Have you ever dreamt about getting away to far flung deserted beaches where you can simply kick back on the sand with no one around, the ultimate in ‘getting away from it all’? While there are many potential choices for great beach getaways including Spain, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, or even in your own backyard if you look hard enough. If you’re really wanting the ultimate in beachy holidays though, consider booking cheap flights to get away to some of the world’s most exquisite beach destinations. Here are just a few of those destinations you need to see to believe.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
This gorgeous and welcoming island off the coast of Tanzania is home to some of the most luscious beaches you could hope to find in Africa. Depending on whether you’re after a party scene or a quiet, chill out zone, Zanzibar can deliver. Check out the village life in the likes of Matemwe for a mix of both rustic backpacker-style accommodation and luxury resort life, or head to the north coast to the town of Nungwi to get your party on with people from around the world. Want a mix of both? Check out Kendwa on the west side of the island where they seem to have gotten the balance between chill and party just right.
The snorkelling just off the island is incredible, and many boats moor up in the shallows while you enjoy the myriad of tropical fish in almost bath-warm waters. For a unique experience, consider visiting one of the local fish markets to see what the fishermen have caught that day – you can even take it back to your own hotel to have them cook it up for you in some cases!
Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh
This small town on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh is home to some of the most impressive stretches of beaches coupled with sunsets you might ever see. While the region itself doesn’t get much coverage, the beaches, culture and food are more than enough for you to get excited about booking a trip to this really unique corner of the world. There are numerous hotels and guesthouses toward the southern end of town, near Kolatoli Beach, making this an ideal area for tourists who want to have a wide range of restaurants and hotels with the wide stretches of the beautiful beach just a stone’s throw away.
Astoria, Oregon, USA
While not necessarily the tropical, white sandy beach getaway many envision, the coast of Oregon is one of the most beautiful in North America, if not the world. The strip of beach that Astoria is home to was made famous by the 1980s Steven Spielberg film, ‘The Goonies’ and features rock formations jutting out of wild, crashing waters that come up to sandy stretches of beach. Featuring a rugged, alpine coastline, it’s ideal for hikers and those who love to get outside and into nature, whether it’s rain or shine or a mixture of both.
Santorini, Greece
What better way to get away from it all than to spend a week or long weekend on one of Greece’s most popular and beautiful islands. Want something extra special? Ask around for the swimming hole that’s actually the mouth of a dormant volcano! Santorini is popular for honeymooners as well as those looking to explore some of Greece’s more rugged, volcanic islands. The sunsets on Santorini are legendary, and many clamber to get the best spot for the show every evening. The light truly does something special to the maze-like network of whitewashed houses and ultramarine roofs – with hints of yellow, pink and purple all combined, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Europe.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
One of the most beautiful areas of Brazil, this region is located in the northeastern corner of the country and is a string of volcanic islands, covered in lush greenery, all edged with white sands and azure waters. Brazilians and travellers alike flock to Fernando de Noronha for sun, sea and sand, and while it’s more expensive to visit by Brazilian standards price wise, you really can’t beat the scenery or the laid back atmosphere. A protected marine park and ecological sanctuary, it’s home to numerous species of wildlife both in and out of the water, making it an ideal spot for hiking, diving, snorkelling or just kicking back and enjoying the rays.
So whether you love beaches or you want other options as well, these beaches are great due to the mixed amounts of activities you can do both on and off the sand. If you want to laze away the days of your holiday or you’re looking for something more active, these beaches give everyone a bit of everything to choose from. Where will you pick next?