It’s no secret, we’ve been to quite a lot of international locations through the years. Whether or not 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 wonderful seashores.
I didn’t notice simply what number of nice seashores we had really walked on till I learn an article just a few years in the past speaking about 25 of probably the most stunning seashores on the earth. The humorous half is I simply occurred to be sitting on a airplane heading to an island that might 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 stored that article to make this checklist simpler (and to see if we now have crossed any of the remaining 5 off their checklist) however listed below are 10 of our private favourite seashores on the earth. Whereas a few of these won’t have the best sand, the perfect 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 stored 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 Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
20 years of journey seems like quite a bit however it’s lower than half of what we hope the longer term brings. As the youngsters 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 possibly revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous few a long time. This checklist is for these seaside lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Take pleasure in!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the most important island nation on the earth, Australia most likely has extra seashores than some international locations have individuals. How do you determine which of these is your favourite? Easy, you assume again to which seaside struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seaside.
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 Seaside left a mark on us could be an understatement. Lovely aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with nearly zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.
Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now often called Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the most important sand island on the earth and we had an awesome week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s predominant seaside. Whereas it may’t evaluate to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer measurement and actions. In addition to, who can resist driving on a seaside so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s labeled as each a freeway in addition to a airplane runway.
Lengthy Seaside – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three week keep on Lengthy Seaside on Thailand’s backpacker riddled Ko Phi Phi continues to be one in every of our fondest recollections. We have 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 previous laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means received previous.
We haven’t been again because the island received worn out a decade in the past nevertheless we heard the island continues to be as in style as ever nowadays. Taking a fast water taxi to city to seize a chew to eat or taking a half day tour out to Monkey Seaside was a good way to alter issues up as properly.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be stated as properly. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and among the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this whole checklist as really 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. After all there was wonderful Thai meals in all places however a fast stroll down the seaside we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anywhere 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 by a cave!
Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is all the time stuffed with a unique 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. Due to that have, we all the time suggest getting journey medical insurance coverage earlier than you allow the nation.
SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance coverage has turn out to be a favourite since we are able to select the clinic we wish (one thing that was important after we have 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 totally 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 Journey 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 tons of of gorgeous seashores on each side of the nation however our favourite continues to be most likely 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 through the years 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 take pleasure in 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 really spent the night time in Akumal. So, if you happen to’re seeking to e book every week or two within the space, simply outdoors 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 Seaside with the ocean turtles. You’re welcome.
Mexico: Small nod to Yelapa, Jalisco. It’s solely a fast 30 minute boat experience from Nuevo Vallarta however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again appeal and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific facet of the nation.
Lanikai Seaside – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is stuffed with stunning seashores and whereas the surf on the North Shore is spectacular, the water and sand at Lanikai Seaside is difficult to beat. One of many causes 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 present personal 4 paddle boards at this time.
Also called Kaʻōhao Seaside, Lanikai Seaside makes it onto loads of lists of the perfect seashores on the earth and is in style for a purpose. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to nearly every part on the island (we toured your entire 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 if you happen to’re already on the island. Whereas 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 may ever depend simply ft off the shore. It was successful with each us and the youngsters because the surf is extremely light.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily identified for his or her big Galapagos tortoises nevertheless 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 almost any seaside within the island chain and so they make any seaside tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, situated 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. As a result of fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the attractive seaside itself however as you attain the top you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite facet with good water you may 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. Proper earlier than we received the cove we additionally noticed just a few of the iguanas venturing into the water and swimming out to search out lunch.
Galapagos: Small nod to Gardner Bay on Española Island needs to be added attributable to it’s distinctive magnificence. When you can’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 if you happen to’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions would possibly determine to play with you within the surf.
Varadero Seaside – Cuba
Whereas not distant nor that tough to get to, there’s no denying that the lengthy white sands of Veradero Seaside are in style for a purpose. The seaside, often known as 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 clean. The bonus to having civilization so shut right here is that their world well-known mojitos or a Cuba libre (rum and coke) are only some ft away and taking a day journey into Havana is like stepping again in time.
Cuba: Small nod to Cayo Blanco as properly. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s a ravishing 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 Seaside – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay in addition to that the place is all the time busy and but the sand is among the most interesting you’ll discover anyplace on the earth. It’s so positive that it really squeaks if you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after enjoying within the aquamarine surf. I’d have liked to see the realm 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seaside and Boracay Island itself are in style for a purpose.
The seaside can get fairly crowded at sure instances of the yr nevertheless if you happen to go to the farther edge you may 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 if you happen to crave a bit of extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite facet of the island and may take pleasure in some wonderful kitesurfing and windsurfing (whether or not watching or renting) on Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A small nod to Entalula Seaside is owed. It’s a stunning stretch of sand nevertheless you’ll have to take a tour to get there. Most excursions depart from El Nid and sometimes go to the distinctive sandbar of Snake Island. Make certain to take a look at Nacpan Seaside if you happen to’re staying within the space as properly, because it’s a stunning seaside on it’s personal and is straightforward to get to.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of seashores nevertheless not like their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as positive 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.
Again then you might hike out to the seaside however nowadays the paths are closed and it’s good to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless definitely worth the journey and the backdrop is just stunning plus there are another cool issues to see within the space together with Scorching Water Seaside the place pure sizzling springs meet the ocean and with a little bit of digging, you may make your individual sandy sizzling 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 liked probably the most however your entire 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 Seaside – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Stuffed with all-inclusive properties and large resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you if you happen to 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 honest, when you’ll by no means end up really alone, the sheer measurement of among the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that yow will discover tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like among the others on this checklist, the place is busy for a purpose. The seaside is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon just a few hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seaside is a superb place to drive to. Far-off 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 tons of of wonderful Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price transferring there for however it’s onerous to pick any single seaside that had that means to us greater than the others. So reasonably than checklist a kind of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and identify a seaside with some wonderful 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 probably the most scenic.
Massively in style in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the realm really shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make your entire 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 liked the cliffs so it is likely to be why the seaside caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is every part 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. Whereas 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 dangerous both.
Particular Point out – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve nearly solely traveled collectively through the years nevertheless 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 nevertheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Ultimate ideas on our favourite seashores in 20 years of journey
Each seaside is exclusive with one thing meaning one thing to somebody. Whether or not it’s a lake seaside your loved ones visited each summer season or a as soon as in a lifetime journey to the Maldives you took in your honeymoon, it’s a private factor. Selecting your favourite little bit of sea and sand if you’ve had the great fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores through the years will get powerful.
If you happen to’re not in settlement with this checklist, that’s okay. Each seaside has it’s distinctive charms and generally the individuals, 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 tons of of seashores we’ve walked on through the years which might be most likely extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that purpose. Typically 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 aside from the final notion of “wow, there are quite a lot of good seashores round right here”.
Possibly that’s for the perfect and so they stay off these lists of the perfect seashores on the earth for purpose. Possibly we’re simply preserving their untouched magnificence for generations to come back or possibly, we simply need them to remain as pristine because the day we first stumbled onto them…
If you wish 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.
Secure travels.
