The World's Best Beaches
Are you looking for something truly spectacular from your holiday this year? Are you tired of visiting countless beaches which have been inaccurately dubbed ‘world class’? Here we bring you a definitive guide to the world's most breathtaking beaches. From the exotic delights of Bermuda right through to the sizzling party atmosphere of Miami, there is a dream destination for you. Whether you want to take a romantic moonlit stroll, top up your tan, or simply build sandcastles, we can help you to find your ultimate beach break.
1. Cancun, Mexico
Tulum
Just 80 miles southeast of Cancun, the mysterious and serene Tulum Beach could not be more different to its louder and brasher neighbour. Indeed, the tranquility of Tulum Beach is surpassed only by its incredible beauty. Visitors can enjoy this relatively unspoilt gem by lapping up the crystal blue waters and letting their feet soak into the pure white limestone sand. As famous for its ancient Mayan ruins as well as for the quality of its shore, Tulum was once the Mayan civilization's only walled city - protecting its frontiers from potential attackers. Therefore, visitors lucky enough to get to Tulum can combine experiencing Mexico's finest beach with appreciating some Mayan culture dating from as early as 250 A.D. A truly astounding yet low-key resort, Tulum is a good bet for those sun-lovers wishing to blend a remarkably high-quality beach with some ancient world culture.
2. Goa, India
Arambol
The spectacular, sweeping stretch of land that is Arambol Beach is quite unique around the world in that it manages to look completely untouched, yet is still relatively popular. The beach stretches so far that it is possible to walk for miles without bumping into another person, and so is absolutely perfect for those seeking time to reflect with just the sea for company. In stark contrast to other Goan resorts, Arambol is low-key, uncommercialised and literally a breath of fresh air. Near the main beach there is a hot spring, which bubbles into a freshwater lake and is said to have rejuvenating qualities. Aside from this, visitors can choose to go on one of the many dolphin watching trips or sample the numerous tranquil bays and pools which are ideal for swimming. All this, combined with the relaxed environment and the friendly outlook of the villagers, serves to make Arambol an excellent place to unwind and soak up some Goan culture at close quarters.
3. Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay
Widely regarded as the most beautiful of Bermuda's many beaches, Horseshoe Bay provides a treat for anyone fortunate enough to sink their feet into its talcum powder style fine pink sand. Horseshoe Bay's name comes from its unique horseshoe shaped sands which wrap around gorgeous clear blue aqua waters. Horseshoe Bay is incredibly popular, however there are several coves, namely Somerset Long Bay, Longwood Cove and Astwood Cove, all of which provide privacy for those seeking a romantic, secluded break. The calm and warm beaches are home to reefs which accommodate a magnitude of exotic fishes just waiting to be discovered, making it easy to understand why Horseshoe Bay is the most-photographed beach in Bermuda. This beach is ideal for families with young children, as the sheltered coves offer plenty of shade and opportunity to paddle.
4. Sardinia, Italy
Spiaggia del Principe
The
Mediterranean
is home to some of the most astounding beaches in the world, however it is the
Italian beaches which are said to be amongst the best kept secrets. In
particular, the Spiaggia del Principe (Prince's Beach) in Sardinia is a beach of exceptional beauty. Whilst Sardinia has blossomed into one of the hottest beach destinations in Europe, this beach has remained a real
secret. Simply aching with exclusivity, this beach is hidden down a ten minute
dirt-track, which means that it is less populated than others in the region.
Perfect for parents with young children, Spiaggia del Principe consists of two
small shallow bays - making it very safe and the ideal place to relax. With a
stunning clean white transparent sea lapping against luxurious white sands, it
is no surprise that this beach is a hidden treasure, enjoyed only by those in
the know. Despite its magical charm, it is still possible to find reasonably
priced accommodation close to Spiaggia del Principe. A world-class beach at a
bargain price, you should visit this wonderful beach before the rest of the world catches on!
5. Miami, Florida
South Beach
Quite possibly the coolest place on the planet, South Beach is at the tip of Miami Beach
and is widely regarded as the place where celebrities and beautiful people hang
out. But South
Beach
is not simply just the place to come to be seen, the Miami
shores are sparkling and the swaths of soft white sand are unlike any other.
Pictures fail to capture the true beauty of South Beach and visitors here are often surprised to find that
alongside the nightlife and celebrity spotting, there resides a
top class beach. Sometimes referred to as the American Riviera, South Beach
is not the sort of place to go to if you're seeking a laid-back holiday. Almost
visually bursting with energy, the people that come here are not likely to be
those who are satisfied by a simple relaxing stroll on the beach. Rather, South Beach
is a magnet for hedonism and over-indulgence, with countless bars and clubs
offering an experience that lasts right through the night. For those seeking a beach break that will last from dawn to dusk, South Beach is a dream destination.
