By Barbara L. Nelson
With their warm sand and gentle waves, beaches have a soothing quality that nothing can beat. It helps you to let go of built-up stress while sitting back and soaking up the sun, watching the waves roll in, or just taking a nap in a hammock strung between two palm trees. Add fun water sports, tropical drinks, and island music. What’s not to love?
However, not every beach locale is going to appeal to everyone. That’s why you need to pick the right beach for your unique situation. Are you looking for seclusion and privacy, or are you seeking to party all night long? These are two very different vibes.
Damon’s Travels compiled a list to help you choose the perfect locale for your beach holiday. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or just plain relaxation, Damon’s will help you plan the perfect beach getaway.
Caribbean Beach Escapes
Perhaps you are looking for a party vibe in the Caribbean? Then check out our blog, Get Your Party on in the Caribbean. If you are seeking a romantic getaway there, then you’ll want to read our blog, The Romantic Caribbean Islands.
Here are our 2023 10 best beaches to discover this year!
Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos, an island just off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, draws crowds to its notorious Laganas strip. However, if you wander off the strip, you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Shipwreck (Naviago) Beach. The tiny cove, only accessible via boat, boasts white cliffs, crystal clear turquoise waters and Zakynthos Marine Park – home to slippery seals and savvy turtles.
An intriguing rusty shipwreck dominates its sands, which is how the beach got its name. A boat named Panagiotis allegedly was attempting to smuggle cigarettes and ran aground in the shallow waters of Naviago beach while being pursued by the Greek Navy.
Multiple Beaches, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai has miles of white sand beaches that meet with crashing surf for a dramatic effect, while other more protected areas offer calm, clear seas for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.
Kauai’s beaches and oceans are also graced by the presence of abundant marine wildlife, including dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, monk seals, and a veritable rainbow of tropical fish. Whether you are shelling, surfing, snorkeling, or simply relaxing, the Garden Isle has the perfect beach for you.
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay located on the island’s north shore and offers more than two miles of white sand with a mountainous backdrop. The beach is rarely crowded, and in the summer, the calm bay offers sailing, paddleboarding and swimming.
North Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands located more than 500 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. With consistently warm weather and over 300 days of sunshine annually, there is plenty of time to lie on the beach or enjoy the many watersports available.
Among the many beaches, Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is one of those incredible Caribbean beaches that get high rating year after year. Here you’ll find crystal-clear water, powdery sand and a colourful coral reef just begging to be explored. Paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, jet-skiing, and water skiing are all popular pastimes. But you can still just relax on a towel and soak in the sun. As part of a national park, it offers a calm, quiet atmosphere for those not looking to sunbathe next to a rowdy beach party.
Multiple Beaches, Fiji Islands
With its turquoise waters, glittering sands and luxe resorts, Fiji is similar to many other tropical getaways. Likewise, the set of 333 islands caters to lovebirds of all kinds. Plus, adventure-seekers, like surfers and divers, appreciate the archipelago’s quality waves and coral reefs. But Fiji differs from other island destinations in its otherworldliness. Since it’s more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand’s North Island in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji affords you the delectable feeling of seclusion.
Check out Turtle Island and its Honeymoon Beach for ultimate privacy. Looking to indulge in awe-inspiring sunsets? Liku Beach is the place to be. Namale Private Beach garners celebrity attention. Natadola Beach is the Fijian beach to be at if you enjoy a nice swim.
Matira Beach, Bora Bora
The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into a lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals.
Matira Beach in Bora Bora has been called the most beautiful beach in the world. The sand is whiter than snow and the water is the color turquoise come to life. The ocean’s crystal-clear visibility gives you an up close and personal shot of the thousands of marine animals living just under the dock. Whether you fill your day with swimming, boating or jet-skiing, you must save your energy for the beach at sun-fall. This west-facing island is sure to provide the most awe-inspiring sunset of your life.
Multiple beaches, Canary Islands
The sun-drenched Canary Islands, an Atlantic Ocean archipelago off North Africa, are encircled by beautiful beaches.
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura—the four largest Canary Islands—offer a beach for every style of vacation. Among the best beaches in the Canary Islands are stretches of white sand, dramatic volcanic coves, and golden shores backed by rolling dunes.
Some Canary Island beaches are wild and off-the-beaten-path, while others are buzzing, filled with amenities, and close to natural landmarks and historical sights.
Canary Islands beaches are superb. A case in point is Tenerife’s Las Teresitas, one of the best beaches in Tenerife, which is a 15-minute drive north of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz.
Las Teresitas is almost one mile long, consisting of fine, golden sand and flanked by cacti, palm trees, and olive-hued hills. The shore here is gently sloping, so perfect for paddlers of all ages. There are kayaks and paddle boats for hire if you want more aquatic fun. Soak up the sun on a sun lounger, build castles in the sand, and enjoy a refreshing drink and ice cream at one of the casual beach bars.
Multiple Beaches, Maldives
Discover the sunny side of life in the Maldives, and its beaches. Many vacationers head to the Maldives solely to relax on the beach. The sugar-white sand and striking blue water make for the perfect beach vacation backdrop. Most island resorts offer their own private stretches of sand, complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas. There are public beaches on a handful of Maldivian islands, though visitors must be covered as wearing revealing clothing is illegal as the Maldives is a Muslim nation. However, hotel beaches are privately owned and aren’t under the same restrictions.
In addition to lounging on the beach, travelers can enjoy various water sports activities in the Maldives. Many resorts offer equipment for rent, sometimes included in the room rate. Windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing are just a few water sports options popular in the Maldives. Some resorts offer other games and activities, like beach volleyball, for visitors to enjoy.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
Visit Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres to escape, unwind, and experience a different side of the Mexican beaches. The beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and sultry rhythm make this the ultimate beach vacation. Or maybe you’re just looking for the ideal getaway to escape your everyday life and leave stress behind.
A brief ferry ride from Cancun, this stunning beach offers crystal clear turquoise waters and lush palm trees where you can relax on the soft white sand, take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea, or have fun with beach activities like jet-skiing and parasailing. You can also book a snorkeling tour to swim with the marine life at the nearby coral reef or a whale shark tour. Playa Norte is also home to beach clubs and bars and restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine and seafood.
Anguilla
The small island of Anguilla boasts over 33 picture-perfect beaches dotted with luxury places to stay. And it’s no wonder that Anguilla is often named as having the best beaches in the Caribbean – which is no small feat considering the stiff competition.
Visitors go in seek peace and quiet, world-class diving and snorkelling and the ultimate chic vibe.
Covering 35 square miles, Anguilla may be small, but it certainly packs a beautiful punch. Its flawless beaches stretch across its shores, offering access to some of the most serene beaches visitors are likely to see. Anguilla’s luscious shores offer the perfect escape from reality. They are the true definition of paradise and the perfect beach locale.
Ngapali Beach, Ngapali, Myanmar
One of the few places in Myanmar where you can hide away and relax. This idyllic beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand under the coconut trees and is perfect for enjoying the sun and breathing. With wide sand and clear water, there is not much more you can ask for from a beach.
Other activities include taking trips on local fishing boats, kayaking, snorkelling or scuba diving amongst the brightly colored fish, and cycling or motorbiking down the beach.
The region is also famous for its great seafood restaurants with a laid-back beach vibe. There are also nearby fishing villages you can visit for those wanting to balance relaxation and discovery.