Twenty-five of the World's Best Beaches
Date: 10/09/2007
by Robbie McDonald
and prepared by the staff of International Living
Learn more about traveling abroad in IL Postcards.
You're not exactly antisocial. Perhaps you've just had sand kicked in your face one too many times…or you're tired of dodging Frisbees and footballs on the beach. Now it's time for some peace and quiet.
Tourist resorts appeal to the traveler who enjoys the convenience of nearby restaurants, nightclubs, and bars, as well as the many on-site amenities provided. But you may have found that the added stress inherent in these overcrowded facilities outweighs the benefits of the hot stone massages you can have there.
Our recommendation? Pack a picnic lunch, a good read, and a swimsuit (or not!) and head for the road less traveled. We've compiled the following list of undiscovered beaches to help you navigate that road. And where does it lead?
Away from the crowds.
Wear sunscreen…and enjoy your book!
Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living
IN EUROPE
1. Croatia's best beach for bathing in your birthday suit
If you're a sun worshipper who prefers to bathe sans swimsuit, Croatia boasts some 20 official naturist resorts as well as numerous naturist beaches and hidden coves. For a complete list, visit www.cronatur.com. Nudist Camp Beach, Vrboska, Hvar, has a bistro and grocery store as well as a pleasant pebble beach. Take the ferry from Trogir and get off at Starigrad. Go straight out the exit road and look for signs. A friendly, multi-purpose beach, this place attracts Czech, Danish, German and British visitors, but is rarely crowded. Wind surfing in the buff? Why not give it a whirl?
2. France's best strolling tan
The secluded, sandy beaches of Bell Ile en Mer are accessible by ferry from Quiberon. Located just off the coast of Brittany, this is the largest of the French islands in the Atlantic; its powdery sand beaches, freshwater creeks, and excellent water-sports conditions are unsurpassed in the region, yet the area tends to be relatively uncrowded. The beach at Locmaria has delightful footpaths along which visitors can explore the coastal landscape at their leisure-while getting a remarkable tan.
3. Germany's sunny secret
Germany's East Frisian Islands, along the North Sea coastline, have miles of sandy beaches frequented mainly by nude sunbathers. Few visitors are aware of this stretch and, as such, you're likely to have a beach to yourself. These islands also have quaint fishing villages, seal watching opportunities, as well as an ancient language and culture.
4. Greece: What Greek locals know
While most of Greece's beaches are pebbly, Skiathos boasts soft sand as well as a quaint Old Town section. What's more, this area is relatively undiscovered when compared to touristy Mykonos, Rhodes, and Corfu. As a result, Skiathos is said to be the Greeks' favorite island.
5. Ireland's rugged best
Just seven miles from Wexford Town, Curracloe Beach is an unspoiled and sandy white strand. Adjacent to a protected pine forest, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The water here is like champagne and the beach is rarely crowded. If you've seen Saving Private Ryan, you may feel a sense of déjà vu as you stroll along the strand: the D-Day Normandy landing scenes were filmed here.
6. Italy: Sardinia's best bronzing
Far from the crowds and about 31 miles southwest of Cagliari, La Costa del Sud has unspoiled beaches and many hidden coves to explore. The area also boasts crystal clear water and a temperate climate. Torre di Chia beach is easily accessible by bus from Cagliari. Capo Spartivento-the next beach over-is quite a bit larger and has two lovely islands on which to bronze oneself.
7. Spain's shy person's pick
If you're in need of some quiet time away from the crowds, head for the Costa Brava. This rugged coast, which stretches from Blanes to the French border, boasts rocky cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. The drive along this coastal road is spectacular: Greek, Roman, Phoenician, and Arabic ruins dot the landscape as do fortified villages from the days of the pirate invasions. The beaches along the route are the country's most secluded.
8. Spain's original (and still best) nude beaches
Ibiza was the first place in Spain to offer nude beaches and we think it still has some great beaches for those who like to let it all hang out! El Cavallet in Cabo Falcon-with it's rolling sand dunes and many secluded areas-offers great sunbathing. Families flock to the northern end, while the south is a popular gay hangout. Another beach worth donning the birthday suit to is nearby Aguas Blancas. Be warned, it can get very crowded in July and August.
IN AFRICA
9. Kenya's safari sunbathing
Kenya has 300 miles of untouched beaches along the Indian Ocean. Because the region is not yet a tourist trap, you're unlikely to share the beach with anyone other than the native Swahili, a people of Arab and African ancestry and culture. Also, because reefs protect these whitesand beaches, sharks and pollution are virtually non-existent. Adjacent to the beaches is a forest populated by leopards, Colobus monkeys, and exotic birds.
10. Morocco's temperate best
Agadir, in southwest Morocco, boasts more than 300 days of sun per year and temperatures generally between 66 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The white-sand beach here is pristine and the water is an azure blue. While the area can be somewhat crowded, it is not yet overtly touristy or commercial. However, if you're looking for complete solitude, head a bit north of Agadir, where you'll find sandy coves and deserted beaches.
IN AUSTRALIA
11. Queensland: Australia's best year-round tan
The Gladstone region of Queensland, which overlooks a deepwater harbor, boasts natural beauty and serenity as well as close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The most secluded beaches can be found in the shires of Calliope and Miriam Vale, just south of the city. The sub-tropical climate here allows for year-round water sports…as well as a perennial tan.