6. Bahamas, the Caribbean
Harbour Island
Only three miles long, the wondrous Harbour Island in the Bahamas offers picture perfect views to appeal to any traveler. Boasting an incredible stretch of pink sugar-sand, with beautiful swaying palm trees and gorgeous turquoise waters, this beach could have come straight from a postcard. Some of the best beaches on Harbour Island can be found in Dunmore Town - the oldest and most attractive settlement in the Bahamas. Here, you can expect to see plenty of traditional white picket fences and pastel-coloured buildings - guaranteed to charm the most travel-weary of tourists. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a spectacular sunset over cocktails, or unwind and soak up the infectious laid-back Caribbean charm. Made all the better by the stunning Caribbean climate, Harbour Island offers an unrivalled appeal for holidaymakers and locals alike.
7. Dahab, Egypt
Laguna in the Bay of Dahab
Just 50km north of Sharm el Sheikh resides this small
Bedouin oasis. Ideally cocooned amongst the Red Sea, the desert and the rugged Sinai
mountains, this delightful natural lagoon offers a tranquil atmosphere for
those eager to escape the larger resorts. Dahab is aptly named as it means
‘Gold' in Arabic - perhaps reflecting the shimmering sands which could easily
be mistaken for gold dust. With near-perfect weather all year, this is a
real windsurfer's paradise. Indeed, you will find a long stretch of golden sand
offering all kinds of watersports - from waterskiing, to diving through to
kite-surfing. With a real bohemian feel about it, the Bay of Dahab
has many Bedouin style cafes and is an ideal combination of comfort, peace and
culture. If you want a slightly different beach break, then the laguna in the Bay of Dahab
is a refreshing choice.
8. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Whitehaven
For
a beach that will truly take your breath away, try Whitehaven Beach just off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Stretching for four miles, this uninhabited beach is famous its pristine white
sand, which is super-fine 99.9% pure quartz. Whitehaven is uninhabited,
with no human infrastructure visible from the beach, meaning that visitors can
literally get away from it all. There is probably nothing on this earth to
compare to the tranquility of sitting with the warm, clear green water lapping
over your feet, watching the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the east. It is to
Whitehaven's credit that despite the many magnificent beaches in Australia,
Whitehaven beats them all hands-down for sheer jaw-dropping beauty. There are
no hotels or accommodation on Whitsunday Island,
although there are several places to camp. Camping permits can be obtained from
Airlie Beach
on the mainland, which can permit you to stay over-night. Camping comes highly recommended, as it is only then that you can experience Whitehaven's true remoteness.
9. Maui, Hawaii
Kaanapali
For
warm golden sands stretching as far as you can see and for some of the most
spectacular sunsets around, head to Kaanapali. The surrounding water is clear
and flat, and lucky visitors are able to enjoy the breathtaking sight of the
neighbouring islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i shimmering in the distance.
Kaanapali was Hawaii's first
planned resort and still serves as a model for resorts around the world. Indeed
there is plenty for visitors to do, including getting a beachside message,
riding an historic train, playing championship golf or undertaking a wide range
of watersports. This top quality beach resort also boasts a major Kaanapali
landmark, ‘Black Rock', which was believed by the Maui's as being the jumping off point where
the soul left the body. As a result, every evening Kaanapali hosts a ceremony
where cliff divers leap from the Black Rock into the sea below, with hula
dancers and locals honouring Maui's
history and traditions. A fun yet relaxing resort, Kaanapali Beach
is arguably the best beach on the best island in the world!
10. Malay, Philippines
Boracay Island
Regularly voted the world's best beach, Boracay is located at the north-western tip of Panay, off the Sibuyan Sea. In its four kilometers of beach, Boracay manages to fulfil every requirement for a tropical paradise: warm translucent waters, healthy marine life, quivering palm trees and sand that slips between your toes. A fairly recently discovered secret, Boracay has become an idyllic escape for a wide variety of beach lovers. Wherever you go in the island, you will be able to hear English, French, German and Spanish all being spoken. However, despite the island's new-found popularity, visitors are respectful and the original serenity of this wonderful resort has not been damaged. After sundown, this island morphs into an exhilarating world of partying and dancing, contrasting greatly with the tranquility of the daytime. For many, the words paradise and Boracay come hand in hand, and it is this which keeps travelers returning year after year.
Added: 24 October 2007 - 08:47
