It’s no secret, we’ve been to quite a lot of international locations over time. Whether by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat international locations surrounded by water, quite a lot of of the locations we’ve visited have had some superb seashores.
I didn’t notice simply what number of nice seashores we had truly walked on till I learn an article just a few years in the past speaking about 25 of essentially the most stunning seashores on the earth. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a aircraft heading to an island that will undoubtedly have one other stunning seaside ready for me after we landed. What struck me was that we had already walked, napped, swam or arrange a hammock on 20 of these 25 seashores on that checklist.
I want I had saved that article to make this checklist simpler (and to see if we’ve got crossed any of the remaining 5 off their checklist) however listed below are 10 of our private favourite seashores on the earth. While a few of these may not have the best sand, the very best surf or the shortage of crowds we typically yearn for, all of them have one thing that makes them intrinsically particular to us. I’ve saved it to a single seaside per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seaside in the identical nation we additionally loved.
Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel
20 years of journey feels like so much nevertheless it’s lower than half of what we hope the longer term brings. As the children begin to go off on their very own adventures, so too will we begin visiting locations which have been on our bucket checklist as properly and perhaps revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous couple of a long time. This checklist is for these seaside lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Enjoy!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the biggest island nation on the earth, Australia in all probability has extra seashores than some international locations have folks. How do you determine which of these is your favourite? Simple, you suppose again to which seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Beach.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and after we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one facet to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Beach left a mark on us could be an understatement. Beautiful aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with virtually zero civilisation in sight? Yes please.
Australia: Special nod to Fraser Island (now often known as Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on the earth and we had an awesome week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s major seaside. While it may’t evaluate to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer measurement and actions. Besides, who can resist driving on a seaside so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s categorised as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.
Long Beach – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Long Beach on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi continues to be one among our fondest recollections. We had been staying in a small hut simply ft from the surf and the easy days of swimming within the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching films on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means acquired outdated.
We haven’t been again because the island acquired worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island continues to be as well-liked as ever today. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chew to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Beach was an effective way to alter issues up as properly.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be stated as properly. Though we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and among the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this whole checklist as actually stunning), Micki and I fell in love with Ko Lanta. The sand was extra gritty and the water readability doesn’t even belong on this checklist however we spent weeks there within the off season when issues had calmed down after the busy vacationer season. Of course there was superb Thai meals in all places however a fast stroll down the seaside we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anyplace we ever ate in Italy (the Italian proprietor had simply moved there) and we couldn’t get sufficient of it.
We additionally fell in love with a seaside in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming via a cave!
Looking again now or time on Ko Mook is all the time full of a distinct reminiscence. Micki had a kidney an infection that we couldn’t ignore and we needed to take a non-public boat off the island then an ambulance to get the closest hospital. Because of that have, we all the time advocate getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you permit the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has develop into a favourite since we are able to select the clinic we wish (one thing that was important after we had been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re coated as much as 250k in 180 completely different international locations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re coated for even small claims like vacationers stomach or ear infections and their new Nomad 2.0 coverage permits each an Adventure Sport addon in addition to an electronics insurance coverage addon. Plus, now with the brand new Nomad 2.0 claims course of you can begin a declare with a brand new easy type in as little as 5 minutes and get reimbursed inside 2.8 days.
Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico
Mexico has a whole bunch of lovely seashores on either side of the nation however our favourite continues to be in all probability Akumal. Not as busy as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen nor as unspoiled as Tulum, Akumal is understood primarily for his or her sea turtles. We’ve spent days on the seaside there over time from earlier than we had youngsters to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular in regards to the place. The water is tremendous calm, the various fronds attain right down to the seaside and we simply all the time get pleasure from our day there.
The humorous half is although we’ve spent months (years at this level) staying up and down the Mayan Riviera coast, we’ve by no means truly spent the evening in Akumal. So, for those who’re trying to e book every week or two within the space, simply exterior Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum could be the realm I’d counsel however simply be sure to take a day to spend on Akumal Beach with the ocean turtles. You’re welcome.
Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s solely a fast 30 minute boat journey from Nuevo Vallarta nevertheless it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has an incredible laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific facet of the nation.
Lanikai Beach – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is full of stunning seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Beach is tough to beat. One of the explanations this seaside stands out to us is that it’s the primary seaside we ever went arise paddle boarding on and partly why we at the moment personal 4 paddle boards as we speak.
Also often known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach makes it onto loads of lists of the very best seashores on the earth and is well-liked for a cause. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to virtually all the things on the island (we toured the complete island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an awesome place to spend a day when on Oahu.
Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seaside in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as properly for those who’re already on the island. While the seaside itself doesn’t evaluate to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seaside the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we might ever depend simply ft off the shore. It was a success with each us and the children because the surf is extremely mild.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily recognized for his or her large Galapagos tortoises nonetheless they need to be equally well-known for his or her salt encrusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue footed boobies and the one penguin on the earth discovered north of the equator. Most of those could be discovered on practically any seaside within the island chain and so they make any seaside tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, positioned on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seaside you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seaside. Due to the fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the gorgeous seaside itself however as you attain the tip you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite facet with good water you’ll be able to swim in. On our stroll to the cove, we noticed loads of sea lions and a tons of sea iguanas basking (and snorting out salt) within the solar. Right earlier than we acquired the cove we additionally noticed just a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to seek out lunch.
Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island needs to be added on account of it’s distinctive magnificence. While you’ll be able to’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that may get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seaside. It has nice swimming and for those who’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions would possibly determine to play with you within the surf.
Varadero Beach – Cuba
While not distant nor that onerous to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Beach are well-liked for a cause. The seaside, also called Playa Azul for it’s crystal clear blue water goes on for miles (at 21km or 13 mi, it’s the longest within the Caribbean) and although it’s now affected by all-inclusive resorts, the water continues to be beautiful and the sand nonetheless easy. The bonus to having civilization so shut right here is that their world well-known mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are just a few ft away and taking a day journey into Havana is like stepping again in time.
Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as properly. While it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s an exquisite strip of white sand and aquamarine water as properly with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go incorrect heading on the market for a day however notice that it may get busy some days.
White Beach – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay apart from that the place is all the time busy and but the sand is among the most interesting you’ll discover wherever on the earth. It’s so advantageous that it truly squeaks if you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after taking part in within the aquamarine surf. I’d have beloved to see the realm 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Beach and Boracay Island itself are well-liked for a cause.
The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the yr nonetheless for those who go to the farther edge you’ll be able to typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an awesome swimming seaside with lots to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and for those who crave somewhat extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite facet of the island and might get pleasure from some superb kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Beach is owed. It’s a beautiful stretch of sand nonetheless you’ll must take a tour to get there. Most excursions depart from El Nid and sometimes go to the distinctive sandbar of Snake Island. Make positive to take a look at Nacpan Beach for those who’re staying within the space as properly, because it’s a beautiful seaside on it’s personal and is simple to get to.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of seashores nonetheless in contrast to their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as advantageous right here. That stated, we fell in love with the nation and even determined to get married there. What has that to do with Cathedral Cove within the northern Coromandel space of the northern island? Not a lot besides we had just a few stunning days within the space and actually loved the good seaside and the famed arch.
Back then you might hike out to the seaside however today the paths are closed and you want to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless well worth the journey and the backdrop is just stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Hot Water Beach the place pure scorching springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you may make your personal sandy scorching tub solely ft from the surf.
New Zealand: Small nod to Abel Tasman Park on the south island. I can’t actually inform you the precise seaside we beloved essentially the most however the complete Park is only a stunning wonderland of nature. Our pic on the facet with the kayaks within the background was taken there and seeing it nonetheless brings again nice recollections of our time there.
Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Full of all-inclusive properties and large resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you for those who demand a quiet seaside away from the crowds. What it does provide you with is miles of beautiful white sand and delightful water to swim in. To be truthful, when you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer measurement of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise implies that you will discover tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among the others on this checklist, the place is busy for a cause. The seaside is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon just a few hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seaside is a good place to drive to. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it may give you a really feel of what the Dominican Republic felt just a few a long time in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are a whole bunch of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price shifting there for nevertheless it’s arduous to select any single seaside that had that means to us greater than the others. So reasonably than checklist a type of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and title a seaside with some superb backgrounds. The 6km Praia da Falesia within the Algarve area of Portugal can actually be damaged into 3 areas, with the cliffs round Olhos de Agua being essentially the most scenic.
Hugely well-liked in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the realm actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching scorching. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the complete seaside really feel such as you’re reduce off from civilization and also you would possibly spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our youngsters beloved the cliffs so it could be why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is all the things on this checklist, it’s the recollections that join us to those locations that make them memorable.
Portugal: A small nod to Praia da Mareta close to Sagres. While the sand isn’t as good as Falesia, the views are simply beautiful as you look south and west throughout the ocean. The cliffs within the space aren’t unhealthy both.
Special Mention – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve virtually completely traveled collectively over time nonetheless there are just a few locations that just one or the opposite has been to. Micki took a visit just a few years in the past to Anguilla and fell in love with the various seashores nonetheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Final ideas on our favourite seashores in 20 years of journey
Every seaside is exclusive with one thing meaning one thing to somebody. Whether it’s a lake seaside your loved ones visited each summer time or a as soon as in a lifetime journey to the Maldives you took in your honeymoon, it’s a private factor. Choosing your favourite little bit of sea and sand if you’ve had the great fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores over time will get powerful.
If you’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Every seaside has it’s distinctive charms and typically the folks, the meals, nature, the crowds (or lack of them), the standard of the sand, the booming of the surf, the colour of the water and the non human residents who name the seaside dwelling outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.
There are a whole bunch of seashores we’ve walked on over time which are in all probability extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however typically they’re forgettable for precisely that cause. Sometimes there are such a lot of idyllic seashores on an island or faraway coast that all of them mix into on one other and don’t go away an impression apart from the final notion of “wow, there are a lot of nice beaches around here”.
Maybe that’s for the very best and so they stay off these lists of the very best seashores on the earth for cause. Maybe we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to come back or perhaps, we simply need them to remain as pristine because the day we first stumbled onto them…
If you need to checklist a few of your favourite seashores right here and inform us simply how incorrect we’re, you’re welcome as properly. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seaside is vital to you and to not be missed.
Safe travels.