Sun and sand by sparkling oceans are the stuff of dreams. Whether you're looking for total relaxation or you want to take a stroll on the wild side, we have come up with our favourite 12 best beaches.
These beaches offer something for everyone: from the silvery sands of the Caribbean to the charming pebble beaches of the UK, and onwards to the Elysium fields of India.
All you need to do now is pick your favourite beach and go discover it for yourself!
1) Whitehaven Beach, Australia
This dazzlingly white beach, which has won numerous awards for its eco-friendly outlook, stretches for 7 km along the tiny and remote island of Whitsunday. Its beauty lies in the pure white sand, consisting of 98 per cent silica, which means you can walk barefoot even on the hottest day.
Snorkellers will find a wonderful array of multi-coloured fish and if you are lucky you might even spot a humpback whale.
The island is accessible by boat from the mainline tourist ports of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
Part of its charm is the complete absence of hotels and facilities, and so it's most suitable for day trips, although enthusiastic campers can spend the night as long as they don’t leave any litter behind.
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The nearest airport is Hamilton Island
2) Anse Marron, La Digue, Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands are renowned for their fabulous beaches, and can be vastly overcrowded in the summer months. However, if you are prepared for a little adventure, the hike to Anse Marron, located on the island of La Digue, is well worth the effort.
The secluded beach is dotted with large granite rocks, which make for some stunning scenery. As the beach is difficult to reach, it is gloriously quiet. Relaxation and heavenly views are ample reward for the effort it takes to get there. Take a guide as the trail is unmarked and can be misleading.
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To get to La Digue, you can fly to Seychelles International Airport on the island of Mahé, and then catch a boat to the island of La Digue.
3) Shoal Bay, Anguilla, Caribbean
If you are looking for a little luxury without falling into the proverbial tourist trap, spend a few days on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. The little coral island is entirely devoid of cruises ships, casinos, and high-rise hotels, instead opting for a series of opulent low-key beachfront villas.
Shoal Bay is the most popular beach on the 25km stretch of island, with a great range of bars and eateries, as well as convenient equipment rental on-site for visitors. The main section of the beach can get a little overcrowded, so head towards Elodia’s beach bar for a quiet moment and a gorgeous view of the water. Snorkelling here is also a must.
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4) Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
With some truly spectacular scenery, including immense limestone cliffs and lush, green jungle, Railay Beach is the ideal destination to sit down with a book and just relax and enjoy the view.
In the evening, the island hosts some great parties, including the increasingly popular full moon party to keep barflies entertained.
Although technically on the mainland, the beach is only accessible by boat, giving it that secret-escape feeling. Other than during peak season, the beach is rarely crowded, despite being small enough to get around on foot. The peninsula consists of Pranang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai, the latter being a popular haunt for rock climbers.
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To get to Railay Beach, you first need to get a flight to Bangkok, and then you can catch a domestic flight to Krabi. From there, you must get a boat to Railay Beach.
5) Agonda Beach, Goa, India
Agonda beach, a 3km stretch of golden sand lined with simple beach shacks, is the perfect getaway for anyone feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. The federally protected beach is one of the three locations in India where sea turtles lay their eggs.
Quiet and pristine, the beach is a haven for sun worshippers can enjoy the rays unhampered by hawkers, who are not allowed here. There's more acitivity 15-minutes drive away at Palolem Beach, south Goa’s most popular beach.
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To get to Agonda Beach, you must first fly to Goa. Some airlines fly direct to Goa. If not, you can fly to Mumbai and then catch a domestic flight to Goa. From there, you can either take a taxi or bus to Agonda Beach.
6) Baska Voda Beach, Croatia
Once a humble fishing village, Baska Voda has developed into a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful beaches and a thriving social life.
The beach is one of the area’s hotspots, with a great selection of bars and restaurants and a backdrop of stunning architecture and the formidable Biokovo Mountains.
Baska Voda is a hub of outdoor activity, with runners and cyclists making the most of the promenade lined with palm trees. Nightlife comprises bars and live music.
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The closest airport to Baska Voda is Split. From there you can take a bus.
7) Praia dos Nativos, Trancoso, Brazil
For atmosphere alone, the beach of Praia dos Nativos in the hippie town of Trancoso is worth a visit. The popular two-mile stretch of white sand hems deep blue water and is dotted with scores of coconut trees.
Chill out on one of the many sizeable beach chairs or head over to one of the beach bars to enjoy a blast of electronic music or a Bob Marley remix or two.
You can rent a horse for half an hour and take a trip to the enchanting Trancoso River.
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The nearest airport is Porto Seguro which is just a 50-minute drive to Trancoso.
8) Tulum, Mexico
Tulum beach has a potent combination of sand, sun, historic beauty and culture. The Tulum ruins of the Maya are in full view, providing a dramatic backdrop to this beautiful beach paradise.
The beach is lined with small boutique hotels, Mexican bars, and restaurants serving portions of mouth-watering ceviche.
The warm, azure sea is perfect to swim in and an antidote to an afternoon of sun worshipping. The beach is easy to access yet manages to maintain a level of romanticism and solitude.
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The nearest international airport to Tulum is Cancun. From here you can take a bus to Tulum.
9) Shell Beach, Oman
Oman, located in southwest Asia, is home to around 1,700 miles of dramatic coastline, and Shell Beach is regarded as a prime spot. As the name suggests, the beach is home to a fanciful array of shells and other marine life.
Shell Beach has some of the best coral reefs on the continent, so snorkelling is a must. The beach is also just a short drive to the capital, Muscat, home of gourmet dining and plush holiday resorts.
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10) Carova Beach, North Carolina, USA
Carova Beach, located in the Outer Banks off mainland North Carolina, is this year’s wild card. The main attraction of the beach is the great surf, which draws in a friendly, laid-back crowd.
Although not exactly remote, tourists are few and far between and this coast attracts a vast array of wildlife. Most famous among Mother Nature’s finest are the wild horses, which roam through the dunes near Carova. It is a birdwatcher's paradise too.
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The nearest airport to Carova Beach is Norfolk International Airport
11) South Beach, Miami, USA
Make South Beach in Florida your playground. Sandy shores and non-stop parties attract the well-heeled. The area is a delicious melting pot of different cultures, bringing a wonderful mix of food, music, and conversation.
South Beach also provides a perfect viewpoint for the vibrant display of city lights at night. Combined with the stunning modern architecture, you can’t help but sit back and enjoy the indulgence of it all.
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12) Weymouth Beach, Dorset, England
Weymouth is a charming seaside resort located in the rural county of Dorset. The gently curving beach, with its soft sand and clean, cool water, attracts thousands of tourists every year, despite the almost constant threat of dismal weather.
The beach is often buzzing with donkey rides, fun fairs, and Punch and Judy shows. Everything you gaze upon is quintessentially British.
There is also ample opportunity for retail therapy, and there are plenty of charming cafés and restaurants to choose from without the threat of burning a hole in your pocket.
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The best way to travel to Weymouth is to fly to Southampton Airport and then take a train direct to Weymouth.