From fabled golden bays to little-known coves, no shell has been left unturned throughout our hunt for the world’s greatest seashores.
Now we have despatched our writers in all places looking for elegant, surf-pounded shorelines and distant pockets of hard-to-reach paradise for Lonely Planet’s new ebook Greatest Seashores within the World. From Albania to Yemen and in all places in between, our crew has swam, snorkeled, slugged cocktails and hiked via rainforests, to create the definitive seashore bible.
Listed here are 25 of the 100 that have been chosen as our choose of the very best seashores on the planet.
1. The Cross, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
When the swell is nice, The Cross has a right-hand level break that turns this stretch of pinkish-cream, pillowy-soft sand right into a surfer’s paradise. Positioned on the most easterly level on mainland Australia, Cape Byron, it would not matter in case you’re a professional or a novice with the board, the bay has one thing for everyone, together with classes for freshmen. (Please be aware that if you wish to surf The Cross, a 2023 legislation requires you to make use of a surfboard leash.) Even in case you’re not within the temper to surf, The Cross allows you to discover the whole lot from native Aboriginal historical past, to koala recognized and scenic mountain climbing alongside the realm’s trails, a few of that are wheelchair-accessible.
Getting there: The seashore has restricted paid parking. Both arrive early or stroll from central Byron (20 minutes; the foreshore has a wheelchair-accessible path). Additionally, neighboring Captain Cook dinner and Clarkes seashores even have restricted parking.
2. Ipanema Seashore, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Famend for some astonishing sunsets that the locals applaud, Rio’s Ipanema Seashore stretches for 1.9 miles (3 km). Native subcultures use its numbered lifeguard chairs to designate particular areas of this well-known Brazilian seashore. For instance, Posto 9, positioned off Rua Vinícius de Moraes, is the go-to spot for the modern crowd, attracting each the younger and exquisite, alongside artists and hippies. Praia Farme, located in entrance of Rua Farme de Amoedo, is the place the homosexual neighborhood gathers. Posto 8 is the place children from the favela come together. Between Ipanema and Copacabana, Posto 7 is standard with surfers, and Posto 10 is the place you will discover video games of volleyball, soccer, and futevolley (footvolley) happening.
Getting there: Ipanema Seashore is within the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Avenida Vieira Souto runs alongside the seashore, and the closest Metro station is Common Osório.
3. Maya Pond, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
At simply 49ft-wide (15m) and 820ft-long (250m), Ao Maya is a slip of a Thai seashore hidden by limestone rocks. But it caught the attention of movie director Danny Boyle who used its ombré turquoise waters and nice white sand because of the setting for The Seashore , the 2000 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Sadly, all that recognition leads to overtourism and heavy air pollution, however new guidelines (together with a 375 visitors-per-hour cap) and up to date infrastructure enhancements are serving to Mom Nature restore Ao Maya’s immense magnificence. The journey is certainly worthwhile to spend time on this unbelievable paradise and respect the pure magnificence that was nearly misplaced.
Getting there : From neighboring Ko Phi-Phi Don, take an early morning boat tour right here (20 minutes every manner) to beat the crowds. Alternatively, it is reachable by speedboat from Phuket and Krabi.
4. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
After just a few action-packed days on safari in mainland Tanzania, Mnemba Island acts as the proper retreat. Solely accessible to friends of the andBeyond resort, which sleeps 23, this attractive white-sand seashore usually appears like your private coastal paradise. Take pleasure in lengthy walks, and luxuriate in some of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling you’ll discover in all the continent.
Getting there : Resort stays embrace grants from both Stone City or Abeid Amani Karume Worldwide Airport on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. It is then a brief boat trip to Mnemba Island.
5. Sarakiniko, Milos Cyclades, Greece
You may have to deliver all your individual provisions for Sarakiniko, a set of sun-bleached volcanic rocks that dip right into a small deep turquoise stretch of the Aegean. Centuries of wave-and-wind erosion made the rock formations on the seashore dip and arch, creating caves to discover and alabaster rocks to leap off. Sunbathe on the rocks or use them as your entry level to slide into the water for some snorkeling. Ranked among the many best-loved seashores in Greece, Sarakiniko can get full of vacationers. To keep away from the crowds, go in September and October. In the event you’re right here through the excessive season, arrive within the morning for a calmer time on the seashore.
Getting there : Sarakiniko is 1.9 miles (3km) north of Adamas port, on Milos’ northernmost coast. A number of each day buses run right here from Adamas throughout summer time months and there’s parking for anybody arriving by scooter, automobile, or ATV. Milos airport has home flights to and from Athens, or you can even attain Milos by ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port (2½ to 6½ hours) in addition to different islands similar to Santorini (two hours).
