Nothing quite unwinds you on holiday like warm white sand and cool clear water, but what do you look for when you go to the beach?
At Simply Beach this got us thinking about what makes a great beach, jaw-dropping beauty, turquoise seas, crystal-clear waters or a utopian blend of these factors?
So, if a blissful beach spot is high on the list for your next escape here is a selection of some of our favourite beaches from around the world!
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, QLD, Australia
No beach list would be complete without an entry from Australia, and Whitehaven Beach in Queensland tops to the lot. This stunning vista of swirling blue water and bright white sand has become synonymous with paradise and attracts tourists from all over the world, all year round. The sand quality is measured at 98% pure silica and is so flawless that it has been used by NASA to create the lenses on the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to dazzling, super-fine white sand you'll find a vibrant blue sea, perfect for cooling off in and snorkelling and helping to make this a truly unique destination.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Africa
Off the east coast of Africa lies Zanzibar, a gorgeous Tanzanian archipelago and home to some of the most photogenic beaches in the world. These paradise islands are surrounded by the calm sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean and sand so fine it actually squeaks when you walk barefoot upon it! One of the more distinguished beaches can be found at Zanzibar Island's northernmost tip in Nungwi. The tourist influence has led to a blend of the traditional and the modern with local fishing boats launching off the beach in front of a line of resorts and hotels. The real win here is the amazing sunsets!
Las Islas Cíes, Galicia, Spain
Spain doesn't boast just one sea, but two. Away from the more popular Mediterranean is the Atlantic sea. One of the gems on the Spanish Atlantic coast is Las Islas Cíes, accessible via a forty-minute boat trip from the town of Baiona. Cíes is an uninhabited island and truly stunning national park, which is only open to the public in the summer. So, whether you are looking to relax on sandy beaches, swim in azure waters or explore the trails of the Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia this remote haven has something for everyone.
Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines is home to more than seven thousand islands and a multitude of deserted beaches. In more recent years the archipelagic province of Palawan has risen to prominence thanks to the gorgeous sandy beaches and surrounding thriving waters which offer the opportunity to dive various wrecks and snorkel with marine life. Thankfully, Thailand-style crowds of tourists are yet to descent on this island paradise and the natural allure remains unspoiled. With so many hidden beaches and sandy stretches to explore you are sure to discover your very own secluded spot to unwind.
Sandwood Bay, Scotland
Not perhaps the destination you were expecting but the remote beach of Sandwood Bay in Kinlochbervie has earned a spot on our list and is accessible only via a four-mile path from the hamlet of Blairmore. What it lacks in a tropical climate it makes up with beauty. Flanked by cliffs and backed by huge sand dunes and a loch this beach is considered one of the most unspoilt and exquisite beaches in Britain. The clean white sand has a magical pinkish hue and stretches one and a half miles across giving you unparalleled vistas of the Scottish landscape. Just make sure you bring a warm towel to wrap up in if you brave the fresh waters.
Did you enjoy this article? Then consider checking out The World's Most Beautiful Tropical Islands and Europe's top 25 beaches named by Tripadvisor members.