It’s no secret, we’ve been to lots of international locations through the years. Whether or not by luck, windfall or a penchant for selecting heat international locations surrounded by water, various of the locations we’ve visited have had some wonderful seashores.
I didn’t understand simply what number of nice seashores we had truly walked on till I learn an article a couple of 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 seashore ready for me once 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 listing.
I want I had stored that article to make this listing simpler (and to see if we’ve got crossed any of the remaining 5 off their listing) however listed here are 10 of our private favourite seashores on the earth. Whereas a few of these may not have the best sand, the most effective 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 seashore per nation simply to unfold the love however have given a small nod to a different seashore in the identical nation we additionally loved.
Our Favourite 10 Seashores from 20 Years of Journey
20 years of journey appears like rather a lot however it’s lower than half of what we hope the long run 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 listing as effectively and possibly revisit a few of our favourite locations for the previous couple of many years. This listing is for these seashore lovers that may by no means get sufficient of sand, solar and surf. Get pleasure from!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the biggest island nation on the earth, Australia in all probability 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 seashore struck you as unforgettable. For us, that was the Whitsundays and extra particularly, Whitehaven Seaside.
We had been crusing the Whitsundays for days and once we clambered onto the island and walked over the path from one aspect to the opposite, to say Whitehaven Seaside left a mark on us can be an understatement. Lovely aquamarine water overlapping sandbars of pure white sand with virtually zero civilisation in sight? Sure please.
Australia: Particular nod to Fraser Island (now often known as Ok’gari). At 122km, Fraser Island is the biggest sand island on the earth and we had an important week of 4x4ing and sleeping on it’s fundamental seashore. Whereas it could actually’t evaluate to the Whitsundays for sheer magnificence, it makes up for it in sheer dimension and actions. In addition to, who can resist driving on a seashore so lengthy (75 miles) that it’s categorised 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 remains to be one among our fondest recollections. We have been staying in a small hut simply ft from the surf and the straightforward days of swimming within the ocean, snorkeling with fish and reef sharks a stones throw from our door and watching motion pictures on our outdated laptop computer with the ocean crashing within the background by no means bought outdated.
We haven’t been again for the reason that island bought worn out a decade in the past nonetheless we heard the island remains to be as fashionable 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 effectively.
Thailand: Small nod to Ko Lanta needs to be mentioned as effectively. Although we walked and swam on dozens of seashores in Thailand (and a few of the smaller island seashores even stand out amongst this complete listing as actually 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 listing however we spent weeks there within the off season when issues had calmed down after the busy vacationer season. In fact there was wonderful Thai meals in all places however a fast stroll down the seashore we had discovered an Italian restaurant that rivalled anyplace 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 seashore in Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand. It’s such a cool place, that’s solely accessible by swimming via a cave!
Wanting again now or time on Ko Mook is at all times stuffed with a distinct 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 at all times 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 once we have been in Greece and the hospital was closed), it’s a pay-as-you-go subscription and we’re lined as much as 250k in 180 totally different international locations. It additionally has $0 deductible so we’re lined 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 kind in as little as 5 minutes and get reimbursed inside 2.8 days.
Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico
Mexico has a whole lot of gorgeous seashores on each side of the nation however our favourite remains to be in all probability 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 seashore there through the years from earlier than we had youngsters to now and each time we go there’s simply one thing particular concerning the place. The water is tremendous calm, the various fronds attain all the way down to the seashore and we simply at all times get pleasure from 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 truly spent the evening in Akumal. So, for those who’re trying to ebook per week or two within the space, simply outdoors Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso down in Tulum can be the world I might 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 trip from Nuevo Vallarta however it feels such as you’re in one other space of the nation. It has a tremendous laid again allure and the water and sand are each nice in comparison with many locations on the Pacific aspect 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 tough to beat. One of many causes this seashore stands out to us is that it’s the primary seashore we ever went rise up paddle boarding on and partly why we presently personal 4 paddle boards at the moment.
Often known as Kaʻōhao Seaside, Lanikai Seaside makes it onto loads of lists of the most effective seashores on the earth and is fashionable for a motive. With good views of the Mokulua Islands and it’s relative proximity to virtually the whole lot on the island (we toured the complete island in a day and stopped for hours at loads of areas), it’s an important place to spend a day when on Oahu.
Hawaii: Small nod to Witches Brew seashore in Hanauma Bay for snorkeling as effectively for those who’re already on the island. Whereas the seashore itself doesn’t evaluate to Lanikai, there’s some nice protected snorkeling proper off the seashore the place we noticed sea turtles, moray eels and extra colourful fish than we may ever depend simply ft off the shore. It was a success with each us and the youngsters because the surf is extremely mild.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are primarily identified for his or her big Galapagos tortoises nonetheless 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 may be discovered on almost any seashore within the island chain and so they make any seashore tour within the Galapagos unforgettable.
