In search of paradise? Well, look no further with our suggestions of some of the best beaches to visit from around the globe
With the soothing sounds of the sea in the background, imagine yourself basking under the scorching sun on these beautifully stunning beaches… where your only worries include getting a nice tan and ensuring you receive your fair share of Pina Coladas.
West Wittering, Sussex
Don’t feel like you have to leave the UK to get a taste of bliss because this unspoilt beach, situated in the middle of Portsmouth and Bognor Regis, offers fantastic views of Chichester Harbour as well as the South Downs. Renowned for its diverse and plentiful wildlife, this is a very tranquil spot, featuring lagoons which are ideal for paddling in. It is easy to see why so many wind and kite surfers are attracted to this peaceful haven. If driving, try not to arrive too late as queues are likely to build up throughout the day.
Dune du Pilat, France
With gorgeous views of the Atlantic out ahead and a vibrant green pine forest behind, you will feel as if you are enclosed in a pocket of paradise. This is, in fact, Europe’s tallest sand dune which is still growing thanks to the wind blowing increasingly more sand particles on top of the dune every year. It is also a popular paragliding area due to its exposure to the sea as well as its steep angle.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
The luxurious white sand and bright pink hues of this beach mean it can get extremely busy during the summer months. However, if you choose to come here out of season you can enjoy this lavish site in much more peaceful surroundings. With its wide array of rare plants, peculiar rock formations and warm shallow waters, Elafonisi beach is definitely worth a visit.
Margate Sands, Kent
Back to the UK now and to the famous golden sands of Margate. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a picturesque wide sandy beach complete with traditional seaside stalls and arcades at the rear. The reopening of the vintage theme park Dreamland means children, as well as adults, can have fun by the sea. Also, for the art fans out there, you won’t have to wander too far to come across The Turner Contemporary. This distinguished art gallery draws art admirers in from afar and is located on the very spot where the guesthouse used to be that JMW Turner himself used to stay in.
Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
If you’ve got cash to splash then why not consider hoping on a flight to Barbados, where you can experience the breathtakingly dramatic coastline of Bathsheba beach. Carefully sculptured by nature, this is an ideal location for photographers to snap the huge waves and capture the ‘Super Bowl’; a natural phenomenon caused by waves colliding with the white sand.