The seduction of the sun, sand and beach is one that is hard to resist. But what does one do when the choices for good beaches is limited to the season? TripAdvisor has listed some of the most gorgeous and pristine beaches to relax in from across the globe. Here is a comprehensive guide for those who love beaches and travelling.
SPRING: The secluded beaches of Africa and the Middle-East, while inviting throughout the year, are at their breathtaking best between February and April. Visit Praslin Island in Seychelles or Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt — uncrowded beaches where you won’t spot a soul except your loved one.
Praslin Island, Seychelles : Praslin, the second-largest island of Seychelles and one of its most popular destinations, is home to soft white beaches, intimate hotels & resorts, ancient coral reefs, palm forests and rare birds.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: This Red Sea resort town on the tip of the Sinai peninsula offers world-class diving with spectacular reefs, magnificent drop-offs and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Mingle (carefully!) with barracudas, turtles and sharks at Shark Reef, or earn your diving certification in the gentler waters of Na’ama Bay.
SUMMER: As summer hits the high noon in India, find the perfect escape in the iconic surf- beaches of Australia, complete with their palm-topped islands, secret alcoves and sheltered bays. Burleigh Heads or Byron Bay, in particular, are a must visit.
Burleigh Heads: A beach side town in Queensland, it is famous for its ideal surfing conditions and pro surfing competitions. Shopping at beachfront markets, dining at food shacks and fine restaurants and a trip the Burleigh National Park complete the nirvana.
Byron Bay: The bohemian hippie spirit lives in this former New South Wales whaling station turned tourist town, where the lighthouse dotted beaches come alive with bottlenose dolphins, rays, whales and sea turtles. Bongos and didgeridoos sound in parks, sarongs and dreadlocks are common, and vegetarian restaurants abound.
FALL: Come fall, and it’s time to head to the golden coasts of South America, or the sun-drenched, azure-rimmed beaches of Europe. A trip to Rio de Janeiro and Natal in Brazil is a good bet. And if Europe is where your heart lies, visit Oludeniz or Icmeler in Turkey.
Oludeniz, Turkey: The waters surrounding the small village of Oludeniz are an achingly beautiful gradient of blue. Sapphire meets sea foam green at the shoreline, where stretches of white sand are dotted with leisurely sunbathers. The scenery is even more gorgeous from above-Oludeniz is renowned as one of the world’s top spots for paragliding.
WINTER: By the time it’s Christmas, there is little to rival the shores dotting the waterline of North and Central America. If you are in a mood to celebrate in India, head to our own idyllic getaways in Goa and Kerala.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Surf’s always up in the Costa Rican beach town of Santa Teresa, where the bright sun and gleaming sands make for the perfect backdrop to hang ten in the crystal-clear waters, and are ideal for fishing, snorkelling and kite- surfing. Catch a glorious sunset on the same beach where earlier you had caught a wave. Yoga and spa services complete a truly magical experience.
Candolim, India: Candolim, once a fishing village, is now a popular resort destination boasting soft, sandy beaches and deep blue waters ideal for swimming. Beachcombers will delight in souvenir shopping, relaxing massages, the many cafes and find dining restaurants, and boat tours for dolphin watching.