IN THE CARIBBEAN
12. Bermuda: A beach to yourselves in Bermuda
If you book a room or an ocean-view suite at the Elbow Beach Hotel, tel. (441)236-8043; website: www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda, you'll have access to a private beach. This place offers everything you associate with a tropical paradise, including a botanical garden. With an emphasis on romance, this place is the perfect getaway and an opportunity to get to know that special someone a bit better.
13. Montserrat: The Caribbean's best reward after a long hike
Most of Montserrat's beaches are made up of black sand, as they were formed from volcanic ash. Just north of Little Bay, Rendezvous Beach is Montserrat's only white sand beach and probably the most beautiful. The beach is generally deserted because it's rather difficult to access-either by hiking from Little Bay or by boat. We recommend the hike, which affords a panoramic view. If you'd rather charter a boat, contact the Vue Point Hotel, tel. (809)491-5210.
IN CENTRAL AMERICA
14. Belize's best castaway-for-a-day experience
In contrast to tourist-friendly Ambergris, Belize's mainland coast boasts near-deserted white sand beaches. Sittee Point, near Hopkins, has a long stretch of beach, crystal clear water, and delicious solitude. Best pack a picnic lunch and a book if you're afraid of your own company: there are few restaurants, shops, or phones here. On the other hand, if you're an adventurer, this may be your chance to really feel like a castaway!
15. Belize's best for the wannabe castaway
If you're looking to get away from the crowds of Ambergris but still need a few creature comforts, Placencia might be more your speed. Follow the road (look out for potholes!) along the peninsula south of Hopkins and you'll come to Placencia. The beaches here are relatively deserted, but a few unassuming resort hotels have set up business of late. At Maya Beach, near Garifuna Village, Singing Sands Inn, tel./fax (501)6-37017, e-mail: ssi@btl.net,website: www.singingsand.com, offers activities such as diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
16. Honduras' best island getaway
Of Honduras' three Bay Islands, Guanaja offers the most complete getaway from crowds and industry. A nature-lover's dream, this thirteen-mile-long island paradise offers near-deserted beaches. If you need nightclubs, cinemas, and bars, this may not be for you. But, if you've ever wanted to return to nature and live simply, this area will suit you right down to your Birkenstocks.
17. Mexico's best place for a delicious nap
The beaches at the Si'aan Kaan Biosphere offer white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. This nature preserve, located on the Yucatan peninsula-just outside Tulum-is also home to iguanas and exotic sea birds. Chances are, it'll just be you, a good book, and the animals here. Should you nod off, the only thing likely to wake you will be the roar of the surf.
18. Nicaragua's best sunset views
Rancho Santana, a 1,700-acre reserve along the southern coast of Nicaragua, consists of two miles of coastline and three secluded beaches: Playa Rosada (Rose Beach), Playa Dorada (Golden Beach), and Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach). Set on a hillside, the reserve affords spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't be in too much of a hurry to leave after sunbathing-sunset here is unbelievably beautiful. For more information, visit: www.ranchosantana.com.
19. Panama's shimmering secret
Less than 25 miles from Panama City, Contadora Island boasts white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, hidden coves, and wildlife viewing. The beaches here are far less crowded than at the country's tourist resort areas. However, for a truly private experience, you can visit the beaches of other islands by boat or jet ski.
IN SOUTH AMERICA
20. Argentina's best chill-out session
The Atlantic Coast of Argentina-just 200 miles from Buenos Aires-offers beautiful scenery, numerous sports activities, as well as a fair amount of solitude. The beaches in the small resort town of Pinamar are pristine and comparatively uncrowded. Located adjacent to a natural pine forest, this area is one of the most beautiful in the country. What's more, the seafood restaurants here are excellent.
21. Brazil's best place for gliders…and voyeurs
São Conrado beach, while not too far from the center of Rio de Janeiro, is far less crowded than Ipanema or Copacabana-and the water is cleaner. What's more, the conditions here are perfect for hang gliding. If you're not up for the experience of hovering in the air for hours, watching the gliders is a particularly satisfying leisure activity.
22. Brazil's best reason to drive 90 miles
Cabo Frio, located some 90 miles north of Rio, offers even more seclusion than São Conrado. The beach here is practically deserted and is adjacent to a 17th-century convent and forts, which lend a gothic sense of drama to the experience. Beachgoers are cautioned to leave valuables in their hotel safes as thieves from nearby favelas (slums) are known to target the area.
23. Ecuador's best of both worlds
For fans of natural beaches (as opposed to theme parks), Salinas offers white sand, clear turquoise water, and excellent whale watching. While this area is technically on the Pacific "Route of the Sun," (known for its numerous tourists resorts), it tends to be less crowded and more friendly. On the other hand, if you need a bit of excitement, the main road here offers relaxed strolls, shops, restaurants, and even a few discos.
24. Uruguay's best place to go when you "vant to be alone"
Punta del Este is widely known for its outstanding resorts and, as such, tends to be rather touristy. The good news is that you don't have to charter a flight to get to more secluded environs. Just 52 miles from the crowds of Punta del Este, Bahía Grande boasts beautiful beaches (wider, in fact, than their Punta del Este counterparts), a mere smattering of people, and blue-green later. Visit the beachfront town of La Paloma, which is known for its remarkable lighthouse.
25. Venezuela's untouched gems
Part of Morrocoy National Park, the beaches of Tucacas are generally deserted. The coastline at Cumana is protected by Mochimo National Park and has one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the country. What's more, this area offers excellent fishing. Other great beaches in Venezuela include Cauataro, Cautarito, Los Matos, Puerto la Cruz, and Margarita Island.
Further Resources
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