Pali Coast is best seen either via boat or canoe. Seasoned trekkers can also explore the area via the Kalalau Trail, a demanding 11-mile (22-mile round trip) hike that runs from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach.
White haven Beach, Queensland, Australia
White haven Beach is 4 mile, eco-friendly stretch of coastline, located along Whitsunday Island. The beach features blue and green waters, a number of covers, lagoons and inlets, and sands consisting of mostly white silica, which gives it that spectacularly bright white color. Its remote location means it’s rarely ever crowded and makes it an ideal spot to indulge in a bit of “you” time, be it sunbathing or cracking open that book you’ve been meaning to read.
Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
For photography aficionados, Anse Source D’Argent is a must. The beach, located along La Digue island, provides prime photo ops thanks to its pure white sands and other-worldly looking boulders.
Bingin Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Bingin Beach offers some of the most demanding surfing conditions in Bali (expect up to 8-foot swells), making it the quintessential spot for surfers. If you prefer to stay on dry land, the beach is at its best during low tide, when the landscape is ideal for sunbathing.
Bai Sao, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
When you think of idyllic beaches, chances are Bai Sao’s landscape will come to mind: white sands, crystal-clear waters, low-hanging palm trees and beach bars. It’s an ideal location for anyone looking to escape the stress of daily life for a while.
Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz, Turkey
The town name Oludeniz translates to “dead sea” (a result of its calm waters) and is home to the Blue Lagoon, which offers white sands and warm, turquoise waters. Visitors can expect a more relaxed atmosphere (you won’t find a boisterous nightlife here), and a number of activities to do on and around the lagoon, including paragliding and boating.
McWay Falls, Big Sur, California
Make sure to grab your camera or smartphone before you head out to explore McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along Highway 1 in Big Sur. The 80 foot falls, spectacular in its own right, is situated among equally incredible jagged rocks and offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Visitors can expect 18 miles of sugar-white beaches and equally pleasant water temperatures at Pensacola Beach, located on the Florida Gulf Coast (on the western part of the panhandle). The beach is an ideal getaway spot for families and offers everything from restaurants and bars to various water activities.
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