There’s nothing quite like a trip to the seaside. Whether you’re looking for stunning coastal views, perfect spots for a chill sunbathe or enjoy beach activities, we've got you covered. This list includes our best recommendations for those looking for peace and quiet, family vacations, or a little bit of adventure.
Keep reading to discover our favorite, carefully-selected choices for your next trip to the sea!
Shoal Bay, Antigua
Shoal Bay in Antigua has everything you could possibly want and more! Extended across two miles of unbroken white sand, Its stunning underwater world has attracted divers and snorkelers for years. Dive in to discover thousands of exotic fish without the fear of rays and sharks as they are not native to this part of the island!
If you’re more of a dry land person, relax in the sand or sample some of the local Caribbean bars and open-air restaurants.
Neighboring this beach are Yachtie Island and Jabberwock Beach, both of which tend to be a little bigger and busier. Make sure make them a visit!
Tortuga Bay, Galapagos
We’re huge fans of the Galapagos! Tortuga Beach (or Tortoise Beach!) is located just outside of Puerto Ayora, which is the largest and most accessible town on the islands. To get to the beach, you have to walk a 20 minute trek through the flora and fauna, including Darwin’s finches and small lizards. Don’t worry, they’re not harmful at all!
You can visit Tortuga Bay all year-round. The locals are extremely friendly and the bay has the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. You can snorkel in the shallows, explore the local wildlife through the many tracks and paths linking the beach or just sit on the white coral sand staring at the clear turquoise waters all day!
Unique to Tortuga Bay is the colony of marine iguanas which catch the sun on the rocks out to sea. If you’re brave enough, you can even kayak out to see them, although we don’t recommend getting too close!
Jagodna Bay, Hvar, Croatia
Adventure lovers listen up! A true hidden gem can be found on the coast of Hvar, Croatia. Only accessible through a single-file tunnel through a mountain, Jagodna Bay offers an unmatched peace and quiet to most of the beaches in the world. Although the beach is small and surrounded by pronounced headlands, it’s ideal for a relaxed time off.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. You are more than welcome to swim to plenty of rocks offshore, snorkel in the still and clear water, or even swim round the headlands and explore the other coves along the coastline.
Even though it is a rather remote destination, there is just enough room for a small restaurant and bar at the top of the hill. And a cocktail or two after a long beach session is the perfect way to finish off the day.
Durban Beach, Durban
Durban is our top pick for those who want to combine a top-class beach with a city break. If you travel there between June and November, you might be lucky enough to spot whales and dolphins out at sea. Locals fishing is also a sight in itself and surfing is one of the main attractions of the region.
The city is a part of what makes the area so special. After enjoying the sea for the day, Durban has a lot to offer. Cafés, vibrant street life and art deco architecture line the streets.
Whilst the beach is always busy, ever since South Africa hosted the 2010 Men’s Football World Cup, there has been much more focus on ecological conservation and ocean cleanups, meaning a safer, cleaner and carefree experience for all!
Glass Beach, California
California is home to one of the more unorthodox choices on this list. Unlike all the other entries on this list, this beach isn’t lined with sand, but pebbles and these are no ordinary pebbles. Originally a popular place to dump litter, the sea has turned the glass from this rubbish into beautiful, colorful stones for everyone to enjoy. Although it might be tempting, you actually cannot remove any of the translucent stones now. The irony!
The beach is now part of the MacKerricher State Park, which offers stunning natural beauty for miles around, and is definitely worth a visit.
The best times to look for sea glass are after a high tide or during a full moon during the spring or fall. Even though this trip does not provide the usual sand or blue ocean views, it is a magical place to visit and has magnificent views of its own!
Beach trips are some of the most popular choices across the world. These destinations take coastal holidays to the next level! Spread all over the world, these options provide white sand, water activities, luxury relaxation, bustling city life, seclusion and unique views like no other.
Pick your favorite and start planning now.
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