With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head to our favorite beach destinations! If you’re looking to discover a new spot where you can find your own little slice of paradise, here are our recommendations for the best beaches to visit in 2017!
Amalfi may be a quaint town tucked away along Italy’s rustic coastline, but it hides a beautiful secret. Within Amalfi is a small area called Furore, home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Furore is famous for its Fjord, or Fiordo, a gorge that cuts deep into the rock, allowing part of the sea and beach to seep into this secluded corner of Italian culture. So hidden was Furore that it was once referred to as “the town that doesn’t exist.” At the beach, you can unwind in the shadow of towering rocks, or, for the more adventurous, climb the bridge that spans the gorge’s split. If you’re visiting Amalfi, be sure to check out our Amalfi tours.
Fiji is one of those tropical paradises that instantly comes to mind when you think of “the world’s most beautiful beaches.” This small yet stunning island nation in the South Pacific is made up of nearly 300 islands, each offering its own unique and picturesque beach landscapes, giving you plenty of options to explore. For instance, Liku Beach on Tokiroki Island is famous for its dramatic Jurassic-like scenery and lush backdrop, stretching over 2,000 feet along the coastline. If you’re looking to enjoy beachside activities like snorkeling, Natadola Beach on the main island of Viti Levu is the place to be. It’s also notable for its consistent swim-friendly waters, regardless of the tide.
Bahamas
The islands of Bahamas are an archipelago of over 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. In other words, the Bahamas are beach country! The Bahamas offers a veritable number of beaches depending on your choice of activity from engaging in adventure sports to just lounging on the beach. The Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island’s east side can stretch for a gorgeous 3 miles, and is known to be an impeccable oasis of isolation, often punctuated with a small spread of private villas and luxury hotels. Pink Sands beach is also home to a coral reef, not too far offshore. The following Bahamas Sailing Adventure tour let’s you explore several beaches. The weather in Bahamas is great year-round and remains relatively consistent and there is no bad time to visit the Bahamas.
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland may be a far cry from the beaches we mentioned earlier, however, that does not detract from the sheer beauty that it possesses. Reynisfajara is known for its spectacular black pebble landscape which has earned it the nickname of “Black Sand Beach”. Reynisfjara is also known by the distinct and uniquely shaped stacks of basalt called Reynisdrangar and for its plethora of bird life that ranges from puffins and fumars to guillemots. The beach is a must visit, not just for its black sands, but also because of its veritable history and the Norwegian mythology that entrenches it. As the weather in Iceland is not always pleasant, please do make sure that you visit Iceland during the best season.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a county on the southern peninsula of England. We would be remiss, if we did not include Cornwall and its 250-mile treasure trove of a coastline in this list. Cornwall is full of all kinds of beaches, from pet-friendly beaches and beaches on resorts to beaches equipped with water sports. The North Coast of Cornwall is known for its sandy beaches, just off high cliffs and sand dunes. It is exposed to the swell of the Atlantic and thus is also known for its outstanding surf. The Southern Coast, however, may be more sheltered and isolated, with its fishing harbors, coves and estuaries.
Bali, one of the islands in the Indonesian Archipelago, is home to the stunning Nyang Nyang Beach, a beach you could probably call your own. Considered to be one of the most secluded beaches in the country, Nyang Nyang features unspoiled white sands surrounded by majestic cliffs. You’ll even find parts of an abandoned ship where you can pose for the perfect photos! The beach even offers great waves for those who wish to surf by themselves. Remember to be careful while climbing down the 500 slippery steps to get to this hidden slice of paradise. Please do check out the Bali Beach Road Trip or other tour packages on Bali.
Hawaii
Hawaii is definitely one of those destinations that would make this list incomplete if we left it out. Hawaii may be known for its veritable array of beaches and coastlines but none stands out more than the Waipio Valley Beach. Hidden in the breaches of the Waipio Valley, this black sands beach boasts a slightly isolated atmosphere, entrenching it in a romanticism that is its biggest draw. The beach is also not too far from the Kaluahine Falls making it a good destination for those looking to escape it all.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora, a tiny island in French Polynesia, is known to many as a dream destination. Bora Bora has been known as the “Romantic Island” by many. While the coast may be only 18 miles long, that does not preclude it from having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Matira Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Bora Bora, with plenty of activities for the adventurers among us such as shark feeding, and snorkeling. While the adventure seekers may be happy, the beach also has its share of chairs to sit back, relax with your favorite drink and indulge in the scenic view of the sea kissing the gorgeous coastline.
The Philippines
A visit to the Philippines is paradise as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the western pacific. This Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 7000 islands is famous for its waterfront promenades, but the main draw here is definitely its array of beaches. From El nido Beach, which is home to adventure sports such as surfing, and snorkeling and scuba diving, to Cebu, with its banana shaped topography and its white sand covered bounty beach, you’re always sure to enjoy picturesque sun-kissed afternoons. The crown jewel of the beaches, however, may be Boracay, with its pristine white sand that stretches for 5 kms. and the endless arrays of beach-side bars and resorts that make this the destination for the party going beach traveler. Please make sure that you visit the Philippines during the best season.
Goa, India
If you are looking for a travel destination that is relaxing, adventurous, and steeped in history, there is no better place to go than to visit Goa. There are dozens of popular beaches – such as Anjuna, Vagator, Candolim, and dozens more that are completely hidden away, if you want to avoid the crowds. Goa is a party state, and the alcohol flows free and cheap, so for those of you who are party animals, this is probably a little slice of heaven! Adventure sports, warm waters, great food, and beautiful architecture all await you!
So what’s your favorite beach destination? Where do you plan to soak under the sun this year? Do let us know using the comments below. We love to hear from you!