Tortugas Bay, situated on the island of Santa Cruz, isn’t a seashore you go swimming on however nonetheless stays unforgettable for it’s size and the quantity of sea creatures you discover whereas strolling this lengthy seashore. Because of the fixed present, swimming isn’t allowed on the attractive seashore itself however as you attain the top you’ll discover a small cove on the opposite aspect with good water you’ll be able to 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 bought the cove we additionally noticed a couple of 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 as a result of it’s distinctive magnificence. Whilst you can’t keep on the island itself, there are many day journey cruises that can get you to this idyllic lengthy white sand seashore. It has nice swimming and for those who’re fortunate, one of many resident sea lions may 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 fashionable for a motive. The seashore, also referred to 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 suffering from all-inclusive resorts, the water remains 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 effectively. Whereas it’s solely accessible by boat, it’s an attractive strip of white sand and aquamarine water as effectively with a way more rustic vibe. You actually can’t go unsuitable heading on the market for a day however word that it could actually get busy some days.
White Seaside – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay in addition to that the place is at all times busy and but the sand is a few of the best you’ll discover wherever on the earth. It’s so superb that it truly squeaks once you stroll on it and good luck getting the sand out of your garments after taking part in within the aquamarine surf. I might have beloved to see the world 50 years in the past earlier than all the event took over however White Seaside and Boracay Island itself are fashionable for a motive.
The seashore can get fairly crowded at sure occasions of the yr nonetheless for those who go to the farther edge you’ll be able to typically discover a quieter place to arrange a towel. It’s an important swimming seashore with a lot to see whereas strolling it’s 4 kilometer size and for those who crave a little bit extra pleasure, stroll 10 minutes and also you’ll be on the opposite aspect of the island and may get pleasure from 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 nonetheless 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 for those who’re staying within the space as effectively, because it’s a stunning seashore on it’s personal and is simple to get to.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
For an island nation, New Zealand has tons of seashores nonetheless in contrast to their Australian neighbors, the sand isn’t typically as superb right here. That mentioned, 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 a couple of stunning days within the space and actually loved the great seashore and the famed arch.
Again then you might hike out to the seashore however nowadays the paths are closed and it’s essential to take a water taxi to get there. It’s nonetheless well worth the journey and the backdrop is solely 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 can also 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 let you know the precise seashore we beloved probably the most however the complete Park is only a stunning wonderland of nature. Our pic on the aspect 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
Filled with all-inclusive properties and large resorts, Bavaro isn’t for you for those who demand a quiet seashore away from the crowds. What it does provide you with is miles of beautiful white sand and exquisite water to swim in. To be honest, when you’ll by no means end up actually alone, the sheer dimension of a few of the resorts lining this little pocket of paradise signifies that you could find tons of quiet locations to put out a towel. Like a few of the others on this listing, the place is busy for a motive. The seashore is gorgeous.
Dominican Republic: Small nod to Playa Rincon a couple of hours away. This beautiful stretch of unspoiled seashore is a good place to drive to. Distant from the hustle and bustle of the vacationer websites, it may give you a really feel of what the Dominican Republic felt a couple of many years in the past.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
There are a whole lot of fantastic Mediterranean seashores in Europe with clear blue water and seashores price shifting there for however it’s arduous to pick any single seashore that had which means to us greater than the others. So reasonably than listing a type of, I’m going to look extra in the direction of the ocean and title a seashore 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 fashionable in the summertime months, shoulder season is when the world actually shines and the seashores are quieter and the times not scorching sizzling. The cliffs that line the Praia da Falesia make the complete seashore really feel such as you’re lower off from civilization and also you may spend simply as a lot time watching the cliffs as you do the blue inexperienced water. Our children beloved the cliffs so it could be why the seashore caught so vividly in my thoughts however as is the whole lot on this listing, 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 unhealthy both.
Particular Point out – Anguilla
Micki and I’ve virtually completely traveled collectively through the years nonetheless there are a couple of locations that just one or the opposite has been to. Micki took a visit a couple of years in the past to Anguilla and fell in love with the various seashores nonetheless her favourite was Shoal Bay with it’s quiet vibe and white sands.
Last ideas on our favourite seashores in 20 years of journey
Each seashore is exclusive with one thing which means one thing to somebody. Whether or not or not it’s a lake seashore your loved ones visited each summer time 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 once you’ve had the nice fortune to have walked on so many stunning seashores through the years will get powerful.
In the event you’re not in settlement with this listing, that’s okay. Each seashore 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 seashore residence outweigh any of the opposite issues going for them.
There are a whole lot of seashores we’ve walked on through the years which might be in all probability extra secluded, extra stunning and extra untouched by mankind however generally they’re forgettable for precisely that motive. Generally 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 lots of good seashores round right here”.
Possibly that’s for the most effective and so they stay off these lists of the most effective seashores on the earth for a very good motive. 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 listing a few of your favourite seashores right here and inform us simply how unsuitable we’re, you’re welcome as effectively. We love listening to about new locations and why a sure seashore is vital to you and to not be missed.
Protected travels.