6. Chesterman Seashore, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Most individuals come to Chesterman Seashore to surf, however there’s a lot extra to see and do right here. This scenic Canadian seashore can also be nice for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, and observing the lots of colorful starfish, anemones, urchins and different sea creatures that seem in tide swimming pools. The calm summer time months are good for newbie surfers and with a number of expert-led surf faculties mainly based regionally. Winter, and its critical swells, draw skilled surfers. It additionally hosts surf competitions. Be sure to deliver your wetsuit – water temperatures don’t get a lot greater than 57°F (13.8°C).
Getting there : Chesterman Seashore is 3.1 miles (5km) south of Tofino, close to the far west finish of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim Freeway. You may simply cycle right here from Tofino. Common ferries run between Vancouver metropolis and Nanaimo (on Vancouver Island) in slightly below two hours. From there, it’s a 125-mile (200 km) drive west to Tofino – round a three-hour drive or a four-hour bus trip.
7. Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Pure Tayrona, Colombia
Ringed by rainforest, the golden sands and coconut palms of Colombia’s Caribbean coast are picture-perfect—especially Cabo San Juan del Guía. It’s positioned in a national park that stretches alongside the coast from the Taganga close to Santa Marta to the mouth of the Río Piedras, 22 miles (35km) east, and covers some 29,900 acres (12,100 hectares) of land and 7400 acres (3000 hectares) of coral-rich sea. Whereas it’s a little bit of a hike (roughly 2 hours) to get to this set of picturesque turquoise bays surrounded by rocky outcrops, it’s properly price it—and lots of others agree, because the seashore is standard with locals and vacationers alike.
Getting there : It takes an hour by bus from the Santa Marta Public Market to succeed in the El Zaino park entrance, 23 miles (37km) to the east, with frequent each day departures. From the park entrance, colectivos (minibuses) run to the start of the path. You can even reach the seashore by way of a two-hour hike or a tough 50-minute boat trip.
8. Anse Supply d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
With its pristine white sands shaded by coconut palms and shallow turquoise waters that lightly lap in opposition to granite boulders, Anse Supply d’Argent is normally discovered on lists of the world’s greatest seashores and rightly so. That is the seashore of goals. It’s an journey to get right here, however an enjoyable one which entails a ferry, a motorcycle trip (or stroll) to L’Union Property, a former vanilla and coconut plantation that prices a small price to enter the seashore. Take a second to tour the estate-turned-museum earlier than you head 0.43 miles (700m) down the street ti get your first glimpse of heaven on Earth. When you benefit from the seashore you can even sip on recent fruit juices and coconuts (with rum, if you want) from one of many rustic seashore bars alongside the seashore. To keep away from the inevitable crowds, come within the early morning, however then return within the late afternoon (along with your identical entrance ticket) to benefit from the attractive sundown on a near-empty seashore.
Getting there : It takes less than two hours to succeed in La Digue by ferry from Victoria on the primary island of Mahé, and simply quarter-hour by ferry from Baie Ste Anne in Praslin.
9. Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico
An enclosed cove seashore with shallow deep blue waters, Playa Balandra is one among Mexico’s most uniquely lovely seashores. Aside from having fun with the views, that is extra very a lot an activity-oriented seashore with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards out there for lease. Beachgoers may also discover tide swimming pools and hike to neighboring coves. A protected space surrounded by arid, cacti-covered mountains, the seashore is a part of the azure Balandra Bay, which has glass-clear waters and white sands. Solely 450 individuals are at the moment allowed on this seashore per day, so it by no means feels too crowded, however it’s greatest to get there early to safe a time slot (both 8am-noon, or 1-5pm). The primary Sunday of each month is completely reserved for locals, so be sure to plan your seashore day upfront. Be aware that seashore chairs and umbrellas can be found to lease, however there aren’t any different services.
Getting there: Make the 30-minute drive north from La Paz in a rented automobile or catch a bus from the La Paz Malecón bus station, with departures roughly each two hours from 9am.
10. Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
With its tender sands, glowing waters, and wind-carved dunes set in opposition to a backdrop of Morocco and the Strait of Gibraltar, it’s simple to see why Punta Paloma is likely one of the most seductive seashores in Spain. The deep blue Atlantic gives wonderful water for swimming, the dunes provide dazzling views, and this seashore even sports activities pure mud baths the place you possibly can paint your pores and skin with mineral-rich mud. There are a number of strolling and horse-riding routes alongside the encompassing hills, a few of which lead you to sights such as the prehistoric Los Algarbes necropolis. In the event you’d fairly follow the seashore, there are a number of alternatives for kitesurfing leases and classes. Or, in case you desire sticking to the sands and watching the waves, you’ll doubtlessly catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, migratory birds, and perhaps even a turtle.
Getting there: Punta Paloma is about 6 miles (10km) northwest of Tarifa, and it’s solely linked by bus through the summer time months. Tarifa is well reached by automobile or bus from Málaga, Gibraltar, Jerez, or Seville, all of which have worldwide airports.
